In our view there is already a ton of coverage of the trends that ivory tower professors and billionaire fund managers are seeing. What’s the edge in hearing the billionaire consensus view over and over again?

The edge comes from hearing new perspectives and new information like from the wedding planner who has worked with hundreds of couples during the pandemic and has noticed that couples are allocating significantly more of their wedding budgets on “small details” like personalized neon signs and eco-friendly customized digital invitations rather than paper invites. Or the accountant seeing how there’s a huge uptick in ecommerce clients generating revenue from in person popups.

Below, you’ll find some of the most thoughtful entrepreneurs and creatives in across various industries and markets sharing the trends they are seeing.

Aarial Mitchell

One of the biggest trends you can see in the beauty industry today is renting or owning a Salon Suites! I believe this trend is worth keeping and here to stay. In 2019, the year I finished beauty school, a salon suites wasn’t as common here in Florida. Now, only five years later, a well known franchise My Salon Suite has 46 locations here. I believe salon suites give beauty professionals and small business owners a chance to experience what it is like outside a traditional salon setting. Also opportunities to connect and share with other professionals on their journey. The advantage is having a space to call your own. I love that most include amenities such as temperature control apps, 24/7 access, wash/dryer, weekly rental plans, etc. Read more>>

Marosi White

Some of the biggest trends I am seeing in the Interior Design Industry are: Use of bold color – Traditionally, bold colors have often been associated with being used as an accent; on a wall or a specific architectural or building element such as a fireplace, or front door, but now, bold colors are showing up on Appliances, Plumbing Fixtures, Cabinetry, Case goods items, Furnishings, Hard Surface Finishes and Lighting. The light, bright and airy look has been with us for some time now, and for some, this will always be the ‘go to’ aesthetic, but it is so refreshing to see richer tones, and moodier colors being used in interior spaces in many more creative ways. Read more>>

Catia Sander

Sustainable Design: Eco-friendly materials and practices are becoming increasingly popular, with a focus on reducing waste and using recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements, like plants and natural light, to create a connection with nature is a key trend. This includes using organic shapes and textures in decor. Quiet luxury: It refers to an understated, elegant approach that emphasizes quality, refinement, and subtle opulence rather than overt displays of wealth or bold statements. This style is characterized by a restrained color palette, timeless materials, and a focus on craftsmanship Read more>>

Chelsey Huff

One of the biggest trends I’ve noticed recently is the comeback of vibrant colors in wedding stationery. For the past few years, neutral and muted tones like beige, ivory, and blush pink dominated the scene, but now couples are leaning into bold, bright palettes. I’ve seen requests for everything from deep emerald greens and bright pinks to mustard yellows and rich oranges. Read more>>

Samantha Rays

I’m a musician and in recent years the biggest trend I’ve seen in the industry is an artist’s opportunity to grow independently. With the rise of social media, artists are able to tell their stories and share their music directly with people. It’s been exciting to get to know my audience personally, and I can be myself while I’m doing it! Read more>>

Roseann Harpold

I have found that the horror and Halloween industry has been exploding in recent years, with what I believe is partially due to the rise in young, open-minded individuals finding their place in the world. While many previous generations tend to lean toward the “Happy Fall Y’all” approach to Halloween (as I like to call it, coming from the South), I have grown up in a generation that embraces the strange and unusual. I believe this acceptance and celebration of the macabre also comes along with being comfortable with one’s self and being willing to break from the traditional norm. With that being said, I do not mean to imply that there have not been horror enthusiasts before my generation – rather, this new generation adds new and exciting features to this witches’ brew of ghouls. Read more>>

Michelle Glover

I think the biggest trend we are seeing in the baking industry is the implementation of digital products that are just as valuable as the actual desserts that we create. The knowledge of the baking business, beyond recipes, and “how-to’s” is still new but is what adds value to your business. What do I mean? Owners are creating courses that show aspiring and new bakers how to enter various branches of the business beyond the kitchen, and how to build wealth by teaching people through your experience. Anyone can read a recipe and follow it, but it is the knowledge of building the business and the brand that has a renewed value. Read more>>

