Every business requires a great deal of time, dedication, and strategy to build. Today, it’s less about a formula and more about what works in a world that is continually evolving. The entrepreneurs on this list are tackling real-world challenges, attentive to market shifts, and purposefully creating enterprises. Their uncontrolled dedication provides insight into how entrepreneurship is transforming across industries—whether in technology, lifestyle, health, or services.
Lisa Phillips
Lisa Phillips is a powerful voice for justice, resilience, and healing. Formerly one of the most sought-after international models and TV commercial actors, Lisa’s career has evolved into a platform for advocacy. In September of 2024 Lisa wanted to create a safe space for survivors, she launched From Now On, a compelling docu-podcast now in the top 10% globally, amplifying survivor voices with raw honesty.
Through her podcast From Now On, Lisa uplifts survivors and challenges oppressive systems. It creates a space for women in high-powered fields to speak out against the fear and control that once muted them. Through raw storytelling and bold advocacy, Lisa’s episodes confront abuse and guide listeners toward collective healing. Lisa’s mission is to uplift survivors and ignite a cultural reckoning that is long overdue.
With major features in The Guardian, Fox News, USA Today, and more, Lisa is using her voice to educate, advocate, and inspire global healing. Within half a year of launching, From Now On received Webby nominations for Best Public Service & Advocacy Podcast and the People’s Voice Award—what The New York Times calls the “Internet’s highest honor.”
Out of more than 13,000 entries, Lisa’s impactful storytelling has earned global attention. She’s also a nominee for the Ambie Award for Best Indie Podcast Host, affirming her role as a transformative voice in media.
Looking ahead, her vision is to elevate From Now On into the top 1% of global podcasts for women and take her message to stages worldwide. Lisa Phillips is more than a survivor—she’s a catalyst for lasting change.
Mahsam Raza
Mahsam Raza’s journey was never about fitting in—it was about transforming industries with groundbreaking ideas. With an innovative spirit, he leads The Dua Brand and Glamora Entertainment to new creative heights. His transformative journey into perfumery began unexpectedly during a visit to France, where a chance encounter ignited his enduring passion for fragrances.
However, the high cost of luxury perfumes left Mahsam disillusioned. But instead of settling, he saw an opportunity. He set out to create sophisticated, high-quality scents—from Inspired fragrances to inventive Hybrids and Tribrids, along with unique Originals—all designed for everyone to enjoy without spending a fortune. His revolutionary approach led to a major industry first: AI-driven fragrances that personalize each scent to its wearer. This pioneering innovation not only disrupted the traditional perfume market but also cultivated a loyal community that values authenticity and constant evolution.
Not content with just reshaping the fragrance world, Mahsam ventured into the realm of storytelling with Glamora Entertainment. Expanding into film, he made his debut as both producer and actor in ‘Leech,’ a powerful film that tackles important societal themes. Moreover, leading publications like Success Knocks, and Flaunt Magazine have lauded his pioneering efforts. Additionally, The Dua Brand has earned a spot on Similarweb’s Digital 100, ranking at #7 as one of the fastest-growing digital brands of 2024.
Beyond his professional successes, Mahsam is committed to social responsibility. A portion of every sale supports charitable initiatives for orphans and the elderly. As he moves forward, he plans to continuously innovate and expand into new global markets. He aims to empower future entrepreneurs through inspiring projects like the ‘Mentovation’ YouTube channel.
Nicole Schaefer
Nicole Schaefer, RN, LME, is a prominent figure in the aesthetics industry who possesses the power to transform every distorted reflection into a work of art. Instead of concealing the traits that set individuals apart, she brings out their inherent grace. Her goal? To create looks that celebrate their authenticity.
With close to three decades in the industry, Nicole has become a pioneering innovator and trusted mentor in aesthetics. Her blend of exacting medical techniques with an innovative approach turns every treatment into a tailor-made tribute to personal beauty.
