Last week we hosted our Creative Entrepreneurship Think Tank. Green Loop CEO and PATTERN Board Member Melanie Allen moderated the discussion with a panel of local entrepreneurs excited to give their stories of successes and setbacks concerning their entrepreneurial journeys. Ryan Hunley, Leah Tribbett, and Bryan Kryder shared their insight with a group of local creators, students, business owners, and the PATTERN team.
PATTERN Think Tanks give people in creative industries the opportunity to chat with industry experts in a comfortable and encouraging environment. Haven’t heard of the Think Tanks before or curious when the next one is? Here are some key takeaways from our latest discussion and future details!
1. A plan isn’t always going to work out, well, according to plan.
Each panelist discussed how, at some point in their journey, things got messed up. They had to get creative and change course. Maybe they didn’t even really have a plan in the first place. Having a set one, five, or ten year plan is generally encouraged in college and other professional settings, but the discussion got real that sometimes that isn’t going to happen. While the panelists encouraged having a secure direction, they admitted that where they ended up was not a part of the plan in the beginning of their careers.
“I had absolutely not a clue that I would fall into the place that I am today, but I did have the hunch of understanding and knowing that I did like creating.” –Leah Tribbett, owner of Leah Trib Productions.
2. The moment you decide to take on an entrepreneurial journey could be a positive and inspired experience, but it could also be negative and difficult.
The decisive moment in life where you think that entrepreneurship will work better for your needs, let’s call it an epiphany, isn’t always going to be pretty. Each panelist discussed how they knew which path was for them and each response had a different emotion involved. This gave the audience a clear view that sometimes we make decisions based on negative experiences that push us forward and sometimes it’s a really positive experience, like truly feeling appreciated for your work for the first time.
“I came to the realization that working for myself was no less secure than working for someone else that doesn’t have my best interests in mind.” –Ryan Hunley, owner of 2nd Street Creative.
3. There is a sense of loneliness that comes with entrepreneurship, so find a supportive community.
At the panel, it was discussed that on the first day that you sit down at your desk it is going to feel lonely. When you are working hard at making your business successful, people in your life who aren’t doing that kind of work aren’t going to understand your struggles—so find a new community that will understand and help. Don’t leave your old community in the dust, just understand that you are in a new place in your life and will need different support.
“You’re in a different season. You gotta match up your support group with what you need, and not be upset that people who used to support you in a different time can’t support you now.” –Bryan Kryder, Owner of RightHand.
Allen will moderate our next Think Tank on November 17th focusing on creative employment and what it is like to work in a creative field. Anyone is welcome and tickets are free! Think Tanks are truly one of the best opportunities to network in a relaxed environment that encourages mingling and learning. Whether you are currently in a creative field or not, there is something for everyone who wants to come and check it out.
Can’t make the next Think Tank, but want to stay updated on future events? Follow our Eventbrite to get notified first about all of our events. They fill up fast, so register ASAP!
