We’ve been working on our publication and platform for almost a decade because we deeply believe that the world will be a far more empathetic and collaborative place if we all had the ability to know each other’s stories. The past decade has brought unimaginable challenges along the way, but we persevere because we believe this is mission worth never giving up on. We often are inspired by the folks we’ve featured and their commitment to their respective missions and so we asked some of them to talk to us about this very topic and have share some responses below.

Oliver Mayer

I’ve become a walker. I try to walk 5 miles a day, no matter what temperature. Best is to knock down the first 2 or 3 miles in the morning before it starts to bake. I live off Crenshaw near Leimert Park, and I find my neighborhood endlessly engaging. It’s wonderful to see the various styles of homes and apartments, not to mention the butterflies and small birds enjoying the flowers and fruit. People say that LA is not a walker’s town, but I beg to differ. Just try to get off the main drags and see the neighborhood treasures within. Read More>> 

Dierdre Barnes

Mondays & Wednesday my day starts at 5am. I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, take a shot of apple cider vinegar, drink my mushroom tea and pick out my workout clothes. I listen to music or a podcast to get ready for my training session at One Stop Fitness at 6am. Read More>>

Beth Aimée

I like to ease into the day, waking not by an alarm, but as the sun rises and my dog stirs. I start with breakfast and coffee and enjoy some quiet time while I catch up on emails and read the news. I prepare packages for shipping, and work on marketing and administrative tasks in my home office. Read More>>

Jancy Luo

Right now, I am learning from two pastry chefs who inspire me in different ways. One is a French pastry chef who emphasizes precision and refinement—his creations are so detailed and delicate that each piece feels like a work of art. The other is a Taiwanese pastry chef who focuses on balance, texture, and innovation—showing me how desserts can be more than just sweet, but layered with depth and creativity. Read More>>

Dylan Green

I returned to songwriting and recording after a six year hiatus. I went to school for audio engineering and music theory and had a stint of touring after that with a band called the Home Team. I closed that chapter to focus on building businesses, and found that it left a big hole in me. Returning to songwriting and opening up that channel of expression has been huge for me, and I’m extremely proud of what I’ve created. Read More>>

Aprilyn Cunanan

I think a lot of artists are afraid to say that they are failing. We all want to prove to the world that our art is sustainable for us and that our passion can rise above the systemic faults of our economy. With the animation industry green-lighting projects less, with rising costs of vending event fees or convention table fees, the rising threat of generative AI replacing our artist workforce: artists are struggling to share their losses in fears that they’ll lose following or loyalty. Read More>>

KB Vega

Since it is the summer, I make it a point to hit the beach every single week. It’s my spot to unplug, breathe, and just be. I’ll toss a good book in my bag, let the sun kiss my skin, feel the sand between my toes, and listen to the waves until all the work stress melts away. Read More>>

Bryan Clayton

Yeah—when we were thinking about expanding GreenPal nationwide in our first year. On paper, it sounded exciting: plant the flag in every city and watch the numbers grow. But deep down, I knew we weren’t ready. The product was still rough, our operations were duct-taped together, and we didn’t have a repeatable playbook yet. Read More>>

Linda Austin

Over the past few years, my routine has changed quite a lot. While working different jobs, I used to post travel content on my social media under the nickname GirandoLinda, sharing my adventures from around the world. After leaving my job, I took a new direction — my love for nature and adventure grew so strong that I decided to study to become both a hiking guide and a beekeeper. Read More>>

Linnette Harrigan

In recent years, I’ve been inspired to begin documenting significant life events and stories around me especially since the 2020 “pandemic” era.
I believe it was in this particular time period, I was led to my calling right now as documentary filmmaker. Read More>>

Mikhaila Smith

My fitness routine is a big part of my lifestyle and it never ceases to boost my mood and give me the energy I need for all of my creative pursuits! Nothing makes me happier than running the Central Park loop in the mornings and grabbing a matcha right after. In addition to running, I am also at New York Pilates three times a week and it’s been an absolute game changer for me. Read More>>

