Our community is fortunate to have so many brilliant, insightful entrepreneurs and creatives and so many of them have front row, ground level seats that allow them to see emerging trends before the so-called experts, industry leaders, etc. We wanted to create a space to connect members of our community where they could share these insights on trends and opportunities they are seeing.

Melissa Feris

Some of the biggest trends I see in the mural industry are that companies are utilizing Mural Artists for marketing and advertising purposes. Utilizing murals as a way to market can be a tax write off for most corporations. I think these trends are amazing, as they allow artists to utilize their painting talents in more ways than just painting on canvas. The only concern that I see is that companies might not be hiring suitable Mural Artists that are using accurate paints for longevity. Read more>>

Heidi Ortman Sheff

In 2024, the trend of lab-grown diamonds continues to gain momentum, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. Here are some key trends and benefits of lab-grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds: Current Trends: Increasing Popularity: Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more accepted and sought after, especially among younger consumers who prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations. Technological Advancements: Improvements in production methods have made lab-grown diamonds more affordable, higher quality, and indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Customization Options: Consumers are increasingly looking for custom and personalized jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds offer flexibility in size, shape, and quality, appealing to individual tastes. Read more>>

Keisha Oduor

Trends we are seeing in the Apartment Locating industry in Texas include an influx of relocations, greater numbers of new construction home communities and multitudes of previously novel concept Built-to-Rent homes. Houston, Austin and San Antonio have all experienced increases on the latter, with Dallas reportedly maintaining over one-half the BTR homes in the state. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/built-to-rent-communities-housing-costs/) I started Apartment Locating in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, and assisted many clients and customers by either providing apartment locating services to help lease up vacant units with qualified applicants or helping to find renters a new home.  Read more>>

Jon Marquez

Right now, I’m noticing two significant trends in the fitness industry: more mobility and stretching videos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and the rise of AI workout programs that offer low-cost ways to start or improve a workout routine. Studies show that about 80% of adults have mobility or flexibility issues. This often happens because we spend so much time sitting, especially at desks, which can lead to rounded shoulders and tight hip flexors. Rounded shoulders can cause neck, upper back, and shoulder pain, while tight hip flexors can lead to a tilted pelvis, back pain, and tight hamstrings. More coaches on social media are creating videos with different stretches and exercises to help with these issues. Read more>>