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

Corinne Allen

I am inspired the experiences I have lived personally. I like to pull from areas in my life that have affected me, good or bad, and put it into my art. I am also inspired by the culture and the area I grew up in. Born and raised in Southern California, specifically in Rancho Cucamonga has exposed me to so many different people and ideas, allowing me to find and carve my own path. Read More>>

Maduka

I was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where my earliest memories are filled with the vibrant sights and sounds of the city.
After marrying my husband in 2009, I moved to the United States, carrying with me the deep-rooted values and passion for learning that were instilled in me from an early age when I attended Montessori school as child. My journey in early childhood education started when I completed my AMI diploma in 2020 in Mumbai Read More>>

Sam Salman

I have gained a lot of wisdom by listening to my elders. I have grown up by listening to people half my age. I suppose the thing that I am inspired by is knowledge. The experiential understanding from ‘that’ time in our minds – I am influenced by my exploration of the unknown and the discoveries therein. There is no real foresight to my design process but rather a flow of ideas from the zeitgeist and I, but a gestalt, express accordingly. Read More>>

Brooke Knight

Children have always been a big source of inspiration. Even before I was a mom, I’ve always found children’s curiosity and endless imagination to be a source of creativity in my work. Read More>>

Kahbia Sada

I am inspired by a variety of things that come from African fairytales and Haitian folklores in my work. I enjoy pulling from the shapes, textures and layers that are commonly seen in West African religions and ceremonies. I take inspiration from mythical creatures like giants, fairies and elves. I love the idea of creating a world of my own with animal morphs and creatures that are only seen in my mind and dreams. Dreams consistently push the narrations for the stories that I play with. I don’t dream often but as a kid I can recollect certain dreams that would follow me throughout my life.  Read More>>

Francesca Noel

Plants. Plant-powered purples and hydrated greens, also the stars, and water. Kogonada, David Lowery, Greta Gerwig, Tony McNamara, The Secret World of Arrietty, Ponyo, Laika, Will St. John, Rae Perry, Nick Alm, 18th century masters. Springtime, by Pierre Auguste Cot, Alma-Tadema. Searows, the musician. Leith Ross and Adrianne Lenker but they make me sad, but that’s ok. Cynthia Erivo. That’s a common response at this point but I would like it known that I loved her since being born. People who put their energy and feeling into their art. Couture. Also, a really good pasta bowl from Le Botaniste. Read More>>

Sonia Vizcaya

My source of inspiration is the art found in the everyday: landscapes, nature, and other photographers. I also find inspiration in my travels and cinema – I find that music is an essential part of my creative process. Read More>>

Elise Taormina + Morgan Brahs

At Nuku, we find inspiration in the timeless femininity of women who embody confidence and grace. We draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us—both near and far. Our brand was born on a trip to the breathtaking island of Tavarua, where we were captivated by the deep ocean blues, coral reefs, and the raw, organic textures of nature. That connection to the earth is reflected in everything we create. We’re drawn to rich earth tones, unique textiles, and the effortless beauty of natural materials. Travel fuels our creativity, but staying local is just as important—every piece is designed and made right here in Orange County. Read More>>

Lucrezia Venturelli

I’m inspired by the challenge of reimagining traditional or obsolete objects within a contemporary environment. My creativity is driven by the question: how would this piece look and function today? For example, my current project, the Treasure Collection, draws inspiration from the Secretaire, a type of furniture that appeared in the 19th century when upper-class members commissioned cabinets and desks with hidden compartments and mechanical devices to safeguard valuables like jewelry, love letters, and important documents. The thrill for me lies in modernizing this concept while preserving its essence. Read More>>

Melissa Padilla

I was inspired by my son, Mateo Christopher Padilla. As a first time mom, I was faced with many emotions and decisions to make after having Mateo. During postpartum I struggled to balance recovery, marriage, work and life balance. I aimed at honoring my postpartum journey, mental health and continuing to support others as an art therapist. Mateo, helped me see life with a different lense, one that opened up new opportunities and creative outlets. He helped me dream of becoming a business owner and creating something special that merged wellness and care services for families in our community. Read More>>