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.

Amanda Gonzalez

In my small business, I believe it’s extremely important to do whatever it takes to make my customers feel heard. As a business owner, I want to make customers feel like family and not just a number. I feel that when you do business or buy from someone who treats you with respect and kindness, that’s always going to stand out and separate that business from the rest. Read more>>

Ashley Jenkins

In my industry, many professionals take a generalist approach, offering a broad range of products without truly understanding each client’s unique needs. I take a different path a specialist approach. I focus on designing customized financial solutions that align with my clients’ dreams, goals, and long-term security. Instead of promoting one-size-fits-all products, I prioritize eliminating unnecessary risks, fees, and taxes, ensuring every strategy is tailored for maximum efficiency. Read more>>

Seth Wagner

While servicing commercial and residential properties you are constantly presented with the decision to go above and beyond what the client expects out of a pressure washing service. For example cleaning a small area they did not specify, assisting with moving furniture or plants off and back, and setting expectations to ensure all their needs are met. I built this company with a few simple rules of timeliness, communication and professionalism while on the job site. Updating the client on arrival times and departure times. Showing up in a clean work uniform and work truck goes a long way for the surrounding neighbors or businesses. Read more>>

Lutricia Logan

As a business owner, I’ve been fortunate to create a space where I can bring together multiple skills and passions under one roof. While most of my days are spent working as a mental health therapist, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, I also dedicate time to my business as an Independent Tax Professional. My business, King’s Mirakles Consultants: Business and Tax Services (KMC: Business and Tax Services), has been growing for eight years now, and each year, we are grateful to expand our reach even further. Read more>>

Linda Grinvalsky

Our business uses genuine artists’ work to design our product. We feel it is important to showcase the diverse creativity and skills that come from people. Most companies have switched to using AI to design their products, and we wish to fight against this behavior. Read more>>

Chlo’e Edwards

Transformative Changes is a Black-woman-owned non-profit with a mission to defy the status quo in pursuit of justice and human liberation. Its work centers transformation of self, relationships, and community by tackling individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism. The organization specializes in intersectionality to empower community leaders across a variety of industries to foster growth and societal progress. Read more>>

Norka Vasquez

I started as a freelancer and with seeing lack of inclusivity decided to start advocating for some changes. My good friend Xavier Walker had an idea to create a collective that would support and uplifting emerging designers worldwide, with a strong focus on the Caribbean. while providing a platform for exposure, mentorship, business growth and empowering talent to thrive in the global fashion industry. I knew i had to be a part of this and join forces so then Caribbean Fashion Collective was born. Read more>>

Michael Gonzalez

One thing that we do differently than most coffee brands or any coffee shop is we use rainwater to brew the coffee. Did you know that coffee is 98% water? That means the water that you use to brew your coffee has a huge impact on how your coffee will taste. Now don’t get us wrong the coffee itself is a majorly important factor. That is why we only serve freshly roasted, sustainably sourced coffee! But let’s get back to the water. Most coffee shops filter and distill the water they use, and that is fantastic, but by the time it has been through that process, it has already been treated with several chemicals. In our opinion, rainwater is some of the best-tasting, most satisfying, life-giving water you can ever drink. We decided to pair excellent water with excellent coffee beans to give you the most excellent cup of coffee. Read more>>

Devra Polack

Working in an industry where tech is mechanical and impersonal, I really dreamed of creating an agency that prioritizes other small businesses, nonprofits and artists–and that creates tech that serves my clients’ unique needs. I’m proud to say I achieved that. Our clients do incredibly important work that I’m proud to both facilitate and amplify. Read more>>

Jay Marroquin

I’ve always believed that creativity should be within reach for everyone. That’s why MYSTUDIO HTX is more than just a studio—it’s a space designed to empower photographers and creatives by providing cost-effective solutions in a supportive environment. Read more>>

Forenzik Styles

As an Independently represented Artist in the music Industry, it can be challenging to have the same reach as I would have with different Resources. That being said, I think I benefit from having other sources of income that allow me to focus on the intention behind my writing and stay true to the directions that I want to go, sonically. Read more>>

Alison Wheeler

Idk if this really falls under this category, but I would really like to talk about how I lost my entire career after a brain injury in Feb 2017 (just had my 8 year anniversary) and had a menty b (for real). At the time of my accident I co-owned a tattoo shop with my husband, I worked as a tattoo artist, and I also had a massage therapy practice. I also had major mental health issues, PTSD, panic disorder, issues with alcoholism, and my brain injury forced me to give up everything and focus on healing. At the time the pandemic hit, I had been trying to “make it” as a fine artist, shipping paintings all over the country, and of course all of that shut down, and I found myself in my basement, fussing around, and started making little things. Read more>>

Osiris Cote

I see plenty of photographers offering brand photo sessions in my area, but every time I scroll through their socials or websites, I notice one big thing missing: strategy.
Brand photography isn’t just about posing with a laptop or a cup of coffee—sure, that can work sometimes, but my approach is more intentional. I dive deep into your brand to uncover what truly makes you unique and relatable. After all, that’s what your clients really want to see: a personal brand that feels authentic. Read more>>

Ron Miears

In short, we put people before profits and treat people how we want to be treated with a heavy emphasis on building long term relationships.

We are more than willing to help with the small things that build customer faith and loyalty even when it’s not a larger, profitable project.

