Editors Insights
The business world is constantly evolving, driven
by technological advances, new global challenges, and shi ing consumer expecta ons. As we move deeper into 2025, new business leaders are emerging who are redefining the rules of the game. These trailblazers are breaking barriers, pioneering new industries, and reshaping how we think about leadership in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world. The following individuals are the ones to watch as they steer their organiza ons toward growth, innova on, and sustainable change. They represent the future of business leadership dynamic, forward-thinking, and commi ed to making an impact.
In this edi on of The Fortune Magazine, we have featured, “The 5 Trailblazing Business Leaders to Watch in 2025.” On the cover we have featured Alexandra Morris Robson, the Founder and CEO of Augus ne Jewels- a successful Bri sh luxury jewellery brand now sold globally. The designs are sketched and the finest gems are hand selected before the pieces are made by some of the best London jewellery cra smen who have been making handmade jewellery for genera ons, resul ng in the most exquisite handmade jewels. Hope the featured story of Alexandra Morris Robson, helps you in your future endeavours and we achieve our mission.
We also highlight Aditya Gaurav, Founder & CEO of Knowasiak, in this edi on. His journey from a teen innovator to a global entrepreneur and the Youngest World Champion in Game Development is a testament to vision, perseverance, and innova on. His inspiring story showcases the power of determina on in shaping the future of technology and business.
Your ideas are always welcome!
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor-in-chief
Sco Edward
Sales & Marke ng Manager
Lily Hayler
Business Development Manager Lauren Green, Millie Butler, Rosie Jonas
Business Development Execu ve Victoria Ma hews, Ashley Tucker
Art and Design Director
Paul Brown
Research Analyst
Robert Smith
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Editor-in-Chief
10 Cover Story
CovStory
Alexandra Alexandra Robs
AlexandraRobsontheFounder&CEOof AugustineJewels,leadershipjourneyhasbeen influencedbyherextensivecorporate experienceandaprofoundpersonalpassion.She commencedherprofessionalcareeratAccenture,where sheadvancedtotheroleofpartner,focusingonCRM andacquiringessentialskillsinstrategy,clientrelations, andbusinessdevelopment.Herfascinationwith gemstones,whichbeganwithherstudiesinJewellery DesignatEsmodandcontinuedatCambridge,prompted hertoembarkonanewandmoremeaningfulcareer path.Thispivotalexperiencedeepenedhercommitment tocreatingsomethingenduringandexquisite.By mergingherbusinessacumenwithherenthusiasmfor jewellery,sheestablishedabrandthatembodiesboth innovationandtimelessartistry.
TheInceptionStory
AugustineStudioswasaffiliatedwiththedesign collectiveknownasTheSilverStudiofrom1860until 1963.ThecollectionsassociatedwithTheSilverStudio arepreservedatbothMiddlesexUniversityandthe VictoriaandAlbertMuseum.In1995,thefounderof AugustineJewels,Alexandra,acquiredthebuildingthat accommodatesAugustineStudios,aspiringtorestoreit asadesignstudiofocusedonthecreationofhandmade jewellery
OvercomingtheOdds
OneoftheprimarychallengesthatAlexandra encounteredintheearlystageswastheestablishmentof anetworkofgemstonesuppliersandearningtheirtrust. Asanewcomertotheindustry,gainingrespectinafield characterizedbylong-establishedrelationshipsprovedto beasignificanthurdle.Nevertheless,herperseverance andcredibilityplayedcrucialrolesinovercomingthis obstacle.Thepurchaseofherfirstmajorgemstone markedapivotalmoment,showcasinghercommitment andcompetence.Followingthisinitialachievement, suppliersbegantorecognizeherasaseriouscontender, whichfacilitatedaccesstohigher-qualitystones.Over time,bynurturingstrongrelationshipsandconsistently
deliveringexceptionalwork,Alexandrasuccessfully positionedherselfwithintheindustry
TheLeadershipQuality
Alexandraemphasizedthataneffectiveleadermustexert greatereffortthantheirpeers,therebyestablishinga benchmarkforcommitmentandtenacity Awell-defined visioniscrucial;hereistocraftexquisitelybeautiful bespokecreationsthatendurethroughgenerations. Maintainingcomposureinhigh-pressuresituations promotescarefuldecision-making,whichinturn cultivatestrustwithintheteam.Furthermore,effective leadershipinvolvessurroundingoneselfwithcapable individualswhosharesimilarvaluesandenhanceone's strengths.Successisnotasolitaryendeavor;itis achievedthroughvision,resilience,andteamwork.By leadingwithintention,steadiness,anddedication,a leadercanmotivateothersandleaveasignificantmark intheconstantlychanginglandscapeoftoday'sbusiness environment.
RedefiningIndustryStandard
Oneofthesignificantinnovationsintroducedby Alexandrawastheexpansionofthemarket's understandingoffinegemstones,movingbeyondthe conventionalselectionsofsapphires,emeralds,and rubies.Sheemphasizedtheallureoflesser-knownyet stunningstonessuchasmorganite,kunzite,and aquamarine.Byintegratingthesegemsintobespoke high-jewellerycreations,Alexandraredefinedthe conceptofluxuryandexpandedthepreferencesofher clientele.Furthermore,shewasamongthepioneersin utilizing3Dprintingfordesignprototyping,which enabledexceptionalprecisionandcustomization.This blendofinnovationandartistryestablishednew benchmarkswithintheindustry,infusingtherealmof finejewellerywithfreshcreativityanddistinctiveness.
CreatinganEthicalFuture
AugustineJewels,iscommittedtocreateexquisiteand
timelessjewellerywhileprioritisingsustainabilityand minimisingtheenvironmentalimpact.AugustineJewels, believethatluxuryandsustainabilitycancoexist harmoniously,andstrivetoleadbyexampleinthe jewelleryindustry.
AugustineJewelsisallabouttransparencyand accountability,thefoundationsofjewellerycreation.The brandopenlysharestheirsustainabilityefforts,providing customerswithinfoonmaterials,sourcing,and productionbycontinuouslyimprovingandexceeding industrystandards.
