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.

Chris Chinchilla | Wedding & Couples Photographer

One thing that I think people outside of my industry are aware of is how much science goes into photography. Yeah creativity is a large part of it, but there’s just so many skills to have and calculations that you have to make at the same time. You have to be able to predict where the sun’s going to be, which way the shadows will grow, how fast your subject will move, exactly how much light you’ll have to work with, how warm should the photo be, what’s the best focal length to have, etc… all while maintaining your composure and planning your poses as you use your creativity to make the photos uniquely yours. It’s something that not many people think about but a lot of times photoshoots are like puzzles that you piece together in your head. Read more>>

 Madison Parks | Skincare Enthusiast and Owner of Million Dollar Cosmetics

A lot of misconceptions about Black people’s skin and misinformation about how to take care of it in the skincare industry. Read more>>

Hubert Tate | Real Estate Advisor

Real estate is definitely an industry where the transaction involves the successful transfer of land/property. However, I didn’t realize how emotional this process becomes for my clients. For instance, I once had a client who bought a home as a single woman. Ten years later when she went to sell the home, she realized that she is now a wife and mother. Once she looked back over that time, she became very emotional at how life evolves and how for many people, life’s biggest moments happen inside a home. Nonetheless, on the other hand, some folks harbor feelings of hatred toward their home, especially after messy divorces. Either way, I have to serve as an unofficial counselor through those difficult moments. Real estate school definitely did not prepare me for that part of the business. I am thankful that I am very patient and compassionate for my clients during those times. Read more>>

Debbie Williams | Hair Loss Practitioner & Board-Certified Nutritionist

As a Hair Loss Practitioner and Nutritionist, I help people with hair and scalp problems find solutions by searching for the problem’s root cause. However, many people do not understand that their hair, scalp, and skin conditions may be due to nutritional imbalances. Your body needs minerals and vitamins every day to help every organ and gland function properly. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, chromium, boron, sulfur, and manganese all play a very important role in your daily life. Let’s call these minerals the “fuel” that ignites your body’s engine. Without the correct amount of fuel, your body will signal you that there is a problem. That signal is pain or some form of discomfort. A headache, backache, joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, insomnia, acne, and even hair loss are some of those signals or signs. Studies show that ninety percent of the population is nutritionally deficient, and many people are unaware of this fact. Read more>>

Kenya Jenkins | Body Sculptor & Fitness

The one thing people don’t know is that I have 5 kids. And my last child is 7 months! Being that my body is in shape still people wouldn’t even think I have one! But that’s why I’m so into make sure the body is well taking care of, it will take you along way physically and mentally. Read more>>

Alexis Tillery | Owner/CEO

I feel like outsiders are unaware of how much hard work is put into owning a boutique. A lot of people might think all boutique owners do is go shopping and take pictures of themselves, but there is so much more! The behind the scenes of running a boutique is a lot! We have to plan plan plan! Especially when figuring out our inventory that needs and will be coming in. There is also so much planning of social media content, photoshoots, events, and keeping up with current trends for your social media pages and websites. We also have to keep track of our spending and taxes, which is the least fun! As well as being the IT person if something is off with our website. We also have to make sure we are getting packages sent out as quick as we can, making sure the customers are happy and following up to any emails or messages that come in. It’s a non-stop job, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!. Read more>>

Cory Hunter | Filmmaker/ Writer/ Director/ Producer

There are a lot of things people are unaware of when it comes to the film industry. It’s different than watching E news and the experience differs between Hollywood giants and the indie filmmaker no one knows of. The main thing people are unaware of is the same thing we’ve been taught our entire lives, that hardwork beats talent. There is this magical thought surrounding film, that if we create something great someone with a magical wand will come and strike a million dollar deal in our hands, that’s just not true and its that kind of expectation that crush most filmmakers. There is more to filmmaking than making a film. Read more>>

Rogenia Griffin | Credit Restoration & Wealth Consultant

The one thing about my industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is when restoring bad credit, there are several other positive opportunities included with their package that allows financial growth and freedom. Read more>>

Victoria Gabrielle Watson | Girl Entrepreneur & Girl Advocate

One thing about the industry that most people or outsiders are probably not aware of is, Beautifully Hued was founded by Victoria at the age of 6, due to an unfortunate comment made by a little girl. The little girl told Victoria, while at summer camp, “my father told me, black people are mean and dirty.” Today, BH a grass roots project, educates, empowers, and inspires all girls, all over the world, to love themselves, unconditionally. BH promotes diversity, and provokes dialogue about their “differences” while embracing one them and one another. Self- love. High self-confidence. High self-esteem. Read more>>

Jessie Lin | Illustrator

I think it is the effort and struggle behind the art works, the beautiful illustrations. There are different types of illustrations of course, some come out quite naturally with quick process, but a lot more ask for deliberate thoughts and research, particularly for bigger projects like a children’s book. It sometimes takes days to get an idea straight and there’s lots of pain involved. I remembered showing someone outside the industry the storyboard of my children’s book, they were like “oh I never thought it was done this way, so complicated!” These pain and struggle are often carried on through daily life and dreams at night. The magical thing is that they are more often resolved in these unrelated activities. Nothing comes out after you spend hours in front of the computer; while the idea hits you when you are grocery shopping. When the final art is done, I will have a mixed feeling of pain and joy, and be quite proud that I am the only one who knows how this came out. Read more>>