It can be a very stressful process right after a storm with all the chaos of multiple companies coming out of the wood work pressing folks for decisions. We take the time to educate our customers on the whole process from start to finish so they can make an informed, comfortable decision. Insurance claims can become very confusing and it is our goal to take as much stress out of the process as possible so they feel good about their decision and awareness of all that is going on. Read more>>

Jemma Wiltshire

When someone searches for a designer online, they’re instantly met with an overwhelming number of agencies, all promising the best results. Yet, among the top few, there I am. So what sets me apart? Without doubt it’s my personal brand. Unlike traditional agencies that are a dime a dozen, I use my individuality as a strength, making it clear why working directly with a designer offers many advantages. Read more>>

Kristina Welch

I don’t shy away from writing faith the way I experience it—woven into everyday life, thrilling and mysterious, messy and full of questions. We often recognize God’s work in hindsight, and that’s how it tends to unfold in my books. Instead of faith being a neatly packaged lesson, my characters wrestle with it—prayers that feel one-sided, nudges they don’t recognize as His until later, and moments of clarity that take far longer than they’d like. Publishers seem to prefer faith-based fiction to be polished, predictable, and subdued. But I want readers to see God in the details of their own lives, and realistic storytelling is a good start. Read more>>

Simon Turner

I first discovered my writing was decidedly un-average upon the release of my first novel “Secrets of a River Swimmer.”

The word “unique” started popping up a lot in book critic and reader reviews, along with “fresh”, “different”, and the worst one: “quirky”.

I didn’t dwell too much on it since it was my first novel, but I’ve received a lot more feedback now I have have four traditionally published books in the market. The feedback has been similar for all of them. Read more>>

Michael Cocce

At MJC Agency, we take web design beyond just delivering a website—we build lasting partnerships with our clients. One of the biggest ways we stand out is our completely “hands-off” monthly website package, which takes care of everything: your Wix website design, domain, hosting, and even unlimited redesigns as long as you’re on the plan. No more worrying about outdated designs or extra costs for changes—your site evolves as your business does. Read more>>

Josephine Agrawal

The marketing industry is rife with “full-service” agencies who do everything okay, but nothing with excellence. After working for and with agencies for years, we saw clients get the short end of the stick when agencies split their time and skills, so we decided to focus our agency on one thing and do it excellently. By becoming experts at social media, we’re able to give our clients dedicated time and years of expertise on what they need to grow their business through social media. Read more>>

Hannah Mae Primus

Sustainability is often seen as a loaded word—something reserved for progressive businesses or large corporations with deep pockets. But through our work at HMK Impact, we’ve found that no matter what language people use for their causes, most business owners are united in wanting to do better for their employees, their communities, and the world around them. Our approach breaks away from industry norms by making sustainability accessible, practical, and, most importantly, doable for businesses of all sizes. Read more>>

Jessica Beeson

At Willow Tree Tutoring, we believe that education is not one-size-fits-all. Unlike traditional tutoring services that focus solely on subject mastery and test prep, we take a holistic, science-backed approach to learning by incorporating psychology and neuroscience into our programs. Read more>>

Christo Baranowski

One key way I operate differently from the industry standard is by running my LEGO business entirely on my own, without outsourcing or hiring a team. While this approach is undoubtedly demanding, I’ve mastered extreme efficiency to make it sustainable. My schedule is meticulously structured, balancing everything from financial management and market research to product development, content creation, and even personal time. I allocate dedicated blocks for sourcing inventory, scripting and filming videos, analyzing trends, and refining strategies—all while ensuring I maintain a work-life balance. This discipline was essential when I was managing my business alongside a full-time job, and it has only strengthened as I’ve transitioned fully into entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Sydney Hirsh

At Penguin Party Collective, I pride myself on doing things differently. While many companies in the wedding stationery industry rely on templated designs, I offer 100% custom creations that are as unique as the couples I work with. From invitation suites to the last detail of the day, every piece is made with intention and care, reflecting the story of the couple and their shared journey. Read more>>

Wholehearted

I personally feel I differ from artist of this era by simply staying true to who I am when it comes to my music and most importantly when it comes to my lyrics. I love a good upbeat fun/Turnt Up vibe for a song , but I also always want to deliver substance in my music. I want you to get/learn a little piece about me from every song I release. So with that being said I pride myself on being truthful and real in my lyrics and delivery to give off an authentic feel. Read more>>

Daniel Merino Villavicencio

In my industry there is somewhat of a stigma against being a multi-hyphante creative. When I was starting out I had no idea what job I’d want to focus on in the film industry. Camera, Lighting, Writing, Editing, Production Design, I loved so many aspects of these departments and I couldn’t imagine only sticking to just one. The thinking behind focusing on one field is usually that you’ll get more work in a specific job if you label yourself appropriately. Read more>>

CHRISTOPHER A WALDRON

My Book “The Illustrated History Of The Nation’s Best Dj’s” will set a new industry standard, because what I’m doing has never been done. I’m not only setting a new industry standard but I also creating my own lane in the Dj Industry. What I am creating is a series of Volumes for each state, Showcasing the some of the states top Dj’s. From all corners of our industry, from nightclubs, bars, radio, events, Pro Sports Teams, EDM, Hip Hop, and festivals, ones that have made their mark on the industry. I give each Dj 4 pages, the first two are filled with exclusive gig pics of the dj and their logos. Their next two pages I created bio pages that include all the info you would want to know. Read more>>