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.
Monica Glover
In the world of Airbnb, customer expectations have risen significantly, partly due to the increasingly competitive nature of the industry. As more listings flood the market, especially in popular areas, hosts must go above and beyond to stand out and attract guests. Read more>>
Zohra VEACH
Talent Acquisition is evolving like never before. AI and technology are rapidly transforming how we do just about anything and creating both opportunity and many challenges to the world of talent acquisition. AI and automation are transforming recruitment in every way. Both from the applicant’s perspective with the ability to apply to hundreds of jobs instantly and with picture perfect resumes, overwhelming those charged with hiring with unseen before applicant volume, creating delays, more scrutiny and altimately resulting in less than ideal candidate and hiring experience across the board. Read more>>
Troyia
One of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now in the social media and content creation industry is the rise of ‘authentic imperfection.’ Creators and brands are pulling back from overly polished, curated content and leaning into more real, relatable storytelling. We’re seeing behind-the-scenes moments, bloopers, unfiltered emotions—things that used to be considered ‘off-brand’ are now the content people crave. Read more>>
Elizabeth Bosscher
When we talk about trends in book buying they are so often reflective of people’s emotions and perspective on the broader world. This year we are seeing a trend towards seeking comfort, encouragement, and community. For us, this means that readers are looking for books about friendship and relationship building, they are showing up to events more willing and eager to make a connection with fellow readers, and they are seeking out joy in the form of bookstore wandering and shopping. Spaces that have and sell books have long been a sort of refuge where people feel safe and find community and we are just so thankful to be able to provide that for our communities. Read more>>
Anadri Chisolm-Noel
We are in a VUCA moment, navigating challenging and unpredictable business, leadership, and global issues. You may have heard of VUCA, which is now widely applied in business, leadership, and strategic planning to help organizations navigate turbulent environments. However, the term originated from military strategy and Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. Read more>>
Samantha Jane Williams
Some of the biggest trends I am seeing in my industry is the pivot towards making social media/influencing the priority. Higher ups have prioritized profit over art and feel if someone has a big following that automatically means big dollars. I understand the business logic behind it but as someone who will always stand by the craft and authenticity of it, I feel like it waters down our industry and the work that is being put out there because in the end of the day followers and fame may bring dollars but that doesn’t mean you’re good. The art and the story ends up taking the back seat and we loos all sense of appreciation for the storytelling. All I’ll be able to focus on is the fact that you want to sell me something. Read more>>
Kate Stevens
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in the jewelry industry is permanent jewelry. This is a clasp-less chain that can be attached as either a bracelet, necklace, or anklet and can be worn 24/7 for as long as the person wants to have it on. What started out as a tiktok trend that was introduced to us by one of our employee’s almost 5 years ago, has turned into a huge part of our business. We now offer this service in our 3 stores, at markets, and at private events. Read more>>
Jiwon Ham
One of the most transformative—and controversial—forces in media art and design today is the rise of generative AI. Tools like MidJourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion now allow anyone to generate high-quality visuals in seconds—images that used to require years of training and experience. This shift has sparked both excitement and concern across the creative community. Read More>>
Amanda Maday
In the world of architecture & design with a hospitality focus, we’re seeing a strong shift toward immersive, experience-driven spaces that blend luxury with sustainability. Biophilic design elements—natural materials, greenery, and ample natural light—are taking center stage, creating environments that promote well-being and connection. Additionally, flexible, multi-use spaces are becoming essential, allowing hotels and restaurants to adapt to changing guest needs. Technology integration, from smart lighting to contactless check-ins, is also shaping the guest experience, offering convenience without compromising aesthetics. The focus is on crafting spaces that feel both inviting and innovative, seamlessly merging function with beauty. Read More>>
Jocelyn Osorio
One of the biggest trends I see in the influencer and content creation space is the shift towards hyper-authenticity and long-form storytelling. Audiences are moving away from perfectly curated, overly polished content and gravitating toward creators who share real, unfiltered moments. Read More>>
Amber Hansen
Lately I have been seeing a lot of old money aesthetic & draping trends. While I was creating a mood board for Italy lats year, I noticed European venues (think castles, historic estates, and villas) were showcasing more draping, layered with architectural details that naturally exude that old money elegance. This aesthetic isn’t just about looking luxurious; it’s about elevating the venue’s existing beauty with the main goal of timeless elements. A classic black tux, silk bridesmaid dresses, Candle sticks, and table touch lamps all help set the tone, but what truly defines the old money vibe is refinement, muted colors, high quality materials, and an effortless sophistication. Swapping polyester linens for satin or patterned fabrics, choosing classic jewelry like pearls or gold accents, these small yet intentional upgrades make a significant impact. Read More>>
Jiwon Ham
One of the most transformative—and controversial—forces in media art and design today is the rise of generative AI. Tools like MidJourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion now allow anyone to generate high-quality visuals in seconds—images that used to require years of training and experience. This shift has sparked both excitement and concern across the creative community. Read more>>
Amanda Maday
In the world of architecture & design with a hospitality focus, we’re seeing a strong shift toward immersive, experience-driven spaces that blend luxury with sustainability. Biophilic design elements—natural materials, greenery, and ample natural light—are taking center stage, creating environments that promote well-being and connection. Additionally, flexible, multi-use spaces are becoming essential, allowing hotels and restaurants to adapt to changing guest needs. Technology integration, from smart lighting to contactless check-ins, is also shaping the guest experience, offering convenience without compromising aesthetics. The focus is on crafting spaces that feel both inviting and innovative, seamlessly merging function with beauty. Read more>>
Jocelyn Osorio
One of the biggest trends I see in the influencer and content creation space is the shift towards hyper-authenticity and long-form storytelling. Audiences are moving away from perfectly curated, overly polished content and gravitating toward creators who share real, unfiltered moments. Read more>>
Amber Hansen
Lately I have been seeing a lot of old money aesthetic & draping trends. While I was creating a mood board for Italy lats year, I noticed European venues (think castles, historic estates, and villas) were showcasing more draping, layered with architectural details that naturally exude that old money elegance. This aesthetic isn’t just about looking luxurious; it’s about elevating the venue’s existing beauty with the main goal of timeless elements. A classic black tux, silk bridesmaid dresses, Candle sticks, and table touch lamps all help set the tone, but what truly defines the old money vibe is refinement, muted colors, high quality materials, and an effortless sophistication. Read more>>