EthicalGemstoneSourcing
“Atourcore,wearecommittedtosourcingmaterials ethically.Webelieveinrespectinghumanrightsand safeguardingtheenvironmentthroughoutoursupply chain.Thatiswhywecollaboratecloselywithtrusted supplierswhoshareourvaluesandupholdresponsible miningpractices,whilechampioningfairworking conditions,”addedAlexandra.
AugustineJewelsalsoadoptstheKimberleyProcess, whichmeansallthediamondsaresourcedfromconflict freeareas.
EnvironmentalResponsibility
AugustineJewelsembracetheresponsibilityto safeguardtheenvironment.Byimplementingecofriendlypracticesacrosstheoperations,byactively workingtominimisethecarbonfootprint.Fromreducing energyconsumptionandwastetopromotingrecycling andusingsustainablepackagingmaterials,Augustine Jewelsconstantlyseekinnovativewaystolessenthe environmentalimpact.
ArtisanJewelleryCraftsmanship
AlexandrahighlightedthatAugustineJewelsvaluethe artoftraditionalcraftsmanship.“Ourskilledartisans meticulouslyhandcrafteachpiece,ensuringattentionto
detailandcreatingheirloom-qualityjewellerythatlasts forgenerations.Bypreservingthesetime-honoured techniques,wesupportlocalcommunitiesandcontribute tothepreservationofculturalheritage.”
GlobalImpact
AlexandracontributedtotheConservativePartyPolicy Unit,collaboratingwiththeRtHonTheresaMayto enhancechildcareservices,promoteequalpay,and expandopportunitiesforwomen.Throughouthercareer, Alexandrahasbeendedicatedtoempoweringwomen, whetherthroughherpolicyinitiativesorbycrafting beautifulcreationsthatinstillconfidenceinherclientsas theynavigatetheirdailylives.Women'sissuesare centraltoallofAlexandra'sendeavors.
AdvicetotheFutureLeaders
Alexandraencouragestheupcominggenerationof leaderstoremainsteadfastintheirindividualjourneys andresisttheinfluenceofexternalopinions.“Inthe realmofbusiness,numerousvoiceswillattemptto dictateyouractions;however,truesuccessisachieved throughtheconfidencetopursueone'sownvision,” statedAlexandra.
Alexandraalsohighlightedthat,“itisessentialtotrust one'sinstincts,maintainfocusonpersonalobjectives, andupholdone'svaluesratherthanconformingto societalexpectations.Innovationandeffectiveleadership demandbravery,anditisthosewhoarewillingtothink outsidetheboxandremaindedicatedtotheirdistinct pathswhowillleavealegacy.”
AugustineJewelsToday
AugustineJewels,sincetheinceptionofitsesteemed flagshipstoreinNottingHill,embodiesanenduring eleganceandanunwaveringcommitmenttoinnovation intherealmofjewellerydesign.Asaglobalbrand,
AugustineJewelsconsistentlychallengesconventions, delvingintonoveltechniquesandsourcesofinspiration. Theirdedicationtranscendsmerecraftsmanship, acknowledgingtheintrinsicabilityofjewelleryto narratestoriesandevokedeepemotions.Through educationalinitiatives,AugustineJewelsseeksto illuminatethesignificantmeaningswovenintoeach creation.AugustineJewelsallowsindividualstoimmerse inarealmwherecreativityflourishes,wherecuttingedgedesigns,superiorcraftsmanship,andadeep reverenceforthesymbolismofjewelleryconverge.
TheRoadAhead
Alexandrahighlightedthatherkeygoalistoestablish thebrandpresenceinNewYork,markingasignificant steptowardsbuildingatrulygloballuxurybrandrooted inBritain.Hervisionisnotjusttogrowherownbrand buttocontributetorestoringBritain'spositionasa leaderintheluxuryindustry,rivallingthedominanceof Frenchandothergloballuxuryhouses.Britainoncehad someoftheworld'smostrenownedluxurybrands,butits influencehasdeclinedoverthelastcentury.By championingexceptionalcraftsmanshipandinnovation, AlexandraaimstohelpreclaimBritain'splaceonthe worldstage.
Atpresent,Alexandraisdedicatedtomaximizingthe successofhersecondstore,whichissettoopeninNew Yorkat39East65th,10065,inMarch.Additionally,she isactivelyengagedinthedevelopmentofthe forthcomingSummerandWinterJewellerycollections, withsignificantprogressbeingmadeatAugustine Jewels.
Founder & CEO
ADITYA ADITYA GAURAV GAURAV
Teen Innovator to Global Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Aditya Gaurav, the Youngest World Champion in Game Development
TheEarlyLife
AdityaGauravwasbornonJanuary8, 2004,inthehistoriccityofJhansi, locatedinUttarPradesh,India.His pathtobecomingaglobalentrepreneur andinnovatorintechnologybeganina contextfarremovedfromprivilege. Hisformativeyearsweremarkedby financialdifficulties,personal challenges,andtheunwavering strengthofhismother,Laxmi,who single-handedlyraisedhimandhistwo sisters.Thecircumstanceswerefar fromfavourable;Aditya'sfather departedwhenhewasmerelythree yearsold,leavingLaxmitobearthe burdenofnurturingthreechildren alone.
Lackingfinancialstabilityandexternal assistance,shededicatedherselfto workingdiligentlytosupporther family Throughouthisupbringing, Adityaobservedtheprofoundimpact ofperseverance.Hewitnessedhis motherconfrontanunpredictable worldwithsteadfastdetermination, resilience,andanindomitablespirit. Theseformativeexperiencesinstilled inhimarelentlessdrive,adaptability,
andthecapacitytotransformchallengesintoopportunities forgrowth.
OvercomingtheChallenges
Asachild,Aditya'srealitywasstarklydifferentfromthe privilegedbackgroundsofmanysuccessfulentrepreneurs. Limitedfinancialresourcesmeantthatevenbasicamenities werealuxury.ButAdityarefusedtoletcircumstances definehisfuture.Whereotherssawlimitations,hesaw opportunities.
