Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.
Karolina Domaszewicz
These are the biggest lies the fashion industry tells itself. Fashion is just fun and aesthetics. This is not true. Fashion is one of the strongest regulators of identity and self-worth. What we wear affects how we move, how we breathe, and how we occupy space. Read More>>
Kelli Bessenaire
The industry often equates success with project cost and external recognition — as if larger budgets and visibility automatically signal better design. In reality, budget and visibility are just two variables. Without discipline and intention, more money can actually dilute a project rather than elevate it. Read More>>
Darie Carpenter
In the beauty and cosmetology industry, one common narrative is that success is purely about talent or creativity. But the truth is, access, opportunity, and consistent support matter just as much. Too often, we celebrate the ‘self-made’ story while overlooking systemic barriers—like training costs, licensing hurdles, or lack of mentorship—that make it harder for some to advance. Read More>>
Autumn Todd
It’s not a real job. “You get to work when you want.” When in reality you’re never off, especially if you’re a business owner. It’s literally 24/7. You are a representation of your brand. You’re working everyday. Being a social media director, photo editing, answering calls and text just to keep your company growing day by day. Read More>>
Tiffany Nixon
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that people need more strategies. Most of the people who reach out to me already know what to do. They’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, made the plans. Their problem isn’t a lack of information; it’s that they don’t trust themselves when pressure shows up. Read More>>
Nathan Robles
From my perspective, the artist industry is really fragmented and lacks infrastructure and support systems. Back in the day artists and artisans were integrated into their communities. They might have been illiterate, but they built monuments, cathedrals, temples and marketplaces. Artists were trades people just as much as carpenters or masons. So many artists are going it alone, trying to do everything by themselves. Read More>>
Bridgette Cruz
That there’s not enough pie for everyone. That there’s not enough seats at the table for everyone. I disagree—that is an immediate scarcity mindset. When it comes to the young Black and Brown entrepreneurs, they forget we are the sons, daughters, cousins, nieces and nephews of those who had suffered at the hands of the failed Drug War. Read More>>
Paul Leibow
The big lie is that the galleries and museums feel they know and only they choose who is going to be a great artist. Also, the galleries have to exhibit already established or big-name artists, or even similar paintings that have proven successful in the past. Read More>>
Meredith Kasian
In the publishing industry, there is the misconception that indie publishing is inherently worse than traditional publishing. While once upon a time that may have had a grain of truth to it, now that simply isn’t accurate at all. Read More>>
Candice Renner
One of the biggest lies the wedding industry tells itself is that everything needs to look perfect to be successful. There is so much pressure to create flawless moments, picture-perfect timelines, and Instagram-ready details, when in reality, the most meaningful weddings are the ones that feel personal, intentional, and true to the couple. Another misconception is that bigger budgets automatically equal better weddings. Read More>>
Alexandrea Pangburn
That what we do is easy. As mural artists, what we do is incredibly unique. We work with clients to mesh their ideas with our ideas. Read More>>
