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.

Ray Hsu

In my work across branding, marketing, and creative strategy, I take a more personal approach to connect with customers. Many companies rely heavily on data and trends, but I believe that storytelling and emotional connection are just as important in building brand trust and engaging new customers. Read more>>

Courtney Miller

One of the things that sets my travel business apart from the industry standard is the relationships I build with my clients. Before I ever became a travel advisor, I had both good and bad experiences working with other agents. Some never followed up, leaving me to chase them down with questions or concerns. Others were efficient in booking my trip, but the process felt purely transactional—there was no excitement, no real investment in my experience. I had saved my hard-earned money for these trips, put in the time and effort to plan, and yet, I never felt like anyone truly cared about making my vacation special. Read more>>

Michael Solomon

When we transitioned into the technology industry, all of the parties that sat between employers and tech talent were aligned with the employers. Much like happened in sports and entertainment decades ago, we saw that the supply, demand and power imbalance was ripe for disruption. Top talent in technology provides tremendous value to those who harness it. We want to return some of that value to its creators. Read more>>

Samantha O’leary

In a field that often feels overly formal, exclusive, and male driven- My Cabinet Girl takes a refreshingly casual and approachable path. Design services should be obtainable for everyone—not just for those with massive budgets or industry connections. That’s why I work with clients in a way that feels natural, stress-free, and fun, making sure they feel comfortable throughout the process. Read more>>

Ellalise Cheri

There are a few things that I can contribute to the modeling world that differ from the average model. One is my passion and experience in health sciences which I am actually obtaining my degree in. A few years back while dancing at a professional level I fell really ill and almost died. No doctor could help me. I started researching information about the female body and how it works. I completely healed my body through a healthy and specific diet. I feel many women in the modeling industry don’t obtain the physique required through healthy habits. I would like to be a role model and advocate to help change that. Read more>>

Jacob Matthew

For the first century of the film industry, revenue was built on a singular transaction model—whether it was a movie ticket, a DVD purchase, or merchandising. Each film had the potential for exponential profitability, as a single hit could generate revenue far beyond its initial cost through multiple sales channels. This system created financial upside not just for studios but also for filmmakers who shared in backend profits. However, the rise of streaming disrupted this model entirely, shifting the industry towards a subscription-based structure where consumers pay for access to a vast library rather than individual films. Read more>>

Lily + Cassidy Noordyk + Coleman

One of the things we love most about being designers is the ability to challenge industry norms—especially in the short-term rental (STR) space. Too often, we see STRs filled with fast furniture, trendy neon signs, and a “get rich quick” mindset that prioritizes cheap aesthetics over lasting impact. But we believe STRs can and should follow the same luxury standards as boutique hotels and thoughtfully designed homes. Read more>>

Clarisse Meyer

I’ve always found it strange how the wedding photography world splits into these two rigid camps: the pure photojournalists who never interfere and the high-end editorial ones who control every ounce of light and finger placement. That has just never appealed to me! Read more>>

Riki Shafigi

I try to make interior design affordable for everyone. You don’t need to be a millionaire or have a mansion for your home to look put together and magazine ready. I differ for other interior designers, in that I will take a small bathroom remodel project, and also design a 7000 sq ft new construction. I don’t limit myself to just one style or certain types of projects. A newly married couple, who just bought their first fixer, deserve the same attention as a developer. And to make this possible, I pass on all designer discounts to my clients, I negotiate pricing for materials on their behalf and I don’t work only with certain vendors because they pay a commission. I’ll source the products wherever is necessary for the budget to be met. That’s not typical in this industry. Read more>>

Hank Nelken

Half Price Laundromat sets itself apart from the industry standard by prioritizing customer experience, community outreach, and exceeding expectations in every aspect of its service. Unlike traditional laundromats that focus solely on providing machines, we go the extra mile to create a safe, clean, fun and entertaining environment for our customers. Read more>>

Audrey Rose

Most business coaches and strategists focus solely on external tactics—funnels, marketing trends, and sales strategies—without addressing the deeper, more critical element: alignment. That’s where I do things differently. Instead of forcing entrepreneurs into rigid, one-size-fits-all business models, I guide them to realign with their soul’s mission first, ensuring their strategy is an extension of their essence rather than a struggle against it. Read more>>

Tess Welch

Unlike large corporations with dedicated marketing teams, many small business owners don’t have the time or knowledge to navigate online visibility, branding, or SEO effectively. That’s where Lunar Rising comes in.

