5 Genius Business Ideas to Inspire You to Become Your Own Boss
Every year, innovative businesses that blow everyone away are born.
Disruptive business concepts generally trigger reactions such as “Why didn’t I think of that?!” “I NEED that!” or “That’s the greatest invention since sliced bread!”
Okay, maybe not the last one, but definitely the first two.
If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn't any limit to what you can do with your business and your life.– Harvey S. Firestone
If you’re looking for your first (or next) entrepreneurial pursuit, the five genius business ideas below are sure to spark your creativity. From recycled fashion to Tinder for pets, these are five of the smartest and most surprising businesses from the past few years.
1. Alchemy Goods
Alchemy Goods is not only built on a great business model, but it's also a positive idea for the environment.
Combining profit and environmentally conscious practices can be difficult, but founder Eli Reich has managed to turn a tough break into an opportunity for entrepreneurial gold.
When Reigh’s messenger bag was stolen, instead of just buying a new bag as most people would do, he decided to make one himself -- from some spare bicycle tubes he had lying around.
With the bag drawing so much positive attention from his colleagues at work, he decided to turn the idea into a business: Alchemy Goods. Reich’s ingenious idea has now blossomed into several product lines including belts, wallets, purses, and, of course, the classic messenger bag.
2. I Do Now I Don’t
I Do Now I Don’t is the kind of thing you hope you don’t ever have to use, but if the occasion comes up...you’ll be so glad you knew about it!
What happens to all those poor, lost engagement rings when an engagement is broken off? Surely, someone will take them in? Now, with I Do Now I Don’t, you’ve got just the place to trash, ahem, sell that useless engagement ring and turn a negative situation into a, well...a negative situation that didn’t cost you quite as much money.
An online marketplace for used engagement rings, I Do Now I Don’t helps customers find rings at very competitive prices. In fact, business has been doing so well that the brand has evolved into an all-encompassing platform for selling and buying second-hand jewelry.
3. BarkBuddy
Following in the footsteps of popular dating apps such as Tinder, BarkBuddy helps prospective pet seekers find the perfect dog for them.
Tell BarkBuddy what kind of dog you're looking to bring into your home, and it will match you up with relevant listings. You'll even be able to swipe yes or no on the various profiles to narrow down your choice.
Found your perfect match? BarkBuddy will help you set up a meet-and-greet to get to know the canine.
4. Thankster
Ever had to hand-write thank you notes after a big event such as a wedding? Ever wish there was a service that would just do it all for you? Well, that’s Thankster.
Thankster allows you to create personalized thank-you cards that appear to be 100% authentic and handwritten. And the best part is that it will pack, stamp, and ship your letters off for you. Done and done.
5. The Game Crafter
If you grew up playing Monopoly, you’re going to love this.
The Game Crafter is the world’s first service that will allow you to design your very own board or card game.
Founded in 2009 by JT Smith, Jamir Vrbsky, and Tavis Parker, The Game Crafter brings the concept of a game-night family tradition to the next level. The service even includes resources to help you make your game more fun.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.