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.

Andrew Kap

A common (and completely understandable) business practice is to sell as many things as possible, and as much of them as you can. For me, however, the goal is a bit different. Success isn’t excluded from the equation, of course. But rather than sell countless fragments of a solution that a consumer might need to “collect” in their entirety in order get the “full picture solution” they’re wanting, I keep my offerings very limited, but simultaneously very effective as well, so that more isn’t actually needed on top of them. Read more>>

Kelly Ann Gonzales-dodd

As a faith-based dating and writing coach with a strong Christian perspective, I believe that the foundation of any successful relationship is love, laughter, and a shared connection in Christ. I like to think of myself as a bit of a rebel in the industry as I bring a unique blend of humor and Christian values to my coaching style. One way I diverge from the industry standard is by infusing my sessions with a healthy dose of humor. Laughter has a way of breaking down walls, easing tension, and bringing people together. Plus, let’s be honest, the stress of the dating world needs comic relief at times! Read more>>

Julia Bellary & Sasa Li

The goal for our podcast is to take a transparent approach to beauty, challenging superficial notions and redefining what it means to be an active participant in the ever-evolving beauty community. This isn’t a podcast about the latest product launches and skincare finds—it’s about discovering how beauty shapes and is shaped by self-awareness and societal trends. Along the way, they’ll welcome incredible guests from the worlds of finance, hospitality, social influence, and of course beauty, sharing diverse perspectives on the beauty industry. Together, they’ll unpack the latest fads, bust myths, and share insider insights, all while celebrating how skincare connects us. Let’s glow together! Read more>>

Paul Allen

I think the most significant difference our firm has versus the rest of the financial planning/investment industry is our culture. Wealth Strategies Partners culture actually has four cornerstones. However, two of them make us different. First, our firm is committed to the female investor. Our firm is a place where the female investor feels heard, empowered, and her values honored. The financial industry is so male centric from the advisors to the folks that run Wall Street to the products available to investors. Female investors have been totally underserved. Two thirds of my leadership team is female, so we obviously passionate about making this industry wrong a right. Read more>>

Mariana Thornton

As a muralist and freelance web/graphic designer, my work is deeply focused on partnering with small businesses to bring their unique visions to life. I take the time to truly understand each client’s story, values, and goals, ensuring that every design or mural I create is a genuine reflection of who they are. Unlike larger agencies that often apply a one-size-fits-all approach, I believe in fostering close relationships with my clients so that the final outcome is something that resonates with both the business owner and their customers. Read more>>

Jeffrey O’guin

One of the things that sets my business apart from the industry standard is how much we’ve evolved beyond the traditional chiropractic model. When I first started, I was like many chiropractors, primarily focused on spinal manipulation—“cracking backs,” as most people think of it. However, I quickly realized that while that approach can help some people, it doesn’t address the full spectrum of what many patients truly need. Read more>>

Travis Thompson

In film, there can be and often times is is a large % of excess on any set or production. Founding Elevation 0m and being self taught allowed me to learn through trial and error. Our first major break was a film for Nike that highlighted the first Professional Nike athlete with Cerebral Palsy (Justin Gallegos.) We had success in storytelling with various sectors outside of footwear before the Justin Piece but In terms of awareness and a defining moment for Elevation 0m this was it. Getting north of 50 million views on Sports Illustrated a having this ad played on Joe Rogan really was a catalyst to expand to where we are today. Read more>>

Brett Lechtenberg

In a groundbreaking approach to business coaching, I use innovative flow state technology and advanced AI tools to revolutionize how companies achieve peak performance. By harnessing the power of flow—the optimal mental state for focus and creativity—and combining it with cutting-edge AI solutions, these training programs empower businesses to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and outpace their competition. Participants gain a unique advantage by accessing tailored strategies that amplify productivity, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth, ensuring they stay ahead in today’s fast-evolving marketplace. Read more>>

Anna Shulgina

At Bodhi Salt, we pride ourselves on offering a unique experience that sets us apart from the industry standard in the wellness and salt therapy sector. Here’s how we diverge from the traditional mold: 1. Unlike many wellness centers that treat salt rooms as an ancillary service, Bodhi Salt integrates them as a core part of a comprehensive wellness program. Our treatments blend traditional methods with innovative technologies, such as Steam Cedar Barrels and individual wellness booths featuring light, sound, and aromatherapy. We also design spaces to be kid-friendly, allowing families to experience the benefits together—a rarity in our industry. Read more>>

Carley Wiggins

As a small business owner, especially in the beauty industry i constantly strive to set myself apart from others in order to stand out. Not only is it our mission to offer an inclusive place for everybody to feel welcomed, safe & like they belong. In an industry that is revolved around beauty, we want each person to walk in our doors feel like their most beautiful self when they leave, however that looks for them. There is no “standard” of beauty. But what really sets us apart is that we have artists of all kinds at Body Haus. In June of 2023 we welcomed our tattoo artist Maddie. I loved the idea of merging the two industries together. And we were the first beauty salon in Grand Rapids to do so. Read more>>

