Having new or innovative ideas is essential to pushing the world forward and so we asked the community to share stories of the most innovative things they’ve done in their career. Our hope is to inspire folks who think only scientists or tech-wizards can innovate – innovation is possible for everyone, regardless of job title or function, industry or geography.

MELODY DEVEMARK

Since 1995 we’ve sold a full line of OTC natural anti-snoring solutions. A few years back, I saw a unique opportunity to create a version for pets since nowadays over 50% of pet owners sleep with their furry best friend. Not only were customers being disturbed by their partner’s snoring but also their pets. SnoreStop for Pets was created. My associates were doubtful that there was an actual need or demand for it. Read more>>

Quanda Bryant

Diamonds & Pearls Events, LLC is near and dear to my heart, not just because it’s my business but because it serves women by pampering, encouraging, and inspiring them to live intentionally. My company creates self-care events, kits, workbooks, and journals for women to promote self-care, something many have neglected because of hectic schedules and an increasing responsibility to be everything to everybody. But company didn’t start out that way. Read more>>

AnGala Portorreal

I created a couple of therapeutic card games to help couples in a crisis or who are struggling to communicate in their relationship. I developed these games to assist couples in reconnecting when silence has penetrated the communication.  Read more>>

Amy Beyer

In 2016, my husband and I finally took our official honeymoon after 4 years of being married. We went to Norway for two weeks so I could meet and he could reconnect with his extended family. One of our souvenirs was a bag of sea salt “made on the next island over” according to his cousin. Since then, we’ve imported over 10 tons of flaky salt, making us the largest importer of Norwegian Sea Salt in the world. Read more>>

Ceven Loochi

I think the ideal story would just be overall journey. Embarking on my journey in the world of esthetics, I delved into the art of treatments and spa ownership. Over time, my passion evolved into a commitment to both excellence and education. The turning point came when I transitioned into the realm of teaching, sharing my knowledge and expertise with budding estheticians. Read more>>

Kimberly “Goldee” Carter

I am a formally trained educator with a teaching degree from the prestigious Indiana University. After graduating undergrad in 1998, I became a military wife; started my family; taught for several years; gained my Masters in 2006 and progressed to administration; and when I blinked, I realized that I had spent over 15 years in the public school system and I was no longer loving what I was doing. I loved that my teachers and students felt supported by me, but I was miserable because I did not feel that my efforts and passion were appreciated by my bosses and at times my staff and I always felt that my vision for education was a bit progressive for my time. Read more>>

Candace Monaghan

My current and most successful innovative career move would be the founding of the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival. I have grown up on our family farm and still live here with my family today. I have a degree in Communication Design, was in a corporate setting for 4 years before becoming a freelance graphic designer for the past 16 years. In the summer of 2015 my father decided to plant an empty field on the farm full of black oil sunflowers. They took to the ground, grew well and drew attention from passerby’s. Read more>>