We asked some of the most generous entrepreneurs, artists and creatives we know to talk to us about where they think their generosity comes from.

Emelia Nwokobia

My generosity is deeply rooted in the heart and spirit of the woman who raised me, my mother.

She taught me from a young age that true beauty is found in how we treat others, especially in their most vulnerable moments. Watching her give selflessly, love unconditionally, and uplift everyone around her shaped the foundation of who I am and how I run my business. Read More>>

Benjamin Smith

My generosity comes from a desire to lift others up. I think true generosity comes from abundance. That doesn’t necessarily mean material abundance. It might be emotional, empathy, or a sense of purpose. Or sometimes, ironically, it comes from knowing lack and wanting to make sure no one else feels that empty. Because true generosity is the kind that expects absolutely nothing back, not even a thank you or a witness is rare. Read More>>

Jason Wood

My parents both experienced personal and financial hardships in the childhoods and early adult lives. Once they were in a position to give back to others, they made it a priority to do so. Their dedication to generosity is one of the greatest gifts I inherited from them.

I remember how much fun they made shopping for items for canned food drives or toys for children around Christmastime. From a young age, we were always involved in giving back to the community. Read More>>

Crissy

It comes from not being attached to material things. I’ve noticed—especially in this society—people often tie their worth to what they own. They believe their value as human beings is defined by their possessions. But that’s a very superficial way to live. Read More>>

Kimberly Xiong

I feel that when I was at the age of understanding how emotions work, I’ve always been someone who gives more good to the world. In a way of being someone who cares, is friendly to others, and always willing to help those who need it. Throughout all my years of school, every single teacher I’ve had has always described me as a caring and friendly student. I was and still am a shy person, but it doesn’t affect the generosity I attempt to give. My parents worked hard so I could have a better life, and I know not to take these things for granted.  Read More>>

Kelly Elsas

It’s hard to fully explain –

But, I deeply admire my friends who are honest, kind, and have genuinely good hearts. I love giving thoughtful gifts and making the time to really listen to my close friends and family without judgment. It feeds my soul and means a lot to me. I also believe strongly in giving without expectations. Whether it’s time, energy, or a gift, I give because I genuinely want to—not because I expect anything in return.  Read More>>

Bonnie McNett

I have always lived by the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
I have been fortunate to have had my needs met as a child and adult, but I have seen what happens when people/children lack basic necessities. I value giving back. We volunteer at the NICU at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital:, the public library, the Farmer’s Market: we donate to schools, Raptor Inc., L.I.F.E. Food Pantry, Scouting troops, Loveland Stage Company, Pride groups, Black Art Speaks, the Art League of Loveland, and other non-profits Read More>>

Kalene Hoffmann

My generosity stems from a deep belief that business is always better when built on teamwork and community. I genuinely believe that when you do good, you get good in return. Giving back and uplifting others not only creates stronger connections—it also fuels my own confidence and joy. Supporting those around me isn’t just something I value; it’s what drives me. Read More>>

Matthew Jerman

My generosity comes from within me, and that’s because I have a big heart. I like to show up for people in my circle and will do anything for them because that’s who I am as a person. When you grow up not being valued or constantly being used, it does make you see things differently and you then act differently because of it. Read More>>

Jackie Lozano

My generosity really stems from my faith , God has touched my heart deeply, especially through hard seasons of life. I’ve been through things that have tested me, but instead of making me bitter, they’ve grown my heart and made me softer towards others. I’ve learned that you never really know what someone is carrying , so I try to lead with empathy and kindness. I naturally put others before myself , not because I have to but because I genuinely care. Read More>>

Armando

Generosity isn’t just a word to me; it’s a core value I inherited directly from my dad.
He had this incredible way of helping anyone, friend or stranger, and I saw its power firsthand.

I was 13, leaving baseball practice, when my dad pulled over to help a family with a broken-down car.