"Successisnotaboutwhatyouhave,it'saboutwhatyou createfromwhatyouhave,"saysAdityaGaurav
TheTurningPoint Aditya,despitefacingfinancialdifficulties,remainedan avidlearner.Histhirstforknowledgewasrelentless;he perpetuallypursuednewinformation,engagedin experimentationwithvariousconcepts,andactivelysought opportunitiesfordevelopmentandinnovation.
TheBirthofanIdea–Knowasiak
Inanincreasinglyconnectedworld,networkingshouldbe easierthanever Yet,forentrepreneurs,professionals,and businessowners,existingsocialmediaplatformsweretoo broad,toocluttered,andlackeddepth.
Platformscateredtoprofessionals,buttheyoftenfelttoo corporateandtransactional.Traditionalsocialmedia focusedonpersonalengagementratherthanmeaningful businessconnections.
TheProblem:
• Entrepreneurs,startups,andbusinessprofessionals struggledtofindmeaningfulcollaborations.
• Businessnetworkingplatformswereeitheroutdatedor ineffective.
• Therewasnoglobalhubwhereprofessionalscould trulyconnect,learn,andgrowtogether.
ThisgapinthemarketledAdityaGauravtobuild Knowasiak,abusinesssocialnetworkdesignedspecifically forentrepreneurs,innovators,andbusinessprofessionals. “Knowasiakisn’tjustaplatformit'samovementtoredefine thewaybusinessesconnectandgrow,”saysAdityaGaurav
CreatingaMeaningfulBusinessEcosystem
Unliketraditionalsocialnetworks,Knowasiak.comwasnot builtforcasualscrollingorpersonalupdates.Instead,itwas designedasahigh-impactcommunitywherebusiness professionals,startupfounders,andindustryleaderscould findrealopportunities,partnerships,andgrowthstrategies.
TheCoreMission
• EmpowerEntrepreneurs&Startups–Provideaccessto globalconnections,investors,andbusinessmentors.
• EnableSmartNetworking–Algorithm-driven matchmakingforrelevantbusinessconnections.
• FacilitateLearning&Growth–Knowledge-sharing throughbusinessdiscussions,connections,groupsand manymorefeatures.
TheDifferentiatingFactor
Insteadofjustconnectingpeople,Knowasiakcreates opportunities."Thefuturebelongstothosewhocollaborate, innovate,andgrowtogether"elaboratedAdityaGaurav Unliketraditionalbusinessnetworkingplatforms, Knowasiakfocusesonrealvalue,notjustconnections.
• VerifiedEntrepreneur&InvestorCommunity–No randomspamconnections,onlymeaningfulbusiness relationships.
• Knowledge-DrivenNetworking–Exclusivebusiness insights,andlearningsfromtopindustryleaders.
• Growth-OrientedPlatform–Providesinvestment opportunities,strategicpartnerships,andinvestor access.
ScalingupRapidly
KnowasiakisbuildingaStrongFoundationbyLaunching MVP(MinimumViableProduct)withcorenetworking featureswithtestedplatformwithearlyadopters. Additionally,theIntegratedAlgorithm-drivenconnection algorithmsmatchtheprofessionalseffectively.The companyisalsoexpandingtoglobalusersoptimizing platformforinternationalmarkets&businessecosystems. KnowasiakisalsointroducingAlgorithm-poweredbusiness matchmakingtoboosthigh-valueconnections.The Platformgotadoptedbyaccelerators,incubators&business organizationsworldwide.Thebrandisalsofeaturingand promotingwithtopstartups&corporations.
GoingwiththeFlow
Knowasiakisjustgettingstarted.Withitsfast-growing globaluserbase,Algorithm-powerednetworkingtools,and high-valuebusinesspartnerships,it'spoisedtobecomethe world'sleadingbusinessecosystem.ButAditya'simpact doesnotstophere.Aditya'smetaverseventureCognac Metaverseisredefininghowlifeislivedandhowpeople willlivelifeinthefuture.Hisnextventure,SkuixStudios, isredefiningtheglobalmusicindustry
ExploretheFutureofDigitalRealitywithCognac Metaverse
CognacMetaverseistheworld'sfirstphotorealistic
metaverse,shapingthefutureofbusiness,gaming,and digitalexperiences.
WhyJoinCognac?
• Bepartofa$25-30M+valueddigitalrevolution.
• Experiencehyper-realisticmetaverseenvironments forbusiness,education&entertainment.
• Work,play,andinvestinthemostadvanceddigital economyintheworld.
ExploreCognacMetaverse:https://www.cognac.fun
"Thefuturewillbebuiltinthemetaverse.Cognacis leadingtheway."–AdityaGaurav
TheBirthofSkuixStudios–WhyItWasNeeded
Inthemodernmusicindustry,independentartistsstruggle togetnoticed.WithplatformslikeSpotifyandYouTube floodedwithmillionsoftracks,breakingthroughthenoise andreachinganaudienceisanuphillbattle.
TheProblem
Recordlabelsdominatetheindustry,limitingopportunities forsmallartists.Manytalentedmusicianslackmarketing expertiseandexposure.Thestreamingplatformsprioritize big-budgetartists,makingitharderfornewvoicestobe discovered.AdityaGauravsawanopportunitytobuilda platformthatgivesindependentartiststherecognitionthey deserve.
"Talentshouldn'tgounnoticedjustbecauseyoudon'thave industryconnections.SkuixStudioswasbuilttochange that,”addedAdityaGaurav.
TheUniqueFactor
SkuixStudiosisaglobalmusic-sharingandpromotion platform,designedspecificallyforindependentmusicians &producers,Musiclovers&collectorsandUnderground artiststryingtobuildafanbase."Goodmusicdeserves recognition,nomatterwhereitcomesfrom,”Aditya Gaurav
What’sNextforSkuixStudios?
