One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results. So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large. Check out some of these amazing folks below.

Bess Jane | Vintage Fashion Curator & Character Actress

In response to the challenges posed by the fast fashion industry and the growing need for sustainable alternatives, businesses like Goth Toddler Shop are emerging to provide convenient and eco-friendly solutions. Recognizing that individuals with busy schedules may find it challenging to dedicate time to thrift, such businesses curate collections of second-hand and sustainable clothing options. By offering carefully selected and stylish eco-friendly garments, Goth Toddler Shop aims to make sustainable fashion accessible to those who may not have the time to engage in traditional thrifting. This approach aligns with the broader movement towards responsible consumerism and contributes to the reduction of environmental impact. Read more>>

Yufan Xie | Architect, Musician, Media Artist

My educational journey from architecture to my current engagement in media arts has led to a critical observation: both academic and practical realms are entrenched in a dominant ocularcentric culture. This has fostered a system where narratives and technologies are predominantly conceptualized and implemented in static visual mediums, which inadvertently sidelines the rich tapestry of individual sensory experiences. Recent advancements in spatial computing technologies, notably AR/XR, have expanded the scope of personal interaction, allowing narratives to be dynamically experienced by audiences through multisensory engagement. Read more>>

STEFANIYA MAKAROVA | Actress, model, dancer, influencer, producer, journalist and activist

I am a petite model and petite model advocate. I believe modeling is not about height, it’s about personality. I launched the PETITE movement. It’s an acronym and it stands for Personality Empowerment To Intelligence To Enlightenment. This movement is about self acceptance. Knowing how to accept ourselves, we know how to accept others. Thereby we can create a loving society and better world. Read more>>

Paul Vitagliano | DJ & Events Promosexual

My situation is slightly different, as my “own business” has basically been my club DJ career, which I started in 1981 — and it still blows my mind I’m still doing this 42 years later! I’ve definitely been “hired” to DJ and spin at nightclubs (like a residency gig) over the years, but the majority of what my DJ career means is naming, creating, and promoting my own special events, and finding and choosing the right venues to do them in. And the right (or wrong) venue can make or break if the event will be a success. And while this means that everything basically rests on my shoulders (doing all the related promotion, and hiring staff etc.), it means that I have complete control on my vision of what I want the night to be. Read more>>