One of the most important things we think the media can do is connect small business owners and creatives across industries and markets to give them an opportunity to learn form each other. The insights on trends in particular can be transformative if our communities were better connected and so we’ve tried to create a space where folks can share the trends they are seeing and read about trends other sharp entrepreneurs are seeing.

Yixuan Wang

A few days ago, while browsing highlights from the 2025 AWE Expo—one of China’s biggest consumer tech showcases—I came across a product that truly caught my attention: a small wearable device called the QianZhi Elf. Shaped like a playful cube, it’s designed to spark curiosity in everyday moments. Children can point its built-in camera at a flower, an animal, or a landmark, and the device instantly recognizes it—offering contextual, engaging explanations that feel more like a conversation than a lecture. Beyond information, it provides a sense of emotional companionship, encouraging children to ask more questions, explore more deeply, and see the world with fresh eyes. Read more>>

Jak Dawson

One of the most noticeable trends in the industry right now is the growing shift toward convenient, discreet alternatives. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that seamlessly integrate into their busy lives—whether it’s during a hectic workday, while out running errands, or relaxing at home. Nicotine pouches have become more popular because they’re easy to use, portable, and don’t require the same level of attention as traditional smoking or vaping. Read more>>

James Emley

The technology industry is of course iterating at lightning speed, and you could almost say the industry is starting to follow an exponential curve, punctuated by moments of temporary stagnation. However, there are so many innovators of all ages working on creative solutions, these setbacks do not stay stagnant for very long. Technology greatly impacts most all industries, and if I could employ a word that greatly signifies the current business approach to all projects in the private and public sectors, it would be “efficiency”. Read more>>

Dennis Tsai

One of the biggest trends in industrial design right now is the integration of AI-driven generative design.

A few months ago, I visited a design studio working on a next-generation electric bike. Traditionally, the design team would spend weeks sketching, prototyping, and testing frame designs—iterating through countless variations. But this time, they fed parameters like weight distribution, material constraints, and aerodynamics into a generative AI tool. Within hours, the software produced hundreds of optimized designs, some with organic, lattice-like structures that no human would have intuitively conceived. The final frame was not only lighter and stronger but also used 20% less material, reducing both cost and environmental impact. Read more>>

Gina

One of the biggest shifts in the industry is seeing “waste” for what it really is: opportunity. More businesses are finding creative ways to use every part of an ingredient, and freeze-drying helps make that possible.

Take Milk Bottle, a mocktail and cocktail business that presses Passamaquoddy Blueberry Co.’s berries for their drinks. What’s left behind? Skins, pith, and seeds but still packed with flavor and nutrients. Instead of tossing them, we freeze-dry the leftovers, turning them into a vibrant blueberry powder perfect for smoothies, baking, or even rimming a cocktail glass. Read more>>

Bobbi Baker

There’s a current trend in yoga that suggests, my way is the right way. But let’s be transparent: your way is the right way for you, and mine is the right way for me. As a studio owner for the past decade, I’ve witnessed a lot of noise about what yoga is “supposed” to look like, what it should or shouldn’t be. The truth is, yoga is deeply personal—it’s about how it connects with you and implements into your life. We need to allow the practice to meet us where we are in this moment, and in a room full of people on their own unique journeys, at their own pace, we, as an industry, cannot impose expectations on our students. Read more>>

Lauren Galbraith

One of the biggest changes in the photography world is the growing demand for authenticity. In the past, photoshoots often featured families or couples standing still, smiling at the camera, and posing stiffly. Today, those rigid and overly “perfect” images are becoming less common, making way for photos that capture genuine connections. Photographers are taking a more hands-off approach, allowing people to simply be themselves—and it’s the best shift the industry has seen. Read more>>

Vaisakhi Mishra

Oh, what an exciting, albeit a little scary and uncertain time to be working in Data Science and Artificial intelligence. In 2023 my husband and I (him being a crazy gamer and me catching on to that craze because of COVID) were building a gaming rig, and at some point, we wanted a specific graphic card. Chat GPT had released a few months back and we initially thought the hype around ChatGPT will die down just like it had for VR and AR some years back, but when we were searching for that graphic card, it was out of stock at every electronics store around us and I had a feeling this time this technology hype is perhaps here to stay. Read more>>

Yash Patel

Increasing use of artificial intelligence will impact human intelligence if we don’t wake up now…….

I will tell you story about this recent incident, a faulty antivirus update from cybersecurity firm led to a massive global tech outage, incapacitating specific Operating System based PCs and affecting banks, hospitals, airlines, and major businesses. This disruption underscores the double-edged nature of AI in cybersecurity: while AI-driven systems can enhance threat detection and response, they also carry massive risks if not properly managed. The incident highlights the importance of human oversight to interpret AI decisions and prevent potential missteps. As security professionals, it’s crucial to balance the efficiency of AI with human expertise to ensure robust and reliable cybersecurity measures. Read more>>

Kenny Gray

I see a shift where comedy is drifting away from traditional Hollywood. People are getting their comedy on social media in increasingly smaller formats (i.e. TikTok, Reels, Shorts). I heard Judd Apatow posit that perhaps people watch so much comedy on their phones that they’re not super interested in seeing a comedy movie anymore. Which feels true to me? We’re soaked in comedy. Everything is “funny” ads, brands, soda bottles, hot sauce, and video games. So, to me, a fun opportunity would be to make comedy that uses the tone no one seems to be using, which is “sincerity” and “earnestness”. Imagine “There Will Be Blood” but it’s dumb as hell, and played totally earnest? I’d watch that. Read more>>

Joyce Friedmann

Current Trends in the Food Industry The food industry is continually evolving, influenced by changing consumer preferences, advancements in technology, and growing awareness of health and sustainability. At Joyffles, we recognize and adapt to these trends to better serve our customers and remain competitive. Here are some significant trends currently shaping the industry: Read more>>

Bulat Nasibullin

Having been a musician and independent artist for the last 16 years, I saw the birth of social media and how it has changed the world particularly for musicians. The first social media I remember was myspace and myspace music was a the first music streaming service that I can remember. You set up a musician/band profile and you could upload a few songs so in essence it was the original music streaming waaaayyyy before Spotify or Apple Music! Read more>>