SkuixStudiosisjustgettingstarted.Withitsrapidly expandingcommunity,artistcollaborations,anddigital innovation,itisontracktobecomeadominantforceinthe musicindustry.
“Theworldneedsfreshsounds.Wearemakingsurethey getheard,”concludedAdityaGaurav
Aditya'sRecentAwards&MediaFeatures
Withover24world,12Asia,and7nationalawards,
Adityacontinuestoberecognizedforhisimpacton business,technology,andsocialinnovation
RecentAwards&Recognitions(2024-2025):
• NationalYouthInspirationAward2025–RecognizedbyIndianGovernment&DRDO
• Topmate's“ExpertstoWatchin2025”–Featuredas oneoftheworld'sbestmentors.
• EmergingSocialNetworkingCEOoftheYear2024 –byGlobalCEOExcellenceAwards.
• UnitedNationsAdvisoryRole–Shapingmetaverse regulationsforthenext5years
FeaturedIn:
• News18,ZeeNews,BharatNews–Business& technologyimpact.
• Topglobalstartuppublications–Recognizedfor entrepreneurialexcellence.
• Internationalstartup&innovationconferences–Keynotespeaker&panelist.
“Successisn’tjustaboutwinningawards.It'sabout creatinglastingimpact.”–AdityaGaurav
StayConnected–FollowAditya’sJourney Adityaisactivelysharinginsights,businessstrategies, andmentorshiptipsthroughhissocialplatforms.
FollowAdityaonSocialMedia:
• Website:https://www.adityagaurav.com/about
• LinkiWorld:https://linki.world/AdityaGaurav
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adityagauravkc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityagauravkc/
• Twitter:https://x.com/adityagauravkc
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adityagauravkc
• Knowasiak: https://www.knowasiak.com/AdityaGaurav
• Discord:https://discord.gg/ypxA2cP3R3
• SkillGives:https://skill.gives/adityagaurav
Intherealmofjewelry,thepracticeofcustomization
haslongservedtocreateuniqueandpersonal pieces.Recently,twosignificantelementsthathave emergedasinfluentialincustomjewelrydesignare birthstonesandzodiacsigns.Thesesymbolsnotonly possessvisualappealbutalsoembodyprofoundpersonal andmysticalmeaningsfornumerousindividuals. Consequently,designersareprogressivelyintegrating theseelementsintotheircreations,resultinginjewelry thatreflectspersonalidentity,significance,anda connectiontothecosmos.
Birthstones:AGemstoneforEveryMonth
Birthstonesarepreciousstonesthatareconventionally linkedtoeachmonthoftheyear,andtheyarethoughtto providegoodfortune,safeguard,andhealingto individualsborninthatmonth.Incontemporarytimes, birthstonesarefrequentlyutilizedtocraftcustomized jewelry,includingrings,necklaces,bracelets,and earrings,whichsymbolizeboththeindividual'sbirth monthandtheircharacterorprinciples.Eachgemstone possessesdistinctcharacteristicsandsymbolicmeanings. Forexample:
Garnet(January):Garnet,recognizedforitsrichcrimson color,representsbothsafeguardingandfervor
Amethyst(February):Thesoothingpurplegemstoneis thoughttooffertranquilityandharmony.
Aquamarine(March):Aquamarine,linkedtotheocean, symbolizesserenityandbravery
Diamond(April):Diamonds,representingbothstrength andpurity,possessatimelessquality.
Emerald(May):Emerald,recognizedforitsstriking greenhue,isassociatedwiththemesofrebirthand renewal.
Pearl(June):Pearlsrepresentbothpurityandwisdom.
Ruby(July):Thevibrantredrubyisassociatedwith passionandenergy.
Peridot(August):Thisverdantgemstonesymbolizes developmentandrejuvenation.
Sapphire(September):Sapphires,recognizedfortheir richbluehue,representwisdomandfidelity.
Opal(October):Opals,characterizedbytheirradiant interplayofcolors,arebelievedtofostercreativityand inspireinnovation.
Topaz(November):Agoldenorbluegemsymbolizing happiness,affection,andprosperity
Turquoise(December):Theturquoisestonerepresents healing,safeguarding,andknowledge.
Customdesignersprovideclientswiththechanceto selectagemstonethatembodiesnotonlytheirbirth monthbutalsotheirindividualpersonalitytraitsor aspirations.
ZodiacSigns:CosmicInfluenceinJewelryDesign
Theintegrationofzodiacsymbolsintojewelrydesign hasemergedasafavoredmethodforproducingpieces thatembodybothpersonalandspiritualmeaning. Customjewelrydesignersareadoptingthistrendby incorporatingelementssuchasconstellations,zodiac animals,andastrologicalsymbolstocreatejewelrythat resonateswithanindividual'scosmicidentity.Here's howzodiacsignsareinfluencingtheworldofjewelry:
AstrologicalSymbols:Everyzodiacsignisrepresented byauniquesymbol,includingthescorpionforScorpio, thearcherforSagittarius,andthescalesforLibra. Jewelrythatincorporatesthesesymbolscanenhancean individual'ssenseofconnectiontotheirsignandits associatedenergies.
Constellations:Zodiacconstellationshaveseenarisein popularityinrecentyears,particularlyintherealmof jewelrythatshowcasesintricatedepictionsofstarsand theirarrangements.Theseitemsarenotonlyfashionable butalsoembodyprofoundcosmicsignificance, symbolizingtheexpansiveuniverseandanindividual's bondwiththecelestialbodies.
GemstonesLinkedtoZodiacSigns:Manygemstones, likebirthstones,areassociatedwithzodiacsigns,each offeringdistinctenergies.Forexample,Taurus individualsmaybeattractedtoemeraldduetoits groundingqualities,whereasLeoindividualsmight preferrubybecauseofitsconnectiontostrengthand bravery.Customjewelrydesignersfrequently incorporatethesestonesintocreationsspecifically designedtoreflectthewearer'sastrologicalsign.