The problem was bigger than a quick fix, so he went to call a tow truck. But what truly stuck with me was what he did next ;he bought hamburgers for the whole family. Read More>>

Ashleigh Schuellerman

Honestly, I don’t see myself as overly generous. I simply treat people the way I would want to be treated in any given situation. I want to make people feel better in a tough moment and do everything I can to help them out of that tough moment, because that’s what I would want someone to do for me. I don’t expect anyone to drop what they’re doing to help me out if I need it, but I would do anything I could to help someone if they need it. It’s just something that’s always felt right to me. Read More>>

Mid-Week Athletes Podcast

vOur generosity comes from the locker room. Growing up playing sports—whether it was AAU, High School, or even college —you quickly learn that team success depends on how much you’re willing to give to the guy next to you. Whether it’s sharing the ball, putting in extra reps, or sacrificing for the win, that spirit of giving stays with you. Read More>>

Bjarne Haug

I’d describe myself as outgoing and someone who genuinely enjoys helping others whenever I can. I’m a big believer in treating people the way I’d want to be treated, respectfully, fairly, and with kindness. What I’ve noticed is that when you treat people well, it often comes back to you in unexpected ways. People respond positively to kindness, it’s one of the most affordable things you can give, and yet it has such a big impact. Read More>>

Linda Evans

I think my generosity comes from my faith which I learned from. My grandma’s in action. She was always giving and helping others in her family, in. Her church and In her community. I have been given so much so I can’t help to give to others. I think it is in my DNA as a kind loving person. I am always wanting to help and serve others via various means. Read More>>

Kimberly Miller

Generosity has always come naturally to me, especially through the lens of gift giving, which is my love language. I find so much joy in picking out the perfect, personal gift, often something someone didn’t even know they wanted but instantly love. My husband might not love this trait when it comes to budgeting, but I truly enjoy surprising the people I care about with thoughtful reminders that I’m thinking of them. Read More>>

Jessica Jamison

Being in the Marijuana business. Weed helps so many conditions such as mine lymphedema. I don’t care about the money. I love helping. I give away pain creams to help with pain management. I feel when you bless others you stay blessed. Read More>>

Elizabeth Blake Thomas

Growing up I never fitted in. I didn’t understand who I was. I was emotional and angry. I felt lost and alone. As I got older, and through having a daughter of my own, I’ve recognized what would have helped me when I was growing up. I’ve learned what my “why” is in life. I needed a mentor, a teacher, or a guide, someone that would be there for me to help me. So I became what I know I needed. It is integral to my existence to be able to share my experiences and help other people in this journey called “life”.  Read More>>

Mike Lee

My generosity comes from the desire to be the type of resource that I needed when I first started my artistry.
When I first started doing music I had no idea how to get shows, or how to customize merchandise to sell & promote, or even how to network and gather other important resources,. I had to take the long way (or the stairs. It took me a while to realize that the music industry is simply a business, and it’s nobody’s business to teach business. I had to watch peers around me and cherry pick the moves that were working for my peers. But at the same time stay true to myself. Read More>>

Olivia Scott

Giving is a practice. My grandmother, Navonia Allen Johnson, exemplified generosity. My grandmother crafted a life in Florence, South Carolina that was centered on family, service, and community. Through her work with Southside Middle School, Savanah Grove Baptist Church, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc my grandmother navigated communal networks and social organizations to help shaped schools, families, and communities. She gave even when fortunes were not on her side.  Read More>>

Eileen Aoga

My parents. I didn’t realize it growing up but all my why’s – ‘why are we going there’, ‘why are we here again’ and ‘why are my parents hardly home’ was because they were helping others. Helping a friend through hard family matters, volunteering to serve food for the homeless, visiting a sick friend or a friends family member, supporting their friends’ business, Keyword friend. As an adult, I have learned that through all the moves they were making; they were building fellowship and community. Read More>>

McHale & Justina Hodgson

Our generosity comes from former mentors of ours. They were generous to us as we grew up, guiding us to become the musicians we wanted to be. Their time and patience with us was generous; how could we not be generous ourselves as we developed into adults?! We want to perpetuate this generosity of time and love to generations after us. It feels good to honor our mentors’ legacy in this way. We continue the cycle for eternal generosity for as long as we can. Read More>>

Connected Minds

As mental health providers, we have spent years studying the mind and learning how people’s thoughts and feelings impact their well-being. This knowledge drives our generosity to help others in the community. At Connected Minds we have a genuine desire to help our clients heal and thrive. We know that a little support and kindness goes a long way in someone’s healing journey. Our clients can expect to be treated with compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. We are creating a safe and supportive space where healing and growth are always the priority. Read More>>