People love to make assumptions about what your job or business is like. But often the reality is completely different. Every business has a story outsiders don’t fully grasp—the unseen effort, the misconceptions, the truths behind the polished surface. We asked some folks we admire to share what they wish people understood about their work—and the responses might surprise you.

Zoe Hennessey

I think the biggest misconception about styling and personal shopping is that it is fast and easy – that I walk into one store and find everything in one go! In reality, it is a lengthy, multi-step process. Read More>>

Dr Manreet Sangha

One of the most misunderstood things about physical therapy is that it’s only for people who are injured or recovering from surgery. In reality, physical therapy is about optimizing how your body moves and functions — not just fixing what’s broken. We work on prevention, performance, and overall movement health, so people can stay active, avoid injury, and live without pain. Read More>>

Marcus Hamm

I think the biggest misunderstanding about the filmmaking industry, is that it’s driven by the hope of becoming rich and famous. Neither are what inspires one to sacrifice so much. It’s simply the desire to create, and to share your gifts with others. Read More>>

Viktoria Tabak

I think the thing that is misunderstood about my business is the positive impact I’m making an effort to make through bettering people’s health— not just making money by putting food in front of them. We live in a country that unfortunately hasn’t prioritized clean, home cooking in a while, and many don’t know that food can be the best medicine, or the worst poison. Read More>>

Mario A. Campanaro

One of the biggest misunderstandings about this business, and one of its best kept secrets, is just how much hard work it takes for an actor to create something that appears simple, subtle, easy, and spontaneous. An audience sees the final result: a performance that looks effortless, alive, and emotionally raw. What they do not see is the depth of commitment behind it. Read More>>

florence pham

It’s not about curling somebody’s lashes or shaping their eyebrows. My work has helped boosted confidence Improves, skin and lash health and enhances natural beauty. For the everyday person, or the person struggling with their outward self-expression, regardless of gender, I make sure to deliver results that brings joy to lives. Read More>>

Farah Walahi

Many people assume that being a florist is simply playing with flowers all day. In reality, it is a physically demanding job that requires long hours on your feet, managing inventory, profit margins, upkeep to care for living things, lifting heavy boxes and buckets, customer service, and being available around the clock. Read More>>

Jazmine Valencia

People tend to think there’s some “secret formula” to going viral, or they assume that anyone can run social media because they’ve posted on Instagram. What they don’t see is how much strategy, testing, audience psychology, and creative iteration goes into what we do. At JV Agency, we’ve been doing this for a decade—we’re not guessing. Read More>>

Ari Stevens Zhang

People often think we’re just a wine bar or just a bottle shop, but the truth is we’re building something that lives in between. It’s a space where you can hang out, try something new, grab a bottle to go, or stick around for a really good meal. We’re not fully all-day yet, but that’s the direction we’re heading. Read More>>