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.
Isaac March
Innovation in storytelling often comes down to maximizing the content you can generate from a single opportunity. While pre-production is critical, I’ve developed a workflow that ensures I can still produce high-quality, varied content even with limited preparation time. For example, when covering a story, I don’t limit myself to a single medium. Instead, I capture high-resolution, high frame-rate video and conduct opportunistic interviews, often in a “man-on-the-street” style. Read more>>
Brianna Thompson
Innovation often comes from combining resources, relationships, and teamwork to execute bold ideas. In September 2023, I helped bring First Wave Social to life—a creator house where 14 talented creators collaborated to produce high-quality content for Q4 paid ad campaigns. The goal was to support brands’ marketing strategies during one of the busiest seasons of the year. Read more>>
Emily O’brien
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is creating and publishing my debut book, Things I Heard While Dating. It’s a bold, unique project that curates over 100 verbatim lines from real-life dates, marriages and failed pickup attempts, paired with backstories and dry dating advice. The book not only taps into the power of short storytelling but also captures a universal human experience in a fresh, relatable and often humorous way. This project pushed me to think differently about storytelling, blending entertainment with meaningful insight, and it’s been a fantastic way to explore and expand my creative boundaries. Compact and easy to share (it’s perfect for wine night laughs!), the book offers more than just entertainment. It’s a lighthearted reminder of the value of self-worth and a celebration of resilience in navigating the highs and lows of dating today. Read more>>
Frances Rodriguez
When I was in beauty school earning my certification to become a makeup artist, I remember listening to my instructor tell me how, sometimes, she will stay long after finishing a bride’s makeup to help her get in her dress and also do makeup touchups. She also shared a funny instance when a bride couldn’t find her cat and wanted help locating her. I took those examples and ran with them (the cat story is just for giggles)! I really enjoy being a helper! It’s in my nature. Since I was already going to be a makeup artist (and eventually a hairstylist) I knew that I was already going to be on sight at whatever venue I was working at. So, why not offer to stay and help with a variation of tasks on the wedding day? That’s when I decided to be a Bridal & Event Assistant. Read more>>
Anika Nguyen
The most innovative step I’ve taken in my career was stepping away from the traditional salon culture I was taught—a fast-paced, production-focused approach to nails—and redefining my process to align with my vision. I chose to prioritize artistry, detail, and personal connection over efficiency. This shift allowed me to slow down, refine my craft, and develop a niche that reflects my passion for creating unique, curated designs. Through years of experience and growth, I’ve honed my eye for detail and learned to attract the right clientele, those who value the art and chemistry behind my work. Read more>>
Yvonne Velis
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career was realizing—and fully embracing—that VonVis Photography needed a rebrand. It wasn’t an easy thing to accept. I had to face the truth: I wasn’t attracting the clients who truly aligned with what I wanted to create, and I wasn’t fueling my own passion as an artist. It wasn’t about the money, it was about doing something I love, something that feels like me every day. Read more>>