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.

Jojo Sayers

One thing that I’ve noticed in corporate and among many small businesses is that over time, they lose the joy in business. Suddenly, we have all these rules we need to follow, and standards we need to keep. Something that JC Studios of Virginia is doing differently is prioritizing fun and joy in business. Read more>>

Ruben Pinto-Castillo

Its simple, we merge both of these worlds together Read more>>

Jess Lenouvel

If you take a look at the real estate industry as a whole, it’s a pretty dated industry. It’s an industry filled with ideas that the only way to be successful is to constantly hustle and grind. The industry pushes agents to wear being busy as a badge of honour. The more cold calls you make in a day, the more emails you answer, the more postcards you send out, or the more homes you show, defines your value in the industry. Read more>>

Vitality

As Far As Differentialities, My Brand Differs From Our Consumers Being From All Different Back Grounds. Rather Rich Or Poor, & Still Being Able To Understand Or Relate To The Fact That Its Necessary To Consider All Parties Involved. With My Podcast I Strived To Reach People Of All Ages. Challenging Different Perspectives To Find A Common Solution. Read more>>

Gretchen Territo Realtor, IAP Stager

To put it simply, our mission at Team Territo is to change the way people think of real estate and real estate agents. Here in NE Florida, our real estate company begins and ends with exceptional, custom, concierge-level real estate services. Our goals are to create raving fans out of our customers, grow through referrals, and invest richly in our local community. Read more>>

Trica Jean-Baptiste

My business model is rooted in my hospitality training; Service, Exceeding the guests expectations, and providing a service they never knew they needed. That core principal has served me well as an entrepreneur, specializing in hospitality and commercial real estate. Read more>>

The Lion Heart

Ten years ago my comrades Kami, Asha and myself started an independent music label we named FLAR Entertainment, which stands for Free LA Records. It was born out of necessity, because in the early days there were a lot of services we didn’t have the finances to outsource. Like studio time, mix and mastering services, recorded video content, etc. So we had to learn to do all those skills ourselves. Read more>>

Steffi Reyes-Thomas

We specialize in consulting with clients through balancing their site analysis with the desired feel for the space based on scientific evidence, energetics, environmental awareness, and budget. Interior spaces hold the key to public health and community wellness. Our interest is in combining the best aspects of sustainability, wellness, aesthetic and functionality to hold space for the energy that matters most. Read more>>

Gabrielle Raymaker

Size inclusive clothing is very important to me and the 13 Stitches brand. I feel that everyone should be able to wear whatever they want, including (but definitely not limited to) crochet! I offer sizing through sizes XXXS-3X and I’m always happy to make to measure at request. Crocheted clothes for all! Read more>>

Joanna McCartney

I grew up in the UK in the 1980’s, and as a child, recycling was taught in schools and at home, making crafts, learning about where waste goes, what happens to water run off, etc. The UK is a small island, so landfill and natural resources are very important. Learning about our impact on the planet resonated with me as a child, and stayed with me when I began making dresses, it became a business standard for me as my business grew into a fashion brand, I knew that diverging from what is standard in the fashion business, to what it should be, is the only foundation for my business. Read more>>

Janey Lopaty

I think that I personally am very hands on with all the companies I work with. I have a styling, sales and design background also so I will help many brands not only with Pr but their overall look with styling photoshoots for their instagram or website. This has helped many of my brands with sales showing them in a new light while keeping true to themselves . Read more>>

Jennie Tucker

When I look at artists as a whole, I see a great number of struggling artists. Most are filled with an extraordinary artistic talent, but seem to be discouraged and disheartened by a perceived sense of failure. They do not know what they are doing wrong, and why they are not seeing the world appreciate their art, as they do. Read more>>

Carolynn Lemke

My main business goal even though it takes longer is to create one of kind custom art work from the ground up. I draw each portrait by hand digitally. Its important to me that it is my art work and not running a photo through a filter. Read more>>

Kimberly Gensler

Our journey to optimal health and vitality often lacks a roadmap, leaving us grappling with the overwhelming sea of information and accessibility to less-than-ideal food choices. Many of us have tried various approaches—books, podcasts, gym memberships, supplements—but the missing link is often support and accountability. Read more>>

Anna Knapp

Something that I think I do or offer that is different from other photographers in this industry would probably be the workflows I set in place for my clients! Each client has their own profile within my system and once they book a session, they receive a Next Steps email that goes into a little bit on what to prepare for their upcoming session and a questionnaire to help me better prepare and get to know them better. They also receive my Style Guide email with all things styling. Read more>>

Lauren Layne Merck

When I started Lauren Layne Swim I was focused on making swimwear that every woman felt confident and effortlessly sexy in and that was it. Over the last few years, we’ve collaborated, with different charities and organizations, such as The Whale and Dolphin Conservation, The Ocean Cleanup Project and many more. After relocating to Florida during the pandemic, I saw the effects of pollution and climate change firsthand. Read more>>

Gabriella Yurevich

It’s so easy to underestimate the depth involved in the process of Social Media Marketing. Many people view it as just posting content, but there’s a meticulous strategy behind it that often gets overlooked. It’s not just about making sales; it’s about creating a genuine sense of community for the brand online. Read more>>

