Deviating from industry norms is one of the most common characteristics we’ve seen among highly successful brands and professionals and so we’ve asked some brilliant folks to give us real life examples of how they do things differently from the industry standard.

Ashley Haxby

Absolutely yes. And hopefully every artist can say yes. For my studio, it’s less about “luxury” and more about the intention. It’s less about posing on a bed, and more about being emboldened, embodied, and empowered to take up space. And certainly it’s less about “self love” and significantly more focused on self acceptance. We avoid the cliches, not out of rebellion, but out of need. The need of our clients are shifting and we want to be a part of their journey. Read more>>

Kimberly Aguirre

Let’s be real, donuts are not synonymous with “healthy”, Typically when we think of indulging we think, sugar, high calories, & artery clogging deep fried treats. Read more>>

Emily Merrell

At Six Degrees Society, our approach to networking and professional connections sets us apart from the industry standard. While traditional networking events can often feel impersonal and transactional, we’ve created a unique environment that fosters genuine connections and meaningful relationships among professionals. Read more>>

Shannon Bingham

We are a small businesses with under 50 employees and one of the things that we do with each and everyone of our stylists and other staff is coach them on a regular basis. We have one on one meetings with them quarterly, if not more often. We train them on the Gallup strengthfinder‘s strengths chart, so that they are able to have a greater understanding of their strengths, as we are as well. We also know then, what we can do to better communicate with them effectively. And we also have them see what their potential blind spots are. Read more>>

Shannon Vitale

Many people are shocked when I tell them “I don’t give you a meal plan, I will never tell you what you can or can’t eat”, then they look at me befuddled and ask “well, how am I supposed to know what to do”? Read more>>

Scott Collins

I do not see any other company as a competitor. The need for professional services, and in particular legal services that are client focused, is never ending and very difficult to find. If we offer value based services where the client comes first, the experience is emphasized, and the value of over delivering on our service, we will have no competition. This is the key to our success and the basis of our reputation. Read more>>

Troy Taylor

As a boutique services firm that offers executive coaching, training, and consulting services. I approach my potential clients differently. Although I briefly share the suite of my services visually. I don’t pitch my services, send proposals or commoditize my services. I take a co-creative approach when discussing whether we (the potential client & I) are a “right fit” for each other. We also co-create their desired solutions and outcomes based on our working together Read more>>

Pippa Flores

Kids are extremely creative and full of creative ideas especially when it comes to sweets. They just need that sprinkle of inspiration and a nutella jar of nudging. The heartbeat of my business brings out that creativity by making their cake ideas and creations come to life so they can be proud of showing their friends and family on their special day. Here is an example of this collaboration: Read more>>

Katie Huber

One of the things that makes TRADEway so unique is that while we are registered through FINRA as an Investment Advisory Firm (regulated by the SEC), we also hold tight to our roots–we serve and support Christian families who are working hard to build lasting legacies. Not many IA firms (if any) have this sort of background or faith-based mission. Read more>>

Merlin Bell

Poplar Institute for Film or PIFF is a 501c3 nonprofit based in St. Louis founded back in the spring of 2020. PIFF was created with the desire for a more diversified depiction of individuals in the media, as well as the artistic sectors’ ethic of creativity over profit. PIFF will urge diverse groups of people, such as Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, and other communities, to be recognized more by other groups of people through the arts of film and media, while also setting a new precedence for various forms of art. Read more>>

Taylor Kothi

I believe what makes me different from the industry standard is the sheer scale of my operation. I don’t own any large farm equipment or have any semi-permanent/permanent farming structures such as a tractor or a hoop house. All of my flowers are field grown. From the roadside, you would never know my business existed. I lovingly refer to it as my “secret garden”. Read more>>

Eric Biesenbach and Martin Hodo

Lone Star Jiu-Jitsu is a Gracie Certified Training Center®. This means many different things, but primarily it means that we adhere to the Gracie University® set of standardized curricula developed by Ryron and Rener Gracie. The eldest grandsons of Helio Gracie spent years organizing the hundreds of techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) into linear curricula that are suitable for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or self defense goals. No matter who you are, what you want to gain, or what you already know (or don’t know!), we have a program that will help you reach your goals in a fun and safe learning environment. Read more>>

Kayla Schroader

When The Pod Works first opened its doors in 2017, it was one of the few coworking spaces available in Tacoma and even the greater South Puget Sound. Even then and still today, it is the only kid-friendly coworking space in our growing city. Families are booming here and the creative spirit is strong, but it’s hard to find a balance between work and play when you don’t exactly fit into the old gender roles or molds. It can be a challenge for those families who either can’t always afford or commit to childcare or those who prefer to have their little ones close and a part of all the brainstorming and dream building when the world seems to outcast those juggling families, writing them off as a disturbance or liability. If you’re a parent of little ones, you know what we mean. Read more>>

