Prominent Figures to Keep an Eye on in 2026
When Liz Eswein launched her first Instagram account in 2011, she instinctively understood the cultural moment New York was entering. Securing the handle @newyorkcity, she began documenting the city with an immediacy and authenticity that felt like a new approach at the time. The account evolved into a living archive of streets, skylines, and daily life, and by 2026, it had grown to more than 1.5 million followers. Often called the den mother of Instagram, Eswein helped legitimize user-generated content long before it was recognized as a serious media force, reshaping how audiences and brands valued digital storytelling.
As the platform grew, Eswein saw patterns others missed and began translating them into opportunity. Drawing on her advertising background, she recognized early on that creators were undervalued despite their reach and influence. This insight led her to build Cycle Media, later acquired by Laundry Service, with a creator-first model that prioritized authentic content over traditional production. Within a few years, she was managing a global network of more than 1,000 creators, helping many earn six-figure incomes while producing campaigns for major brands like Nike and LG at a faster pace and broader scale. Her approach anticipated what would later become the foundation of modern UGC marketing.
That same instinct for culture carried into her next chapter as co-founder of New York or Nowhere, a digital native brand rooted in identity, community, and place. What began online quickly became a physical destination, opening its Lafayette Street flagship in 2020 and cementing its presence in pop culture. After stepping back from day-to-day operations in 2025, Eswein turned her focus toward new ventures, philanthropy, and future-facing ideas at the intersection of culture, design, and media. True to New York’s enduring ethos, she continues to build with timing, intuition, and an eye toward what comes next.
Keith Dez Hernandez has emerged as one of New York City’s most in-demand tattoo artists, earning a reputation for precision artistry and deeply personal work. A Bronx native, he is the founder of DEZ Studios, a private studio housed inside the iconic WSA Building in the Financial District. From athletes to cultural tastemakers, Dez has become a trusted name for clients seeking tattoos that carry meaning, identity, and lasting impact.
Renowned for his mastery of black and grey realism and intricate portraiture, Dez approaches tattooing as both a technical craft and emotional storytelling. His work is defined by its depth, realism and ability to capture the essence of the subject, qualities that have attracted a high-profile clientele. Each piece reflects a careful balance of artistry and intention, reinforcing his status as one of the city’s elite tattoo artists.
At the core of Dez’s success is the experience he creates. DEZ Studios operates as a creative sanctuary rather than a traditional tattoo shop, offering an environment where art, culture and self-expression naturally intersect. Every client, regardless of profile, is met with the same focus, respect and attention to detail. Rooted in his upbringing and guided by purpose, Keith Dez Hernandez continues to elevate tattooing as a form of personal storytelling and contemporary art.
Founded in 2017 on the belief that everyone deserves a fair shot, the Goldburg Family Foundation concentrates its efforts on education and food security as the most powerful tools for long-term change. Led by founder and president Robert Goldburg, who also serves as president of Goldburg Capital, the foundation began with a focus on higher education. To date it has removed financial barriers that often prevent students from pursuing their ambitions.
Food access became the foundation’s next major pillar through Feeding the World, an initiative developed in partnership with Rising Ground. Board member Jack Goldburg, creator of Jack’s Dining Room, which has over 2.5 million followers on Instagram, helped bridge philanthropy and culture by channeling his passion for food and community into the program. Launched in East Flatbush, the initiative provides community meals, nutrition education, and pantry services.
True to its New York City roots, the foundation brings its mission to life through immersive donor experiences that make giving feel personal and engaging. Events reflect a modern approach to philanthropy built on transparency and accountability. Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand its pantry network across New York City, provide one million meals over the next decade, and award one hundred scholarships, helping donors better understand the tangible impact of their support.
Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein is a New York-born, board-certified periodontist practicing in what has become one of the city’s most talked-about wellness destinations. Part of a multigenerational family practice, he works within a luxury, hospitality-driven dental environment with elements commonly associated with private clubs or spa environments rather than a traditional dental office. The practice attracts a global clientele that includes athletes, musicians, actors, and leaders across entertainment, fashion, and finance, many of whom travel from around the world specifically for Dr. Rubinshtein’s care. From private treatment suites and concierge-level service to advanced in-house technology, every detail is intentionally designed around comfort, discretion, and exceptional outcomes.
