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.

Erika Plunkett | Social Impact Strategist & Advocate | Executive Director, Ama International

The nonprofit realm is beautifully complicated and sometimes, it feels entirely backward. Many picture it as a place where good vibes rule and everyone gets along, but the truth is, it’s not always that simple. Yes, we’re driven by our desire to connect and spark real change in the world. But there’s a flip side that can feel pretty jarring — the part where we are expected to chase funding. It’s a space where heartfelt stories take a backseat to numbers and checkboxes, losing a bit of their soul in the process. Consider this: what if major funders and grantors acted more like investors? Not just by providing funds, but by truly investing themselves, understanding our dreams and the challenges we face, becoming partners in our mission before they write a check. Read more>>

Emily Hromi | Freelance Medical Illustrator, Artist, and Designer

When people find out that I am a medical illustrator, I typically hear a combination of the following: “I never realized that was a job, but I guess somebody has to do it,” or “So you draw anatomy textbooks?” followed up by some variation of “Can’t they just use photos for that?/anatomy books already exist, do they really need new ones?” In response to the question, “I never realized that was a job, but I guess somebody has to do it.”: Yep! Moving on… I want the world at large to understand the job of a medical illustrator and that the duties of a medical illustrator extend well beyond drawing anatomy books (although, yes, we do that too). Read more>>

Kelly O Neill | Sculpture Artist, working in Metal, Glass and Clay

The business of public art is on the rise. It seems every local development authority, chamber of commerce or art guild is looking to add art sculptures to their public spaces. There are so many reasons that this is a great idea. As a former professional marketer, there is nothing as important as differentiating yourself from others. Defining and promoting your relevant uniqueness helps you acquire loyal customers. So why not cities do the same thing by creating interest in their downtown area or park area that drives traffic and increases retail business, which supports local business, builds the tax base and increases overall value of the community. Read more>>

Edward Blair II | Recording Artist, Producer, Recording Engineer, Football & Basketball Coach, Personal Trainer, Business Owner

How hard it is to break into the music industry and how much money it takes to really push your brand/artistry, How difficult it can be to transition from an athlete to a coach and to successfully teach the sport you played, The money it takes to successfully market a business and bring awareness to it wether it’s online or in person. Read more>>

Karleigh and Abby Swanson and Zuiderveen | Model/Talent development and management

The modeling industry, like many other fields, has its share of well-known negative aspects, but it’s important to acknowledge that there are also many positive aspects that often go unnoticed. Modeling provides a platform for artistic expression and collaboration. Models have a major role, along with photographers, designers, and makeup artists, working together to create visually stunning and artistic imagery. Also, contrary to what most who are not in the modeling industry believe, modeling can empower individuals, helping them build self-confidence and self-assurance by embracing their unique attributes and identities. Read more>>

Dr. Pam Perry | Publicist and Publisher of Speakers Magazine

You know, after spending more than three decades in this business, there’s one thing I always like to share: PR is not just about getting your name out there. It’s about storytelling. People often think we’re just spin doctors or that we simply send out press releases all day. But it’s so much deeper than that. Our job is to find the heart of the story and communicate it in a way that resonates with the intended audience. We’re more than just messengers; we’re storytellers. And in the age of information overload, telling a compelling, authentic story is more crucial than ever. Just as I learned in journalism, it’s all about who, what, when, where, why, and how. The core principles remain the same, only the methods of delivery evolve. Read more>>

Evan Clark | Photographer/Videographer

One thing that most people not involved in the photography industry do not realize is a challenge is being unique and different from all the other photographers in the area. There are numerous photographers around the West Michigan area who are all outstanding but the biggest challenge I have found has been setting myself apart from the rest. It can become very difficult to be different when practically doing the same thing, even though everyone in the industry is doing the same overall thing, taking photos, it is important to be able to be different and unique in different ways. A way I try to set myself apart is being so young and this industry on its own sort of sets me apart from others, but a way I try and be different is by not focusing on what others are doing and staying with my own ideas and paths. Read more>>

Samantha Vanderson | Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

The wedding industry is much more saturated now than when I started my business in 2010. Photography is a whole other ball game now! Social media has definitely contributed to the urgency of preserving every moment, capturing every detail, not missing a beat! One thing I think a lot of people don’t realize when it comes to the area of weddings specially is how much work goes into each facet of bringing the entire day to fruition! There are so many vendors that come together who specialize in their craft who are striving to work harmoniously with one another to serve their couples. When you’re choosing any vendor to participate in your wedding day, it’s important they are able to share they have the ability to work productively alongside other professionals in the industry and retain extensive knowledge of their craft. Read more>>

Ethan Bly | Owner of Frosty’s Detailing LLC

Many people think of detailing as a business that charges too much and is too slow of a process. what people don’t realize is that we as detailers take the time to do it right, we have special tools, equipment and chemicals to bring a very dirty vehicle back to life. Detailers don’t rush through the process, we clean the air vent fins, clean underneath the license plate, clean the gas door, and so much more. Sure you may never look at these things and may never notice that but it’s in the name “detail”. The chemicals we use are specifically designed to make the vehicle look as good as possible and for as long as possible. Detailing is definitely a industry gets overlooked because it looks easy but for detailers it’s so much more than that, we take special classes and training to call ourselves professionals and certified auto detailers. Read more>>