One of the most important things we think the media can do is connect small business owners and creatives across industries and markets to give them an opportunity to learn form each other. The insights on trends in particular can be transformative if our communities were better connected and so we’ve tried to create a space where folks can share the trends they are seeing and read about trends other sharp entrepreneurs are seeing.

Frances Ledgewood

My business, Ledgewood Fine Stationery, specializes in luxury wedding invitations and stationery. Over the past decade we have seen lots of trends come and go! Currently, incorporating venue watercolors is very popular! We love this specialized and personal addition to our paper goods. Not only does it add a unique touch, but is simply beautiful! Not only can the watercolor be used on the wedding invitation suite, but we can incorporate it on day-of items such as programs, welcome signs, and more! Read more>>

lindsay scherr

We are lucky to be part of the “biophilic design” trend that is taking the interior design world by storm! Biophilia means the love of plants and nature, and our moss walls solve that problem without the need for ongoing maintenance. We see it everywhere now, hotels, office buildings, residences, people are using plants and other natural elements as the basis of their design. We recently did a moss wall for a major hotel chain, that included moss in a large hexagonal behive design. They included blue elements in the rug (to indicate water), had an abstract tree sculpture, and our moss wall as all biophilic elements to really bring the space to life. Biophilia is just one part of sustainability, and a lot of people are also focused on that. We are happy to be at the intersection of nature and design. Read more>>

Desiree Warr

Some of the biggest trends I am seeing in the travel industry are: 1. Sustainable travel: Travelers, hotels and tour operators are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their journeys and providing eco-friendly options. This is a positive trend and encourages responsible tourism and helps reduce our carbon footprint. Read more>>

Fares Azani

In the ever-evolving world of general contracting, staying updated on the latest industry trends is vital for maintaining a competitive edge and delivering what today’s homeowners demand. As a seasoned general contractor, I’ve witnessed several significant trends that have shaped the industry over the years. One of the most prominent trends I’ve noticed recently is the increasing popularity of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and modern home renovations. Furthermore, a surge in bathroom remodeling to create modern, spacious retreats is another noteworthy shift. In this article, I’ll delve into these trends, sharing my insights, concerns, opportunities, and a memorable anecdote that encapsulates the rise of ADUs and modern home construction. Read more>>

Elina Filice

A big trend we’re seeing in the music industry right now is artists wanting to stay independent. No longer are artists rushing into record deals, even management deals, or they the most coveted desire anymore. I think this is fantastic for a few reasons. Read more>>

Butch Hartman

Coming from an artist that’s based in traditional media I’ve definitely seen and been part of the digital movement. I have an associates in digital design prepress. I’m saying that I went back to traditional media just because I love the process more. Nothing wrong with digital media but the way in which it’s evolved I’ve seen artists that came from a traditional media background and have thrived in a digital world as opposed to some artists that have not, which you can tell the difference. The biggest trend is the coming of AI which people who have zero background in any type of art now are self proclaimed artists. Which the way the AI works works off the backs of actual artists. I don’t think AI is helping any creative process but rather making a way for lazy people that don’t want to be a true artist. Read more>>

Dadron Harris

In recent years, the concept of hybrid ministry has gained significant traction within the church community. Hybrid ministry refers to the integration of both physical and digital elements in the practice of ministry. It recognizes the growing influence of technology and the need to adapt to changing cultural trends to effectively engage with congregants and reach wider audiences. Read more>>

Shawn Pierce

The industry in which I work, both as a creative and as a tech entrepreneur, is experiencing fundamental change. It’s a change that not only is reminiscent of a physical media shift in the music side of entertainment (think the compact disc to apple itunes or prior, the vinyl LP to 8 track or cassette / cassette to CD. Analog to Digital. Digital to Mp3 to downloadable – physical product disappeared) Aside from physical media decline in video, the comparison here in visual media is of course traditional cable/satellite/terrestrial TV vs. Streaming and SVOD. “Cord Cutting” as it’s known. This trend is popular in the US and Canada. The world as a whole however is still very much engaged in the traditional medium of what we all know as “cable.” Read more>>

Marissa Hess

Education is in the middle of a massive transformation in America. Even before the pandemic, a growing number of Americans were becoming disillusioned with a public school system that spent greater and greater amounts of tax dollars while producing subpar results. While the traditional education system worked adequately for a narrow set of learners, it often failed those who were gifted, struggled with learning disabilities, or simply didn’t thrive with long amounts of hours in a desk with little time outside. When the pandemic arrived and closed schools around the country, the calls for better options grew significantly louder. In some places, this has led to greater charter school options. Read more>>

Fakhriddeen “Sam” Merrit

The Biggest Trends Now In The Hair game would include those big baby hairs lol. I mean I love them when done correct but they’re huge and sometime over exaggerated but I think that’s the point. I believe honestly a celebrity hairstylist named chassidy create these soft baby hairs on summer walker in about 2019-2021 and afte that they just immediately Started doing these baby hairs that’s not even baby hairs the same exact way. However I believe it has given more diversity and more creative aspects in the hair world. After all hair is art so why not make it look different to attract and appeal to a totally different crowd. And look bows it’s a huge trend . Read more>>

Megan Bond

However, there’s a caveat to this trend that I believe is essential to address. The surge in AI reliance brings forth a concern: losing the genuine human connection that resonates with audiences, especially on platforms like social media where personal engagement is key. While AI can produce content at a speed and volume unmatched by humans, it’s the authenticity, emotion, and relatability — the very essence of human communication — that forms the backbone of effective marketing strategies. Read more>>

Tiara Holloway

Biggest trends with furniture is functional of furniture pieces. Example, a sectional and being able to change the layout or adding an ottoman to the sectional. Or new fabric that is velvet and it’s indoor and outdoor fabrics. Very rich in color and textures as well. New fabric colors that are rich in color and speaks and tells a story of the material. The fabric line is by NGALA Trading. They will provide so many animal prints with blacks, oranges, blues, purples and more. It’s colors that a client wouldn’t even think to pair together or put on a sofa or chaise. Love every new tread these fabrics for indoor and outdoor. Read more>>

Lee Norwood

COST OF COLLEGE, CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOLS, GRADE INFLATION, REALITY CHECK The landscape of college admissions is in a constant state of flux, and it’s our responsibility to stay attuned to these ever-evolving trends and share our insights with the families we work with. The cost of higher education is undeniably on the rise, but there are strategic measures that can be taken to manage this financial burden effectively. By judiciously selecting colleges that align with a student’s goals and leveraging tools such as building the college list based on the academic, social, geographic and financial fit will change the process. Read more>>

Erin Otmishi

When I began my college studies I started in graphic design. I quickly learned it wasn’t for me. Hands on with paint, pencils, markers, whatever it is, that was the direction for me. So I switched after a year of graphic design. The one thing I noticed…graphic design and computers were taking over. Today the number one art we see is graphics/digital I feel that this is pushing a lot of artist/art in different directions to stay relevant. I have stuck with my trusty paints and they haven’t let me down. I love what graphics can do and how they can represent all kinds of things. Read more>>

Jay Bowman

The biggest trend I see in my industry is pretty, colorful, glittery skincare products. I love glittery pretty things, but I have found that the pretty glittery products are just that, ‘PRETTY AND GLITTERY’ with no added benefits. They don’t offer any real moisture, the ingredients are trash and the product does absolutely nothing for the skin. Read more>>