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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend?

In Japan, there’s an autumn tradition called Tsukimi, where people gather to admire the moon while enjoying seasonal food and good company.

It’s a lovely reminder that even during our busiest days, there’s always something worth slowing down for.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at what we have for you this week.

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THIS WEEK: JEWELRY BRANDS

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The Side Hustle That Could Replace This Founder’s Six-Figure Career

Despite earning a six-figure salary, Michael Sim found it difficult to keep up with New York City’s high cost of living. He and his friend Jazz Singh started Future Flicks, a photo booth business they could run while keeping their full-time jobs.

They started with weddings and private events before expanding into corporate events and brand activations. Sim says Future Flicks now makes around $6,000 a month, with some corporate bookings bringing in $4,000 to $7,000.

Sim still works full-time while growing the business, with the goal of eventually turning Future Flicks into a seven-figure company.

The takeaway: Starting small gave Sim the chance to test his idea, find where demand was strongest, and build a business that could one day replace his full-time income.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

Join our private investor network and stay connected to future opportunities across the AHN ecosystem.

Stray Kids Join BTS in Boycotting the 2027 Grammys Amid Backlash Over New Asian Pop Award

Stray Kids did not submit any music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, following a similar move by BTS. JYP Entertainment confirmed the decision but did not publicly explain the reason behind it.

Their absence comes as the Recording Academy faces backlash over its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. Critics have questioned whether creating a separate award gives Asian artists more recognition or further separates them from the Grammys’ main pop categories.

Read the full article here.

Korean American Artist Christine Sun Kim Wins $800K MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’

Korean American visual artist Christine Sun Kim has been named a 2026 MacArthur Fellow, receiving an $800,000 grant paid over five years with no restrictions on how it is used. Born deaf, Kim uses drawing, performance, murals, and installations to explore sound, language, communication, and the experiences of Deaf people.

Her work has also pushed for greater accessibility in major public spaces, including after she performed the national anthem and America the Beautiful in American Sign Language at the 2020 Super Bowl. Kim later criticized the broadcast for showing only a few seconds of her performance, calling it a missed opportunity for greater media inclusion.

Read the full article here.

BTS’ RM Donates $70K to Help the National Museum of Korea Acquire New Artifacts

BTS leader RM has donated 100 million won, about $70,000, to the National Museum of Korea to support the acquisition of new objects for its collection. RM, who was appointed the museum’s global ambassador in June, has become known for his longtime support of Korean art and cultural institutions.

His personal collection is also heading to the U.S. through RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition brings together 140 works from RM’s collection and SFMOMA’s holdings and runs through February 7, 2027.

Read the full article here.

DoorDash’s Strategy for Building an App That Works for Everyone

DoorDash built its platform around more than just the customer placing an order. Its product connects three groups: customers who want convenient delivery, merchants that need tools to manage orders, and Dashers who fulfill them.

By designing around the needs of each group, DoorDash created a system where every side plays a role in making the platform more useful. For businesses building digital products, it shows why understanding every user in the ecosystem matters.

The takeaway: A strong product doesn’t just solve one user’s problem. It creates value for everyone who helps make the experience work.

A $10,000 Grant Opportunity for Eligible Small Businesses

AHN and National ACE are proud to share a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the growth of their businesses. 

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, eligible small business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant after completing two Digital Ready learning resources and submitting an application.

The program is designed to help businesses strengthen their digital capabilities while providing access to funding that can support future growth. If your business meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and apply.

Unlock Payroll Tax Benefits and Savings With ADP’s SMB Solutions

Managing payroll, HR, and tax compliance requires time, accuracy, and constant attention to changing regulations. For many small and mid-sized businesses, these responsibilities can take focus away from strategic growth.

Through our partnership with ADP, SMB leaders gain access to reliable, cloud-based payroll and human capital management solutions designed to simplify operations while maximizing cash flow. 

How ADP supports your growth:

• AI-Enhanced Payroll: Reduce errors and late penalties with automated filings and AI-powered error detection that flags discrepancies before you pay.

• Maximum Tax Credit Recovery: ADP’s specialists use your payroll data to uncover valuable incentives—including R&D credits (now with expanded eligibility) and Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

• Built-In Compliance: Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory shifts, including new retirement plan mandates and updated wage bases, with automated system updates.

• Scalable HR Infrastructure: From your first hire to your 500th, access integrated tools for recruitment, benefits administration, and 24/7 HR advisory support.

Strategic payroll management is a reinvestment in your business. Fill out our form to connect with an ADP specialist for a personalized review of your current payroll process or review of potential payroll tax savings.

Got questions about hiring globally?

The best person for your next role might not live near your office — or even in the same country.

And more companies are realizing they don't need to open entities everywhere just to hire great talent globally.

Instead, teams are using an employer of record (EOR) to hire internationally faster, stay compliant, and avoid the operational headache of setting up local infrastructure before they're ready.

That shift is changing how companies think about growth, hiring, and expansion altogether.

Oyster's EOR helps companies hire, pay, and support employees in 180+ countries while Oyster handles payroll, compliance, taxes, and local employment requirements.

Talk to experts today

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