We love rebels and people who challenge the status quo, conventional wisdom and mainstream narratives and so we asked some really bright folks to tell us about one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

Kelli Hayden | Photographer, Owner of Kelli Bee Photography

You don’t have to say “yes” to every job offered to you, even if it costs you money. It really is ok to say no to a job or a client that doesn’t help you grow or bring you joy. In fact, you’re doing yourself a disservice by accepting work that doesn’t reflect your talent or your brand. In many ways, this could hurt your business if it doesn’t allow you to flourish your specialties and your strengths. The happiest freelancers and small business owners have a community of ideal clientele who are personal, not just transactional. Read more>>

Sharon Lennon | TV & Film Writer/Director

Conventional wisdom will tell you that hard work always wins. Not true. Sometimes it wins, but for many people – especially marginalized folks who bump up against all kinds of barriers – resourcefulness, grit, social networks, playing many cards all at once and savvy workarounds are the keys to success. All of that and perserverance. In the face of rejection, you need to be a phoenix. Read more>>

A. Laura Brody | Artist, teacher, and Founder/curator of Opulent Mobility

A lot of folks seem caught up in the idea that there is a “right way” to do things, and it’s just not the case. For any given issue, there are many solutions, and all of them can be right depending on the circumstances. I like approaching problems and situations as experiments. It keeps me open to possibilities, and makes mistakes less of a big deal. Read more>>