Bella Rareworld | Mental Health Speaker, Podcaster & Advocate

Despite the progress in destigmatising mental health, there’s still lots of work to be done to raise awareness that there is no shame “to talk” about mental health struggles. We all have a mental health, just like we have a physical health, no difference. We need to encourage others to admit when they’re not feeling OK. Finding the words to share how you are feeling for the first time can be a difficult but a rewarding road to cross over the rainbow. Did you know? One in four people in the world will be affected by mental disorders, a mental health problem or challenge at some point in their lives (Source;World Health Organization). Read more>>

Francis Baker | Content Creator & Model

A lot of people don’t have respect for influencers, but it’s because they don’t understand the amount of work that goes into the content you see on social media. On top of managing a full-time job, most of us are acting as stylists, models, editors, photographers, creative directors, videographers, journalists, and the list goes on. Read more>>

Catherine Zambri-Riggs | Mama, Filmmaker, Story-Listener

Probably the entire notion that this industry even exists. Fifteen years ago I had no idea there were actually people who did what I now do and for a living in the field of filmmaking. It’s like niche inside of niche work…is that a thing? Like a stacked Russian doll situation. When people ask what my work is I usually just say, “I’m a documentary filmmaker.” But when you think of documentary films you think of HBO docs or Netflix or film festivals. Whereas my docs are seen by, well, a niche audience. I’ve probably made close to 600 docs at this point and each of them averages 10-20 people at most. People can’t get their heads around working on docs for months at a time for such a small audience. But in our arena, the film is not just a story, it is also a tool, and the challenges of crafting that tool with such a specific appeal can be greater than work aimed at the general public. Having said that, our purpose for making the film is always clear. The impact of the film is immediate. Read more>>

Hardbody Shard | Independent Artist

I’d say its probably the “numbers game” opposed to actually having the talent, drive, and work ethic. As of lately, independent artists have been getting signed to major labels solely based off of their social media, streaming, and video views. It’s almost as if true A&Rs are no longer in existence. There was a time where an A&R’s gut and instinct played the biggest roles of discovering new talent. But nowadays, those key decisions are made by how many followers, streams, and or views you can accumulate within a certain amount of time, which is what’s known as analytics. Read more>>

Joy Williams | Chief Design Creative for Joyful Designs Studio

I wish more homeowners understood that their homes are uniquely theirs and that customization can and should occur at all levels of their living experience. We see so many cookie cutter homes that I think people believe that that should be the standard for how they live in their homes. Those HGTV homes are mostly unreal and cost more than the public is being told they cost to renovate or decorate. And it takes far more time to find your home fit. I believe in curating your home so that it fits your lifestyle and how you want to live. Take your time. Find what you love and remember that everything doesn’t have to be white or gray unless thats what you love. Read more>>

Emily Nean | Abstract Artist

The real reason why art is priced the way it is. The cost of materials is far higher than most are aware of. When I price a 30×30 piece of artwork at $600, I’ve spent close to $200 on materials. Then there’s the time and intellectual property, the creative and emotional energy. And for artists who go the gallery route, there’s also huge overhead. I do what I can to reach all audiences and have “something for everyone,” offering small products and prints for more affordable options, while still creating large fine art for collectors and galleries. Pricing can be sticky, but in the end, I’m usually cutting myself the short end of the stick. It’s all such a learning curve. So, before others complain about the high cost of original art, take a moment to think through all that goes into it. One piece of art is: time and money spent on art classes, a canvas, paints, frame, hardware, tools, marketing and marketing materials, shipping and shipping supplies, possible overhead and more. Read more>>

Tiffany Dover | Travel Agency Owner

Travel Agents receive payment from suppliers after clients travel. Read more>>

Shaniece Marsh | Professional Makeup Artist

One thing about the beauty industry that most outsiders are unaware of is that in this business you have to stay focused and motivated. It is very easy to get discouraged. As long as you have a plan, stick with it anything that you put time in will eventually progress. Read more>>

Brittany LeCesne | Makeup Artist

Probably how Makeup Artists can so effortlessly connect others! I’ve been called “The God Mother” of my Industry. I have connected all types of different expertise to one another!. Read more>>

Emma Faulkner | Physical Therapist and Business Owner

Most people are unaware of extensive training required to become a physical therapist. Often people think a physical therapist is just like a personal trainer or that a physical therapist is the same as a massage therapist. Both of those are not true. Physical therapists graduating today will graduate with a clinical doctorate degree. That means 4 years of undergraduate training followed by an additional 3 years of graduate school training at the very minimum to become a PT. Some physical therapists also undergo additional residency and fellowship training if they want to specialize in one particular area of treatment. For example, I graduated with my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Emory University in 2015 then continued on to complete a residency in orthopedic physical therapy from Mercer University in 2017. Read more>>

Brittney Cotton, MS, CCC-SLP | Owner & Lead Speech Language Pathologist

I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and we assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Most people have never heard of a SLP before and once you explain to them our role, they tend to always say “oh yeah, like kids with lisps or people that stutter”. The field of speech language pathology is so vast! Not only do we work with school-age children that have developmental communication delays or disorders; we work with patients ages birth through 99 years old. We work with babies born with cleft lips and/or palates that have difficulties feeding and swallowing, children and adults on the Autism spectrum, people recovering from strokes, and geriatric patients with dementia and other cognitive diseases. Read more>>