PlanetaryInfluence:Everyzodiacsignisgovernedbya specificplanet,andtheeffectsofthesecelestialbodies canbemanifestedthroughjewelry.Forinstance,Venus presidesoverTaurusandLibra,embodyinglove,and beauty;thus,jewelryfeaturingsophisticatedand romanticdesignscanbecreatedtosymbolizethese characteristics.
CombiningBirthstonesandZodiacSignsinCustom Jewelry
Thetrueenchantmentoccurswhenbirthstonesand zodiacsignsareharmoniouslyblendedinbespoke jewelry.Designersareprogressivelycraftingpiecesthat incorporatethesesignificantelements,resultingin creationsthatarebothpersonalizedandmeaningful.For instance,apendantmayshowcaseanindividual's birthstonealongsidetheirzodiacsymbolorconstellation.
Similarly,abraceletcouldincludecharmsthatrepresent boththeperson'sbirthstoneandzodiacsign,culminating inapiecethatisprofoundlyuniqueandcustomizedto thewearer
Thesehybriddesignsholdsignificantemotionalvalue, makingthemidealforspecialoccasionssuchas birthdays,anniversaries,orspiritualmilestones.People aredrawntothesepersonalizedpiecesbecausethey carrymeaningbeyondjusttheaestheticappealof gemstonesorsymbolstheyreflectpersonalidentity,fate, andconnectiontotheuniverse.
TheFutureofBirthstoneandZodiac-Inspired Jewelry
Birthstonesandzodiacsignsplayapivotalroleinthe realmofcustomjewelry,shapingdesignsthataredeeply personalandsignificant.Byincorporatingbirthstones thatresonatewithourbirthmonthandzodiacsignsthat linkustocelestialinfluences,thesecomponentsfacilitate thecraftingofjewelrythattranscendsmeredecoration, providinginsightintoanindividual'scharacter, ambitions,andspiritualpath.Asthefieldofcustom jewelryadvances,onecananticipateincreasingly imaginativeandinventivemethodsthroughwhichthese enduringsymbolswillinfluencethecreationswecherish andadornourselveswith.
Freelancershavebeeninthemarketplaceforwell
over20years.However,freelancershaveexploded intheglobalmarketinthelasttenyears.They becamemuchmoresoughtafter,duringCovidin2020and since.Inthisarticle,wewillexaminethestateof freelancersandhowtheycangrowfrombeingfreelancers intosmallbusinessowners.
DEFININGAFREELANCER:
Let'sfirstdefinethetermfreelancer Whatisafreelancer? According to Cornell Law School, a freelancer is… “not an employee for any organization and is essentially an independent contractor who gets paid on a per-job basis. Unlike an employee, a freelancer has the freedom to complete different jobs simultaneously given there is no exclusive contract between the freelancer and the client. A freelancer is still required to pay income taxes and the self-
TAMMY S. DURDEN Founder & CEO,
Fearless Business Boss
employment tax mandated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A freelancer enjoys the benefits of working at home, having flexible hours, and choosing projects that interest them. However, freelancers do not enjoy the benefits of working for an employer which includes insurance and retirement plans”
[tax information is based on U.S. laws]
VIRTUALSERVICESPROVIDED:
Therearenumerousvirtualservicesfreelancersprovideto businessowners.Theyhelpseveralindustriestodayby providingvirtualservicessuchas:
●Consulting
●Contentmarketing
●Copywritingservices
●Emailmarketing
●Graphicdesign
●Onlinebusinessmanagement
●Onlineeventmanagement
●Virtualassistantservices
●Writingservices
Theyprovidemultipleothervirtualservicesaswellto coaches,speakers,realestate,insuranceagents,andother industries.
FINDINGCLIENTS
Freelancershadbeenontheirowninlocatingandlanding clientsinthepast.However,platformssuchasUpwork, Freelancer,andFiver,areonlyafewoftheplatformswhere theycannowreachpotentialclientsdirectly Somefreelancerschoosetoattractclientsbybuildinga website,writingSEO-friendlyblogs,andpresenting themselvesinsocialmediaposts.Thistypeofmarketing
cantake15monthsto3yearstogetthedesiredresultsin trafficfromtheiraudiencetoattractpotentialclients.
ISTHEMARKETBIGENOUGH
Youmaywonderifthemarketisbigenoughforallofthe freelancerswhohaveenteredtheglobalmarketplace.
What is the global market size of freelancers?
“The global freelance market was valued at approximately $1 trillion in 2023, and it is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2026. This growth underscores the increasing economic impact of freelancing on the global economy.” -Rosanna Webb
HOWDIDTHELATESTTRENDBEGIN
Asyoucansee,freelancingisheretostay,atleastforthe foreseeablefuture.Inthemassjobexodus*of2020 (called The Great Resignation in the U.S.),becausesomanylost theirjobstheydecidedtobecomeonlinefreelancers. Others,however,wantedtofindthefreedomofworking fromhomeandbeingtheirownboss.
*”In March and April 2020, a record 13.0 and 9.3 million workers (8.6% and 7.2%) were laid off, and the quit rate subsequently fell to a seven-year low of 1.6%.”-EPI
“There were some new data from the Labor Department last week: The number of people voluntarily quitting their jobs increased by 344,000 to 2.9 million in July.”Marketplace.org
(All are based on the data from the United States)
Evenaftertheslowreturntoworkin2021&2022,many decidedtocontinuetheiradventureintofreelancework.
LIMITATIONSONGROWTHFORAFREELANCER
Asmanyfreelancersbecamebusierbecauseofincreased trustwithinthemarketplace,however,theystillstruggledto findsolutionstogrowtheirbusiness.Theyfoundthey experiencednumeroustrials.
TrialFreelancersFace:
Althoughtheyweretheirownbossandenjoyedsome flexibilityandfreedomtheyseemedtofindthemselveswith trialsallthesame.
