Doing things differently often leads to outsized results and so we connected with some of the most inspiring leaders and trailblazers we know and asked them to go into detail about what they do differently relative to others in their industry.

Rachel Lee

In the branding industry, people often use brand archetypes to help their clients nail down their vibe / style. While archetypes are an effective tool to quickly nail down a certain “type” of brand, I often find that these archetypes just don’t really cut it when it comes to creating an effective personal brand — since every human being is so vastly different! One thing I love to do when I work with my clients is to help them find the DUALITY in their brand. This means that I help my clients define the two main sides of their brand that are seemingly opposite / contradict each other, but actually form a harmonious blend that results in a completely unique brand experience. Read more>>

Cristal Veronica Wallin

Something that sets me apart in the wedding photography industry, is that I openly share my core values on my website. These beliefs are central to who I am, both as a photographer and as a human being. They include: Black Lives Matter. Love is Love is Love. No Human is Illegal. Stop AAPI Hate. Gender is a Construct. Everyone is Deserving of Love and Belonging.  These principles extend far beyond photography—they guide how I live my life. I believe it’s important to be transparent about what I stand for because I want to work with clients who not only appreciate my art but also connect with me on a personal level. By sharing my beliefs openly, I’m able to attract like-minded individuals, fostering relationships built on shared values. Similarly, if someone doesn’t resonate with these values, they’ll know that we’re not the right fit for each other, and that’s completely okay. I don’t aim to appeal to everyone, nor should I. Read more>>

Diamond Longs

I’m an independent artist, which means I have to rely on myself for the majority of my work. I don’t have a team to help with create content, book gigs, schedule interviews, and the like. As a singer/songwriter, I’ve also adapted to write and fully produce my own music. I write, sing, make the beat, mix, and master the entire production. My goal is to continue to make music I love and go on tour next year as an opening act for another artist! Read more>>

Michelle Johnson

As a small photography business, it is extremely important to stand out and get noticed. I credit my successful 29 year career in photography by having high standards, personalized and attentive service. I go into each photoshoot with a creative and new perspective. I am well known for my positive energy, loving and easy going personality. I have honed my craft and my skill of photography through years of practice, education and experiences. I do not consider myself just a photographer, I am a storyteller. I am not simply taking pictures, I am telling stories and creating an experience for my clients. I take time to connect with my clients and give them the personal attention that their photo story deserves. Read more>>

Jenna Buenger

The wedding industry is loaded with options to adorn the celebration with anything a couple could possibly want. Weddings have evolved from “simple but elegant” to “meticulously coordinated and extravagant”. Such is life. But something our company has done from the very beginning is prioritize the relationship. We tell couples that we are hired by them to make sure they have a truly unforgettable wedding day but we ultimately care more about their marriage. During the wedding planning process we tell couples that if they’re not having fun and experiencing stress, they need to refocus. Most businesses are contractual and product based. We offer personal service and our relationship with the client is our product. So, it’s extremely important that we treat our relationship with them and their relationship with each other as the number one priority. Read more>>

Vinnie Cimino

Something we do differently, is put our staff first. when we opened 2 years ago we knew coming out of the pandemic we wanted to take care of people. not just the guests who walked through our front door but all the staff that walks through our back door as well. We know that a restaurant is built around its people and without them it’s just four hollow walls. So when we opened our restaurant a little over two years ago we made it a point to provide some inalienable benefit to our team, by way of healthcare, dental, and vision insurance. In addition we have since added a matching 401k program and additional mental health benefits. Our thought is that the better we take care of our team, the better opportunity they will have to take care of our guests. Read more>>

Anje Pearson

At Rogers Pearson, we proudly diverge from the standard sizing norms prevalent in the luxury footwear industry. We specialize in women’s shoes up to size 13, available in two calf sizes, and men’s shoes up to size 17, ensuring inclusivity for all body types. Additionally, all our shoes incorporate the Nike comfort system, enhancing both style and wearability. This commitment to extended sizing and comfort is not just about providing more options; it reflects our belief that luxury should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their size. This approach has resonated deeply with our customers, who often share stories of finally finding high-fashion shoes that fit perfectly and comfortably. Read more>>

Harps Mangat

Today, marketing isn’t just about grabbing attention; it’s about making a tangible impact on revenue. Instead of simply counting leads, marketers need to focus on how their efforts translate into sales and business growth. This means working closely with sales and product teams to achieve shared goals. It’s easier said than done, and there’s no quick fix. It involves unlearning old habits and embracing a new, results-driven approach to marketing. At One Rawr, we ensure that marketing efforts are directly tied to revenue goals. We achieve this by setting up the right infrastructure, building flexible strategies that can be tested quickly, and tailoring execution to grow qualified pipeline and revenue. We believe that marketing should not only bring in leads but also guide them through the sales funnel until they become paying customers, regardless of which team “owns” that part of the funnel. Unlike other marketing agencies, we’re not afraid to be held accountable for demos and closed-won revenue. For us, it’s a game, and we love winning! Read more>>

Josh Helke

We have built our production from the ground up in our own workshop. This has allowed us the unique opportunity to customize our products as we build them to customers unique color and design requests. This has allowed us to recycle our fabric cutting waste into one of a kind products in our customers personal color pallets. Offering a chance at standing out as your own personality in a sea of homogenous outdoor products. Read more>>