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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how’s your weekend?

Hopefully, you got some time to rest and reset because, somehow, we’re back at the start of another week. And speaking of fresh starts, here’s a fun fact: there’s actually a name for that sudden urge to get your life together at the beginning of a new week: the “fresh start effect.”

Research shows that people tend to feel more motivated to go after their goals around milestones like Mondays, birthdays, and the start of a new month. So if you woke up thinking, “this is the week,” science is on your side!

If you find this newsletter interesting, refer it to your friends by sharing this link and receive amazing gifts from AHN!

THIS WEEK: FOOD & BEVERAGE BRANDS

Building a brand or business?

Join the AHN Directory and get discovered by the community.

The Founder Who Turned a Viral Red Lipstick Hack Into an Inclusive Beauty Brand

In 2015, Deepica Mutyala posted a YouTube tutorial showing how she used red lipstick to color-correct dark under-eye circles. The video went viral, reaching more than 10 million views and helping spark a wider conversation about beauty concerns often overlooked for people with deeper skin tones.

In 2018, she launched Live Tinted as a digital community focused on beauty, culture, and inclusivity. After listening to what her community struggled with most, Mutyala launched the Huestick in 2019, a multipurpose color corrector inspired by her viral technique that quickly sold out and built a 10,000+ person waitlist.

The takeaway: Your audience can reveal your next business opportunity. Listen closely to the problems they keep bringing up, then build around what they actually need.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

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

Cha Eun Woo to Play Genius Chef in ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ Spin-Off

Cha Eun Woo is set to lead a spin-off of the hit K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, taking on the role of a genius chef. The new series will take place in the same universe as the original but will feature a new story and cast of characters.

The ASTRO member is currently serving in South Korea’s military and is expected to be discharged in January 2027. The project is expected to mark one of his first major acting roles following his return from military service.

Read the full article here.

Jollibee Goes Big in Canada With 16 New B.C. Locations

Jollibee is ramping up its Canadian expansion after signing a deal to develop 16 new restaurants across British Columbia over the next five years. The agreement follows a separate deal for 10 franchise locations in the Edmonton market.

Together, the deals add 26 committed franchise restaurants to Jollibee’s 28 existing company-operated locations in Canada. The fast-food chain expects its Canadian footprint to reach 54 restaurants over the next five years as it continues expanding across the country.

Read the full article here.

BIGBANG Shows K-Pop How a Legendary Comeback Is Done With New Single “Biiig”

BIGBANG is celebrating its 20th anniversary with “Biiig,” the group’s first new single in more than four years. Featuring G-DRAGON, TAEYANG, and DAESUNG, the track is set for release on August 19, following their last single, “Still Life,” in 2022.

The comeback is only the start of BIGBANG’s anniversary plans. The trio will kick off their XX : COSMOS world tour in South Korea on August 21, with stops across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including Manila in February 2027.

Read the full article here.

The Content Strategy That Keeps People Coming Back

Going viral can bring a lot of new eyes to your page overnight. The harder part is keeping them around once the buzz fades.

Consistent growth comes from what you do next:

• Build clear content pillars.

• Create recurring series people can come back to.

• Keep the format familiar while bringing fresh ideas.

Nearly half of consumers say original content helps their favorite brands stand out. The goal isn’t to recreate the viral hit. It’s to turn that attention into an audience that stays.

The takeaway: A viral post gets people through the door. What you post next gives them a reason to stay.

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.

Thinking about hiring globally? Start with an EOR.

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

More companies are realizing they don't need to open entities everywhere just to access global talent. Instead, they're using EOR to hire internationally faster, stay compliant, and avoid building local infrastructure before they're ready.

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

See how it works

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