Someofthetrialsfreelancersface:
●Feelingoverwhelmed&overworked
●Frustrated
●Familycomplaintheyworktoomanyhours
●Hittingarevenuewall
●Maxedout
●Notimewithfamilyorfriends
●Unabletoacceptnewclients
●Unpreparedforthebackendworkneeded
●NeedHelpintheirbackendoffice
●
NeedHelpwithclientwork
Asmanyneverownedabusinesspreviouslytheyare slowlycomingaroundtotheideathattheyneedhelp.Most oftheseconcernscanbeaddressedbyhiringor subcontractingotherstohelpthem.
WHYFREELANCERSHITAREVENUECEILING:
Manyfreelancerscanfindplentyofworkbutcannotget pastarevenueceiling.
WhyFreelancersHitaRevenueCeiling:
1.LimitedBillableHours–Youcanonlyworksomany billablehoursinadaywhileprovidingqualityservices (often30-35billablehoursperweek).
2.RevenueTiedtoHoursWorked–Incomeisrestricted bytheirhourlyratemultipliedbythemaximumnumberof hourstheycanworkeachweek(orthepackageprice multipliedbythemaximumnumberofclientsoneperson canhandlealone.
3.HiddenBusinessExpenses–Therearemanyexpenses thatfreelancers(astheytransitionintobusinessowners) forgettotakeintoaccount.Someoftheseexpensesinclude marketing,administrativetaskstheyoutsource,aswellas clientsoftwarethatisneededtomaintainsuperiorclient relationshipsandtasks.
Ultimately,freelancerscannotgobeyondacertainnumber ofbillablehoursoramaximumnumberofclients.
RealExampleofRevenueCeiling:
Anexampleofafreelancevirtualassistantwhoismaxedout workingbetween 30 billable hours each week because the rest of their time is spentansweringemails, marketingtheirservices,andotherbackendtasksinbetween clientwork.
If that assistant charges $35 per hour and works 30 billable hours,theirrevenueis $1,050 for the week. This freelancer will have a revenue of $54,600yearly
The VA freelancer example shows that they cannot make morethanthisrevenue amount. If they cannot accept any new clients and they are already frustrated and actually working 35 - 40 hours per week,theywillnotbesatisfied.Nottomentionthat their own income will be significantly less after taxes and expenses.
Whatcantheydo?Thereareonlyafewwaysafreelancer likethiscangrowintothatsmallbusiness.
FREELANCERUNSUSTAINABLEGROWTH STRATEGIES
Therearethreeunsustainablewaysmanyfreelancerstryto growtheirbusinesses.
Thesethreeunsustainablegrowthstrategiesare:
1.Increasepricing
2.Takeonmoreclients (over their limit)
3.Workmorethanthe30-35billablehours (which means they actually work approximately 40-60 hours each week).
Thelasttwostrategiesaretheworst.Increasingtheir pricingcanworkforashortperiodbutitalsoinvolvesthe riskoflosingclientsandtheycannotmaintaintheirgrowth fromfreelancerintobusinessowner
Iftheybecameafreelancerduetoachangeinemployment andareenjoyingthemanyfreedomsthatcomewithitthey willnotwanttogobacktoanemployerworkingworking morehoursandprobablymakinglessmoneythanasa freelancer.
Whatotheralternativegrowthstrategycanafreelancertry? SUSTAINABLE
STRATEGYFORGROWTHFROM FREELANCERTOBUSINESSOWNER
Themosteffectivewayforyoutogrowstrategicallyfrom freelancertobusinessowneristobringonteammembers. Thesearefreelancerswhohavetheskillstoworkwiththeir clients.
Theyarenotemployees,butrathersubcontractors. Addingsubcontractedteammembersshouldmultiplytheir revenuebythenumberofteammemberstheyaddtotheir businesslesstheamountyoupayeachteammember,of course.
ASustainableExample
(aslongastheycontinuetoattractclientssuccessfully):
• Usingthepreviousexampleof30hoursandthesame hourlyrateof$35perhour.
• Ifweadd3teammembers (assuming they have plenty of clients waiting to onboard) willhelpthemgenerate$163,800inrevenue ($54,600 x 3).
[Keepinginmindthatyouwillpaythesefreelance subcontractors*apercentageofthebilledclienthours.]
• Ifyouaddthreeteammembersthecompanyrevenue willtriple.Thisisonlythegrossrevenueanddoesnot takeintoaccountwhattheypaytheirteammembersor theother expensesinthebusiness.
• Yourincomewillbelessafterexpensesincluding payingthenewteam.Isuggestpayingapercentage ratherthananhourlyrate.
• Everyoneworksatadifferentspeedandthisensures youandtheteammembersearnfairly.Ingeneral,the teammemberispaid50%upto75%.
• Asmuchastheymaywanttobegeneroustotheteam theymustrememberthatasthebossnowyoumust alsoleaveenoughtotakeoutotherexpensesandpay yourself.
• Althoughthegrossrevenuewillgrowexponentially relatedtothenumberofsubcontractors,itonly increasesthenewbusinessowners'incomeslightly. Theymustcontinuetoincreasetheteamtoraisethe company'srevenueandthebusinessowner'sIncome.
MYLESSONLEARNED
Imadethemistakeofpayingtoolargeofapercentageto myteamwhenIownedaboutiquedigitalmarketing agency.Ifelttheydidalltheclientworksopaidtheytoo highapercentage.IdidnottakeintoaccountalltheworkI wasdoingwithinthebusinessincludingmarketing,being thefaceofthebusiness,monthlystrategycallswithour clients,nottomentionmanagingeveryone.
BythetimeItookoutexpenses,everymemberofmy subcontractedteammademuchmoreincomethanIdid.I hadmanymoreresponsibilitiesthanmyteamandwas barelyearningenoughtopaymyself.Ihadtorethinkmy growthstrategy
Let'snotgetaheadofourselves,however,becauseadding toomanyteammembersatoncecanhavetheopposite effectyouarestrivingforinbuildingyourbusiness.
