Doing things your way is one of the best parts of being your own boss and when done right seems to be highly correlated with outsized success. So, we wanted to gather real-world examples to shed more light on how the best artists, entrepreneurs and leaders differentiate themselves from others in their respective industries.

Kayla Burch

One of the things that sets me apart from the industry standard is my focus on deep emotional healing as the foundation for success, particularly with female entrepreneurs who are also juggling the demands of motherhood. While many coaches focus on strategies and surface-level mindset shifts, I believe true transformation happens when we address the root emotional triggers that often keep us feeling stuck. My approach goes beyond traditional methods by helping clients understand why certain reactions, beliefs, and self-sabotaging patterns exist in the first place. I use a method I developed called the Trigger Response Method (TRM), which guides clients through identifying their triggers, observing their reactions, and discovering the hidden payoffs of staying in old, limiting patterns. It’s not just about changing thoughts or adding new habits—it’s about uncovering why we hold onto patterns that keep us from stepping into our full potential. Read more>>

Moonlight Community

The Moonlight Community redefines the standard by weaving together art, spirituality, and luxury in a way that invites genuine, heartful connections. Unlike typical large-scale events, we offer intimate, personalized experiences—sound baths, art therapies and unique retreats set in breathtaking natural locations. To enhance each gathering, we provide professional photoshoots and makeup services, making every moment feel special and memorable. Our inclusive atmosphere welcomes everyone—men and women alike—creating a space where creativity, beauty, and meaningful interaction come alive. Read more>>

Dru Hilty

As a floral designer in New York City & Brooklyn, one of the most unusual things about my company is that we don’t take on traditional “white and green” weddings. There are a few reasons for this. One is that a palette of whites just doesn’t spark joy for me. And there are lots of amazing florists who do these types of events beautifully. But not every florist is great with color, which is where we excel as a brand. Prior to starting my floral business, FloraModa, I was a creative director in the fashion industry for 10+ years, focusing on concept and color. I worked for brands like Kate Spade, J.Crew, Alexander Wang and developed a very nuanced sense of color and how to put beautiful color stories together. So when I started my floral business, my mission was to bring those worlds together- and to bring a riot of color to a sometimes stodgy industry. Read more>>

Igor Blintsov

At AICFO Solutions, we are focused on redefining how financial services could better cater to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by prioritizing accessibility and functionality tailored to their needs, rather than the traditional emphasis on large corporations. In the finance industry, tools like cash flow optimization, fraud prevention, and payment automation are often developed with big businesses in mind, leaving smaller companies with limited or no access to these critical resources. Drawing from my extensive experience and leadership roles in the financial sector, including at Citi, one of the world’s largest and most influential banks, I’m working to develop a model that democratizes access to these essential financial technologies for SMBs. My vision is to create tools that are easy to use, cost-effective, and purpose-built to empower smaller enterprises. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, these solutions aim to provide SMBs with affordable access to advanced financial management, enabling them to compete on a level playing field with larger players. Read more>>

Sara Reeves

For most of my career, I have been actively pushing back against the pressure of hustle culture. The idea that we need to be constantly creating, busy and productive at all times seems to be the norm. I try to take the opposite approach. Breaks are essential for my creativity. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or spending quality time with family, these moments are just as vital to my business as sending out a newsletter or posting on social media. The reality is, running my own business is a 24/7 job, which can drain my energy and leave me feeling stressed. One of the biggest perks of being my own boss is giving myself permission to step away—like taking an afternoon hike—to recharge and come back more focused. Read more>>

Ema Vyhlidal

At the heart of my business is a commitment to creating a comfortable, personalized experience for each client. Unlike many salons that focus on quick turnover, I prioritize the client’s comfort, nail health, and long-lasting results by using high-quality gel-based products. I also continually expand my education to ensure I’m offering the best services available. It’s not just about the service itself, but about building a relationship and providing a space where clients can truly relax and enjoy the experience. This focus on quality and care is what sets my brand apart. Read more>>

Sam Vander Wielen

Most people associate lawyers with negative experiences — overly expensive, complicated, and slimy. I seek to offer them a different experience by breaking down complicated legal topics in a simple way. Read more>>

