We asked some very talented folks to tell us about the most innovative thing they’ve done in their career.

Angela Ellis

I started my business in 2009. Shortly thereafter a nationwide recession hit. My business model consisted of corporate training and leadership coaching. However, I quickly found an emerging need for other Human Resources services, like job placement, resumes, and interview coaching. This is because thousands of people were being laid off each week and looking for work. With my recruitment and HR background, I knew I could help them while generating income for my new business. Although providing these services wasn’t a part of the original business plan, I saw the need and adjusted the supply to meet the demand. Read more>>

Natalie Aul

When my mom, sister and I started our weight loss journey there were no resources out there to make cooking without sugar and flour easy and sustainable. There was one cookbook, but it was complicated, and the ingredients were hard to find where I lived. Around day 100 of no sugar and no flour, I almost gave up again to gain all the weight back and add another failed diet to my list. I watched a recipe video on social media of chickpea blondies, and I thought “I could make that without sugar or flour”, So I started experimenting, formulating, calculating, and putting together recipes that were easy, tasted good, and had simple easy to find ingredients (I have been called an evil genius in the kitchen a couple of times). I started sharing these recipes on social media and many others loved the recipes too. Read more>>

LAVENDER SHEDRICK WILLIAMS

Since high school, I’ve always wanted to read a magazine that spoke to me instead of reading about celebrity news, makeup tips, the latest trends, and fashion. As I grew older, I realized the magazine I wanted to read didn’t exist, so instead of waiting and hoping for it, I brought it to fruition. Five years ago and with many learning curve tears, I taught myself a program to publish a high-quality magazine. Today, The Other Woman continues to empower women across the nation. Published three times a year, The Other Woman is available in print and the digital format is free of charge. Read more>>

Katie Button

When the pandemic happened there were two core learnings that came from that experience. The first was that as a business we were vulnerable for having all of our revenue based on people dining in person in our restaurants. We also learned that we had built over the years extreme brand trust and loyalty. Our customers were deeply connected to us and even when they couldn’t dine with us, they were looking for ways to support us. It made me realize the power of the connection that happens in the restaurant industry. We create memories. We create joy and connection. We give people the time, space and experience to slow down and savor life’s moments. This inspired us to grow our brand, to take the trust and magical in person experiences we were creating for people to begin to build from the basis into a full lifestyle brand with e-commerce and wholesale lines so that we can connect with our customers no matter where they are in the world. Read more>>

Karin Skiba

I feel I have done several things. Having a graduate degree in Fine Art gave me the opportunity to teach college and university level art classes. As the first fulltime art professor at a new college in Norco, California, I helped create an art program that grew over the years. But upon retirement I was asked to develop an art gallery at the college. With the help of forward-thinking administrators, we started the Norco College Art Gallery for an accredited college that now boasts over 16,000 students. But the most recent endeavor has been my position as a volunteer Gallery Director for the Hi-Desert Artists Center in Yucca Valley, Ca. As part of a 6-member Board of Directors, we secured financial backing to purchase and occupy a vintage shop of over 3200 sq ft. This has been turned into a three-gallery and one gallery shop facility to host classes, events, and exhibitions for the community of Yucca Valley. Our artist membership is growing, and we just hosted our inaugural opening as well as artist panel. Since this is a tourist destination as well as small peaceful community, a high-end gallery here is much needed in the Morongo Basin where we reside. Read more>>

L.A. Wade

Innovation has indeed been a crucial part of my journey, not only for my personal growth but also for the success of my various projects and initiatives. One of the most significant innovations I’ve undertaken was the creation of The Wine Down, a women’s networking group designed to highlight a woman’s specialization and build an event around it. This approach has fostered a supportive community where women can connect, share, and grow together, turning networking into an engaging and meaningful experience. Read more>>