Vickie Valladares

I am learning how to crochet. And I absolutely love it, so far. I only know one stitch and have only made blankets or scarves. But it’s something mindless that my hands can do while I watch TV. Read More>>

Marquita Livingston

Most of the time I don’t feel that I deserve the amount of love I pour into the world. When I worked at Starbucks, customers would give me gifts for special occasions (birthdays, etc.) because they appreciated the motivational messages I would write on their cups. Read More>>

Katy Impellizzeri

People often assume Ethikli is super expensive because the shop is “pretty,” but accessibility is at the core of what we do. Our Pay-It-Forward Board and Memberships act as a mutual aid system where anyone can take free or discounted grocery credits, no questions asked. We also offer sliding-scale memberships for those who need a little extra help. Read More>>

Kelly Money

My days are never normal which I love! I do however try to stick to a routine as much as I can or else I can go off on tangents. I meditate first thing, exercise, and I’m in the studio until lunch. Take a break, eat and finish at around 4 or 5 depending on the day. It’s summer right now so this schedule is a little different but this is mostly what I try to adhere to. Read More>>

Stille Skygger

I think many people are silently struggling with the weight of having to find their own way in a world that never showed them one. Nobody told us which direction to take. Nobody handed us a map, or even a compass. We’re just expected to walk—blindly, bravely—and somehow not fall. Read More>>

Mylira Green

Lately, spending intentional time with my loved ones—especially my partner and kids—has been bringing me so much joy. Whether it’s quiet moments at home, deep conversations, or spontaneous laughter, these moments remind me of the beauty in presence. Read More>>

douglas busch

I always start a conversation about their immediate family. How do they teach their children and how do they teach compassion for others. An example would be: what kind of father are they even after a divorce. How often do they get your kids and do you spend quality time with them. Read More>>

Darla Nelson

Outside of work, so many things bring me joy. What immediately came to mind when I read this question was being “Ooma” to our four grandkids—with one more on the way! Watching their wonder, excitement, and eagerness to learn lights me up. Read More>>

Alec Dahmer

As an artist of any type, I believe it’s important to learn from and take inspiration from everywhere and everyone! My friends and colleagues, my partner, and artists I look up to are constant sources of learning for me, but some unique ones recently include the newest NBA draft picks playing their first NBA summer league games, and a local store owner who recently opened up a new shop. Read More>>

Valerie Johnson

I’m most proud of building—quietly and consistently—a sense of confidence and curiosity in young learners who’ve been historically overlooked. Behind the scenes, I’ve spent my career creating joyful learning moments that help children, especially in under-resourced communities, see themselves as readers, thinkers, and math kids. Read More>>

Tamra Lisier

The biggest thing I feel I’m being called to do in my life now is staying consistent. It’s a bit scary and intimidating to know that if I stay consistent and focused on all my different goals that I can actually reach or get extremely close to them! Consistency has always been a bit of a struggle for me in different areas of my life. Read More>>

Dora Kurimay

Finding Joy Outside of Work: My Favorite Ways to Recharge

Outside of work, I find joy in activities that keep me active, connected, and grounded in the present moment. Two sports that I’ve really come to enjoy are pickleball and padel. Alongside those, I also love playing tennis and table tennis—both of which challenge me in different ways while keeping the fun and competitive spirit alive. Read More>>

Alison Smith Martin

I’ve had a calling to create courses and workshops and unleash The Animal Soul School for years. I’ve held myself back because it felt a bit overwhelming. Just recently, I took the leap and have been having a blast creating meaningful, heartfelt teachings that I know will make a difference in the lives of pets and their people! Read More>>

Ridhi Bhalla

Even though I am a very restless person at the core, I am very patient with how I act. It always works in my favour to sit and observe the situation before deciding how to react to it with kindness and precision. That is the beauty and the art of letting situations unfold themselves before you try to hastily jump in to reach a premature conclusion. Read More>>

Siyi Chen

My day begins with simple rituals—opening the window for fresh air, feeding my guinea pigs, and making myself a good cup of coffee. I check emails and then take a walk, which is when I often find new sparks of inspiration. Read More>>