At the heart of her success is NS.AESTHETICS, a women-owned med spa where innovation meets personalized care. Here, advanced treatments like PDO thread lifts, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and bio-fill gel are not merely procedures, but bespoke experiences curated to reveal your inner radiance. Her innovative spirit and revolutionary methods have flipped the industry’s script, earning her nationwide recognition, including a spot on America’s Top 200 Aesthetic Injectors list. Her luminous journey has been showcased in prominent media, including South Jersey Magazine.
Passion for collective well-being shines through in Nicole’s practice. She has built a space where ethical practices and rock-solid safety are the foundation of every patient’s experience. She also ensures every patient’s experience is as comforting as it is revolutionary.
Ever the innovator, Nicole continues to push the boundaries of beauty. Her future vision is clear: to hold a pioneering role in aesthetic advancements and inspire every individual to step confidently into their most radiant self.
Anseth Page Richards
Anseth Page Richards is a La Jolla, California native, married for 42 years and blessed with four grown children and three grandchildren. She has always been drawn to helping others, and as a true lover of parties, she became a highly successful event planner.
Anseth’s latest endeavor is a wellness cafe and marketplace called “Cup a CHEER” located in the Birdrock area of La Jolla. Cup a CHEER features fresh, organic, farm-to-market nourishing grab-and-go meals, cold pressed juices, along with organic coffees and nutritious snacks to support healthy living. Anseth’s personal progression has been the addition of health and wellness to celebrating life. Her motto of “Celebrating Life Through Life’s Celebrations” now also focuses on vitality.
Cup a CHEER also serves as a wellness outreach center for the National CHEERS Foundation, a non-profit established in 2012 by Anseth with a small group of caring professionals and community leaders. The Foundation raises funds to support medical research, health institutions, wellness education and empowerment. In 2018, Anseth opened the Astin Retreat, a sanctuary for health, wellness, and vitality, located in an idyllic southern California country club setting.
Together, all three entities—the National Cheers Foundation, Cup a CHEER, and the Astin Retreat—support women’s health in San Diego, bringing health, wellness, education, and empowerment opportunities. Grants from these organizations fund initiatives focused on heart health, cancer support, autoimmune disease resources, osteoporosis awareness, and mental health services—the five major health threats to women.
Hitesh Patel
In the competitive world of aviation, Hitesh Patel emerges as a groundbreaking leader and visionary. He launched his remarkable career in the bustling hangars of Continental Airlines at an early age. His early experiences were profoundly marked by unwavering determination and genuine curiosity. Every lesson he learned further fueled his growing passion. His hands-on experience steadily laid the firm groundwork for a remarkable journey ahead.
At JetBlue Airways, Hitesh boldly pushed the limits of innovation. He wholeheartedly embraced numerous challenges while redefining industry standards. He firmly rejected the traditional status quo. His innovative approach was simple: to innovate, improve, and consistently inspire. His outstanding work created an entirely new model for technical excellence. During this time, his team achieved record A320 dispatch reliability, setting a benchmark in North America.
In 2004, Hitesh took on a major leadership role at Kingfisher Airlines, successfully building a new airline in one of the world’s most competitive markets. His method thoughtfully integrated engineering, maintenance, planning, and finance. Later, as CEO of Veling Aircraft Leasing, he dramatically transformed the company with bold strategies. He now holds advisory roles with aviation startups and contributes strategic insight to Riyadh Air’s rapid development.
Driven by his remarkable vision, Hitesh founded Blu3Aero Consultancy. His innovative firm offers agile and independent advisory services. They design tailored solutions to overcome diverse commercial, technical, and financial hurdles. His proactive team works with clear-minded focus and relentless dedication.
Today, Hitesh has become a guiding light for aspiring professionals around the globe. He encourages the next generation to challenge norms, drive change, and think beyond limitations. With courage and clarity, he redefines global aviation every day.
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any medical or aesthetic treatments.
