 By: Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine For years, digital books were positioned as the inevitable future, faster, lighter and more convenient. A library in your pocket and for a while that future seemed locked in. Then something unexpected happened, people started turning pages again not swiping, not scrolling. Across coffee shops, airports, bookstores, and living rooms, physical books are quietly reclaiming space in daily life. Hardcover sales are rising. Independent bookstores are reopening and expanding. Readers are intentionally choosing paper over pixels not out of nostalgia, but out of need. This isn’t a rejection of technology it’s a recalibration. Digital Fatigue Is Real and Reading Is Paying the Price The modern mind is overstimulated. Screens dominate how we work, communicate, shop, and relax phones buzz and tabs multiply. Notifications interrupt everything including focus. Digital reading once celebrated for convenience has become part of the same cognitive overload. Readers report:
A physical book offers something digital rarely does single task focus. No alerts. No hyperlinks pulling attention elsewhere. Just the reader and the page. In a world built for distraction, paper feels like rebellion. Physical books feel more personal and more permanent while a printed book carries weight literally and psychologically. You can feel progress as pages shift from right to left, You remember where a powerful line lives on the page you underline. Write notes in the margins. These tactile experiences anchor memory in a way digital highlights often don’t and readers aren’t just consuming content they’re forming a relationship with it. For many physical books feel more intentional and buying one is a decision. Owning it is a commitment and displaying it is a statement of identity. Your bookshelf tells a story long after your device powers down.  Bookstores Are Becoming Cultural Spaces Again Independent bookstores once threatened by algorithms and one click ordering are experiencing a resurgence and they’re no longer just retail spaces. They’re community hubs, author talks, and reading groups. Curated recommendations from real people, not code. Readers crave human connection around ideas. They want conversation, discovery, and atmosphere. Walking into a bookstore feels slower, warmer, and more thoughtful than scrolling through endless digital options. It’s not just about buying books. It’s about belonging to a culture of reading. Print Signals depth in a fast world digital platforms reward speed. Skimming headlines over substance. Physical books signal the opposite, they say:
As long form thinking becomes rarer, readers are gravitating toward formats that slow them down and ask more of them. A printed book feels like an investment in depth mental, emotional, and intellectual. In an era obsessed with efficiency, slowness has become a luxury. This shift doesn’t mean digital books are disappearing, they remain invaluable for travel, accessibility, and convenience. But what’s changing is how people choose to read. Digital books for speed while physical books for meaning. More readers are using print for books they want to savor, reference, or revisit leadership books, memoirs, philosophy, literature, and titles that shape how they think. Physical books are no longer just objects they’re anchors.  The Return to Paper Is Really a Return to Presence
At its core, the resurgence of physical books reflects something bigger than reading habits. It reflects a cultural desire to:
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 Written by Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine, photos by Vonoi Magazine Vonoi Magazine sits down with Giada of LS Retail at NRF conference to discuss how modern point of sale software is quietly powering some of the world’s most complex retail and hospitality operations from global brands like Adidas to fast growing regional chains preparing for international expansion. Q: For readers who may not be familiar, tell us about LS Retail and what your software actually does? LS Retail is a global software company headquartered in Iceland, but we operate in 157 countries worldwide. We build modern point of sale, front of house, and back office software for retail businesses, hospitality groups, hotels, pharmacies, gas stations, and more. Today, over 110,000 locations globally use our software. What makes us unique is that our solution is fully localized languages, fiscal requirements, and country-specific regulations are all built in.  Q: Is LS Retail a white label solution? Yes, absolutely. Our software can be fully white labeled, meaning companies can run it under their own brand. It’s built on Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, but it can also integrate seamlessly with other ERPs. For example, Adidas one of our largest customers uses our software across thousands of locations worldwide, fully integrated with SAP. The customer never sees LS Retail on the front end it feels like a proprietary system. Q: What type of companies is LS Retail best suited for? We’re especially popular with companies that have complex or expanding requirements. If you’re running a very basic, single store retail operation with no plans to grow, there are simpler tools out there But if you’re a business that needs:
