Having new or innovative ideas is essential to pushing the world forward and so we asked the community to share stories of the most innovative things they’ve done in their career. Our hope is to inspire folks who think only scientists or tech-wizards can innovate – innovation is possible for everyone, regardless of job title or function, industry or geography.

Parris Edwards

One of the most innovative things I’ve done is create Crypdawgs, a surreal streetwear brand that also helps people build credit. I merged fashion, digital art, and finance into one movement. Most people separate those worlds, but I’ve lived through what it feels like to have good ideas but no funding, no resources, no credit. So I built a system where buying a duffle bag or a trucker hat or even a glass vinyl could actually help someone establish a Net 30 tradeline and improve their business credit profile. Read more>>

Cheryl Foster

I designed my own labels and business cards to represent my business. I purchased an apron, tote bag, tee shirt, tablecloth and had them embroidered with Cakes By Cheryl, my business logo. I created a poundcake cupcake with a variety of flavors and toppings. I also paired my poundcake with other Desserts to create Specialty Desserts. Read more>>

Fawnia Mondey

While the rest of the world was going about their business, I was celebrating my 19th birthday. My friends and I went to the strip club (we were in Canada, and the legal drinking age is 19), and watched gorgeous strippers for a couple hours. Read more>>

Daniel Adoff

Dyno Creative, innovation looks a little different—it’s slower, more intentional, and deeply personal. We’ve built our agency around the idea that real innovation is built, not found.
When we started Dyno Creative, Austin and I weren’t trying to chase trends. We were reacting to a problem we saw again and again: disposable design, surface-level branding, and one-size-fits-all creative work that left clients stuck with beautiful assets—but no direction. So we flipped the script. Instead of selling deliverables, we built a process rooted in partnership and evolution. Read more>>

Max Dugan

The best thing that has impacted my business is serving. You will always continue to serve and give away your talents for free to other creatives or people learning to grow in their craft. It helps to keep you humble and teaches you the value of helping another person rather than building an empire for yourself. In return, I can count all my opportunities and major job’s back to a relationship I created by serving another person. Read more>>

Kristen Fogle

Innovation, for me, hasn’t come from one big idea—it’s come from the way I’ve built my career: through synthesis, not specialization. While many people follow a single track, I’ve intentionally gathered experience across a wide range of fields: I’ve led a drug and alcohol education organization, taught restorative yoga, performed and produced theater, written for magazines, worked with kids and adults, and even had a stint at a baseball stadium. Read more>>