We love asking the folks that inspire and excite us about what inspires and excites them. Check out their responses below.

Nick Pags

I’m inspired by people who do amazing things in the world and serve people in a big way, who also put their mental, physical, and emotional health as first priority. Read more>>

Kemi Adegoroye

Music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Everything I say or do has a soundtrack accompanying it. Every mood has a melody and every day has a playlist. And when I write my own music, I pull from varied aspects of my life and the music I love. My latest song, In My Corner, is inspired by the R&B love songs I grew up on in the ’90s and early 2000s. Iconic songs by Brandy, TLC, Tatyana Ali and SWV that reminded us love is magic and should never be taken for granted. Read more>>

Classique

I am inspired by my higher power and all those who are tapped into their own. I kind of view the world like everyone is the superhero and villain in their own story. But most important is the superhero part. As humans, we have the ability to choose which path we take no matter what the destination is. Some of us take the short route and some take the scenic route. But along the way of either route, we are met with hurdles and obstacles that can be fed by the villain in us. As creatives we have an important task of taming that inner villain and being the superhero in our own stories and sometimes even being the superhero in someone else’s. I find inspiration in the scenic route. I find inspiration in those who take on the sometimes tough task of dreaming, manifesting, and pushing through obstacles. I am inspired by anyone who bets on themselves and does what they are most passionate about in this life despite how long it takes to attain. Read more>>

Charissa Owens

My love for art history, textiles, fashion, and interior design gives some influence, but my main inspiration comes from past years as a graphic designer and a love of the textures found in nature. I often see composition and patterns on objects in the world around me that find their way onto my canvas in new and different ways. I love the continuously evolving process of multimedia layering and creating slight hints of the underpainting that peep out in each piece. Art is what I live and breathe in my everyday life, constantly striving to capture the wonder of what I see to share with others. Read more>>

TYCE

“Being forever inspired by Aaliyah is truly something special! Since 1996, her influence has had an incredible impact on my life, and I can’t help but feel a deep connection to her music and style.” Read more>>

Vivian Chen

My work discusses human-technology relationship. I aim to create seamless and emotional experiences that elevate our everyday lives, while reducing noise and distractions caused by tech. Read more>>

Rebekah Brumfield

As a Black woman in business, being inspired to create and build businesses is not just about personal success, but also a way to shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for others in my community. Harnessing the strength instilled by my parents and the determination to succeed against all odds, I am driven to turn my passions into thriving ventures that contribute to economic empowerment and create opportunities for fellow Black entrepreneurs. By building businesses, I aim to leave a lasting impact for the generations behind me. Read more>>

Tess Allen

When it comes to the organization I work for, I think am inspired most by the LGBTQ+ youth in our community. Some inspire me with their wisdom and courage to be out and proud, and others inspire me to make our world a safer place to come out. I also get inspired by my staff. Each one of them is creative, kind, and willing to go the extra mile for the cause. Because there are 4 of us, demands are high, and I always find it impressive that we can make things happen as if we were a staff 3 or 4 times our size. They also have their own wonderful ways of steering the whole of us back on course when we diverge. Read more>>

Anndrea Villarreal

I am inspired by all facets of life; friends, family, nature, music, art, books, movies, you name it. Everything combines into little universes that I create clothes in, or has a characteristic I focus on and bring to life. Read more>>

Nineveh Cannavino

The Power of the Human Mind and the Human Soul which I believe produces positive change in people, animals, and all living things on our Planet. When I hear stories of people overcoming the impossible, overcoming their illnesses, trauma, grief, negative emotions, stresses, and challenges in life. It is truly something to be inspired by in this life. To hear and see people being kind to one another, of being kind to animals, of fundraisers, and donation groups, and to the charities of the world- It is truly something to be Inspired By. To see a smile on someone’s face or the laughter of a baby, to see children playing. These things put’s my life in perspective and inspire me to move forward and do what it is I do. People who behave in this manner of which I speak, inspire me in my day to day life. It also gives me hope, however small that hope may be in this vast world. It is still hope. Someday, I believe that this positivity in the human nature will prevail and our world can change, even if it’s only one person at a time. It would only take one person to make or lead a population for a better place, for a better world. This idea inspires me. Read more>>