That’s where LS Retail really shines. Q: Can you give a real world example of that flexibility? Take a grocery store, for example. Many of them are no longer just grocery stores. They might have:
Our software is modular, meaning businesses can start with what they need and add new modules as they grow without rebuilding their system or managing multiple databases. Everything stays aligned:
 Q: Is this software only for large enterprises, or can growing businesses use it too? Most of our customers typically start around 20 to 30 locations and scale from there but we also work with startups. The key question isn’t size. It’s ambition. If you’re a founder saying, “I have five stores today, but I want 500 in five years,” then you need a system that won’t limit you. LS Retail is designed to grow with you, not hold you back. Q: What about insights and data how real-time is the system? Everything is real time. You don’t have to wait until the end of the month to understand what worked and what didn’t. You can immediately see:
Q: Let’s talk about the origins of the company. How did LS Retail begin? LS Retail was founded about 40 years ago in Iceland. The original opportunity came from a duty free store at the airport that needed a more sophisticated retail system. Duty free retail isn’t simple you’re dealing with regulations, traveler eligibility, restricted goods, and complex workflows. The founders saw that existing systems couldn’t handle those nuances, so they built something better. From there, the company expanded across Northern Europe, then the rest of Europe, and eventually worldwide. Q: How global is LS Retail today in terms of support and implementation? We have offices around the world and work with over 120 certified partners and implementers globally. So whether you’re in Peru, Malaysia, Dubai, France, Colombia, or Thailand, you’ll always have local, certified support. That’s something very few software companies can truly offer.  Q: Are there any limitations businesses should be aware of?
Like any solution, it depends on your needs. LS Retail is not designed for very small businesses that don’t plan to grow. We also don’t handle warehousing before retail—that would typically be managed by another system. But once products enter the retail environment, that’s where we’re incredibly strong. Our customer retention rate is 95%, which speaks volumes. Most businesses stay with us because the software continues to deliver value as they scale. Q: What about updates and system upgrades? Everything is cloud-based and SaaS. Updates are pushed automatically no major upgrades, no downtime, no on site installations. The system evolves continuously, which means customers always have access to the latest capabilities without disruption. Q: Finally, where can readers learn more about LS Retail? You can visit LSRetail.com to explore our solutions, industries, and global presence. Our Takeaway In an era where retail complexity is increasing not shrinking LS Retail is positioning itself as the quiet infrastructure behind some of the world’s most ambitious brands. For founders and executives thinking globally, flexibility, scalability, and real-time intelligence are no longer optional they’re essential. And LS Retail is built for exactly that future. Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how brands connect with customers but few companies are building AI with consistency, identity, and commerce at the core. We sat down with the founder of JohnSmith.AI, a company pioneering real-time AI brand ambassadors and next-generation content creation, to discuss the technology, the vision, and where the future of AI driven influence is headed. Tell us about JohnSmith.AI and the products you offer? JohnSmith.AI is the company, and we currently have two core products. The first is JohnSmith.AI, which focuses on real-time, interactive AI brand ambassadors primarily for live commerce and customer engagement. The second is Castor, a video generation platform designed for creators and brands. Both products are built around one core idea, maintaining a single, consistent digital identity (or IP) across unlimited content formats. What do you mean by “consistent identity”? Today, if you use most AI tools to generate images or videos, it’s very difficult to keep the same character or person consistent across content. Change the lighting, angle, or prompt and suddenly it looks like a different person. Our technology solves that. For example, we have an AI character named Coco. Coco can create images, generate videos, livestream in real time, and even change hairstyles yet she remains instantly recognizable as the same person. That identity stays consistent across platforms and formats. Coco becomes an AI brand ambassador a persistent digital personality that brands can program to represent their products, services, tone, and values. So brands can essentially “assign” their products to an AI ambassador? Exactly. You can program the AI with your brand knowledge, your product catalog, your messaging, and your culture. That ambassador can then represent you consistently without limits on time, geography, or content volume. What inspired you to build this technology? About three years ago, we saw the explosion of live commerce in Asia. Live streaming was booming but it was incredibly demanding on human hosts. Some