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.

Joe Howell

One thing many people don’t realize about the film industry is that bringing a film or television show to life can take years from development to final cut. The production pipeline involves multiple phases—development, pre-production, principal photography, post-production, and finally, distribution—and each stage is crucial. It’s a meticulous process, and like any form of storytelling, it’s deeply subjective. Skipping key steps in the workflow or rushing through them can compromise the integrity of the piece, from script to screen. Read More>>

Sarah Bevan

One thing most people don’t realize about the balloon industry is the level of skill and strategy that goes into every setup. It’s not just about blowing up balloons and tying them together—there’s an art to color theory, design balance, and even engineering to ensure installations are structurally sound and long-lasting. Plus, factors like weather, venue restrictions, and material quality all play a huge role in execution. A well-done balloon installation is a mix of creativity and technical expertise, and that’s something I love showcasing through Bold.atl. Read More>>

Lain Walls

I’m a playwright and actor, and as an early-career theatre artist, and I think many folks don’t understand that as a professional entertainer, you’re an entrepreneur. I know lots of very talented actors and writers, but the ones who succeed are those who are treating their careers as small businesses. Professional entertainment, like entrepreneurship, requires you to have a strong grasp of who you are, what you do, what niche you fill, and, well, probably to not quit your day job at first. That’s a joke. Well, not really… Read More>>

Ragan Schlappi

One thing outsiders often don’t realize about home staging is that it’s as much about psychology as it is about design. Stagers strategically arrange furniture, lighting, and decor to create an emotional connection for buyers, making a house feel like a “home” rather than just another listing. Small details–like the scent of fresh linen, the placement of a cozy throw, or the warmth of soft lighting–can subconsciously influence a buyer’s perception and even their willingness to pay more.  Read More>>

Kevin Turner

I have found that most clients do not understand the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank or direct/retail lender. The easiest way to understand the difference is this: A mortgage broker can find the loan a client needs without the internal limitations or liabilities that a bank or retail lender may restrict on themselves. Also, because a mortgage broker has less overhead, I can typically save a client money through the rate and closing costs in comparison to a bank, credit union or retail lender.

Gail Everett Smith

Acting is work! Of course if it’s your true passion, although it’s incredibly hard work and extremely time consuming, you won’t hesitate to jump right in. When you are watching a tv show or movie it’s easy to say I could do that. How hard could it be?! I don’t want to discourage people from entering the world of entertainment but the reality is that it’s hard work and requires a huge commitment of your life. Getting auditions for those prominent shows isn’t easy but even if you get a great audition for a speaking role…you have to learn the lines, prepare a great audition, filming and editing the results. Read More>>

Grace Helena Walz

Long gone are the days in publishing where the author’s job is limited to writing, the days when authors sent in their completed manuscript and checked off their job as complete. Nowadays, especially with the internet and the growth of social media, authors are expected to be ambassadors of their work. Practically speaking this includes developing an online presence, seeking out publicity for books and taking on much of the responsibility of getting the word out to readers. For me, it’s been a fabulous experience to meet readers in person at events as well as connecting with folks online. Read More>>