1. SoulPancake
Who knew actor Rainn Wilson could outdo himself after his stint as the memorable Dwight Schrute from NBC’s The Office? He has since created the production company SoulPancake (with over 2 million YouTube subscribers – no small feat) dedicated to creating inspiring content that makes you feel better about being human. Not through motivational talks, not through spiritual anecdotes, but through genuinely fun, touching, emotional, feel-good content. Some of the more well-known properties include the Kid President series, The CW’s My Last Days, and The Science of Happiness. And brands are taking notice as well, as they’ve partnered with some major ones this past year including Nestle, Northwestern Mutual, and Vitamix. Their creative content and rabid fanbase have not gone unnoticed; SoulPancake was acquired by Participant Media (Spotlight, The Help, He Named Me Malala) last year. Check out the latest video from the Vitamix with SoulPancake series on gratitude, this one featuring major recording artist Kelis:
2. Measurable Difference
Very few brands can continue to maintain popularity over the years across various demographics, but beauty brand Measurable Difference has done so with no signs of slowing down, even as larger, more expensive makeup brands such as MAC and Urban Decay are starting to lose market share. Initially started as a makeup and skincare brand popular among the 30 – 55 year old age group, Measurable Difference has continued to reinvent its line with new product offerings and branding that is attractive to the millennial female audience (as one will notice by the constant chatter about the brand on Instagram) while maintaining the high quality and attractive price points that catapulted the brand to popularity in the first place. Most importantly, it continues to be cruelty free.
3. Rinse
At a time when startup after startup claims to be the Uber of [insert industry here], Rinse offers a true value proposition that is set to take an entire industry by storm. The service removes all of the pain and friction that comes with clothing care, laser focused on dry cleaning and improving it in ways no one realize we desperately needed. Rinse combines the quality and knowledge of clothing care experts with the convenience and efficiency of door-to-door pickup and delivery service. It puts on the white gloves when it comes to its customers and obsesses over providing the highest level of care while being completely transparent on pricing and process. While Rinse’s major competitor Washio ‘folded’ last year, directing their customers to Rinse, there is no slow down to Rinse’s growth. Currently Rinse is available in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington DC, with Boston and Chicago launching over the next few months.
4. Bless Box
It seems that everyday there is a new influencer entering the Millionaire Club (reaching over a million social media fans across all channels) but very few social media stars understand how to parlay their popularity into a business outside of traditional ad sales and sponsored posts. Enter Sazan Hendrix, beauty influencer superstar who just months ago launched subscription box company Bless Box – a curation of her favorite products and brands delivered monthly to her audience. This isn’t just a box that Sazan has slapped her name on; she gives final approval on every item that lands in the box. Acquiring thousands of subscribers within just a few months after launch, Bless Box is one of the fastest growing subscription box services in the country.
5. Bentgo
The lunchbox space is a crowded one, yet Bentgo has managed to become the most recognized health-inspired box sold in North America. Named after the traditional Japanese style bento box, all versions of the Bentgo (Bentgo Original, Bentgo Kids, Bentgo Salad, Bentgo Bowl) have compartments to allow for portion control. The entire line is sleek, handy and affordable, and merchants have noticed. Bentgo is sold in retailers such as Walmart, Target and Crate and Barrel. Additionally throughout 2017 5% of all lunchbox sales, up to $50,000, made on Bentgo.com and Amazon.com are donated to charity partner Feed the Children.