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.

Melissa Ann Pollack

⸻ “One of the biggest lies in the beauty and entertainment industries is that youth is the only currency of value. There’s this unspoken narrative that once you reach a certain age, your opportunities—and your beauty—start to fade. That’s simply not true. Read More>> 

Fiona Flyte

That if you just get “good enough,” the opportunities will come. I spent over two decades chasing excellence. I studied voice and acting relentlessly. I invested six figures in degrees, private lessons, workshops, classes. I was determined to become so undeniably good that I’d be impossible to ignore. And I did get good. I booked a tour. I sang for thousands of people a night. Read More>>

Francesca Grace

That staging has to be neutral to appeal to buyers. For so long, the industry has clung to the idea that beige sofas, bland art, and minimal personality are the only way to make a space “sellable.” But I’ve found the opposite to be true. Read More>>

Alex Savitskiy

One of the biggest lies the visual effects industry tells itself right now is that artificial intelligence is a threat — something that will replace artists, devalue creativity, or destroy the industry as we know it. In reality, like every major technological leap before it, AI is simply a tool. Read More>>

Leigh Steinberg

The biggest misconception about sports agents is that they prioritize their earnings above everything else. In reality, agents have a genuine interest in the welfare of their clients and the integrity of sports as a whole. Read More>>

Dr. Maritza Bollain

That healing is available through one single action — or that one supplement can be the answer. In reality, healing is nuanced. It’s rarely about just one thing. Our bodies are far more complex — and thinking that colostrum (or whatever the current fad is) will fix everything is a complete oversimplification. Read More>>

Shatora Adrell

That it’s all about the look. Fashion loves to sell the illusion that image is everything but behind the scenes, it’s heart, grit, and soul that truly drive impact. Another big lie? That there’s only room for one. The industry often thrives on scarcity and comparison, when in reality, there’s more than enough space for diverse voices, visions, and styles. Read More>>

RalphGM

There are a ton of myths floating around in the photography world. One of the biggest? That a fancy, expensive camera guarantees amazing shots. Truth is, it’s all about the photographer’s skill—not just the gear. Another popular misconception is that anyone with a camera can instantly become a successful commercial photographer. Read More>>

Mandi Tollefson

One of the biggest lies the skincare industry tells is that healthy skin comes from constant product turnover and quick-fix solutions. We’re bombarded with trends, buzzwords, and 10-step routines that leave people feeling overwhelmed and confused. The truth is, more isn’t always better—especially when it comes to your skin barrier. There’s no miracle products. Another major issue is greenwashing. Read More>>

Kathryn Horan

Because I work in the entertainment industry, there’s such a perception that you have to be perfect or that you have to do things in a certain way. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Before I started working at The Voicecaster, I thought only people with big booming voices, or deep smooth voices did voiceover work. Read More>>

Amajae Hardy-Jones

One of the biggest lies the entertainment industry tells itself is that there’s only one path to success and that you have to be chosen in order to matter. It pushes the narrative that visibility equals value, and that unless you’ve made it by a certain age, landed a major role, or built a massive following, you’re behind. Read More>>