people were live on camera for 16 to 18 hours a day. That’s not sustainable. It’s anti-human. We believed AI shouldn’t replace people it should enhance them. Humans could work eight hours, and AI could handle the rest. No fatigue. No burnout. No downtime. That’s where the idea of a real-time AI brand ambassador was born. Is JohnSmith.AI B2B or B2C? JohnSmith.AI is primarily B2B. Today, we serve more than 1,000 live streaming channels globally, working with over 1,600 brands. Some of the brands we support include major global names across fashion, beauty, and luxury. So far, our AI driven live commerce solutions have helped generate over $1 million in revenue globally. How mature is the technology today? JohnSmith.AI is enterprise grade. One of our biggest differentiators is zero hallucination the AI only responds using verified, brand approved knowledge. That’s critical for live commerce and customer interaction, where accuracy and trust matter. Live streaming is still emerging in the U.S. Do you see that changing? Absolutely. Live commerce is already massive in Asia, and it’s just getting started in the U.S. Platforms like Whatnot are early indicators. I’ve spoken with leaders about how this live streaming will be a dominant channel in the next five years. And not just for products, but for services and B2B engagement as well. What about small businesses or startups can they use this technology? Yes, and this is where it becomes powerful. For a small business that can’t afford to hire a full-time salesperson or brand representative, an AI ambassador becomes a 24/7 interactive front desk. It can explain services, answer questions, advocate for your brand, and engage customers around the clock. Where do you see the company in five years? In five years, every company will have its own AI brand ambassador. These ambassadors will:
Tell us a bit about your background. I studied at the University of Michigan, then returned to Hong Kong and China, where I spent five to six years in investment banking and finance. Being in the investment world helped me see opportunities early. In February 2022, we launched what I believe was the world’s first real-time interactive AI brand ambassador not just pre-recorded videos, but live interaction. At the time, most companies were focused on short form AI video. We went straight into live streaming. You also mentioned Castor. What is that platform? Castor is a video-generation platform designed for creators and brands. Our long-term vision is to build an AI Influencer Operating System. In the next three to five years, we believe:
This aligns perfectly with the shift toward micro influencers smaller creators with highly engaged audiences. Castor allows anyone, even camera shy or time-constrained creators, to build a consistent, high quality digital presence. Is this affordable for businesses? For JohnSmith.AI’s live streaming solution, pricing starts around $50,000 per year. If you’re already spending that much to hire a full time employee, this often makes more sense. The AI works 24/7, never gets tired, never gets sick, doesn’t need benefits and remains consistently energetic and on-brand.   Written by Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine The fashion industry has always been shaped by innovationm from the sewing machine to e-commerce. Today, artificial intelligence is becoming the next major force redefining how fashion is designed, produced, marketed, and sold. Unlike past disruptions, AI doesn’t just change how fast fashion moves, it changes how decisions are made. Here’s how AI is reshaping the fashion industry and what it means for brands, designers, and consumers. Design Will Become Data Informed, Not Data DrivenAI is already being used to analyze trends, consumer behavior, social media signals, and historical sales data to predict what styles, colors, and silhouettes will perform best. But this doesn’t mean creativity disappears. Instead:
The winning brands won’t abandon creativity they’ll combine intuition with intelligence. Faster, Smarter Product Development Traditional fashion cycles are slow, expensive, and risky. AI compresses timelines. AI tools can:
This means fewer mistakes, faster launches, and more agile brands especially important as consumers demand speed without sacrificing quality. Personalization Will Become the Standard AI will fundamentally change how consumers experience fashion. Expect:
Fashion will move from mass production to mass personalization, making customers feel seen rather than sold to.  Supply Chains Will Become Leaner and SmarterAI will bring greater efficiency and transparency to fashion’s most complex challenge: the supply chain. With AI, brands can:
Marketing Will Shift From Influence to Intelligence AI is transforming fashion marketing by making it more targeted, measurable, and strategic. Brands will use AI to:
Even models and brand ambassadors are evolving AI-generated models and virtual influencers are already being used in campaigns, challenging traditional ideas of representation and talent. Luxury Will Use AI Differently Than Fast Fashion Fast fashion will use AI to move faster and cheaper. Luxury, however, will use AI to:
New Roles Will Emerge, Old Ones Will Evolve AI won’t eliminate jobs it will redefine them. New roles will include:
 AI is not here to kill fashion’s soul.
