We asked some of the most inspiring folks we know to tell us what they are inspired by.

Ana Rondón | Ana Rondón &Activist by nature.

What inspires me every day is knowing that what I do can be of great help and value to animals, nature and people, almost as death itself can be valuable in its own way, because it reminds us once again that we must seek transcendence in our own actions and words. Read more>>

Daphné Essiet | Multidisciplinary Artist

My different collections reflect my multidimensionality and my unshaken sense of self-belonging. In other words, I feel strongly about listening to my gut when it comes to creating – from visual art to music and poetry. My abstract work is inspired by the bright and lively works of artists like Alma Thomas, Hilma af Klint, Minnie Evans, and Beatriz Milhazes, I employ vibrant colors, repetition, and energetic patterns to mimic the balance between life’s simplicity and complexity. Read more>>

Vernetta Stewart | Executive Chef

This is such a loaded question for me! My mom cooked at the same job for 43 years, and I swore I would never cook. I saw the hours she worked, and I did not want to work so hard. Although I learned how to cook at an incredibly young age, I did not enjoy it, but I was willing to learn. My mom and all my aunts were great cooks, so food was always a big part of my life. When I graduated high school, I went into finance for 12 years. Read more>>

Nikki Foster | but I would prefer to be called by my name BossLayD, (pronounced Bosslady)

Its not really what but who and thats my amazing Mom. For a tad bit of backstory, my Mom is a stroke survivor which left her unable to talk. Its been 12 years and this woman still smiles and brings so much brightness to the world. My whole life I have watched her be a strong and resilient black woman in every aspect of life. I have watched her overcome everything with a smile everytime even when it hurt. If I inherit only half of her strength, I will be blessed to be that stong! Read more>>

hilla Spitzer | painter and teacher

When I come to think of what inspires me immediately comes to mind a feeling of separation. separation between inspiration in life and inspiration at work. What makes me want to wake up in the morning and what makes me want to create. Then I realise it’s all mixed up for me. Inspiration in life is also inspiration at work and vice versa. My favorite feeling is the feeling of having a new idea pops into my head, it’s a surprising and refreshing feeling, full of a sense of life and enthusiasm. Read more>>