Austen Chu, cofounder of Wristcheck, transformed his passion for luxury watches into a successful resale business. Starting with an Instagram fan page, Chu expanded into a consignment-based company that has consigned over $80 million in watches since its 2020 launch. Wristcheck opened a physical store in Hong Kong in 2021 and raised $8 million in funding led by Gobi Partners in November 2022. The company plans to launch an app and improve its AI for pricing tools, aiming to make the buying and selling process transparent and trustworthy.

Bernadine Swale, a 68-year-old retiree from Denver, has transformed her life by becoming a housesitter, traveling the world, and living in other people's homes for free. She rents out her own house on Airbnb, earning up to $77,000 a year. Swale has housesat in various countries, including Botswana, Japan, and New Zealand. She uses Trusted Housesitters to find places to stay and advises others to be aware of visa requirements. Swale's lifestyle change came after her divorce and retirement from a pharmacy job. She enjoys the freedom and experiences that housesitting offers, despite occasional challenges such as pet emergencies. Swale has made friends through her housesitting adventures and cherishes the independence and opportunities her new life provides.

Jamie Inlow, founder of Be Still Getaways, recounts her journey from working at Appalachian State University to managing over 100 properties through her Airbnb business. Starting with a neighbor's sheep barn in Scottsville, Virginia, she expanded her portfolio by leveraging social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram, and by partnering with a local real estate agent. Inlow emphasizes the importance of aesthetics, amenities like hot tubs, and the use of management and pricing software to maximize bookings. Despite challenges like zoning regulations, her business has grown to include a team of seven employees and 50 contractors, with a revenue of $300,000 in the first half of 2022.

The article discusses the concept of 'work gyms,' online platforms where individuals join structured work sessions to enhance productivity while working remotely. Companies like Ultraworking, Caveday, Focusmate, and Momentum Mornings offer services where members work in timed sprints, often using the Pomodoro technique, and maintain accountability by keeping their cameras on. The article explores the psychological benefits of this approach, such as the focus on monotasking and entering a 'flow state.' The author, Claire Turrell, shares her personal experience with Ultraworking, noting the increased focus and sense of community. The piece also includes insights from psychologists and business experts on the effectiveness of work gyms and alternative strategies for achieving productivity.

A successful Depop reseller recounts their journey from selling personal vintage items to opening a physical storefront in NYC, leveraging TikTok to grow their customer base. With a background in photography and media, the reseller initially worked part-time at Depop's retail space in New York City before deciding to focus on their own store, Rogue. Utilizing social media, particularly TikTok, they attracted a significant following, which translated into physical sales and the eventual opening of a brick-and-mortar shop. The store has hosted various events and pop-ups, attracting a diverse clientele, including celebrities like Post Malone. The business continues to expand with plans for a Rogue clothing line and a podcast.

The Reef Company, supported by IBM and Microsoft, aims to construct 2500 artificial reefs over the next decade to combat climate change by restoring coral reef ecosystems. The company plans to deploy its first reefs by December 2022 and is seeking additional corporate funding to assist in carbon footprint offsetting.

Rebecca Newenham, after an eight-year career break, chose not to return to the corporate world and became a virtual assistant, founding Get Ahead. She expanded her business into a franchise, now with 50 virtual assistants across the UK and Spain, and even sold a franchise in Australia. Newenham's business offers a range of services, including social media and Zoom-facilitation, and has adapted to the virtual shift during the pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of flexible working and enjoys empowering others through her brand.

Matthew Mawtus, manager of the Michelin-starred London restaurant Hide, advises on proper etiquette to gain the favor of waitstaff in exclusive dining establishments. Tips include not changing tables without consulting the staff, deciding who will pay before the bill arrives, consulting a sommelier when choosing wine, addressing complaints directly to the manager rather than online, informing the restaurant of dietary restrictions in advance, and engaging with companions instead of using phones during the meal.