The world never stops changing and those changes often bring new challenges and opportunities. Entrepreneurs and creatives are often well positioned to spot trends early and so we asked some very sharp and talented folks if there is a shift they see in the world that they think most other people haven’t noticed or taken seriously enough yet? Check out some of our favorite responses below.

Andrew Zhao| CEO & Co-Founder of Throwlights / Passionate lightshow artist

The NFT market grew by 100,000% in 2021 (from 15 Million to 15 Billion) The metaverse market is already deca-billions and growing at around 50% CAGR. This is the fastest-growing space in the world, and everyone needs to know what’s going on so that they can capitalize on the future. I’m an early adopter in the space, a startup founder, and creator. I have insights about the space that can help everyone to learn more about it and get started.

About me: My name is Andrew Zhao and I’m the CEO and Founder of Throwlights. We’re on a mission to give a lightshow to the entire universe and we’re doing so by building products, Web3, and Metaverse.

Michelle Castro-Martha | Owner and baker

Partneships, collabs and community is so very important for a business to grow… Sometimes I feel as consumers we don’t realize how much our support to small businesses can actually help our community and impact our neighborhoods in a positive way…

About me: I am baker and owner of M squared Baked goods, we do all kinds of sweets, Custom orders and wholesale distribution too! Cookies are our specialty

Michael Dergar | Artist and Academy of Special Dreams Founder

Michael Dergar is a visual artist passionate with the purpose of awakening public awareness to help his colleagues with special needs. In his artwork, Dergar captures fragments of the metamorphosis achieved by his inner soul, capable of overcoming any disability.

About me: I paint to Help! My artwork provides many opportunities to many in the special needs community.

Ruth-Ann Thorn | Fine Art Gallery

I think NFT’s will continue to grow and evolve. This will not take away from traditional art but add another category of collectables.

About me: I am the owner of Exclusive Collections gallery. I have owned and operated multiple galleries for 26 years

Adam Iannazzo | Outpatient Physiotherapist (Physical)

Orthopedic surgery is failing the patients it is supposed to care for by performing procedures that do not work when tested. Patients are being told they have “bone on bone” joints to scare them into getting replacements. The most performed orthopedic surgery in the world is no better than a placebo in almost all age groups yet: meniscectomy where they take out parts of the cartilage of the knee to “fix” the pain. Orthopedic surgeons are performing surgeries for either income or because they refuse to change with the evidence that what they do, doesn’t work. Lumbar fusions for pain do not help in the long term at all. They lead to more disability, more use of opiates, and patient dependence on surgery for future back pain. The fact is, that the whole idea of “cleaning” up arthritis has not worked since the 70’s when they used to remove the entire meniscus because they thought they were residual muscles that were useless. There are many other examples such as vertebroplasty for osteoporosis fracture, shoulder impingement surgery, rotator cuff repairs for an aged population, etc, etc. The surgeons are prescribing months of opiates to patients and they own the physical therapy clinics that “treat” the patients post-operatively. The physical therapy is sub-par and the patients are milled through like cattle. They are being seen in groups and the billing is fraudulently paid for by the insurer or worse, the patients with co-pays and cost-sharing. This practice is costing the country billions in healthcare costs, time out of work, suffering, and more use of opiates. If I could tell all patients to ask one thing of their surgeon: “Does this work better than placebo and when was the last time you tried to prove the procedure to work by trying to debunk it?” If they ask this and any health care provider has no answer or becomes angry or defensive, Run out of the office.

About me: I am an evidence-based Physiotherapist in El Cajon CA that has 20 years of experience and only treats patients one to one and with the best available science to get the best outcome for them over my income. I help athletes improve their ability to play the sport they love with training and metabolic testing.

Sulavon Bollinger | Award-winning Petite Fashion Model, VO, Gamer, & Host of OTT show Sulavon’s SheShed on WWTVN-WOTV.

I am an Award-winning Petite Fashion Model, VO, Gamer, & Host of OTT show Sulavon’s SheShed on WWTVN-WOTV. When active as a talent, I’ve won recognition for work as a pioneering Petite Fashion Model in the American Market and served as the title holder for Miss Fashion Week Petite Los Angeles, California 2017. I also have experience behind-the-scenes and in other industries outside of modeling and entertainment nationally and internationally. My goal is to go intergalactic next! (Yes, I’m being slightly facetious! *playful wink*)

About me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulavon-bollinger

Gena Watson | Hair Stylist

COVID created a huge shift in my salon business. Knowing my worth and creating boundaries as well as investing in myself. . I was able to level up my business starting with those 3 things.

About me: I own Manely Extensions Salon specializing in hair extensions.