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.

Zilin Zhou

One of the biggest trends in the design industry today is the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into product design, and I believe they have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with digital experiences. AR and VR open up a whole new world of possibilities for immersive design, allowing users to interact with products and environments in ways that were previously unimaginable. A few years ago, while working on a project focused on digital identity, I started to see the potential for AR in user authentication and identity verification. Imagine a future where, instead of traditional passwords or even biometric scans, users could verify their identities in an immersive AR environment, interacting with secure holographic interfaces right in front of them. This concept made me realize how AR could be leveraged not only for entertainment but also for enhancing security and user trust. Read more>>

Alena Apollonsky

As the owner of a luxury picnic company, Your Lovely Moments, I’m noticing a shift from traditional celebrations to outdoor luxury events, particularly luxury picnics. Here are a few trends that are becoming prominent in the event and celebration industry. 1. Bachelorette Parties Embracing Outdoor Luxury Picnics. Traditionally, bachelorette parties were synonymous with clubbing or dining at restaurants. However, we’re noticing a shift where more brides-to-be and their friends are choosing luxury picnic experiences for their celebrations. Whether in stunning outdoor locations or at private Airbnb rentals, these picnics offer a more intimate, relaxed, and picturesque environment for bonding. The flexibility of customizing themes and the backdrop of nature have become appealing alternatives to the typical nightlife scene. Read more>>

Irene Diaz Martin

I think Artificial Intelligent (AI) is the biggest trend in that moment. About that I think it is a massive tool for our industry but it’s necessary to understand the nature of this tool and learn how we can implement with moral and ethics. Read more>>

Joshua Jones

Some of the latest trends I’m seeing in my industry is A.I. and mobile recordings. It brings up concerns due to increase competition and a weak economy causing industry pricing to plummet. It brings new opportunities to change business models and adapt to the changing technologies in the industry. Thus we created Sound Fix App, an app that allows musicians to have their song mastered for free by our AI app. It also scans and analyzes audio track for feedback on quality of sound. We believe the music industry will never die, but they way musicians record music will. Read more>>

Carlos Fabre

I feel like in the Electronic Music Scene or industry as a producer, artist and DJ myself, Known as IMLOS, which can be found on Spotify iTunes, Pandora and all main distribution I have noticed a rising of the Grime genre. It started in the UK and has slowly started to make its way over to the US. It is now pretty relevant and prominent in California, Washington, Colorado and making its way to Dallas as being one of the first Artists to bring that genre to Texas mainly Austin and Dallas. This trend is making its way into venues that play Drum n Bass and are shifting over much like that genre did in the 2000s Read more>>

Rebekah Ondejko

In the hair industry of late I am seeing a trend toward independent artistry and away from the retail doldrums of days past. So, a new stylist might bypass commission-based salons and set their sights on their own salon suite, their own brand. Therefore, and largely thanks to grievances against old business models, the paradigm shifts towards independent business owners and artists. A decade into my career, life happened, as it goes. For a great many of us, it took no less than a global health crisis to hit the reset button. In which time a lot of us chose to set out on our own rather than go back to paying dues. Read more>>

Aren King

Trends are constantly changing Murals are always in fashion for the right space. Cementitious and lime-based finishes are a big request in the industry today. These materials go back to the beginning of time. If you look at ancient architecture you will see these materials used throughout Europe, Africa and South America. The materials are sustainable and contain low or no VOC’s. The materials are durable and timeless. Approximately 75 percent of the work we do today is a troweled-on plaster type product. Examples of the materials we apply are Venetian Plaster, Tadelakt, Marmorino, Calcecruda and many others. We educate architects and designers on materials and where they can be used. Trends, although they come and go, some remain timeless. Read more>>

Shronda Marshall

As a licensed Esthetician I have seen so many different trends that emerge from the latest dances, social media challenges, and everything in-between but I must say the biggest trend lately has been following skincare advice of TikTok and media influencers. The latest trend involves spraying your face with a dry shampoo or hairspray to bring out the vellus hairs and then shaving them off with a plastic handle razors. This is bad for the skin for a number of reasons. The products alone are enough to comprise the skin’s barrier. But I must admit this one has topped it for me lol. While some trends may be fun to partake in or give viewers a good laugh some of these trends are actually just not safe. Before becoming an Esthetician you must complete schooling and pass State Board testing before becoming fully licensed. There’s a lot of education and training done to learn about skin, product formulation, and ingredients within those products. Read more>>

Maggie Olson

My first Chief of Staff role was in 2020. I felt alone on an island with no support, no resources, and no community. Thankfully I knew two other Chiefs of Staff in my company that helped me with a template or two, but without them, I would have been completely on my own. That’s not the case anymore. Business owners, CEOs, and Founders are telling their friends about the power of a Chief of Staff. Kickass Senior Executive Assistants are breaking through the glass ceiling and getting promoted. Chief of Staff Membership communities have been built, and learning resources, like Nova, are hitting the market.  Read more>>