If you asked your best friends what really drives you—what they think matters most in your life—what would they say? We posed that question to entrepreneurs and creatives from all walks of life, and have shared some of the most interesting responses below.

Mary DeCicco

What I enjoy most outside of everything being balanced currently, is snuggles with our sweet baby boy. My husband and I were blessed with him last December. There will always be another cake to frost, royal icing to pipe, fondant to roll, pans to scrub, lesson plans to write up, homeworks to correct, or field trips to plan and attend, but the snuggles have their expiration. We saw that reality with Mikayla and Gracie, for whom KayCie Cakes is named. Read More>>

Amanda Sweeney-Jones

Outside of work, gardening brings me so much joy. I love getting my hands in the soil, watching my veggies grow, and seeing the beauty of nature come to life- it always grounds me and fills me with peace. Read More>>

Kika Claude’s

Lately, I have been listening to different music genres that I may have overlooked before. It’s been awesome to hear various international music artists. Music truly speaks to my soul and brings me joy.
I also started being a bit more serious about gardening. It’s a learning process, but I am enjoying it. Read More>>

Tawny Ballard

Thank you so much for having me. That’s such a great question, because I believe having creative outlets outside of work is so important. Lately, for mw, it’s been planning themed dinner parties! It’s been such a great creative outlet that’s totally different from photography. Recently, I threw a “Favorite Things” party – if you haven’t heard of it, look it up, they’re really fun. Read More>>

Scharine Kirchoff

I’m learning from the world around me. There are teachers everywhere. I love to travel, so I learn from the people, cultures and the natural environment I encounter. All of my past and current experiences are stored within. I’m an intuitive learner which means I learn the most when I’m centered and pull in the life experiences around me no matter where I am in this big wonderful world of ours. Read More>>

Megan Lowe

Well, I think the biggest example of this is something I’ve shared with the Canvas Rebel community before—my experience of surviving a life-threatening home invasion and assault while saving the lives of two strangers. For those interested, I wrote about that experience here: Read More>>

Paulo Josepetti

I start with meditation, followed by hot water with lemon. Then I read a passage from A Course in Miracles — I’m currently in the final days of a one-year journey with it. After that, I head to the gym in a fasted state. It’s a ritual that grounds me: mind clear, body active, spirit centered. Read More>>

Jose Duran

Driving a golf cart through Isla Mujeres, Mexico at golden hour with my little sister and mother. I surprised my mother for her birthday recently with a trip to Cancun. We’ve never been to Mexico and we heard Isla Mujeres had one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We spent the whole day at Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres sun bathing, swimming in crystal blue water, and drinking margaritas. Read More>>

Sarah Grondin

I get up at 5:45 every morning to get some movement in before work. It usually is strength training or a run. It truly sets the tone for the day and my mental and physical health thanks me. Read More>>