Written in Partnership with S99Innovation is vital in driving progress and change in various industries. From transforming simple ideas into groundbreaking businesses, philanthropists and business enthusiasts have succeeded through their unconventional choices and boundless contributions. Here are 10 innovators who have made a significant impact on their industries and revolutionized them. Each of the entrepreneurs on this list is unique, and their remarkable stories will motivate and encourage you to follow in their footsteps.
1. Willie J., Artist and Entrepreneur
Willie J. is an artist and entrepreneur who has risen from a life of struggles to build an internationally known entertainment company from the ground up. He has created two successful global musical charities, “We Love You Puerto Rico” and “In the Morning,” which were streamed millions of times worldwide. Willie J.’s message is about hope and resilience, and his vision, mission, and company slogans are “Creating Hope through Arts and Entertainment” and “Empowering People Changing Lives.” Willie J. plans to keep creating hope through arts and entertainment and release his first personal growth book globally this year.
2. Kelly Decsy, Immigration Attorney and Influencer
Kelly Decsy, an immigration attorney and influencer, specializes in helping people who work as influencers to obtain work visas for the US. She has a 99% approval rate for influencers and individuals working in social media which shows she’s one of the only attorneys who truly understand how to put a social media case together, thanks to her background as an influencer. Kelly is a member of the D’Alessio Law Group, a Beverly Hills-based law firm that provides legal services in immigration law. If you work in a creative industry and need assistance with obtaining a work visa, Kelly can be reached on Instagram at @kelly_esq
3. Eric Chambers & Branden Chambers, The Chambers Group
The Chambers Group is a digital marketing firm representing a treasure trove of top brands, influencers, and celebrities. The firm started as a package design company and quickly became a full-service marketing, branding, sales, and consulting agency. They have grown three-fold in the past 18 months despite the impact of Covid-19. The Chambers Group operates the most extensive network of celebrity influencer pages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, with more than one billion followers. For more information, go to chambersgroup.com
4. Vanessa Alfaro, Designer, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
The wedding gown industry has not seen innovation for a long time and is full of repeats and copies. So, when Bolivian Haute Couture Designer—Vanessa Alfaro—set out to create something new, she first met with suppliers but was disappointed to find that most of the textiles and lace fabrics used were repetitive.
Not wanting to give up, she spent the next nine years developing a new infusion technique where thousands of high-grade crystals are infused into the fabric along with a unique hand-embroidery and hand-beading method that uses silk thread, precious stones, and the finest beads to create the most sparkling effect you will ever see on a wedding gown!
The now patent-pending technique is known as “Crystallize Infusion” and has brought fame to Vanessa’s Fashion House along with multiple awards. Today, her collections are one-of-a-kind pieces of art with unique designs that are crafted to hug the silhouette with a flattering fit.
5. Ameer Katifi, Entrepreneur
Ameer Katifi is an entrepreneur who started in the mortgage industry during an economic downturn. Despite having no help or support, he worked tirelessly while learning the ropes through trial and error until he became successful. He runs three successful businesses and has been honored as a top 1% national originator by ScottmanGuide.
6. Karoza Bridal Inc., Bridal Boutique
Established in 1992, Karoza Bridal is a premier boutique in downtown Glendale, offering a newly designed and big showroom for the ultimate luxurious bridal experience. Given the team’s tenacity and expertise, Karoza has won several awards, including the 2020–2021 Bridal Collective Gold Elite Partner and Platinum Dealer for Pronovias Group. The staff is ever-ready to go above and beyond to present your dream dress.
7. Kyle Kirshner, 8-figure Amazon seller and coach
Kyle Kirshner is an 8-figure Amazon seller and coach who has been in this space for 13 years. He has amassed 8 figures by selling on Amazon and has taken over 100 people through the ropes of how to earn 10k per month on Amazon.
8. Matt Thompson, Artist
Matt Thompson is an artist who offers a chameleonic approach to pop as his songs blend elements of rock, dance, R&B, and country with his exquisite storytelling skills. His debut album reached 3.3 million streams on Spotify, and he has been nominated for several DC WAMMIE Music Awards.
9. Ava Justin, Actress / Model/ Influencer
Ava Justin is an actress, model, and social media influencer who has been on set with some of the most notable Hollywood working actors. She has acted in several movies currently aired on different streaming networks, featured on numerous national television commercials, and graced several modeling published catalogs. She now writes a script for her first feature and has amassed 1.7 million followers on TikTok and over 600K on Instagram. She’s currently writing her first feature film set to be in production this summer.
10. Josh Wolfe, Online Coach
Josh Wolfe dreamed of being a professional athlete; however, injuries derailed his dream. He found solace in the gym and started helping his friends with their workout programs, leading to an online coaching career. He has helped many people transform their lives and reach their fitness goals. IG @josh.wolfe.official.
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