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.

Shannon Tarrant

I believe that couples planning their wedding should have both access to know ALL of the options for wedding venues and the ability to sort through that list to find the event space that meets their criteria. In my industry, Read more>>

Kevin Ann Jordan

As a personal stylist, there are no specific industry standards, which is both awesome and challenging. With the rise of personal styling companies, like Stitch Fix, Trunk Club and Wishi, there is a more trend-focused, fashion-forward norm of personal styling – it is expected that your personal stylist helps you buy new clothes more than wearing the clothes you already own. Read more>>

Jack Brangan

An “American Christmas Flag” is 100% unique, and no such Christmas decoration of its type has ever existed. There is, of course, the American flag, there are college flags, and there are patriotic Christmas decorations. But there was never an American Christmas Flag per se. Our small company has the only copyrighted and trademarked “American Christmas Flag” in all of America. Read more>>

Chelsea Ellis-Hogan

We are a minority, locally and woman owned asphalt and concrete maintenance business located in Louisville, KY. We are a third generation family owned business with over 30 years of experience in the industry. We are different due to the fact that we help other minorities get into the construction industry and learn trade skills, financial literacy and leadership skills. Read more>>

Samantha Burmeister

There are so many good copywriters out there with myriad backgrounds, but I come from sales. I believe that all copy is sales copy, but it should never feel ‘salesy’. Instead, great copy that converts educates people – it tells them why you’re different, how you can solve their problems, and what moving forward with you will do for them in the long run! Read more>>

Cody Bennett

Friendly Mechanic is based around the idea of changing the industry standard. When you’re talking about auto repair or mechanic work, most people have a general idea of what they expect. Some people may have higher standards than others when they think of the average auto repair facility, or especially when it comes to getting service at the dealership. Read more>>

Keila Hill-Trawick

Historically the standard for tax and accounting firms is to take on as many clients as possible with a focus on completing tasks. Clients submit their documents and firms process that information to complete specific tasks (i.e. tax filing, bookkeeping). As a result, the experience for clients feels very transactional. Read more>>

Lexie Gomis

I’m one of the few black content creators based in Chicago, and one of the only creators whose content focuses on both the creative and corporate lifestyle. My content highlights the city lifestyle from my unique POV: a woman in strategy consulting (a white, male dominated field) who is also heavily involved/interested in the creative scene (music, art, etc.). Although a vast majority of creators try to make content that fits one category, I try to emphasize that life is multifaceted and all about balance. Read more>>

Melissa Bauknight

What I do differently than the industry standard is I take a whole-woman approach to business coaching. I like to say I combine soul + science + strategy! What’s happening in our personal lives is not separate from our businesses, yet we are conditioned to believe we “should” keep ourselves segmented. Most business coaches focus solely on the strategy of a business which obviously is important. I think it leaves out the most critical part of the business – the soul of the owner or employee. Read more>>

Chauncey A. McQueen

I live life by my own rules. As a young kid growing up I was always told I had to act a certain way, look a certain way, in order to be successful and reach my dreams, and to some extent that is correct. But how you want to do things isn’t disrespectful and harmful to other then do what you want to do. Read more>>

Ruhi Rastogi

Gym / a place or club where you can go to exercise using machines, weights, and other equipment. Read more>>

Erikka Franklin

I was just twelve when I started Fannysofab. Being a young entrepreneur definitely comes with adversities to face but throughout my experience, I’ve been taught eminence time management skills while building lifelong skills and relationships. Read more>>

Alex Pastorkovich Loftin Dortch

Üni is the first antimicrobial, fluid resistant shoe designed to look good on AND off the clock. Current healthcare shoes on the market are designed by individuals who have never experienced a day in the life of a healthcare professional. We are both nurses who have worked in the industry for many years and have identified a real need in the footwear market. Read more>>

Rudy Dillon

Most small landscaping companies have relationships with clients. Designing and maintaining gardens with their people in mind is a part of all good garden building. Read more>>

Lindsay Ann Stockhecke

The industry we service is one and is many, which both lends itself to an unconventional approach as well as challenges lots of established norms. When I left my 9-5 gig in 2017 to pursue Deliciously Ordinary full time it was a mere glimmer of what it is today. It was a nudge, and a leap, and a free fall into a something I knew I was meant to fulfill. Read more>>

Nicole Segretto

The problem my company solves for the consumer: Read more>>

Sadie Brown

When approaching client work, I strive to create an experience for my customers that is unlike anywhere else. By taking time to gather details and and listen to their overall visions for their wedding stationery, I am able to create a completely custom invitation suite that is as unique as their authentic love story. Read more>>

Anna Livermore

At my company V.Mora we stand strong in supporting designers and unveiling the “industry secrets” so many people stay tight lipped about. We work hard to make launching a clothing line easy and fun! I have been launching designers for 15 years, every possible roadblock, fear or potential issue that might hold a designer back, I am prepared for, have a checklist, template or a resource to help through. Read more>>

Elaine Kinney

I love this question because, honestly, nothing I do follows the industry standard. This is what makes my business, White Pine Bath & Brew, so unique and successful. As the owner/founder of a growing craft beer soap business, I realized early-on that the things being done by other soap manufacturers or handmade makers wouldn’t work for me. Read more>>

David Stern

Dating back to when I opened my solo practice, I’ve believed in working remotely. In late 2015, I lacked the capital to lease office space – but it also didn’t make a lot of sense to me to have to do that. New Yorkers lead busy lives and it’s a time and energy drain to travel to meetings. Read more>>

Heather Phillips

The world of art materials and programs can be overwhelming to both a novice and a seasoned professional. Most art supply stores that you walk into offer such a range of options it’s hard to know what is right for you and what sets them all apart. Our approach to customer service is firmly planted with a focus on artist care. Read more>>

Deni Jo Baker

I formed my business off of what I would want, a passionate photographer that understood the importance of memories no matter the budget. Whether it was $200 or $2,000, my memories mattered. This mentality has created several unique aspects to the way we operate. The most commented upon being how we cover weddings and the relaxed nature of our session. Read more>>

Tyreka ArDesha

I Would Not Exactly Say That I Have A “Business”. However, I Would Say That; What I Do Is Help Those Find A Job Rather Is Work From Home Or Locally In Their City And State. The Name Of My Page And Group, Is Just That!! Read more>>