We regularly ask our interviewees what makes them happy because at the end of the day, what else really matters? We’ve highlighted some of the responses below.

The Cry Baby | Hip-Hop/Reggae Artist

Being “happy” has been a lifelong journey for me. My childhood had its dark moments which spun me into a depression through most of my teenage years where I turned to drugs. As a kid, creativity of all types was one of the things that brought me the most joy. Imagination. Creation. Art. At 15, I started making music with friends. We’d throw on a beat and write lyrics inspired by our favorite artists like Nas, Biggie, Eminem, Blackstar & many more. Music is one of my favorite ways to express the inner workings of my mind. I took a long break from it and realized that my life was lacking creativity, and that creativity is necessary for my happiness. Creativity makes me happy. Read more>>

Nora Simon | Artist and Explorer

I love being out in nature. Having more nature in my life was one of the biggest reasons I moved from DC to LA about 5 years ago. There’s so much to do here! Combining nature and traveling is the ultimate experience for me. Being in a new place is one of the few times when I’m fully present in the moment. I find it so fascinating and I get completely drawn in. My brain is usually all over the place so it’s a nice break from the constant internal chatter. I just got back from a hiking trip through Arches National Park and had the most amazing time exploring and taking in the sights. Read more>>

BHAVANA BANALA | Film Director

“Unleashing Happiness through Storytelling: A Filmmaker’s Ongoing Odyssey” As a filmmaker, from India I would like to explore different cultures and I feel storytelling is not just an art; it’s a source of profound joy. It’s the process of weaving intricate tales that captivate, inspire, and evoke emotions. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect people across cultures and boundaries, touching the deepest recesses of the human heart. It’s the act of breathing life into characters, places, and moments, and it’s their driving force. Read more>>

Connor Kay | Painter and Ceramicist

Attending to my work and my life at my own pace, admittedly a slow one, bings me the most joy. This includes using my hands to push and pull paint, work clay in and out of forms and reconfigure objects. It also extends to simply walking around, sometimes aimlessly or with a destination, and considering my environment on foot. This activation of body makes me feel present with myself. Read more>>

Katherine Casso | Fine Artist

My baseline is happy, I think it is mostly because I am always laughing and finding humor in everything around me (and everyone). I try to make every day as entertaining as possible, the world is never in short supply of humor and I have an excellent imagination. Happiness is about experiencing moments with the people I love and being thankful for even the most mundane experiences (like enjoying the smell of a freshly brewed cup of morning joe). I am also very fortunate, I have an awesome family, extraordinary friends, and a wonderful man in my life who all support me and my art and I never let myself forget that. Being happy is more about rolling with the punches and growing with the flow, I am a really easygoing person. Read more>>