In the past 4 years of ICONS, we have been lucky enough to work with and feature almost 200 Pittsburgh-based entrepreneurs.
When we released our first volume in 2015, Pittsburgh was really coming into its own. We were excited then about the thought of showcasing local business owners who embodied all walks of life. Some of the entrepreneurs that we featured were just getting started. Others been around for decades. But, they were all changing the city for the better in some way. We’re so happy to have been able to continue this tradition to this day.
In any city, being an entrepreneur is hard work. There is no separation of home life and business. No breaks are given. Sometimes, this entanglement can feel like navigating an urban jungle. The motivation and dedication of our clients is what inspired us to make this year’s cover an artistic metaphor for this reality. We chose a leopard to represent the internal and external ferocity that it takes to make the dream come true. Local artist and friend of the brand, Dino Misetic, unleashed his inner beast when creating this piece. We could not be more thrilled with how it turned out.
This year was also the year that the ICONS brand expanded outside of Pittsburgh. We launched our first satellite city, Youngstown, OH, in August with the help of local curator, Dennis Schiraldi. We also acquired a home in Nassau, Bahamas where ICONS can go to be inspired and work outside of their office or local coffee shop. The Isle of ICONS is a dream come true and has been on my personal bucket list since I began my career. Moving forward, each year, we plan to auction off a week’s stay to help benefit local charities and continue the betterment of the city.
ICONically yours,
April Hubal