It’s here to remove friction, reduce waste, and sharpen decision-making. The future of fashion belongs to brands that understand this simple truth AI handles the data. Humans define the taste Those who balance technology with vision won’t just survive the AI era they’ll lead it. Vonoi Magazine  By: Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief - Vonoi Magazine Vonoi Magazine: What inspired you to start Pretty Well Beauty? Jazmin Alvarez: I started Pretty Well Beauty back in 2019 because I noticed a huge gap in the market. The largest group of beauty consumers was being ignored, especially within the rapidly growing niche of clean beauty. I wanted to create a space that not only celebrated these brands but also placed them front and center — not tucked away somewhere to be discovered by accident. My vision was to build a beautiful space where their stories could be told and their products could truly shine. Vonoi: Your store features a variety of brands. What’s the story behind that? Jazmin Alvarez: Pretty Well Beauty doesn’t have its own brand line — it’s a retail concept that houses multiple clean beauty brands. We currently feature around 60 different brands, each carefully selected based on our very high standards. Every product must meet our strict clean criteria. A great formula, story, or sustainable packaging isn’t enough. If a product contains even one questionable ingredient, it doesn’t make it into the store. We’re completely uncompromising about that. Vonoi: So every product in your store is tested by you personally? Jazmin Alvarez: Absolutely. Every single product goes through a testing process with me. I try everything myself because it’s important that it actually works. There are so many products out there that promise the world but don’t deliver results. For me, it’s not enough for something to smell nice or feel luxurious — it has to do what it says it will do. Vonoi: You’re clearly setting a high standard for the brands you showcase. Where do you see Pretty Well Beauty in the next five years? Jazmin Alvarez: In five years, I’d love to see us expand to one or two more locations and have a full team, because right now it’s just me. I’ve been bootstrapping everything, so the next step will be raising capital to reach that next milestone. I also want to create our own in-house brand, specifically in the body care category — one of our fastest-growing areas and one that still has a lot of white space.  Vonoi: That makes perfect sense. You’ve already set the bar for other brands — it’s only right to create your own. Jazmin Alvarez: Exactly. As the CEO, I talk to customers every day, so I hear what they love, what they struggle with, and what’s missing from the market. That insight gives me the ability to create something meaningful — something that truly fills a gap. Vonoi: For readers who want to learn more, where can they find you? Jazmin Alvarez: Our website is PrettyWellBeauty.com, and we’re also active on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest under @PrettyWellBeauty. Vonoi: Before we wrap up, what’s one piece of wisdom you’d share about beauty? Jazmin Alvarez: Beauty is an inside job. You can have all the products in the world, but if you’re not taking care of what’s happening inside, you’ll just be covering things up. What we see on our skin is often a reflection of what’s happening in our gut — they share the same microbiome. That’s why we also have a wellness section in the store to support that connection. But it also goes deeper — beauty is about who you are as a person. If you have a good heart and pure intentions, that radiates outward.   Photo: Honorable Mention, Poppy the PWB greeter Vonoi: That’s powerful. When did this dream begin inside you?