While the setting is elevated, Dr. Rubinshtein’s true focus is patient care. He is known for a patient-first philosophy rooted in education, transparency and trust. Before any procedure begins, he dedicates significant time to helping patients fully understand their oral health, available options and the long-term impact of treatment decisions. This thoughtful approach empowers patients to make confident choices that align with their goals, whether they are seeking subtle enhancements or comprehensive transformation.
Dr. Rubinshtein’s expertise spans innovative, minimally invasive procedures, including advanced laser-based gum lifts and contouring that can dramatically enhance a smile with no downtime and without altering the natural teeth. He is also widely recognized for advanced full-mouth rehabilitation, particularly his Same Day Smile procedure, an implant-supported solution that allows patients to arrive with broken, failing, or missing teeth and leave the very same day with a fully fixed, natural-looking set of teeth, by combining surgical precision with restorative artistry, with the aim of addressing function and aesthetics, often within a single visit. Whether performing subtle laser enhancements or complete smile transformations, his work reflects a belief that dentistry can have a meaningful impact on quality of life, deeply personal and centered on helping patients look, feel and live better.
For Taylor Richardson, success in real estate is defined by relationships rather than numbers. Based in Scottsdale, she brings a client-first approach rooted in trust, connection, and genuine care. Whether working with first-time buyers or longtime homeowners, Richardson views her clients as family and prioritizes meaningful partnerships that extend well beyond the transaction. A Scottsdale native, Richardson pairs deep local knowledge with top-tier mentorship through her work with The Griggs Group, powered by The Altman Brothers. She specializes in luxury properties across Paradise Valley and Arcadia, regularly hosting open houses at some of the area’s most desirable homes. Her approach to luxury focuses on creating a seamless experience that anticipates client needs while delivering architectural beauty and lifestyle alignment.
Beyond real estate, Richardson shares her journey across entrepreneurship, wellness, fitness, fashion and self-care, using social platforms to connect authentically with her audience. By blending lifestyle storytelling with market expertise, she builds trust and community one interaction at a time. Looking ahead, she remains committed to serving her clients with intention, guiding each relationship with the same care and dedication that define her career.
Boarding the N30 Pioneer II offers a different experience from conventional water travel. The ride is notably smooth and quiet, with an emphasis on comfort and unobstructed views rather than speed or spectacle.
Developed by Silicon Valley-based maritime technology company Navier, this sleek 30-foot, all-electric vessel rises above the water on hydrofoils, combining physics-driven design, advanced software systems, and whisper-quiet, zero-emission propulsion. By lifting the hull above the waves, the hydrofoil technology dramatically reduces drag, delivering a notably smooth ride compared to traditional boats. Gone are the days of noisy, gas-powered water taxis and choppy commutes. The N30 Pioneer II offers a serene, high-end alternative to traditional water travel.
At the helm is Sampriti Bhattacharyya, Navier’s founder and CEO, an MIT-trained roboticist and engineer who brings together expertise in aerospace, robotics, and hydrofoil technology. She leads an experienced, multidisciplinary team of naval architects and engineers dedicated to building vessels that are elegant, comfortable and environmentally responsible. But Navier’s mission goes beyond luxury. The company is working to advance American shipbuilding, enable scalable maritime transportation and reshape how cities and coastal communities move on water. From recreational cruising to commercial transit and future defense applications, Navier’s technology is designed to support faster transit with improved efficiency.
Whether you’re commuting across the bay or enjoying a sunset cruise, the N30 Pioneer II places greater emphasis on the experience of the journey itself. The design prioritizes quiet operation and passenger comfort as central features.
Lavallière Haus is a creative production studio redefining brand storytelling through cinematic campaigns and immersive experiential events. Founded by Brittany S. Mason, an international model turned executive producer, the studio was built on the belief that strong brand narratives should not only exist but also evolve and resonate across every touchpoint. Mason brings a distinct behind-the-lens perspective, blending creativity and strategy to craft campaigns that feel intentional, elevated, and emotionally driven.
