A big part of making decisions is determining what our actions and choices have been inspired by. So we asked decision makers from the community to tell us about what they are inspired by.

BAILI | Songwriter & Artist

I am inspired by human connection. As an artist, I find that there is a profound beauty in the way people relate to one another, the emotions they share, and the stories that unfold through these connections. I believe that these connections are the essence of our humanity and are rich with emotions, complexities, and experiences that I strive to capture and convey through my art. It’s the genuine, raw, and often unspoken aspects of these connections that I find most compelling, and I hope that my art, whether it be found in the melodies or in the words, can help others appreciate and connect with these aspects. We are not meant to create “perfect” art – just something that makes you FEEL. Read more>>

Aida Sajedi | Illustrator

As a teenager who was overweight, I always felt self-conscious about my body when around my peers. I couldn’t easily identify with the image of “beautiful girls,” and I often received advice from my friends that I should go on a diet to become thinner. At that age, I had a strong dislike for my body, which led me to embark on a very intense diet in order to conform to society’s beauty standards. Now, looking back with the benefit of hindsight, I can’t help but wonder why I subjected myself to such a grueling process to conform to these standards. This process could potentially have caused irreparable harm to my body. I find myself pondering the root of my body image issues during that time. It was this very experience that inspired me to create the “Women” collection. Read more>>

Stella Park | Designer & Founder

I draw inspiration from a wide array of sources, including streetwear, celebrity fashion, vintage designs, and various forms of art. When I create my designs for MISENVER, my goal is to strike a balance between staying on-trend without being overly futuristic. I want my products to embody the qualities of both ‘Mischievous’ and ‘Versatile,’ which are the two words that inspired the name of my brand. For instance, when I designed the Bunny Bag Charm, I envisioned it as a playful yet versatile accessory. It serves as a sunglass holder for bags and can also be used as a bag charm. Moreover, I included a hook at the bottom to provide customers with options for hanging small accessories such as keys or AirPods. My designs are a reflection of everyday casual chic with a touch of fun and adaptability, and I’m continuously influenced by the ever-evolving world of fashion and art. Read more>>

Jonathan / Izzy Tysor / Watts | Actor, Writer, & Producer / Director

As with most filmmakers, I draw much inspiration from my personal life; I’m a strong believer that if a story is significantly emotional/impactful to me, then it will resonate with others as well. Especially considering that filmmaking is not a quick process, it is important that I am passionate about the story I am telling as it will sustain the life of the project. The short film I am currently in pre-production for (that I developed with my director, and dear friend, Izzy Watts), “I’m Good!,” was based on a breakup I went through. Sometimes it takes several months to scour the corners of my brain in search of an idea worthy of being translated into a script. However, with this project, I knew the moment I went through the specific experience that it was something I needed to put on the page. If not even to be produced, but simply to experience that feeling of catharsis. Read more>>