Stephen Richmond

The major difference between FUZZ and the rest of the hair and beauty industry is that we are an on-demand, house-call service, so we come to you rather than the other way around. We had this idea when, after the lockdowns lifted, my clients more often than not wanted me to come to them for their haircuts rather than venturing out to the salon. Visiting people in their homes enables us to develop a more personal relationship with our clients, building deeper trust and a better understanding of their personalities and lifestyles. This connection helps us to deliver a more bespoke, high-quality service to our clients, whilst enabling them to relax in the comfort of their own home. While the traditional salon setting works perfectly well for some, we built FUZZ to cater to those clients who prefer the type of relationship that in-home styling delivers. Read more>>

Megan Hutch

My approach to skincare is 100% individualized to the client. When you walk into the treatment room, my focus is solely on how I can meet your needs and help you reach your own skincare goals. Our consultation process is fairly extensive, and you never have to worry about picking the wrong treatment, as each service is curated specifically for your skincare needs at the time of service. The spa and wellness industry is enormous here in Southern California, and I love adding a certain amount of my own je ne sais quoi to the mix. A little backstory may help to show you where I’m coming from. Read more>>

Ashley D’Orazio

Many people assume that a photographer is just a person who shows up at a wedding to photograph the event. I pride myself on being so much more than that. I view myself as a storyteller, and my biggest goal is to preserve my clients’ legacy through wedding portraits with a classic and timeless style. My top priority is ensuring that they have a comfortable experience and end up with authentic photos from their day. Read more>>

Jennifer Molinar

Most coaches in the fitness industry focus on short term goals with clients. For example, lose 30 lbs in 3 months. However, in my Health and Fitness coaching course, I focus on providing the tools for long term and successful healthy lifestlye. My focus is for my clients to never need to purchase another diet program again. They will have the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the mindset transformation to do this. My program focuses on healing, self love, mindset transformation, setting boundaries, maintaining routines and discipline, plus a customized health and fitness plan. You won’t find a coaching program as comprehensive as this one! Read more>>

Tracey McGhee

Travel has been a passion of mine for years! I’ve been to nearly 30 countries and counting. However, on nearly all of my trips, I always seemed to run into the same frustrations. From my necklaces tangling, to my makeup and toiletries never being as organized as I liked, I felt there had to be a better way. When I sought out to find the line of travel accessories for women that address some of these challenges, I always seemed to come up short. I not only wanted products that were functional, but I also wanted products that were stylish. What I found were either very functional products, or very stylish products – never the combination. That’s when I thought there might be a gap in the travel accessories space. Read more>>

Melanie Simard

I am often asked if I have a studio location. I do not. Instead, I travel to fun and unique venues from farmer’s markets to breweries, often pairing with local businesses and non profits to bring the innumerable benefits of yoga to the community in fun and creative ways. Read more>>

Karl Frentz

I have seen so many videographers work (especially with weddings) that don’t excite me. When I was first getting started, weddings were the first projects I would work on so I would wash other people’s work for inspiration. As I watched, I remember feeling bored and not connected to the video in any way. I then made it my goal to create wedding videos that anybody could watch and enjoy without even knowing the couple. After filming and editing a wedding video, I showed my (usually unemotional) sister and she cried. WITHOUT even knowing the couple. That is when I knew I was doing something right. Read more>>

Teja Bevill

At NailPharm®, we’ve reimagined the press-on nail experience by elevating it beyond the industry standard. Our team of skilled nail technicians and artists handcraft each set of press-on nails, ensuring top-notch quality and consistency. We understand that many people are accustomed to store-bought options, so we strive to communicate the superiority of our products. Read more>>

Melinda McKee

In my industry of corporate gifting, it’s really common for business folks to hop on Google or Amazon and order branded swag, jumbo tins of snacks, factory-packed gift sets stuffed with mass-produced items, and other quickly accessible products that often focus on quantity over quality…and often put the ego of the purchasing company’s brand at the forefront of the gifting experience, rather than considering the perspective the receiver. Read more>>

Bethany Londyn

What sets my role as an intuitive revenue strategist apart from the industry standard of maybe an executive coach or business consultant is the unique fusion of strategic insight, spiritual guidance, and a deep understanding of both individual and business dynamics. Read more>>