BIO&PHOTOOFAUTHOR:
TammyS.DurdenisaThoughtLeader,Speaker,and BusinessCoach.TammyownsFearlessBusinessBoss,a businesscoachingcompanywhereshehelpswomenonline serviceprovidersgrowabusinesstofittheirlifestylenot squeezealifearoundtheirbusiness.Tammyhelpsthem earnmoreandworkless.
TammyhasestablishedherselfasanAuthorityFigurein theonlineserviceindustry,beingcalledthe“Godmotherto Freelancers” (or virtual assistants).Herleadershipis evidentthroughhercoaching,speaking,andteachingher audiences.
Tammystartedherbusinessoversixteenyearsagobecause shecouldnolongerworkoutsidethehomeduetoa disability(MS&Lupus)andshewantedtoaddtothe familyincomewhilestillhomeschoolingherthreechildren. ShecreatedaVAAgencyandwentontocreateaBoutique DigitalMarketingAgencywhilecoaching,mentoring,and teachingonline.
Inrecentyears,intermittentfasting(IF)hasemergedas
awidelyembracedmethodforweightmanagement, enhancingmetabolichealth,andfosteringoverall wellness.Thisapproachisnotmerelyatransienttrend, scientificresearchisincreasinglyvalidatingthesubstantial benefitsofintermittentfastingonthebody.Itsinfluence extendsfromcellularhealthtoitspossiblecontributionsto longevity,makingitatopicofinterestforbothhealth advocatesandresearchersalike.
WhatisIntermittentFasting?
Intermittentfastingisaneatingpatternthatalternates betweenintervalsoffastingandeating.Itfocusesnoton limitingthetypesoffoodconsumed,butonthetimingof
Science, Benets, and Latest Trends
INTERMITTENT FASTING
consumption.Variouspopularmethodsexist,including: 16/8method:Thisisaprevalentmethodinwhich individualsabstainfromfoodforadurationof16hoursand consumetheirmealswithinan8-hourtimeframe.
5:2method:Inthismethod,youconsumearegulardietfor fivedayseachweekwhilelimitingyourcaloricintaketo approximately500-600caloriesontheothertwodays.
Eat-Stop-Eat:Fastingforadurationof24hoursonceor twiceeachweekisinvolved.
Alternate-dayfasting:Thisentailsswitchingbetweenaday offastingandadayofregulareating.
TheScienceBehindIntermittentFasting
Intermittentfastinginfluencesthebodyatbothcellularand hormonallevels.Duringperiodsoffasting,various processesoccurwithinthebodythatcontributetoimproved healthandweightreduction.
InsulinSensitivity:Onesignificantadvantageof intermittentfastingistheenhancementofinsulin sensitivity.Whenfastingoccurs,insulinlevelsdecrease, enablingthebodytoeffectivelyusestoredfatasasourceof energy,therebyfacilitatingweightloss.Additionally, reducedinsulinlevelsmaycontributetoalowerriskof developingtype2diabetesinthelongrun.
IncreasedGrowthHormoneProduction:Growth hormoneplaysavitalroleinfacilitatingfatlossand promotingmuscledevelopment.Theprocessoffasting enhancesthesecretionofthishormone,whichaidsin maintainingleanmusclemasswhilesimultaneously reducingfat.
ImprovedMetabolism:Intermittentfastinghasbeen demonstratedtoenhancemetabolismthroughtheelevation ofnorepinephrinelevels.Thishormoneplaysacrucialrole inthebreakdownoffatcellsandtheaccelerationofcalorie expenditure,therebyaidinginfatloss.
BenefitsofIntermittentFasting
Intermittentfastingservesnotonlyasamethodforweight reductionbutalsooffersextensivehealthadvantages.
WeightLossandFatLoss:Individualsprimarilyadopt intermittentfastingforthepurposeofmanagingtheir weight.Byestablishingadesignatedeatingperiod,thebody inherentlyreducescalorieintake,potentiallyleadingto weightreduction.Additionally,fastingencouragesthebody totransitionfromutilizingglucoseasitsmainenergy sourcetometabolizingfat,therebypromotingfatloss.
ImprovedHeartHealth:Researchindicatesthat intermittentfastingmayenhancecardiovascularhealthby reducingvariousriskfactors,includingcholesterollevels, bloodpressure,andmarkersofinflammation.Certain studieshavedemonstratedthatindividualswhoengagein intermittentfastingexhibitdecreasedlevelsofLDL cholesterolandimprovedtriglyceridelevels.
EnhancedBrainFunction:Fastinghasbeenassociated withenhancedbrainhealththroughtheincreased productionofbrain-derivedneurotrophicfactor,aprotein thatplaysacrucialroleinthegrowthandpreservationof
braincells.Additionally,theprocessofautophagythat occursduringfastingaidsintheremovaloftoxinsfromthe brain,whichmaylowerthelikelihoodofdeveloping neurodegenerativediseases.
LatestTrendsinIntermittentFasting
Intermittentfastingisundergoingcontinuousdevelopment, withrecenttrendsofferingmorerefinedstrategiesanda greatercomprehensionofitsadvantages.
Time-RestrictedEating:Arecenttrendgainingattentionis amoreconcentratedmethodoffastingreferredtoastimerestrictedeating(TRE).Thisapproachtointermittent fastinglimitsfoodconsumptiontoadesignatedtimeframe, forinstance,from10AMto6PM.Researchsuggeststhat thispracticemaysynchronizewiththebody'sinherent circadianrhythm,whichcouldenhancesleepquality, metabolicfunction,andfacilitateweightloss.
IntermittentFastingforWomen:Intermittentfastinghas gainedsignificantpopularity;however,emergingresearch indicatesthatwomenmayrequireadistinctapproachto fasting.Certainstudiesproposethatprolongedfastingcould interferewithhormonalequilibriuminwomen,especially inthoseexperiencingirregularmenstrualcycles. Consequently,expertsadvocateforamoreadaptable strategyforwomen,highlightingtheimportanceofshorter fastingdurationsandvigilantobservationofmenstrual health.
