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.

Rose Hood | Artist

The true amount of time, research, and effort that goes into creating art. It’s not just the production time but it’s also finding crochet patterns, or researching a new skill and practicing that new skill, learning how to use a new material, etc. There is also a lot of emotional effort that goes into creating art that I don’t think most people are aware of. A crochet plushy can easily take a week to make but only 2-3 days is actually spent on the making of it. Papermache sculpting can take 2 weeks due to the need to let layers dry. Mixed media pieces can take 2 days because sometimes glue or sculpting putty has to set. Read more>>

Rachel Mims | Owner/Operator at ARTillery Avenue Farm

One thing people do not know about farming/agriculture is that there can be a lot of mental health issues in this community. This field is very stressful because there are a lot of unknown and uncontrollable factors that farmers and ranchers deal with. For instance, we cannot control the weather and that plays a big part in how well our crops do. We also cannot control the price we are going to be able to get for our products because it is controlled by the market. Additionally, farming and ranching is a job that never stops. No matter how much we do, there is always more to be done. The hours are long and the job is very physical. This can result in being sleep deprived which can also result in making poor decisions or being unsafe. Farming and ranching is already a dangerous job where injuries can be fatal, so anything that compromises safety is bad. Read more>>

Martye Hickman Jr. | Owner of SavaThaFlavaLLC

I feel like the labor as well as product cost are definitely looked over in this industry. Marketing, how did you come across my brand in the first place ? Quality oppose to generic ingredients, all of these things run through my mind weekly. Read more>>

Oba William King | Director: JUSTUSarts Educational Entertainment

Storytelling is an art form in the family of the Traditional Folk Arts. Storytelling is a college/university major complete with bachelors, masters and phd (degrees) available nationally and worldwide. Although many storytellers are “called” to service, one may pursue the skillsets of a storyteller to develop a lucrative, viable business through hard work and study. In the African tradition a Storyteller may also be referred to as Griot or Jali. Although there is quite a bit of reading and research involved in the preparation for storytelling presentations, in the professional arena, reading aloud is generally not allowed during the performance of a storytelling event. Read more>>

AIR SKY | Singer/Songwriter

Music is not just music, it’s a business. You have to be constant. The music industry is full of talented people and you as a brand have to stand out. Read more>>

Lorrie, Chaney, and Morgan Strohecker, Lewis, and Taton | Owners of Little Pink Farmhouse Candle Co.

Most popular candle companies are not clean burning, and their candles contain toxins. We believe in our products so much not just because of our luxury fragrances and aesthetic, but because every single product we make and sell is 100% non-toxic, clean burning, and contains no paraffins or phthalates found in most candles. Our thought process was why work so hard to buy only safe and non toxic household cleaning items, only to have your candles bring those toxins back into your home. Read more>>

Suzette Munson | Owner/Co-Founder-Love 41

Love 41 gives 100% of its profit away to help single moms, widows, and orphans around the world. Our Motto is…Changing Lives Together With Leather! Love 41 started an American school in Mexico to give excellent education for all demographics. Read more>>

Chris Diego | Photographer & Filmmaker

The amount of time and energy it takes to complete a session after it’s over. Time flies when you’re having fun don’t get me wrong but a lot of it does go into the post editing sessions. Let’s just say I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights in order to get a project out in a timely manner. Dedication and perception are one of the many traits an artist must have in my opinion. Read more>>