Sara, Anjilee Busalacchi, Ferguson

The concept of traditional education has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Since the pandemic, online schooling, homeschooling, and other education alternatives have experienced significant growth. Since 2020, public school enrollments have witnessed a decline as families have become more receptive to alternative educational approaches. Parents are now actively seeking programs that align with their values and cater to the unique needs of their children. Read more>>

Antonio Mondragón

As chef, I’d say I have extremely high standards, so there’s no taking shortcuts like other corporations do. For example, they might buy shredded lettuce, chopped onions, already marinated meat, etc. Whereas, here at Sazón Mondragón we take the time to perfect all of our recipes including our very own meat seasoning. We take the time to cut, slice, & chop all of our vegetables to make sure they’re fresh. Our salsas don’t come from a jar, they’re calculated and cooked the same way each time to ensure our customers get the same delicious taste every time they come by. Read more>>

Mehul Malhotra

I practice Transportation Planning professionally, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Automobile Engineering and a Master’s degree in Transportation Systems Research & Design. I find myself in a unique position in a field typically dominated by Urban Planners and Policymakers. There are two main aspects that I believe set me apart from the industry standard. Read more>>

Jenny DiNuoscio

As a small business owner, I am able to custom massages for my clients based off their needs. Most places will charge additional fees for add-on services. I offer my clients a menu for them to select from, and each service is already included in the price. This allows my client to create their own relaxation session. Read more>>

Viel Catig

One of things that gives me the most pride about my brand is the way we creatively approach everything we do within our company. As a small business owner and creative behind 23rd&Hare, it was important to me to embody the tagline that I created for the brand — handmade, uniquely eclectic. We love everything that is unique and one of a kind,.. when a customer purchases one of our handmade jewelry and accessory it brings us much joy to be able to say that the piece now have is the only one of its design. Read more>>

Lauren Harb

There are a number of ways we can personalize the rug shopping experience that helps us stand apart from the industry standard and from large corporate companies. We are all about re-creating the intimate experience of shopping for the home in the souks of Morocco, and so even though we are an entirely online business, we dedicate as much one-on-one time to our customers as needed to help them make long-lasting and meaningful design decisions within their budgets. Read more>>

Melissa Randall

Every virtual baking event or in-person baking party that I host is created and customized with the client in mind! No event or party is exactly the same! I host events for all age groups so that you can be 5 years old and create beautiful designs or 70 years old and still have a lot of fun creating and baking! Before I host my events, I ask the client questions and get to know the group that I am creating baking classes or parties for and customize the events based on this information! Read more>>

Gina Mackovic

We really wanted to change the perception of petting zoos. We are educational and fun! Our primary focus is the animal – human connection. We built a place where guests can come and get hands on with the animals in a controlled and safe manner. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to answer all questions that come their way. Read more>>

Jennifer Nutting

Los Angeles tourism is a highly competitive market, and most companies are ruled by reviews. That is why I am so proud of Handlebar Bike Tours’ reviews. Guests are rhapsodic about our guides, and DTLA. I think the secret to our success is we don’t make speeches at guests, we engage guests in a conversation/experience of downtown Los Angeles. We keep our groups small, and help visitors see themselves woven into the fabric of Los Angeles and California history. Let me explain. Read more>>

Linda Eskridge

Teaching business owners how to strategically gift and emphasizing the importance of starting before the first meeting is a unique approach that differs from the industry standard of gift-giving. This approach can make a significant difference in building strong relationships, fostering goodwill, and ultimately achieving business success. Read more>>

Kaitlin Hoppenstedt Ortega

Most graphic designers only focus on trends and simple logo design solutions, but as a brand identity designer I keep effective communication at the core of my design method. It brings me joy to help my clients attract their dream customers and achieve more success in their brand marketing through design psychology, symbolism, and effective brand messaging. Creating strategic and well-rounded designs is beneficial to both my clients and myself. Read more>>

Alessandra Deerinck

In light of the actual time, culture, scientific studies and my professional experience, I studied in depth the interaction between human beings and horses, and how communication naturally happens during this time, aiming to keep an objective perspective. I applied the information that came from this approach to the interaction between human and horse in many different instances, ranging from breeding to training, competing and performing in events. Read more>>

Neveah Valdizan

I’m not your typical musician. Instead of fancy instruments and studios, I use my smartphone and some cool apps to make my music. I didn’t take formal music lessons either. Nope, I learned by watching YouTube and using an app called Smule. Read more>>

Bryan York

The manner in which I do photography is done differently than most. I am a disabled photographer. Therefore, I am unable to do a high volume of shoots. I have to be selective with whom I work with. Working with big groups is difficult for me and not my cup of tea. I thrive when working 1-on-1 with individuals. This allows me to be more personal and hopefully have a deeper connection with each person. My goal is always to leave a meaningful impression on each subject. Read more>>

BRENTON METZLER

We are all about inclusivity. When producing reality tv, and really anything in the industry, there is always a power grab for money and control. While that is understandable and probably expected by most, my partners and I have found a common ground in treating everyone that brings ideas to us with the same respect and courtesy, regardless of name and experience. Read more>>

Katie Sesti

At SESTIVA, we recognize that people and the small businesses/organizations that we support have different needs. But all have the same goal: they’re working towards their own success. And we’re here to help you with that! Read more>>

Allison Doty

I am one of the few pet taxidermists in the country. Most taxidermists only work with hunted animals while I specialize in pet memorials. It’s is very out of the norm but I believe It to be a very needed service. Helping people process the grief of losing their beloved pet. Read more>>