We asked some of our favorite folks what makes them happy and why?

Gary Karapetyan | Film Director & Producer

That’s a great question. I think what’s most important to me is how I can contribute to society and make a difference in this world. There is nothing more satisfying than making an impact on a person’s life, and I do this through my films. I’ve worked on numerous films up to this point that, to a great extent, revolve around mental health, faith, and love. If I could make anyone laugh, smile, or emotional with the work I do, it means the world to me. Read more>>

Vedant Chavan | Film maker and Cinematographer

I have a very simple answer for this. “Making films makes me happy”. The whole process of it from pre production to release fills me up with passion and excitement which gives me a purpose for my life. Fulfilling my purpose of telling stories makes me happy. Read more>>

Maite Gomez-Rejon | Culinary Historian, Founder of ArtBites, and host of Hungry for History” podcast”

Creating experiences and having conversations with old and new friends makes me grateful and happy. If the conversation is over a meal it’s even better because deconstructing ingredients in a dish can take us on a journey around the world and demonstrate how interconnected and similar we all are. My husband and my dog make me happy too. Read more>>

Carolyn Michael-Banks | Founder and owner of A Tour of Possibilities

I have found over the years happiness is an emotion, if not kept in check, can be fleeting. It’s an emotion that needs to be chosen intentionally. My mother would often instruct me to choose how I will approach the day. She would remind me how blessed I was to see another day. She cautioned me about how there would be issues and events that would come up against my choice. Her advice was to continue to choose happiness even in the midst of the mess. She wanted me to focus on the bigger picture and how my attitude could often shift how long I would be in the mess. Read more>>