Often we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to learn something new – we can just ask experts in the field who can draw on their experience to enlighten us. Below, we’ve shared insights insiders from various industries have shared with us.

Christina Shook | Artist

Art doesn’t fit in a box and it doesn’t have to be pretty. It’s a fluid expansive and permeating condition. To be an artist is to think and feel and to be aware and attentive. While I believe people think artists are talented, and possibly visionary; It seems to me people outside the arts consider artists flakey and possibly unreliable.

And as someone who has long straddled a creative business along with parenting and art – I’d say I work best when I don’t have to perform the demands of a box. When I can start my day by dawdling with paint brush in my studio or just walking around town… this is me charging up for work. Read more>>

Ruby Wendell | Professional Home Stager

Before I became a full time stager, I assumed it would just be all fun and fun and more fun. I didn’t realize that it would be also a lot of very very hard work. Managing different types of personalities, lifting, problem solving when something doesn’t work the way you had hoped, keeping within a budget while keeping clients happy, DIFFICULT CLIENTS! It is a lot of fun but sometimes it isn’t. Read more>>

Elizabeth Vana Bryant | Fitting & Sewing Instructor

Most people aren’t aware of their clothing. They don’t realize the amount of work and skill that are required to create even basic pieces of clothing, even though the sewing of clothing is a foundational skill that humans have done for millenia, and we’ve almost lost the skill. Yet, it is our clothing that sends signals to ourselves and to everyone around us. Clothing reflects our personalities – and our moods! The image you see in the mirror will stick with you throughout the day and affect how you feel about yourself as well as how you communicate with others. It is incredibly empowering to create and wear a garment that looks – and feels – great! Read more>>

Ruiqi Tong | Stage manager

Stage management. While watching a show, you will notice the performers, obviously, and you may notice the set, the lighting, the sound, or anything else on stage. But what’s happening backstage and offstage? At the same time with fascinating performances under the spotlight, there is equally fascinating ‘traffic’ behind the curtain. Dressed all in black, we tried our best to be invisible and we actually are. When I introduce myself as a stage manager, people often have no idea, and often I can’t immediately give an answer: it’s a lot. I always consider stage managers one of those closest to the show itself. It’s both the full picture and the tiniest detail. It’s overseeing, facilitating, collaborating, and ensuring the production is moving forward smoothly. Read more>>

Gaowen Fu | Visual development Artist & Concept Artist

One thing about the game and entertainment industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the intense collaboration and iteration required to bring a single concept to life. During my time at Blizzard Entertainment, I’ve learned that designing characters, creatures, or environments isn’t just about making something visually stunning—it’s about creating designs that resonate with the game’s narrative, gameplay mechanics, and the expectations of our audience. Every design goes through countless reviews and refinements, involving feedback from art directors, animators, writers, and even sound designers to ensure it fits seamlessly into the game’s world. Read more>>

Kellie Sun | Experience Designer

One thing about my industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the complexity of designing for accessibility and sustainability—two areas that often seem straightforward but are anything but.

For instance, when creating systems for small businesses, many assume that adopting technology is as simple as providing a user-friendly interface. However, a large portion of mom-and-pop shop owners belong to a generation less familiar with digital tools. Designing solutions that feel intuitive for this demographic requires deep empathy, extensive research, and a commitment to ongoing education. It’s not just about building the system—it’s about ensuring users feel confident and empowered to use it. Read more>>

Mario Rivera | Director of Food and Beverage

I think more often than not the public tends to underestimate the amount of preparation, training and attention to detail that is poured into delivering a great experience, in my field creating a concept, identifying the right management components as well as the staff, to the design of the venue, menus, music, colors, lighting. Culminating with the items that go to their table, the look and taste of the food as well as the drinks, all of them in some way or form enhance their senses to deliver an overall unique experience. Read more>>

Yui Ueno | Real estate professional in South Bay California

One thing about Los Angeles real estate that outsiders are probably unaware of is the prevalence and significance of “pocket neighborhoods” and how drastically property values can change from block to block, even within the same zip code. I work with a lot of clients overseas, and they often think of LA real estate in broader strokes (e.g., “Torrance” or “Palos Verdes” or “West Los Angeles”), but the reality is much more granular and complex. The existence and significance of these pocket neighborhoods are something that often surprises people who are new to the LA market. They learn quickly that it’s not just about the city, it’s about the specific block you’re on. Read more>>

Monica Blanco | Osmosis Beauty Los Angeles Account Executive

The skincare industry is often seen as purely aesthetic, but what many don’t realize is its potential to truly heal, not harm. As the Account Executive for Osmosis in Los Angeles, I’ve embraced a holistic medical philosophy that prioritizes treating the root causes of skin concerns. Our approach respects the skin’s natural barrier and harnesses innovative science to empower the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Read more>>

Jessica Krohn | Owner/ Operator of Healing Grace Homes

Outsiders often have limited understanding of the unique challenges and complexities involved in helping women in sober livings. One thing many are likely unaware of is the critical role that addressing trauma plays in successful recovery. While sober livings are often perceived as simply places for individuals to abstain from substances and rebuild their lives, the reality is far deeper and more nuanced. For many women, addiction is deeply intertwined with unresolved trauma, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, or childhood neglect. Without addressing these underlying issues, true recovery becomes nearly impossible. Read more>>