Nick “Chewie” Chard

The industry standard of pizza promotes average pizza and pizza certainly deserves a higher ranking in the food world. At Pizza Quest we deliver more than just pizza, we present a culinary journey of things you have never tasted or even imagined together. “Chewie’s Chow”, a collection of intentionally crafted pizzas, are meant to spark interest and then deliver a memorable experience. Any time that connection is made we have done our job. Read more>>

Jamie Nusser

We have taken an interesting road to get to Interior Design, and I think our background really makes us think in a more holistic way compared to most of the industry. We started out in the Architecture industry and gradually found our way to Interiors, so we begin every project from the building’s bones up. We focus on the backdrop for our design first, making sure the building layout, natural lighting, and flow of the spaces is perfect before starting on any materials or furniture design. Sometimes this means we spend half of our time getting that portion of the process just right, but the end result is worth it, a harmonious design in which all of the different elements are aligned from the start. Read more>>

John Hope

Leading With Hope TN is a small consulting organization that focuses on leadership. We are a husband and wife team based in Nashville but have a national reach via social media and Zoom capabilities. Read more>>

Rev. Dawn Smith

Couples of all backgrounds, race, gender, and tradition want meaningful ceremonies. But often contemporary couples don’t feel in alignment with the traditions of their parent’s generation, yet still want their close family and friends to feel welcome and connected to their special day. At Seventh Sense Weddings & Events we work with couples to emphasize their unique love story and beliefs while giving a nod to their background and traditions.. Read more>>

Dallas Embry

The Lash Lounge is a national brand that elevates “Lashing” to new heights! As a luxury brand, our stylists all go through the same training through our corporate training team regardless of background to ensure that the quality of the work lives up to our patended reputation. All Lashes are customized to each individual guests, and the work is done in such a manner that it protects the integrity of their lashes. The result is a beautiful, individualized look built just for them! Read more>>

Arlene Angard

I manage an interior design business and I am also a gallery owner, and art consultant. This combination is what differentiates me from my industry peers. My gallery and studio offer a captivating haven for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike that effortlessly combine artistic elegance with a contemporary flair. The gallery showcases an ever-changing curation of artwork from emerging talents and renowned artists. Throughout the year, I curate several art gallery events, each reflecting the essence of the artist and season. I typically try to incorporate the artists and artwork that I represent in my gallery within all of my Interior Design Projects. Read more>>

Beth Goltz

My business is unique in that I am a licensed Realtor® in Colorado and have formal education in Interior Design so my business offers both real estate and interior design services. I can help people buy & sell real estate and also help them with any interior design or remodeling services. There are not many people I have come across in the real estate industry or the interior design industry that offer both those services. Read more>>

Devyn Ramnarain

Something that I do differently, in all ventures in which I’m involved, is that I work primarily remotely. One of my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur is being able to make my own hours, which doesn’t mean that I work less (very contrary), but it means that I am able to maintain gainful employment and a pretty healthy work-life balance. It also means that I am able to pursue multiple ventures simultaneously. As an employee seated in someone else’s office, it would be nearly impossible to pull off modeling, clinical dietetics, periodic work for the Red Cross, and management of a 13-person CPA Firm. Read more>>

Joseph Allen

The main thing that I and all other mobile bike mechanics do, is serve the customer at their home or office. People have busy lives and families have more than one bike. Lugging all of those bikes to a brick and mortar store can be unrealistic. I offer the convenience of having the bike shop come to you. By showing up at your home I build a relationship with you that sometimes is hard to find at your local shop. Read more>>

Toula Adu

One of the common misconceptions about professional organizing is that it’s easy. Social media is full of “before and after” photos, but there is so much that happens in the middle of an organizing project. Actually, projects often last weeks, similar to a home renovation project. Read more>>

Noe Camacho

I have a online bakery and where I live, that’s was so new (actually I don’t know another bakery like this). All this started at the pandemic, I was unemployed because I got fire at my job in a restaurant. So I couldn’t find another job, so I went back to my parents house. Through the pandemic I had a lot of time and I love bake, so I stared to sell to friends cinnamon rolls and some conchas ( i love to make this two things) and suddenly every time there were more and more people coming to my house to find some bread. People from another zone where I live. But the was a problem, I didn’t have days were I usually bake and a placed like a tradicional bakery, I only baked orders and a few more extra. So when people came to my house (bakery) they didn’t fine me, it was a really problem. I didn’t have a lot of money to rent a placed and a lot of stuff to started to bake a lot of bread, so I got a bank loan, with the money I bought a bigger mixer, racks, and a big oven. I had a lot of help from my parents and brother, but there was I problem, people still come to fine my bakery and didn’t find me, then I realizes I wasn’t a Normal and tradicional bakery, I was a online bakery. Read more>>