Sean O’connor

When I started the Cine-Ful Cuts Podcast I reached out to just about every creative on the planet to discuss their favorite horror movie and promote their projects. Actors, directors, special effects artists, cinematographers, screenwriters and authors, you name it. There were many who never responded (to be expected), plenty that politely declined (no worries) and a great deal that kicked the can down the road, however one group, the authors, not only agreed enthusiastically but almost immediately accepted me into their community. Those wonderful people were some of the hottest horror authors writing today. Not only were they so welcoming, they were also completely open to providing access to other authors, influencers and associations. Read more>>

Sayaka Nitta

One of the biggest trends I am seeing in my industry is the growing focus on scalp health, a shift from the traditional emphasis on hair treatments like color and cuts. My partner and I were among the first to introduce head spa services to the U.S., where scalp care has long been recognized in Japan as the foundation for healthy hair. Seven years ago, when we opened “Blow Me Away” salon and head spa in Los Angeles, hardly anyone knew about head spas. My partner Arisa and I started with just a few appointments a day, but today, thanks to consistent promotion, we have a three-month waiting list. Read more>>

Marabelle Blue

The biggest trend and not in a good way is everyone wants to do it. I sell soaps, lotions, body scrubs and while everyone enjoys scrubs, the issues are people believe they can make them at home, DIY, sell them and not think about the ramifications of selling them to a wider audience without the proper paperwork, certificates, etc. It’s great when someone wants to be creative and be self-employed or have a side gig. That’s awesome. But the critical thinking process is imperative in order for anyone to see success in their business or side gig. A side gig can turn to a successful empire of a business opportunity – but in order to see success there’s an order to follow so there aren’t missteps.  Read more>>

Henry Iwunze

Looking ahead, I see substantial expansion and advancement in the artificial intelligence and chatbot sector throughout the next five years. As artificial intelligence technology progresses, businesses will progressively embrace AI-driven solutions to improve customer service, optimize processes, and boost operational efficiency in many industries. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots into healthcare, real estate, oil and gas, finance, and education is expected to completely transform personalized interactions and automation, specifically designed to meet the changing needs of these industries. This goal is substantiated by statistics that demonstrate significant market expansion. Forecasts indicate that the worldwide chatbot industry will achieve a value of $102.29 billion by 2026, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.75%. Given the clear inclination of customers towards chatbots for efficient brand communication, it would be advantageous for companies in virtually all sectors to incorporate AI-driven customer assistance to improve operations and promote customer satisfaction. Read more>>

Andrew Morgans

The ecommerce industry is always changing so fast, that your approach to ecommerce also has to be adapting just as quickly. I have been working in the e-commerce industry and building brands for the last 15 years. What started as e-commerce as an industry, has now grown into the Amazon marketplace industry for me. And after the Amazon marketplace, the industry of “marketplaces” – plural is now a term as well. Brands and online sellers are now looking at marketplaces all of the different channels for online selling. It’s gotten more depth every year since its conception. Brands now need to think about their customers not just being online, but where are they shopping and where should they reach them. The marketplaces contains the likes of: Chewy, Etsy, TikTok Shop, Walmart, Target, Amazon, eBay, Wayfair, Home Depot, Instacart, and even more recently the additions of Temu, and Shein. Read more>>

Nida Fatima

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in the diagnostics and healthcare industry is the increasing demand for precision medicine and personalized diagnostics. This trend is transforming healthcare by focusing on tailored treatments based on individual patient data, such as genetic information, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The shift toward personalized healthcare is driven by advancements in genomics, data analytics, and automation, which allow for more accurate and individualized diagnosis and treatment plans. Story: The Rise of Personalized Diagnostics A few years ago, we had a patient whose symptoms were difficult to diagnose. Multiple tests at various labs yielded inconclusive or conflicting results, leaving the physician uncertain about the best course of treatment. The traditional “one-size-fits-all” diagnostic approach simply wasn’t enough. Frustrated with the inefficiency and lack of clarity, the physician sent the patient to Filos Health Laboratory (www.filoshealthlab.com). Read more>>

Chris Lacquement

The pet grooming industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with an influx of investors from outside sectors. I’m not referring to established pet-centric corporations like PetSmart or Petco, but businesses entirely unrelated to the pet industry. Historically, the industry—outside of these well-known chains—was largely dominated by independent owner-operators, many of whom were groomers themselves. These individuals invested great care into their businesses, as they represented not just financial endeavors, but their livelihoods and reputations. Read more>>