We asked some very talented folks to tell us about the most innovative thing they’ve done in their career.
Kayla Bivins
The most innovative thing I’ve done thus far would be creating my own product line. I know it sounds pretty cliché to say but this is true. To know that you created something that people have a need/want for is incredible. Having a product line was not easy by a long shot. I messed, wasted money, and most importantly time. I believe you have to find a need base product in order to know if you have something that’s worth pursing or taking further. Read more>>
Kerisha Thorpe
The most innovative thing I’ve done within my company is learning to become a master of all trades. Most may remember the quote from William Shakespeare stating “a jack of all trades is a master of none” which comes off as a negative trait However the full phase also says “but oftentimes better than a master of one”. With that being says it’s really a compliment to know a lot about a little . Read more>>
Dihandria Bright
Inventing PillowScript has to be my most innovative idea so far in my career journey. I have had people rave about how simple yet brilliant the idea is. Beautiful word shaped pillows stitched in luxe fabric that are so visually appealing, that they make you sit up and take notice in whatever space they are placed. Our throw pillows are innovative, unique, modern and affordable. Our designs are thoughtfully curated with premium quality and style in mind. Read more>>
Ederique Goudia
One the most innovative things I’ve done in my career was to dream up an idea that manifested into an initiative that became a culinary storytelling experience known as Taste the Diaspora. Taste the Diaspora is the brainchild of myself, Raphael Wright, and Jermond Booze and was born out of our intention and desire to: 1. bring attention to the contributions of the African diasporic cuisine to the American culinary landscape. 2. Read more>>
Kupcake Keya
The most innovative and simply intriguing thing I’ve done with my business is put a piece of Hot Chicken on a cupcake! When pitching the cupcake and describing it, I get asked all the time is it a savory cupcake? In which my reply is “absolutely, NOT,” Creating this cupcake has been one of the highlights of my business. I enjoy the responses I get from people “Daring to be different!” The way their eyes light up once the initial bite is taken and their tastebuds activated is PRICELESS ! My Nashville Hot Chicken Kupcake is Heaven Sent….LITERALLY! Read more>>
Jon Robertson
In 2020 I began collaborating with an activist opera company, White Snake Projects. We didn’t want to shut down during the pandemic, so I got to work on finding a solution. After months of research, I developed a method for syncing and transmitting a mix of singers performing from any location, i.e. their homes. We were able to mount a fully-staged virtual opera using this method that I created. This turned into a software company called Tutti Remote. From our scrappy beginnings with me sweating behind the scenes trying to pull everything together all by myself, to the point now where we have a beautifully simple audio tool that can sync, record, and stream performers from anywhere in the world. Read more>>
Shumuriel Ratliff
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is switch careers. I spent 11 years in TV news working both in front of and behind the camera. After years of telling sad stories and meeting people on their worst days, I decided it was time to change. I pivoted into Public Relations and I haven’t looked back. I get asked all the time if I miss the industry. The short answer is no. The long answer can be found in my memoir, Standby | My Time in TV News. Read more>>