We asked experts from a broad range of industries to open up to us about things they know about their industry but that we probably don’t and we’ve shared some of those responses below.

LaShonda Cooks | Visual Artist

The naysayers and gatekeepers will always exist in the art industry. But only I can decide their power over me and my work. I thought they would disappear once I showed longevity and had some shows and more skill under my belt. But six years into my art career, they are still there. The important thing is maintain touch with self and make sure your compass is intact. That way, naysayers and gatekeepers can’t deter you or lead you down a different path in pursuit of success and acceptance. Know what you want, why you want it and set boundaries. Read more>>

Paula Diamond | Tattoo Shop Owner, Artist & Body Piercer

There are a couple of things actually. One is that our industry is nothing like Ink Master. Another thing is that this takes years of hard work and dedication. Buying a kit on eBay and butchering yourself and your friends out of the house is not only foolish, but, also incredibly dangerous. Professionals are trained not only on how to properly use our equipment, we are also trained on BBP, PPE, and aseptic techniques. We do this to protect ourselves and our clients from infectious diseases like Hepititis. Read more>>

Angela Hines | Master Educator of Nail Technology

Going to school to get your license to do nails is mandatory in every state. There are many self-taught nail techs that thinks takin a class from another licensed manicurist and receiving a certificate allows them to do nails. However, it does not. Each state has a set number of required hours that a person must accumulate before they can take a written and practical exam. After passing those exams, they can apply for their license. Many clients are not aware if their nail technician is actually licensed or not. Read more>>

Saadia Iqbal | Marketing Professional & Baker

The one thing that most people are probably unaware of is how much time, effort and tears are involved in each cake or dessert we produce – not to mention cost. Most people view making a cake as grabbing a box from the grocery store and adding a coat of buttercream – and done. That’s not how it works at all. There is so much behind the scenes from start to finish such as quotes, emails, answering questions, consultations, etc. There is a lot of hidden costs that no one thinks of such as packaging. Sometimes, packaging ends up costing more than the ingredients of the cake. The list goes on and on. I could write a book on this question! Read more>>

Jodi McShan | Florist & Lawyer

While everyone understands it in concept, it is hard to communicate that we are working with living things (plants or flowers). Blooms may look different from flower to flower and colors vary. It is often hard for consumers when the item does not look exactly like the picture from the internet or inspiration image. From seasonal changes to availability (pandemic or otherwise), designs constantly change from arrangement to arrangement in order to provide customers with quality products. Read more>>