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.
Brent Kumfer
At The Rejoicing Vine, we’ve intentionally diverged from traditional winery models in several key ways—starting with our focus on sustainability, sparkling wines, and community connection. Read More>>
Scott Terranova
One of the things that sets both Sound Precision Entertainment (SPE) and Cuff Link Media apart from the traditional wedding industry is our relentless focus on human connection, customization, and delivering a truly personal experience. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we’ve built both brands around the idea that couples deserve something tailored, intentional, and reflective of who they are. Read More>>
Miranda Suess
As a wedding photographer and business owner, I typically work solo—but I’ve also made it a point to support fellow photographers as a second shooter. Doing so has helped me build genuine community, stay humble, and learn new techniques by observing how others pose couples, communicate during high-stress moments, and manage timelines. Read More>>
Cheryl Floris
In the brand & web design industry, most folks focus on helping their clients gain more clients. We know this is an obvious need, and it’s nothing that we don’t do as well, at Hey Sunny Studio. However what’s happened when there is so much emphasis on building a brand for your clients, you end up losing yourself along the way. Pretty soon, you have a brand that you feel disconnected from, there’s a personality mis-match, you don’t feel excited to show up and market your offers, nor do you even like your offers as much as you did when you first started. Read More>>
Brendan Rigdon
To prepare a painting, I roll my gesso layers instead of brushing them on and I paint on Maple panel boxes that my Carpenter custom builds. Gesso is thicker than paint and it grabs and pulls a little when it’s rolled on, leaving a beautifully consistent texture across the surface. I usually don’t even sand it down before underpainting and painting. Read More>>
Melissa Parr
Sheer Interiors is centered around “Client-Based Design,” ensuring that my clients are in control of the level of involvement throughout their project. This approach allows each design to be perfectly tailored to their vision and personal taste. I involve clients in every step of the design and decision-making process, so they feel confident that their style is accurately reflected in the final result. Read More>>
Marissa Cortese
I don’t believe staging should stop at neutralizing every space into shades of beige. Instead, I partner with my real estate agent clients as the Strategic Creative Director on their listings. I offer a full-service visual marketing experience that helps agents elevate their properties and their personal brands—positioning them as market leaders in an increasingly competitive landscape. Read More>>
Peggy Haddad
Yes! We definitely offer services beyond the typical “full-service interior design” model, which helps us bring personalized home design to a wider range of people—different needs, different budgets, and those who don’t necessarily want the long-term commitment that usually comes with hiring a designer. Read More>>
Migle Metcalfe
Wedding photography is changing fast with digital cameras always evolving. Also in recent years, the vintage aesthetic has surged in popularity among modern couples seeking to infuse their weddings with a sense of nostalgia and timeless charm. I choose a path of mixing film with digital, and turn to film photography as a key element in achieving this romantic look, drawn by its unique qualities that digital formats often struggle to replicate. Read More>>
Shauna McFarland
I’m from and still live in the South (shout to JoCo [Johnston County], NC). Down here, we have perfected all types of desserts that leave you sleepy because they’re so delicious – ‘Nana Puddin’ (the real kind, where you have to create the custard from scratch in a pot using a wooden spoon), carrot cake (because who knew a root could taste so good with icing on it?), pecan or chess pie, and don’t forget the 10-layer chocolate cake (because 2 or 3-layer cakes are for the weak). I jest, but here in the South food is at the heart all events large or small and dessert, like potato salad at the cookout [in The Culture], will determine if you’ll receive another invite in the future. Read More>>
Staci P
At BLACK LAB CREATIVE, we don’t follow the industry standard — we create our own. We’re not an agency that just manages creators or produces campaigns — we design experiences that live beyond the feed. What sets us apart is that we bring soul, story, and strategy to every activation we touch. We don’t treat people like data points — we treat creators like collaborators, communities like culture-shapers, and brands like vessels for impact. Read More>>
Dazja Taylor
Yes, I am currently in the process of creating and launching a lash training program that is different from the usual 2-3 day course. Read More>>
DIAMONDTECH ENTERPRISES
DIAMONDTECH (aka DiamondTech Enterprises, LLC), a webhosting and website design small business currently operating from the Big Apple better known as New York State, is forging its own path within the domain name industry. They have a unique “complete solution” approach to small business and home hobbyist for the domain owner seeking easy-simplicity. Read More>>
Jake LeGrand
I started plasma cutting back in 2015 and it was just something fun that I did. I never understood the feelings that I had while doing the work. Then as life goes on responsibilities grow and the everyday stress and anxiety got bigger. What plasma cutting/fabrication does for me is really pull myself out of my head because I’m focused on the work I’m doing. With plasma cutting, once you cut something you didn’t mean to…it’s gone. Read More>>
Anne Leedom
I had been in corporate sales most of my life, Ironically, I have come full circle. I started my first business at 15, painting curbs to freshen up the neighborhoods. I began to see a need based on how products and services make people feel, which became the major factor in being successful for companies as well as individuals. Read More>>
Angelica Negrete
As a woman-led landscaping business in south Florida , we pay close attention to detail and prioritize honesty in everything we do. Over the years, I’ve learned that I don’t need to lower my quality standards to fit into a niche that doesn’t align with our values. Some clients only focus on price, but our ideal clients are those who value great service, long-term results, and integrity. Read More>>
Jordan Ring
The one thing I do differently as a ghostwriter is also being an author. I write my own books under my own name once every few years. Most ghostwriters stick to writing books for their authors, but I find it imperative that I go through the journey myself every few years. Read More>>
Will Read
I don’t spend time studying how others do things; I focus on how we do things, and what matters to my customers. At CannaPlanners, what sets us apart is our unwavering focus on customer experience and service. Frankly, the cannabis industry as a whole struggles with customer service. With so many companies entering and exiting the space, it’s hard for many to get their bearings—let alone build meaningful relationships with their clients. Read More>>