Libby Mcrae

One of the ways I’ve intentionally set myself apart in the social media marketing space for businesses is by prioritizing authenticity over standardization. Social media for businesses isn’t just about posting pretty pictures or following trends—it’s about creating a genuine connection between a brand and its audience. My goal is to make sure every client’s presence is so aligned with their voice, their values, and their story that people aren’t saying, “Wow, who’s running your social media?” Instead, they’re saying, “Wow, I feel like I really got to know YOU through that post!” That’s the magic—making it about them, not me. Read more>>

Renata Goos

As a small business owner and operator, we have the difficult task of wearing several hats, so keeping focused on what really matters, what makes you grow and what makes you different can sometimes be really hard. SHINE is a real estate and architectural photography company, so we are a service driven business. And what makes us very special is that attention to details from beginning to end. I like to have a very close relationship with my clients where we almost feel like part of their team. We understand their needs, they preferences and how to take work out of their hands. Our product, photography, plays a lot on the success of my client’s business so we must be in line with their expectations and their industry as well. It takes a lot of training, processes and time. I like to say that we have excellent products but even better customer service. There is nothing like knowing that your business is being handled by another company with the same care as you would. Read more>>

Lindsay Hancock

One thing that sets My Better Batch apart from the industry standard is the focus on making baking feel both high-quality and effortless, without sacrificing taste or ingredients. We focus on 4-key brand pillars: 1. “Better Than Homemade Quality” – My Better Batch blends the convenience of pre-made mixes with ingredients and recipes that deliver a result people often associate with homemade cookies, aiming for a taste and texture that’s familiar but elevated. 2. Simplified Baking Process – My Better Batch mixes use just two additional ingredients (butter and egg), keeping prep and cleanup minimal. This three-step approach (just “3-2-1” – 3 steps, 2 added ingredients, and 1 bowl to clean up) is designed to minimize mess and maximize time, a key selling point that appeals to busy people looking for quick, high-quality results. Read more>>

Angel Shamsa

I would say a big difference in my own brand compared to others is being able to be direct in a way that a lot of new age practices and healers, in my experience, don’t always feel comfortable being. I offer clarity and guidance through a multitude of modalities, not just one. I am able to perform my services without receiving any guidance or questions from the client. Sometimes a person doesn’t even know how or where to start when it comes to getting help or healing. I take the guessing work out of it. Read more>>

Letha Imboden

I like to throw out the rulebook when I shoot. Minimal lighting, no stiff poses, no over-planning—just a camera, a connection, and a moment waiting to unfold. I’ve found that when I let go of the technical ‘should do’s’ and stop trying to control everything, the real magic happens. It’s in the unplanned glances, the unexpected laughter, and the quiet in-between moments that emotion shines. I let myself get lost in the flow, following what feels right for my clients, and that’s where the heart of the story always seems to find me. Finding the heart of the story is what matters and what makes the difference. I’m there for my clients. I’m there to make them smile, to bring them back to a moment, to make them feel. Because years from now, I want them to look at these photos and remember exactly how it felt to be there, how it felt to hold the ones they love in their arms, how it felt to have that tiny hand in theirs or how their child’s hair curled and glowed in the sunlight. Read more>>

Jason Peteler

what sets my approach apart from the typical luxury real estate agent is my heavy focus on video and digital marketing, which goes beyond the industry standard. While most agents still rely on traditional methods like print brochures, open houses, and static listings, I take a much more immersive and dynamic approach to showcase properties. For me, it’s all about creating a digital experience that allows buyers to feel like they’re already living in the space—even before stepping foot in it. Instead of just posting a few static photos, I leverage high-quality video tours, drone footage, and 3D walkthroughs to provide a multi-sensory experience. This allows potential buyers to truly “experience” the home, with detailed visual storytelling that highlights the architectural beauty, the flow of the space, and even the neighborhood’s lifestyle—all from their device. And with the rise of virtual reality and AI-powered features, I’m always experimenting with new ways to push the boundaries of how we engage with properties online. Read more>>

