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.

Sophia Reis

Food photography has become an absolute necessity for restaurants looking to build their online network and community. Social media marketing has saved businesses through COVID and helped grow new restaurants. Something as simple as a ten second clip showcasing a restaurant’s attractive food and ambiance with little bits of info is enough to bring in a wide range of customers, especially the youth. As a college student and food blogger in Philadelphia, I have experienced this firsthand. Through my collaborations, I have found that many restaurants see value in enhancing their online presence through food photography. Not only does it make a difference in revenue, but quality photographs and engaging videos promotes an accurate, enticing presentation of what your business has to offer. Read more>>

Denise White

Resin art are is a big trend currently. It’s is being used to create all sorts of whimsical and colorful art pieces, from jewelry to home decor, Fluid Art Bears is another popular trend. These are adorable little figurines made using resin and paint. They’re a fun and unique project for crafters who enjoy working with resin. Read more>>

Melanie Johnson

One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing in the wedding industry for 2025 is experiential entertainment. Couples are looking to create unforgettable, immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional reception format. This includes everything from live painters and interactive photo booths to surprise flash mob performances and silent discos. I recently had the pleasure of working with a couple who wanted to infuse their wedding with this trend. They decided to surprise their guests with a live painter during the reception. As the evening unfolded, the artist captured the magic of their love story on canvas, creating a unique piece of art that became a cherished keepsake. The guests were enthralled, not just by the final artwork, but by the process itself—watching the painting come to life in real time added a layer of enchantment to the celebration. Read more>>

Robert Tercek

The advent of agentic artificial intellilgence is both the most overhyped and most underappreciated trend in any industry. I believe we are at a threshold moment: we’ve passed the point where there is real doubt about whether AI systems work, and yet we have not reached the point where the value of AI agents is widely understood. These systems are not yet in widespread use by consumer today, but they will be tomorrow. Transitional moments like this one are important because they are ripe with possibility and peril. It is very easy to miss them entirely, because of our conditioning. Read more>>

Chenghao Wen

The film industry is shifting from a director-centered system of auteurism to a curator-centered framework. Film is increasingly becoming a community-driven collaboration rather than a director’s individual work. Over the past two years, I feel that I, too, have been transitioning from being a director to becoming a curator. The core responsibility of filmmakers is no longer about creating, distributing, or circulating works within an increasingly diminishing industry but about ensuring that films are curated well to be truly “seen” and “shared.” This transformation also reflects the gradual disappearance of global “Auteurism.” Some argue that this change has been influenced by AI or the video game industry, but I resonate more with a comment made by one of my undergraduate professors regarding the decline of the television industry: the problem was not the medium itself but the lack of sufficiently engaging content. Technology, whether AI or streaming platforms, should not be used as an excuse to place blame.  Read more>>

Vidhi Kshatriya

The wedding and event planning industry is always evolving, with trends shaped by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and client expectations. One of the most significant trends I’ve observed recently is the emphasis on personalization and experiential design. Couples are no longer satisfied with a “cookie-cutter” wedding; they want every detail to reflect their unique story, values, and personalities. This trend is both exciting and challenging for planners, as it pushes us to think beyond traditional templates and create moments that truly resonate with our clients and their guests. Read more>>

Sadiya Mulla

I sit there as I hear my client’s story. He spent 5 months posting to gain 3K followers and 1000s of likes, a couple of viral posts, loads of comments and reposts and the best – 0 actual enquiries for his work. What you see online is fake. More famous does not equal more trusted. Your language determines your growth. The worst lot are those who promise huge “leads” (aka people who don’t even know you exist). The problem with my industry is people are desperate for fame, even though they are starving for business growth.  Read more>>

Maryjane Perez Fitzgerald

One of the most notable trends I’ve been seeing in the wedding industry is the use of drapery in wedding decor. A few years ago, couples were more focused on minimalistic, open spaces, or large farm spaces, but now, there’s a strong shift toward creating rich, intimate environments using fabric. I had the privilege of working on a wedding earlier this year where the bride had a vision of transforming the venue into an ethereal wonderland using soft, billowing drapery. She wanted the ceremony space to feel like a private sanctuary, so we hung layers of delicate white fabric around the altar area, creating an almost dreamlike effect. The results were stunning, with guests remarking that the soft, flowing fabric created an atmosphere of romance and calm, pulling them into the moment. This was a perfect example of how drapery can elevate a wedding by adding both texture and softness to a space. Read more>>