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.

Brea Oakes.

My Boudoir Studio focuses on Self Love. I empower women to start their own self Love journey. This is so much more than just coming in to get photos taken. This is an experience that will connect women back to their true selves and their true beauty by feeling good in their skin. It allows for self-expression and connecting with that feminine energy! Read more>>

Josh Ambrose

GROUND GAME: We reach the rule of 7 touchpoints faster than the rest in our industry. The Rule of 7 is a marketing theory wherein it takes an average of 7 touchpoints with a customer before they commit to a sale. Everyone now of days does some sort of online marketing, such as Google Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, Direct Mailers, Email Targeting, etc. Read more>>

Ariana Rodriguez.

I build tech and operations solutions for agencies. Most people in my industry focus on selling and building one, maybe two tech applications. I am, what I like to call, tech agnostic. I don’t believe in specializing or focusing on just one app or two apps. I truly believe in the necessity to have freedom when selecting applications and tech for clients. Read more>>

Victoria Valentinas

VLV Designs, is a full-service interior design and custom art company, specializing in specialty room design packages, custom bedding and window treatments, faux finish paint treatments, and custom art, whether it be on canvas or on walls. Above all, Victoria is passionate about providing her clients with the best quality and service. To do so, she prides herself on partnering with other local small businesses in North Carolina and recommending products that are of the best value, made in the USA. Read more>>

Chastidyi Parrott

This is something that has changed somewhat during the last two years, but industry standard for venues and photography is to have 1-3 big weddings per week typically Friday-Sunday. Prior to starting the chapel business, I was doing the same thing with my photography. While it was a great experience, my favorite parts of the wedding day were the details, ceremony, and couple photos. So… we set up a different business model when we started up. Read more>>

Abbey Oslin

Coming from a large marketing agency, we’ve worked with some big name brands and budgets. We know what it takes to build a successful marketing campaign. But where this industry falls apart is when it comes to supporting small businesses and especially entrepreneurs. So many small business owners feel like they have to wait to “do marketing” until they have a budget, secure a grant or are “bigger” and more well-known. Read more>>

Megan Wolf

From the very beginning of my photography journey, I have set out to be a little different than the industry standard in every way. Most prominently, I operate my photography business to honor Christ. I do not intentionally limit my clientele nor enforce a religious viewpoint, but I do bravely show my own journey of faith and experiences on my social media platforms and in my work in order to connect with others around me and put God first. Read more>>

Jordyn Waits

I have always believed that as a Photography Business Owner I’m not only selling photos, but I am selling an experience. From the moment I receive an inquiry, to the moment my clients open their final photos, I want them to have memories and an amazing journey to look back on and remember every time they see their photos. Photography to me is about preserving a moment in time that is otherwise lost forever. Read more>>

Abby Alley

My priority is ensuring people are treated fairly and providing customers with high quality products over profit and growth. Read more>>

Lauren Howard

We don’t accept outside capital. We bootstrap everything. We invest when we can, and we make it work when we can’t. Read more>>

Rohani Foulkes

We are a non traditionally tipped hospitality establishment and have been since 2018. Read more>>

Hannah Carver.

Web development is an ever changing environment and today there are a slew of web builders to choose from. WordPress obviously is incredibly popular, but it’s super cumbersome. Because of code based web builders like this most web developers charge a monthly premium to manage a website once it is built. I don’t think that’s always necessary. Read more>>

Debbye Roman

Our personal trainers do not work based on commission, they are not independent contractors. This allow a less competitive and greedy environment. All clients are everybody’s clients. Our clients can come in to train at any time with one of our trainers, they don’t train just with one, this gives them a lot of flexibility to book their sessions. The community is inclusive, and non-intimidating. Read more>>

Mona Milani

I find that what sets me apart as a Private Chef in San Antonio has a lot to do with how I approach menu planning. Whether I’m planning a weekly menu or private event, I offer a bespoke experience. It’s like the difference between buying a suit or having one custom made. This allows me to serve a niche clientele. Read more>>

Jordan Reifschneider.

At the start of my photography business, I was scrolling through tik tok; and came across the Tilly Project. Photographers take photos of pets that are ill or at the end of their life. If anyone knows me, they know that I love all animals and would do anything for them. When I came across this I decided I could help with this project. Photographers sign up on the website so that people can contact them when they are in need of end of life photography for their pets. Read more>>

Rahnda Loussia

Sola has blazed the trail for the independent stylist movement, offering new levels of creative freedom to those who are inspired to make the transition. We aim to make their transition to independence as smooth as possible. You are independent and unique at Sola, but you are not alone. Read more>>

Suzette Victoria Priester

I work on two very different ends of the entertainment industry. Being a model/actress dabbling in film, most wouldn’t guess I’m a wrestling nerd. I go from full glam in heels to coordinating fights with larger than life athletes. Either way, I get to tell stories. Pro wrestling is a male dominated sport. If we’re being specific, I’d say 90% (just my guess) of those in a leadership position are older white males. Read more>>

Torie Wiley

As the CEO of Wiley Corporation I created my own brand called 18 Wheels to shine light on the logistics/Trucking industry . I wanted to tell my story of 23 years in the industry which pushed me to create the 18 Wheels podcast. Our podcast is the raw and uncut truth about the industry. We discuss all topics such as relationship, trucking and logistics issues and we also bring in guest speakers to help promote and shine the light on their business. Read more>>

Tina Casto.

