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.

Maelina Gibson | Actor & Comedian

You don’t get to know if you got the part right away. After you do the audition or send in your tape that’s it until you get a call! What I start doing was tearing up my sides and throwing them away. Out of sight out if mind. I used to go over my sides thinking what I could’ve done different. Once I do it to the best of my ability that’s it! Read more>>

Surya Nikhil | Photographer & drone pilot

Everyone thinks that photography is an easy job but it is not. There are a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of rejections Read more>>

Jeisyl Aguinaldo | Aesthetic RN

The aesthetic industry is a combination of art and science. The learning never ends, it’s what makes it exciting! Things are continually changing and improving. Also, it’s not a one size fits all as every face is different. There’s so much to consider when treating a patient – anatomy, age, ethnic background, skin quality and most importantly, what are the patient’s aesthetic goals. What a lot of people don’t realize is skin care requires long term commitment and maintenance. It’s not a one and done. As providers, we need to master our craft to be on top of our game. Safety and delivering beautiful natural results are our top priority. Read more>>

Lindsay Lucas | Songwriter, Producer, Vocalist/Rapper

Many individuals outside the music industry often perceive it as similar to other sectors, assuming a linear and logical progression: you attend school, excel, advance through the ranks, and achieve success through persistent effort and talent. It’s seen as a simple equation: A plus B equals C. While there are indeed additional complexities in various industries, such as interpersonal politics, networking, and relationship-building, the music industry predominantly operates on these principles. However, success in music is rarely solely determined by talent. Merely being “talented” or having graduated from a prestigious music institution does not guarantee success. This reality isn’t unique to music and extends to other artistic fields like film, visual arts, and dance, but the music business is like the Wild Wild West. Read more>>

Barrie Schwartz | Founder of My House Events

That chefs and food service industry professionals work so hard and put passion into everything they do! It’s a very manual labor intensive job with so much that goes on behind the scenes before the end product is shown. Handing food and working to provide an amazing experience for guests is one that we don’t take lightly and spend so much time preparing for! Read more>>

Birdie Borria | Actress

One thing about being a kid in the film and TV industry is that sometimes you have to sacrifice some fun things in order to make auditions, callbacks, wardrobe fittings and shoot days. It’s worth it though because usually the fun things I miss will happen again, and the jobs are really fun! I especially love working with other kids and animals. One shoot I got to work with a professional rat on my shoulder. And on The Fabelmans set I made best friends for life. Read more>>

Mamie Pack | Owner/Founder Mamie L. Pack Media

Creating stationery takes a lot of thought.

When I create a new product, I think about the problem the product will solve, who would use it, and how easy is it for someone to use.

It’s more than putting a pretty graphic on a notebook. Read more>>

Susan Burnstine | Fine Art Photograph | Writer | Educator

Alot of people have an illusion that being an artist is a fun, easy, free, kickback life and once you have a solo show or book you’re a success, but that’s far from the truth. The life of an artist is non-stop, hard work and it’s filled with uncertainty and endless failure. The actual success rate for fine art photographers is the smallest of fractions. Even after getting a gallery rep, that’s just the beginning of the journey. You have to work tirelessly to continuously create new pieces — and your work has to sell. No one wants to think of it as a business, but that’s what it is. You are a commodity, but somehow, you have to produce meaningful work from your heart, so balancing the business and the creation of art is a tightrope for many and it takes a specific personality (and frequently a second income) to sustain. I feel fortunate to be a working artist since I’m not one for drawing within the lines, complying with rules or boundaries, or working in traditional environments. I’ve found that desire to walk my own path and do what’s best for my creative journey has suited me well in this industry. Read more>>

Gene Back | Film Composer & Multi-Instrumentalist

I think most people would think that being a film composer involves leisurely sitting back in a studio, exploring creative musical ideas and having the time of your life. While both are true, I think most people would be surprised to know that film composing is oftentimes mostly project management. I deeply cherish the creative brainstorming moments because so much of the process is about meeting strict deadlines, delivering very technical assets, line-item budgeting, etc. These are things they don’t really teach you in music school! Read more>>

Alex Piraino | Master Esthetician, Brand Educator & Esthetic Instructor

There’s a common misconception that esthetics is a superficial field. But for those in the know, it’s deeper than that. It is about the science of skin health and overall well-being. The prevention and correction of skin abnormalities. Many people might be surprised by the amount of ongoing education and training required to become a skilled esthetician. We don’t just apply products and give facials; we understand the intricate biology and histology of the skin to provide the most effective and personalized care for our clients. Read more>>