Kashana Waples

We provide consultations for our juice plans. We have so many success stories with our customers, who decide to trying juicing to heal verses standardized medicine. We provide juice plans that focus on the specific needs of the individual Read more>>

Vinny Bhatia

At BabyBlu Catering we focus on making every culinary experience unforgettable by blending eclectic flavors and techniques from Mediterranean and South Asian cuisines. Unlike the industry standard of sticking to safe or predictable menus, we specialize in creating fun, unique dishes that push boundaries and leave guests talking long after the event ends. Our process is highly collaborative; we treat each menu like an art piece tailored to the event’s theme and client’s vision. From crafting Neapolitan-style pizzas with South Asian flair to creating personalized tasting menus that celebrate diverse cultures, we pride ourselves on innovation and attention to detail. Read more>>

Terrie Karam

Yes, absolutely! When I started my apprenticeship in a tattooshop, I have been learning to create flash tattoos in a specific style & based on client’s ideas to design them in 2 or 3 ways before their appointment. But after 3 years of tattoo training and few more as a tattoo artist, with time and experiences I slowly changed it because I realized that no matter how much time I put in my drawings I would most of the time ending up changing the design on the day of the tattoo session with the client guiding me on what he liked or didn’t like. It made me realize that sometimes I’ve been going too far in the process or did something completely different by myself but, through my experience I realized that results of the drawing can be a team work. That it’s not only my design but the client’s design, that he’s the one who is going to leave my tattooshop with the design on his skin forever and all I will have is a picture for my portfolio / instagram. Read more>>

Malia Aniston

At C-47 Film Festival, we believe that every single aspect of film production deserves recognition. That’s why we include award categories that are often overlooked at other festivals. We have categories that highlight the hard work of art department teams—like costume design, set design, and hair and makeup—because those elements play a huge role in bringing a story to life and are just as essential as the roles in front of and behind the camera. We also want to create a film festival experience that’s truly unique for Las Vegas. Our goal is to make C-47 a festival that brings together the local community and filmmakers from around the world to celebrate the full spectrum of filmmaking in an environment that feels collaborative, inclusive, and celebratory. Oh! Plus, we only selected 47 or less submissions per season. Read more>>

Dave Clayton

Being a creative in their 50s, my background is a more tactile and person to person experience. In today’s world, social media is the currency for influence but not necessarily experience. I can’t stress enough how important and valuable it is to “get out there”, meet people, talk to experienced professionals for advice, don’t tuck yourself into a false world of “inspiration” and advice from people who do not have anything in common with your own life or business. I invest a large part of my income in attending events, meet ups, travelling to other cities to meet fellow designers. We’re all introverts but we need to make and partake in conversations. I have got so much work from talking to people and getting lucky with who I happen to be talking to. Make that luck, ask questions, help others with your own advice. Work will come and I do pretty well for someone with only 3,500 followers on Instagram! Be brave, you might enjoy it :) Read more>>

Corree Roofener

I bring a relationship approach to each one of my clients. Our money is such a vulnerable subject in most cases, and when we decide to outsource the job, we need to be able to not only trust they will do their job, but also trust that they will see our business for what it is a very unique part of the business owner. So many of my clients came to be with a lot of shame and guilt about not understanding their numbers and how to create change in their finances due to old stories or unfortunately very old school professionals that had been dealing with their business finances. Not only do I create exceptional records for their business, but I teach through practical tools how to not only learn more about their numbers, but how they can choose to change the trajectory of their numbers. Read more>>

Reid Gustavson

Whispering Goat Games utilises AI artwork. My background is in computer science and AI, so I was excited to play with the latest AI technology. Years ago, I had a game concept that I ultimately shelved because the costs associated made it economically unviable for its price point. When AI art became an option it opened the door to finally bring my game to life—something that felt incredibly rewarding. The board games we make are primarily a mechanics-driven art form, with visuals enhancing the experience. By using AI art, we can keep production costs down, passing these savings onto players and putting more resources toward designing innovative, intuitive mechanics. My team includes talented designers who tie together the visual elements, ensuring a consistent look and feel. AI art helps us, as indie creators, compete in an industry dominated by large incumbent publishers. Read more>>