Alondra Fraga

Honestly what I feel separates me is my love for my craft, You can go to your local grocery store and even Walmart or target and you can find piñatas, but you can tell they were made in a rush, like when’s the last time you’ve seen your favorite character in a piñata actually look like the character. Read more>>

Dan Razumovsky

Pioneering a Greener Future in the Concrete Industry The concrete industry, while indispensable to modern construction, has long been recognized as one of the least sustainable sectors. With its significant dust emissions and environmental footprint, the industry faces increasing scrutiny and stringent regulations from entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In response to these challenges, Aslan Concrete is spearheading a transformative approach by building the first truly green concrete plant in the United States. Partnering with Sun Catch, a Colorado-based leader in solar thermal technology, Aslan Concrete aims to set new standards for sustainability and efficiency within the industry. Read more>>

Kim Agemy

**Redefining Real Estate and Empowering Others** Helping our clients buy or sell their home is a responsibility we take seriously. A home is often the largest asset and the heart of a family’s life, and we are there every step of the way to guide and advocate for our clients, ensuring they feel supported. Our mission is simple: to help people at the highest level by delivering world-class service and going above and beyond—no matter what it takes. What sets us apart is our expertise in navigating every step of buying, selling, or investing in real estate. With so many moving parts and unexpected challenges, having a knowledgeable guide is essential. We’re here to make the process as stress-free as possible, turning what can be a stressful experience into one of the most exciting chapters of your life. By anticipating challenges and offering solutions, we ensure our clients feel confident and supported from start to finish. Read more>>

Jasmine Hyde

Refilleries aim to reduce plastic production and consumption by allowing consumers to refill commonly used products in the same containers they already have rather than purchasing and disposing of new containers every time. We also choose to carry products that have minimal to no packaging that is easily recyclable/compostable when necessary. We try to put the power and choice back in our customers’ hands with the information of what quality products they are getting, why it’s more sustainable, freedom to the amount they want or need at a time as refills are priced by the ounce, and in almost any container of their own choosing. This is a small but measurable way that we can feel making a positive impact on our environment starting with our home environments. Read more>>

Melanie Levin

Over the past decade, I’ve focused on introducing the wedding industry, and in recent years have expanded that focus to covering the travel industry. My goal has been to bridge the gap between these two complementary fields—both rooted in hospitality and creativity—that often operate separately despite their natural synergy. As I expanded my wedding planning business, I partnered with Plaza Travel, now FROSCH, a luxury travel agency, to assist my clients with room blocks and honeymoons. As the travel arm of my company grew, I connected with more hotel reps eager to collaborate directly with wedding planners. Over the past year, I’ve worked to connect my hotel partners with my wedding planner network, fostering collaboration to better serve both industries. This past year, I’ve been lucky enough to be nominated as a Rising Star by Travel + Leisure and ILTM. As a result, I’ve traveled the world to conferences meeting new reps who want to learn more about the luxury wedding market and have already collaborated with me in terms of FAM trips, styled shoots, venue proposals and more! Read more>>

Miriam Altman-reyes

Brass Ring Ventures is not your typical venture fund. We are a team of operators who have worked within companies through six collective exits in the industries in which we invest. Leveraging our experiences, we take a hands-on approach, providing direct support to our portfolio companies. Through our “Advise, Educate, Execute” framework, we serve as founder-to-founder advisors to the CEO and as fractional executives on the leadership team, getting in the trenches to help companies get to the next stage of growth. Read more>>

Amanda Griffo

Yes. I offer an affordable option for people looking to update their space. Whether that be home, office, or commercial properties. Read more>>

Sarah Mcentire

The rich history of American ranching was a significant inspiration behind creating this brand. I felt a deep calling to establish something that not only celebrates this heritage but also upholds a commitment to being 100% American-made. While attending equestrian events, I noticed a troubling trend: many U.S.-based brands were outsourcing their production overseas. This seemed at odds with the values of the hardworking farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to feeding America. Read more>>

James Vincini

The unique thing about being a business owner, is that you get to design the way you work and who you work with. For me, the element of my business that I love, is finding beautiful emerging brands and connecting them with the best hotels, bars & restaurants in any given city. There are other people that do similar things to me, but where I believe my business and my team do things differently is that we care deeply about Food & Beverage and the people that make it tick. As with any industry, things can go wrong and where I believe my company comes into it’s element, is being there when shit hits the fan – this could be an undelivered case of beer for an event happening that night or someone losing their job and needing a sounding board on where to go next – whatever the issue, my team and I, are there to go above and beyond to help. When you operate like that, people don’t just see you as another sales team, but as an extension to their business – it goes a long way! Read more>>