What we do differently than the industry standard is that we don’t try to upsell agents on products that won’t produce an effective ROI for the home they are selling. A common request we get from agents is about doing videos for their listings. Videography is a more labor-intensive and therefore, more expensive, tool to promote new real estate listings. While the statement “video is king” is still true… Read more>>

Veronica Ashley-Reid

We are Atlanta’s tastiest Mobile Wellness Shop serving you the best tasting Guilt-free Vegan & Vegetarian Treats, Suppliments, & Drinks to make sustaining healthier wellness practices easier & more enjoyable! Every one of our offerings are infused with superfoods and/or herbs. Read more>>

Terrance Casteal

In the industry of beverages its usually standard to make a product efficiently at the lowest cost meaning the low-quality item is sold to you at higher price. Here at Wicked Lemon our goal is to get a high-quality product in everyone’s hands. The way that we accomplish this goal by using fresh lemons, nothing about our lemonade is powdered, we take our time straining pulp for maximum flavoring. As our knowledge in herbs grow, we bring to you many ways to enjoy lemonade smashing the summertime only barriers for a delicious drink. Read more>>

Matt Buonantuono.

While the piercing industry has come a long way in the last decade or so, there is still a very large percentage of the population that hasn’t caught up with what should be and needs to be the industry standard. This includes but is not limited to implant grade, ASTM Certified (not just compliant) metals, proper sterilization techniques, and proper piercing room etiquette concerning cross contamination and other medical level criteria.  Read more>>

Arkatech Beatz

What we do differently from the industry is we truly seek to not only develop talent for longevity. We also seek to educate new artists, producers, and songwriters about the music industry. We’ve seen a lot of artist come and go, and the biggest issue is the knowledge gap between what people think the music industry versus what really happens. Read more>>

Laura Ross

From the beginning, sustainability and care for the world we all live in has been fundamental to our operations at Cleveland Vegan. First and foremost a vegan diet is a more environmentally kind way of eating. Eating a plant-based vegan diet reduces the deforestation, soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production, helping to slow climate change. Read more>>

Akivia Blue.

I’ve been a hairstylist for 13 years now. I’ve had my shares of being a braider, to a lace specialist, and now I’m currently still a lace specialist and I do natural hair and other services as well. I would say one of the main thing clients would appreciate from hairstylist is for their real hair to be taken care of when getting any service. I’m in the metro Atlanta area, and I include shampoo and blow dry in every service I do, free of charge. Read more>>

Wanda Malhotra

Our primary goal at Crunchy Mama Box is to save time and money for families who are looking for products made with clean and healthy ingredients that also use environmentally friendly packaging. We do more than just read labels for our customers, we conduct ongoing research to ensure we carry only safe and sustainable items. We do the work for customers by learning about companies that wish to list on our marketplace, understanding their processes, evaluating how they give back to the planet and the community and ultimately deciding whether they meet the Crunchy Mama Box standard of excellence. Read more>>

Martha Ocasio

I think it’s really important to find out your client’s organizational style. As a virtual assistant, I do more than simply help clients stay organized on my end, I try to help them figure out and implement systems that work for them. For example, I work with a client who easily becomes overwhelmed by details, which is something I enjoy doing. Whether I’m working with her in her home to organize a room or managing her inbox, I try to provide a roadmap for her into unfamiliar territory. Read more>>

Maurice VandenBergh II

In the framing industry, most frame shops have a storefront location. I decided to run my frame shop out of my home, which worked out well considering I opened a year before the pandemic. I’m still able to offer all the same services and amenities as any other frame shop, The first floor is dedicated to a showroom full of samples, woodshop, and a finishing room. Read more>>

Jaime Rosegren

We stock US made yarns, fibers, and supplies. We work with local fiber farms to source within our own area as much as possible. We also support local makers and creators by stocking locally made, when possible, and hiring local teachers. We support Black, Brown, Indigenous, Marginalized people (BBIMP) whenever possible and routinely feature Makers of Color and donate to local orgs that support social justice causes. Read more>>

Katelyn Guild

Boudoir is an industry that is notorious for copious amounts of photoshop, body altering and editing. There is a pressure to change clients into the “ideal body type” in order to get the sale or be considered a heavy hitter in the world of boudoir…and I truly don’t follow that standard. Since I began boudoir, I have had a really strong policy on not body altering and still stick to that today. It is my responsibility to show my clients how stunning they are….just the way they are. Not some fantasy land version of themselves. Read more>>

Anna Garrison.

I am a photographer. I am also a storyteller. Behind every photo is a story. And when I photograph a house, I am not only capturing the space, I’m telling its story. Sometimes they are factual, and other times they are ones I create. Read more>>

Lindsey Collins

I work without a staff and as a personalized planner. I only take 10 weddings a year to ensure the quality of my services doesn’t suffer, and I’m particular about who I work with. I look at clients like potential friendships related to one common goal and trust is just as important to me as income. Read more>>

Angela Chan.

Hackathons International prides itself in revolutionizing the recruiting industry. Through exciting Hackathon experiences, we enable tech companies to locate and specifically select top talent from all over the globe. Traditional recruiting agencies rely heavily on receiving resumes from applicants. Often, it is hard to validate the skill sets and strengths of everyone in their database. Are the people who apply for jobs even real? Read more>>

Amy Mortera

Amy Bayless Brand is made possible by the gifted hands of each local weaver and tailor on our team. The products go through many hands to complete. This takes so much thought and care. It’s what makes each piece so special. The time spent. The slowest and most meticulous attention to every detail. Creating limited collections and custom garments is our thing. Read more>>

Ashley Palacios

Luna Luxe Nail Loft was specifically designed to bring a modern and fresh approach to the nail industry. Ashley Palacios worked for years in the typical “walk-in” style salons/spas with common nail products enduring constant exposure to harmful fumes and dust; not to mention settling for mediocre sanitation practices and standards within the nail industry. Read more>>