IntegrationwithExercise:Theintegrationofintermittent fastingwithphysicalexerciseisbecomingincreasingly popular.Manyfitnessaficionadosareutilizingfasting intervalstoimprovefatlossduringtheirworkouts,asthe bodyisbelievedtometabolizefatmoreefficientlyina fastedcondition.Nevertheless,specialistsadvisethat engaginginhigh-intensitytrainingwhilefastingmaynotbe appropriateforallindividualsandsuggestcollaborating withaprofessionaltocustomizethismethod.
TheFinalLines
Intermittentfastingpresentsnumerousscientifically supportedhealthadvantages,includingweightreduction andenhancementsincognitiveandcardiovascularhealth. Thismethodofeatingisversatileandcanbetailoredto accommodatedifferentlifestylesandindividual preferences.Asongoingresearchprogresses,itis anticipatedthatnewtrendsandtechniqueswillarise, furtherexpandingthescopeofintermittentfastingwithin thewellnesssector.Forthoseseekingtoshedpounds,boost metabolichealth,orpromotelongevity,intermittentfasting couldserveasavaluablestrategytoexplore.
A Strong Logo Enhances the Connection between the Consumer and Brand
The Power Of A Good Logo is both Memorable
and Appealing.
AStrongLogo:First
Impressions
Letmestartbysayingthatthepowerofalogobyitself cannotsimplysaveacompanyandcreateaninstant attractiontothemission.EffectiveBrandingisa combinationofthings.Greatclientservice,follow through,attitude,andaninexhaustiblemissionto maketheclientsexperiencetrulyexceptional, isthe heartofacompanyandwhatmakesthelogoproud. Nottheotherwayaround.BrandingStrategiesthataim toresonate“feelings”and“messages”toaconsumerisa complexmyriadofmanydynamicsthatallmakeupthe hallmarksofacompanyandbecomethebackboneofthe logo.Theheartbeatofanycompanyistheirlogo.It pulsatestrustandgiveseachconsumersomethingto identityitselfwithwhenthinkingandfeelingabouta particularexperienceorproduct.
WhenIthinkofgoldandcrispyFrenchFriesandthe saltyyetfirmtasteofthem,theGoldenArchesinstantly cometomymind.Ithinkwe'veallbeendrivinglateat nightonahighwayandrememberseeingthegolden archeslitupfromacrossthehillsandweimmediately cantastethefoodandrememberaparticularexperience. Consistencyandlongevityhavebeenattheforefrontof McDonalds'success.Yougetthesamequalityandtaste 20yearslaterasyoudidwhenyouwereakid.Youhave cometoexpectthat.Theirlogoradiatesthismessage eachandeverytime.Theexperiencesovertimehave
ledourmindstoperceiveacertainexpectationfrom theGoldenArches.
Memorable&Appealing
Twoimportantfacetsofastronglogo: It is both Memorable and Appealing.Awell-designedlogotakes intoconsiderationthedurability,functionality,andhow "sticky"itisinthemindsoftheconsumers.Whenwe talkabout"stickiness,"wereferencehowwellitcan bridgethegapbetweentheproductandservicethe companyoffersinrelationtotheirbrandidentity The companylogoisattheforefrontofthisinfluence.Agreat logocanevenelevatethepositivereinforcementofa brandbyassociatingitsvisualpowerdirectlytothe serviceorproducts.Awellthoughtoutlogocan influenceaconsumer'sthoughtssopowerfullythat theyassociatethemarkorlogointoafeelingtheyget fromtheirexperienceswithdealingwiththe company.This"feeling"radiatesfromthevisual stimulationofthelogodesign.Anexampleofthisisthe NBCpeacocklogo.Whenweseethepeacock,our memorydialsuppastshowsthathaveresonatedinour psycheandwecorrelatethepeacocktoquality entertainmentthathasinfluencedusinsomesmallor largeway
VisualPowervs.Feeling/Experiences
Astronglogocanevokefeelingsinaconsumerand createaloyal“attachment”tothebrand.The experiencesaconsumerhascandirectlycreatea myriadoffeelingsthatattachthemselvestothebrand
logo.Theshiftbetweenthevisualcorrelationtothelogo andthefeelings/experiencesonehasforthebrandgo backandforthandcreate"loyalty"and"relationships." A well-designed logo takes all this into consideration and the colors, symbols, and objects that make up the logo evoke the purpose and mission of the company A businessthat'susingtherapeuticmethodstohealand calmstresscouldpossiblyhaveasoftblueasadominant colorinthelogo.Theexperiencesofbeingcalmfrom thecompany'sservicescandirectlybefeltbytheclient andevokefeelingsfromthecolors.Anattachment happensbetweentheconsumerandlogo.Thelogo identifieswiththeconsumerssubconsciousan immediateexperiencetotheservicesorproductsand reinforcesthisfeelingevenmorebygreatuseof colorsandobjectstocreatetheperfectvisualappeal tothebrand.
ThePowerofaLogothroughColors&Fonts
Researchingcolorsforabrandidentityisacritical componentofcapturingtheperfectfeelingandmood.A Therapypracticecoulduseasoftbluetorepresent calmnessintheirlogodesign.AMexicanrestaurant wouldbenefitfromtheircountriescolorstoimmediately identifytheircuisine.Toprovokehunger,yellowand orangecanbeaverypowerfulcolorchoiceinalogo.
Fontchoicescreateanicecontrastorcohesivenessto theessenceofthebrand.Cursivefontscreatean elegantandlightfeeltotheoverallmood.Astrong andthickerfontcancreateasolidfoundationthat promotesstrengthanddurability.Sometimesusing bothcanactuallycreateanicecontrastdependingon thesloganortitleofthebusiness.Usingcontrasting elementsinalogoisapowerfulelement.
AStrongLogoShould:
• Bememorabletothemasses
• Resonatethebusinessmission
• Identifyitspurposethroughcolor
• Createastrongvisualassociationtotheproducts andservices
• Standoutfromthecompetition(uniqueand appealing)
• Haveabroadprintingandadvertisingrange