What sets me apart from the industry standard is my customized, hands-on approach to branding, web design, and SEO/Google Business management. Instead of offering cookie-cutter solutions, I take the time to truly understand each business—its values, challenges, and goals—and develop strategies that align with their specific needs. Every client receives transparent monthly reports to track progress and ensure their investment is generating real, measurable results. Read more>>

Aaron Duckworth

After working in corporate Consumer Goods Companies I learned there was a whole world of technologies out there, and that most places don’t adopt new technologies as they would have to make changes to their internal processes to do so…..In my book, this was a great opportunity for me to jump in to the muddy waters and get my feet wet- literally. Read more>>

Lina Shuliar

My background in architectural design sets me apart from the average tattoo artist. In architecture, every project must be meticulously planned, placed correctly, and designed to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Whether it’s a park, an apartment complex, or an office building, it’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about crafting a landmark that will stand the test of time, something people will see and interact with for years. Through that, I learned the importance of precision, client satisfaction, and the weight of responsibility that comes with creating something permanent. Read more>>

Liz Childs Kelly

As a women’s empowerment coach, I am on a mission to help women reclaim a sense of their own sovereignty and power. One of the most common limitations I see in this field is a discussion of of women’s agency and power without fully taking into consideration the larger cultural landscape we all reside in. Read more>>

Janelle Linares

I believe one of the key ways I set myself apart from the industry standard is through my approach to editing. Rather than sticking to a single, consistent editing style, I adapt my techniques to match the unique vibe and colors of each session. Whether it’s a moody, atmospheric shoot or a bright, energetic one, I take great care in tailoring the editing to amplify the mood and feeling of the moment. This personalized approach allows each set of images to feel fresh and distinctive, and I feel it enhances the overall experience for my clients, giving them a truly customized outcome that resonates with their vision. Read more>>

Natalie Wolfe

As a realtor, I’d say my husband and I do things a bit differently, and that’s what I love about our business. We’re a husband-wife team, so you get both of us working for you, which feels like a bonus most agents can’t offer. Plus, we’re part of a 30-person team, so if I’m unavailable or out of town, someone’s always ready to step in and get my clients into a showing right away. No waiting around, no missed opportunities. Read more>>

Lisa Stroud (westhafer)

At True Beauty Lashes, we set out to do something different—not just in the products we create, but in the message we share. The beauty industry has made great strides in inclusivity, but much of its focus still remains on how we look rather than who we are. From the start, I knew I wanted True Beauty Lashes to stand for something more than aesthetics—to celebrate the kind of beauty that’s reflected in personal character and how we show up in the world. Read more>>

Duncan Ferguson

Along with my audio digital mastering service I also am cutting lacquer master disc for vinyl records on an entirely new machine and platform that bring disc cutting for vinyl record production technology out of the late 70s and early 80s into today’s modern digital environment. Most businesses/mastering houses who are cutting lacquer master discs are using older machines from the early 1980s or earlier and no real advancements and investments in the technology have come along until a few year ago with the development of this new platform. I was able to be an early adopter and beta tester for the Sillitoe SDMS system and Space Time Automation Software. Read more>>

Natalie Hermosillo

One of the things that our brand focuses on is how we serve our guests and setting ourselves apart from other restaurant corporations. In an industry where cost is consistently increasing for the consumer we strive to deliver an experience that ensures our guests have premium quality food with premium service at moderate pricing. I believe that you can go anywhere and get good food but to get good food and great service is rare these days. Read more>>

DTrae Carter

At Tulip City Creative, we break away from the traditional agency model by fusing high-art creativity with precision-targeted marketing—an approach that many in our industry treat as separate disciplines. Most agencies either focus on data-driven digital advertising or prioritize creative aesthetics. We believe that art and strategy should work hand-in-hand, and we’ve built our entire business around that philosophy. Read more>>

Ava Shire

Any stylist who has been in the industry for a period of time can understand and value evolution change and reformation while spending your energy time and life working. Whether it’s the physical landscape of the salon, what it offers, who owns it, who works there, among many other possible things that can be malleable for ever changing ways; these are all qualities a hairstylist looks for in a salon working environment. 24 years in the industry working all over LA, experienced many ways of owning running being and variance in salon style and environment. Read more>>

Shelby Anderson

As both an esthetician and a phlebotomist, my approach goes beyond surface-level treatments. I prioritize education—not just for myself but for my clients—so they understand their skin and the science behind its health. In an industry driven by trends, I focus on personalized, results-driven care, recognizing that every skin type is unique and requires a tailored approach. Read more>>

Nina Froriep

We’re not the only ones who subscribe to this, and there is a fast-growing trend.

We do not engage in online ad-buying, or ‘scarcity’ marketing tactics, or so-called “bro marketing.”

Our entire funnel is built on organic inbound marketing and referrals. We tell great stories and create engaging, fun, and educational content that attracts aligned clients into our ecosystem. And, we teach, coach, and support our clients to do the same. Read more>>

Becky Thalmann

One trend I see is that there are disparate options that often just don’t work.

If leaders want solutions, the cultural norm is to ask for advice or follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
If they want growth, they turn to learning and training programs.
If they want coaching, they get situational support—helping them act, but not necessarily rethink how they operate. Read more>>