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.

Cynthia Zhang | Painter/Toy Designer/Dreamer

I wish I had a deeper answer to this question, but truly some of the most ordinary things inspire me the most. Ever since I started painting and experimenting with color, I can’t help but see the world a little differently. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped in the middle of whatever I was doing, just to take a moment to really look and appreciate the way something was lit up, and then take a picture to save for later. When I paint, sometimes I feel like I’m repeatedly using the same colors over and over again, but still color and light never cease to inspire me. I’ve also built a habit of observational drawing whenever I can when I’m out and about, which has led to many drawings of friends and family around me. Whether it’s to capture a memory or to draw friends as caricatures to get a laugh from them, there is endless joy when creating for them. And of course, I am constantly inspired by other artists. My art taste has changed a lot over the years, but I find a lot of inspiration and joy when coming across a new amazing artist. Read more>>

Kay Abdullah | From boardrooms to yoga mats – Consultant by day, Yoga & Aerial Instructor by night.

I am endlessly moved by the boundless love and selflessness that radiates from my mother. Her dedication, sacrifices, and nurturing essence stand as a an inspiration in my life. Despite marrying early and raising six children, she not only continued to pursue her education but also worked for numerous years before ultimately retiring. Her journey did not end there; she discovered a passion for perfumery, leading her to establish her own line of fragrances. This venture expanded beyond perfumes, branching into room sprays, incense, hair mists, and more. Read more>>

Krystin Wills | Real Estate Agent at Douglas Elliman

I find my greatest inspiration in upholding the legacy of my ancestors and paving the way for future generations. I firmly believe in leaving a lasting impact, building generational wealth, and passing on my knowledge to others. Read more>>

Shon Curtis | Photographer & Director

As an artist whose work delves deeply into the intersection of blackness and society, I find myself continually drawn to the intricate tapestry of my own experiences and the multifaceted circumstances that shape the human condition. Born and raised in America as a black individual, each image I create is imbued with a profound exploration of culture and identity, forming the underlying thread that weaves through every piece. Read more>>

Shanti Kotliarsky | Photographer & Creative Director

When I was younger, nature was my first muse. I would doodle flowers, and paint scenic landscapes, and I would do the same with my photos. You can ask my parents – I would steal their phones to sneak a photo of any pretty flower that caught my attention. As I started to grow into my mature self I found myself admiring the simple beauty that existed amongst the humans around me. Today I have found that my favorite type of art to create is photographing people in nature; the perfect fusion of muses. Read more>>