We asked insiders and experts from various industries to tell us something they think outsiders are unaware of and we’ve shared a few of those responses below.

LaToya Kent | singer, songwriter, healer, doula

We are a collective of artists that all have roots in community activism and use art, not only as expression but as a means to survival. We had an inside view of the politics of music and its industry and wanted to create a new structure for making and recording music, touring and sustaining balance while doing it. We wanted this structure to be fair and benefit the whole of our collective. We decided that when you listen to our music you hear everyones input in the room. Our liner notes say, written by Mourning {A} BLKstar as apposed to individual names. This removes any singling out or hierarchy in our design. We fund our own tours and recordings and have built our own foundation this way without the financial backing of a label. We are open to collaborating with labels, but we wanted to avoid some of the pitfalls built into the industry by building a solid foundation without the pressure and strictures of corporate models of creativity. We wanted to insure that we could own our masters and move as we choose even when we got to places where we were unsure of what the next step up would look like. It is possible to be independent and make it work to your benefit. Read more>>

Phoenixx Smith | Indie Artist – Event host / Curator

It’s not just about going Viral or having “One hit “ record if you’re goal is to be successful in the Music industry. It takes tenacity, marketing, a team of believers and consistency. It takes making a million mistakes and not losing steam after something doesn’t work. It requires and open mind and being willing to be criticized publicly over and over until something sticks. Read more>>

Lovie Johnson | Indie-Filmmaker

The one thing about the entertainment industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the amount of preparation and work it takes to put together AND actually film a project. Read more>>

Lee Levy | Founder, Nex Graphics Web Designs

I would have to say that many people do not understand the ENTIRE process of building a website. There is SO MUCH MORE to it than what you see on the front end. A website need to accomplish MANY things, it needs to be functional, attractive, and most importantly it needs to get your message across. Its not like social media where you just have a quick thought and make a post. There are a LOT of questions that a GOOD web designer needs to ask when sitting down with their client. Read more>>

Arman Gevorgyan | Interior Designer / CEO of Designs By Arman

As an interior designer, one aspect of the industry that outsiders might not be aware of is the extensive amount of research and technical knowledge required behind each project. Read more>>

Monica Bumatay | GYROTONIC® Master Trainer/ Owner GYROTONIC® South Bay

Most people are unaware of what The GYROTONIC® Method is at all, let alone what it can do for them. People see these giant machines and are either scared away or are intrigued. What not many people know is how diverse this system really is. The GYROTONIC® Method uses a range of machines that incorporate weights and pulleys to form complex spiral motions moving on multiple planes. It’s no surprise that it has become the workout “du jour” of top dancers and athletes around the world. The emphasis of fluid continuous motion against consistent tension, combined with various breath patterns can be done at any speed and on many levels; seated, standing, and lying down. This makes it easy to apply to dance, golf, tennis, etc. Read more>>