We asked some of the city’s most brilliant and creative minds to tell us about the most difficult decision they’ve had to make.

Dom Cutrupi | Filmmaker and Writer

Don’t waste time with the safety of what Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way calls “shadow careers” – careers related to what you really want to do, but are still not quite what you want to do. Jump head-first into what’s burning inside you. I spent 15 years working as video editor and I wrote 8 novels – 4 in Italian and 4 in English – only to discover at the end of that process that film directing and screenwriting were my real calling, and has always been. Read more>>

Mira Eggleston | Associate Broker|REALTOR®, Natural Health Practitioner, Dance Fitness Instructor, and Life Coach

In life, we always have difficult decisions; however, the most difficult thus far was leaving my job after finding out I had Stage 4 breast cancer. Working for the government over the last 15 years has provided “security” for me and my family. I felt “safe”, although I hated my job. My most recent job over the past 3 1/2 years was extremely stressful and I contribute the majority of that stress to my cancer diagnosis. They always say that stress can kill you and that’s exactly what was happening, internally. Read more>>

Brad Woods | Greeting card publisher & designer

My career has taught me many lessons along the way. Oftentimes they’ve been small, gradual hints at what might be best for me and my greeting card design studio, Maginating. More likely than not, they’ve been lessons that grow over time, layering upon each other as I’m gently guided through the process of being a small business owner these past fifteen years. One of my most profound lessons came when I realized that my success wasn’t predicated upon the size of my paycheck. Over time I’ve gradually discovered that personal satisfaction isn’t achieved through how much I make, my job title, or what things I possess. Instead, Read more>>

Daniel Ross | Actor & Voice Artist

Always keep diligent notes regarding financial records, make some spreadsheets that you can understand and reference. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to “bring the receipts” for payment issues that have been brushed aside from human error- only to have my due diligence rewarded with results. Read more>>

Brianna Carter | Calligrapher & Engraver

The most important lesson that my business has taught me is to trust the process. Creating has always been a means of expression for me and a unique way to give back to others. If I couldn’t find the “perfect” gift or a card that didn’t quite reflect what I wanted to say, I’d make them myself. I didn’t have a set plan for starting a business, it just happened. A friend showed interest in an item that I designed and asked if I would personalize the same item for her, along with two more as gifts. I wasn’t prepared to start a business in that moment, but I said yes. Each time a request came in, Read more>>

Poncho Biggs | Hip Hop Artist

My career has taught many things from good to bad to ugly to beautiful. It changed me as a person for the better as far my attitude towards the business goes, how much my hard work means more then my talent, and how to learn to role with the punches that come from this crazy game! Read more>>

Misha – | Tattoo Artist

Understand that your business will change over time, and you need to be willing to change with it. I started tattooing back in 1991 at that point tattooing was mostly replicating designs off the wall, called flash, for clients who just walked in off the street looking to get “something”. If they wanted the design smaller or bigger, I had to run down the street to the gas station to make a copy for 15 cents each, because we didn’t have a photocopier at our shop. Read more>>

Heaven Lee | Singer/songwriter Recording artist from Los Angeles

I guess it would have to be what Record Label to pick when there’s a few on the table that is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make! Read more>>

SeQuoiya Lawrence | CEO AND FOUNDER of BONITA BUTTERFLY INC

UMMM, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY DECIDING TO PUT MY MOM IN HOSPICE. MY MOTHER BATTLED A DISEASE CALLED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FOR 17 YEARS. THE DAY BEFORE MY 29th BIRTHDAY SHE GOT REALLY SICK AND WENT INTO SEPSIS SHOCK WHICH LED TO HER BEING IN A COMA FOR TWO WEEKS. I REMEMBER THEM TELLING ME SHE IS GOING TO NEED 24 HOUR ON THE CLOCK CARE BUT AT THAT TIME I HAD JUST BECAME PERMANENT AT MY JOB. I LITERALLY CRIED FOR AN HOUR WITH THE DOCTORS BECAUSE I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULD NEVER PUT HER IN A HOME, BUT AT THE TIME IT WAS THE ONLY OPTION BECAUSE I WAS THE ONE TAKING CARE OF HER. SHE WAS MY INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING MY BUSINESS, SHE HAS BEEN GONE 5 YEARS NOW Read more>>

Yuta Tsunoda | Restaurateur

In order to succeed, you must have belief and undeniable passion for the business you created, energy and positive thinking to lead. Then you are able to surround yourself with a great people and the team to a success. Keep challenging for better and to be the best. Read more>>