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.

Andrea Gutillo

Yes! Enchanted Treasures Trading Co. is a one-of-a-kind metaphysical resale shop specializing in gently used and pre-loved treasures, including unique vintage and antique items, metaphysical tools, books, crystals, and more. Unlike traditional metaphysical shops, we give these items new life and purpose. We also offer a special program where customers can trade in their items for cash or store credit. Every piece is carefully cleansed—both physically and energetically—before being placed on our shelves, ensuring that each item carries only positive, refreshed energy for its next owner. To the best of my knowledge, there are no other resale metaphysical stores like ours. I chose resale because I believe in sustainability and the beauty of giving items a second life, while making spiritual tools more accessible and affordable. Read more>>

David Mcdougall

Yes- I like to say, “ I painted myself into this corner..” My work is very uncharacteristic for Northern Wyoming and sells like it. If you want a Canvas Rebel I fit the bill, but I have stuck to my vision and haven’t buckled to doing paintings that I know I could sell. Read more>>

Christina Alessi

Many years before I founded Sfera Agency, I worked in the luxury hospitality space. What I loved about 5-star hotels was their attention to detail and white glove service from arrival to departure. We created experiences for guests to last a lifetime. Fast forward to working in leadership training and development, I was determined to bring white glove service to the corporate world. From an initial discovery call with a potential client, to months after their event, I’m committed to bringing this 5-star luxury feel to the entire process. We partner with our clients to ensure they have the perfect speaker for their event. Read more>>

Cenk Sanal

What sets us apart from the industry standard is our commitment to prioritizing the well-being and happiness of our riders. While many businesses focus primarily on bottom-line metrics, we take a people-first approach. We always aim to be on time, reliable, and trustworthy, but what truly makes us different is the way we build relationships with our riders. Read more>>

Santosh Mande

At SanArt, our approach to art diverges from the conventional industry norms by blending creativity with precision to craft intricate carvings on pencil graphite lead. Unlike traditional forms of art that rely on expansive mediums, we focus on the smallest canvas possible—pencil lead—transforming it into extraordinary, detailed sculptures that captivate the imagination. Read more>>

Cari Kaufman

One of the biggest ways we break from industry norms at Storyteller Wordsmith is by doing content and branding differently—strategically, holistically, and as a powerhouse team. My business partner and I have this Wonder Twin-like ability to create copy and design side by side. That’s a game-changer. Where most agencies hand off the writing and design in separate silos, we’re sitting in the same room (sometimes literally), hashing out ideas and making sure every word and visual element clicks together perfectly. By tackling strategy, design, and copy in tandem, we ensure every piece speaks the same language—both to the audience and to the brand’s vision. The outcome is a cohesive, unified brand voice across all marketing channels. Read more>>

Dev Anglin

Of course! One of the ways I diverge from the industry standard in visual production is by focusing on building genuine connections with my clients. Rather than treating a photoshoot or production as a transactional exchange, I take the time to understand their story, personality, and vision. This principle approach allows me to capture more than just an image—it enables me to create photos & videos that reflect their authentic selves and evoke emotion. Read more>>

Kelly Wiechert

At 18 Spa it is Your Journey, Expertly Guided.

18 Spa evolved during covid, after working countless hours as a Registered Nurse in Leadership in the Intensive Care Unit at UC Health. I had become a nurse I no longer wanted to be; lacking compassion, energy, and emotion and was feeling very numb as a person. This was not the kind of nurse I was, nor wanted to be. With my background in critical care the vision of 18 Spa was to create a space that collaborates safety, education, and innovation with natural beauty, graceful aging, and wellness. Creating your journey, expertly guided. I wanted to offer a personalized experience that focused on enhancing each client’s goals in a way that was authentic and subtle, while allowing client’s to feel relaxed, refined, renewed and rejuvenated. Read more>>

Mary Ellen Baker

Something as simple as responding within 24 hours has set us apart from the norm. The vast majority of our initial inquiries thank us for getting back to them so quickly and express genuine surprise that our responses are personalized instead of being a programmed reply. Our goal is to respond in a manner that shows our clients that we value them, and we value their time. Additionally, we do not set perimeters on how often our clients can reach out to us. We offer unlimited calls, texts, and emails which allows us to create a deeper connection with our brides, grooms, and their families. Read more>>

Joey Feyerabend

Most if not all construction companies take on multiple projects at the same time. Resulting in each homeowners receiving a variety of customer experiences during their renovations. The construction company can charge less up front, but the project almost always results in frustration, a higher amount of mistakes, and a delayed deadline because the workers and management are stretched thin. For this reason, we strictly adhere to one project at a time and only use “owner operator” sub-contractors. This is unique to the industry because we choose to forgo more money in leu of a smoother project. We charge more than the large multi-project companies, but only make that money if the project goes smoothly. Read more>>

Brett Scott

I founded this company as a physical therapist with a background in personal training and being a strength coach. During my PT clinical rotations, I realized how limiting the traditional insurance based model really was and that I could help someone more as a coach simply because I had more 1-1 time with them. Read more>>