Rather than following trends, Lavallière Haus focuses on continuity and cinematic vision, producing content that unfolds as a cohesive story. The studio offers full-scale production services, managing everything from talent and styling to location scouting and execution. Its portfolio includes each project brought to life through striking short-form visuals showcased on Instagram at @lavallierehaus. Mason’s earlier work helped shape the studio’s approach, proving that layered storytelling and emotion-driven visuals directly translate to audience engagement and sales.
Looking ahead, Lavallière Haus is expanding its creative universe with immersive experiences that place talent and storytelling at the center. Upcoming projects include a cinematic Valentine’s Weekend debut at a boutique Temecula property, featuring live music, a private chef and curated interiors, alongside experiential events spanning Los Angeles and New Orleans. With travel-based shoots, ambitious productions and several campaigns still under wraps, Mason continues to push the boundaries of how products are presented, experienced and remembered.
Renowned hospitality entrepreneur Franklin Santana has unveiled Truth Astoria, a high-end Asian fusion destination that officially opened in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens in 2024. Designed to deliver a refined yet energetic dining experience, the restaurant blends classic Asian flavors with a modern culinary perspective, offering guests a fresh take on familiar traditions.
Set within a 2,000-square-foot bi-level space, Truth Astoria balances chic design with subtle Asian influences, creating an atmosphere suited to both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. An expansive cocktail program and curated wine selection further elevate the experience, thoughtfully paired with the restaurant’s innovative cuisine.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Truth Astoria reflects Santana’s broader commitment to community impact and supports ongoing philanthropic initiatives. From brunch service with bottomless mimosas to indulgent seafood towers, the restaurant aims to establish itself as a new Queens landmark, offering a polished yet welcoming destination for any occasion.
Alex Moreno has emerged as a creator who blends endurance, storytelling, and advocacy to spark meaningful conversations around mental health. From bear crawling 13.1 miles through New York City, his physical challenges serve a deeper purpose rooted in connection and impact.
Raised in foster care, Moreno channels his lived experience into his work, giving his advocacy an authenticity that resonates deeply. As a first-generation Afro-Latino and a proud LGBTQ+ ally, he speaks openly about identity, masculinity and emotional wellness in communities where these conversations are often stigmatized. His content challenges traditional norms, reframing strength as vulnerability and growth as the willingness to show up honestly for oneself and others.
That balance of resilience and openness defines Moreno’s platform. One moment he may be sharing humor or a skincare routine, the next reflecting on cultural expectations and personal healing. He also brings this ethos to projects where he helps amplify diverse voices and stories. Intentional and socially conscious, Moreno approaches every partnership and campaign with depth and purpose, using his platform to build community, inspire change and create space for conversations that matter.
https://www.instagram.com/alexwgoals?igsh=MW81ZzczM2s0OGE2aA==
At just 23 years old, Fredy Ordonez has positioned himself as a direct link to today’s music culture. He is the creator and host of a podcast and YouTube platform that places audiences inside the studio with rising talent and established names alike. The show blends insider access with an easy, conversational energy that feels authentic and unforced.
The concept behind Eleven Again is rooted in synchronicity, inspired by the symbolism of 11:11 and its association with alignment and creative intuition. Fredy’s path into music began at eighteen when he accompanied his cousin, DJ Level, to an event, watching the crowd respond to the music and energy in the room sparked his desire to be part of the culture-shaping moments both on and off the stage. That perspective continues to guide the show, which focuses on the artist behind the spotlight as much as the sound itself.
Today, Eleven Again has grown into a multi-platform ecosystem for music discovery and storytelling. The brand spans podcasts, live sessions, short-form content, and cinematic YouTube features that document the creative process in real time. From candid conversations about artistry, mental health and relationships, Fredy invites listeners into the full experience. His goal remains simple: to make audiences feel present, connected and part of the conversation rather than just listening from the outside.
https://www.instagram.com/fredyordonez22?igsh=em9ibWRoa3cwMDNv
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