Maria Bomio Martinez

One of the things that sets Resilience apart from the industry standard is our commitment to creating pieces that reflect the personal, emotional journey of resilience itself. In the jewelry industry, where mass production often prioritizes quantity over meaning, we focus on crafting each piece with a story behind it, aiming to connect with people on a more intimate level. Every design is intentional, symbolizing strength, healing, and beauty born from hardship. A particularly meaningful story that illustrates this difference is when I was commissioned by a customer who had also experienced a profound personal loss. She shared her story with me, and together, we created a custom piece that honored her journey and her loved one. This wasn’t just a transaction; it was an exchange rooted in shared understanding, empathy, and healing. Being able to make something so personally meaningful for her reminded me why I started Resilience in the first place: to create jewelry that isn’t just worn, but that also carries the weight and beauty of personal stories. Read more>>

Amanda Folkestad

My staging company, House Dressing PDX, creates unique interior spaces in the realm of staging to help people sell their homes. I use vintage furniture, textiles, tons of color, pattern and feminine touches in my staging, making each home shine bright and stand out from the sea of black, white and gray modern staging. I source almost all of items locally and am on a mission to reduce waste. I am a vintage junky and love a good recycle or up-cycle. Read more>>

Valerie Sizemore

When you think of a typical “dojo,” the atmosphere is intense and competitive, often driven by a ‘toughen up’ mentality. These spaces, predominantly male, emphasize discipline and aggression, which can feel intimidating—especially for those new to martial arts or who may have experienced trauma. While this traditional environment can work for some, it often leaves others feeling out of place or unwelcome, creating a barrier to learning skills that everyone deserves to know. In contrast, Femme Rising was created to offer a different kind of space, one where women and girls feel safe, supported, and truly represented. With statistics showing that 1 in 3 women will experience some form of assault in her lifetime, it’s clear that equipping them with the skills to defend themselves should be the standard, not the exception. As an assault survivor and mother of two young girls, I wanted to build a place where self-defense and jiu jitsu aren’t just about technique but about instilling resilience, confidence, and a sense of capability in every participant. Read more>>

Carlington Bent

At The Financial Paths, we believe that financial well-being goes beyond just numbers and spreadsheets. Our approach combines traditional financial planning with mindfulness practices to ensure our clients not only achieve financial stability but also peace of mind. In today’s fast-paced world, financial stress is a significant contributor to mental health issues. By integrating mindfulness into our financial planning services, we help our clients develop a healthier relationship with money. This holistic approach allows them to make informed financial decisions without the overwhelming stress that often accompanies financial management. Read more>>

Keith Dunigan

Within the baking industry, I feel as if recipes are usually a secret. Which I can completely understand. Some recipes have been past down through several generations. Some businesses keep their recipe a secret to avoid their competition stealing them. However I learned to bake from watching YouTube videos and baking shows. Youtube channels like “Cupcake Jemma” and “Preppy Kitchen”, strongly motivated me to start my business, Cop A Cookie. Read more>>

Nicole Veliz

As a financial coach, there is such a stigma surrounding finances and how you should spend your money. There are many opinions on the several budgeting plans and the proper way to manage money. There isn’t a one size fits all method that works for everyone. Financial success looks different for every individual. I take a personalized approach where I focus on the needs and wants for the individual or family and we come up with a customized approach. In this tactic, we see results while still indulging in the wants that make people feel happy but finding the balance that is healthy too. Budgeting doesn’t mean you have to cut everything out! It is important to live the life you want and enjoy the things you love within moderation. Read more>>

Dave Clayton

We decided to launch our own paint and sip business to address the industry’s growing challenges. Increasingly, we noticed AI-generated images being used as painting examples, setting unrealistic expectations for both instructors and participants. Achieving the look of these computer-created images is nearly impossible, leading to frustration and disappointment. We also observed artists being unfairly treated, earning only a small fraction of the profits from paint parties while companies made significant sums. To revolutionize the industry, we established our paint and sip company with a few key principles: Read more>>