Jazmin Alvarez: The seed was planted around 2016. I walked into a clean beauty store with a similar concept, but I didn’t feel welcomed. I wasn’t their target audience, and it showed. After a few visits, I realized I could create something similar — but in a more authentic and inclusive way. Pretty Well Beauty actually started as an Instagram page where I shared my passion for clean beauty. That page grew into an e-commerce store and eventually into this physical retail space. I didn’t plan for it to become a business — it evolved naturally from something I loved. Vonoi: Any final words? Jazmin Alvarez: Come visit us! If you want to discover amazing brands created by incredible people who look like you, come through. There’s something special here for everyone. Vonoi Magazine www.Vonoimag.com  By Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief - Vonoi Magazine In a world where pop culture increasingly drives commerce, anime is no longer just entertainment—it's a powerful brand strategy. Once considered niche or underground, anime has now become a global juggernaut, generating billions in revenue and influencing everything from fashion to tech. But what’s truly fascinating is how a new wave of entrepreneurs is using anime to grow their businesses, build loyal audiences, and disrupt industries in fresh, imaginative ways. The anime industry—valued at over $26 billion—has outgrown its “cartoon” label to become a cultural movement. With passionate, worldwide fans spanning all ages, entrepreneurs are tapping into anime’s emotional power, vibrant aesthetics, and deep storytelling to create stronger brand connections and drive consumer behavior. One of the most common ways entrepreneurs incorporate anime into their business is through visual branding. From anime-inspired logos and packaging to full-on character mascots, business owners are using anime aesthetics to stand out in crowded markets. Take clothing lines, for example. Independent fashion brands are integrating anime-style art into streetwear drops, leveraging the built-in fanbase of shows like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia. These pieces are often limited edition and heavily promoted on Instagram and TikTok, generating buzz, scarcity, and instant sales. Even beauty entrepreneurs are designing product lines around anime characters or magical girl themes—using vibrant palettes and kawaii packaging to create Instagrammable, collectible experiences that customers love to share.  Entrepreneurs also recognize anime’s storytelling genius. Instead of dry ads, many are creating content—Reels, YouTube videos, TikToks—infused with anime themes, tropes, and even custom characters. They use these formats to promote everything from coaching programs to tech platforms.
For instance, a business coach might use an anime alter ego to narrate their journey as the "main character" of their brand—battling self-doubt, unlocking new levels (program modules), and achieving the final boss battle (launching their product). This creative storytelling draws fans in emotionally, creating a deeper connection than traditional sales tactics ever could. Many small business owners and creators are turning to anime conventions as strategic marketing platforms. Whether as vendors, panelists, or sponsors, entrepreneurs are showing up at cons to reach highly targeted audiences. At events like Anime Expo, Otakon, or DreamCon, you'll now find everything from anime-themed candle brands and skincare lines to SaaS startups with anime-inspired UI. These spaces offer massive foot traffic, niche exposure, and invaluable in-person engagement. More importantly, entrepreneurs who show up authentically in these spaces win loyalty fast—because fans respect creators who respect the culture. Beyond marketing, some entrepreneurs are going a step further—creating original anime-style content and IP to generate long-term revenue. Artists, designers, and writers are producing indie anime series, webcomics, and manga, then monetizing through Patreon, Kickstarter, or merchandise. Others are collaborating with existing anime brands through licensing deals to release co-branded products. These types of partnerships give small businesses instant credibility and access to built-in fanbases willing to spend big on official collectibles. Perhaps the greatest benefit of using anime in business is its emotional resonance. Anime fans are loyal, expressive, and deeply connected to the stories and characters they love. By weaving anime into their messaging, entrepreneurs are not just selling products—they’re inviting customers into a shared universe. This emotional loyalty translates into repeat buyers, word-of-mouth marketing, and long-term community building—the holy grail of any modern business. In today’s market, attention is currency—and anime is one of the most valuable cultural assets an entrepreneur can leverage. Whether you're building a brand, telling a story, or launching a product, anime offers a toolkit of creativity, emotion, and community that’s hard to ignore. As more founders embrace the power of fandom, one thing is clear: anime isn't just for fans anymore—it's a full-blown business strategy. Vonoi Magazine |
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