We asked some of the most inspiring local entrepreneurs and creatives what was bringing them joy and we hope the responses below inspire you to find more joy in your day-to-day life as well.
Marcus Alland
Community with my home church The Well Church! They’re my family and it’s been my home since the day the church launched. I want to thank both my pastors and spiritual leaders Dr. Victor Ehiemere and Pastor Amby Ehiemere for always giving so much love, wisdom, and encouragement to me and my family all these years. Read More>>
Maanav Chittitreddy
In my free time, I have enjoyed exploring nature and hiking a multitude of trails. From the dense labyrinth of the Amazon forest to the heights of Breakneck Ridge, hiking different trials and traversing the realms of nature has brought me a sense of refreshment unlike any other. Read More>>
Lydia Nightingale
I’m getting married soon! My wedding date is September 27th, so depending on when you see this article, I may be a married woman already. I’ve been with my now-fiancé Michael for almost three years, and I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with him. Read More>>
Roger DiFiore
I’ve been building a new website, FOCUS Photography School, and with the help of ChatGPT I’m creating things I never thought I could — saving thousands of dollars and having a lot of fun along the way. Read More>>
Isaac Ameyaw
My journey of self-discovery has been the game-changer. it’s really made my life much richer. I’ve been putting in the effort to take care of my mind, body, and financial stability, and it’s all coming together in a way that just feels right. Every day, I’m finding so much joy and a fresh sense of purpose because of it. Read More>>
Xavier Thomas
Being a good dad! This new journey has been a blessing & a roller coaster ride. And we’re just scratching the surface of it Read More>>
DJ Truth
Watching my kids grow and seeing my oldest son winning a gold medal for baseball! #ProudFather Read More>>
Isamu Morikizono
Family time Read More>>
Michelle Bongirno
Right now I’m in the middle of a 75 day challenge that has physical, mental and spiritual aspects. It is really bringing me joy because I am I’m allowing myself to be disciplined to reach the goals I have set for my personal life this year. Read More>>
Marissa Cervantes
I have a deep love for creating custom sneakers and making art—it’s something that brings me real joy. I’m also incredibly grateful to work alongside two amazing nonprofits. The experiences and people I’ve met through them have been nothing short of inspiring. Read More>>
lucas Roy
A few weeks ago I visited my uncle to help him move some stuff out of his garage. My uncle is 72, and like any man over the age of 55 with a garage, he had a ton of stuff in there that he didn’t use. As I was helping him move, there were two red bikes stashed in the corner. Read More>>
Luana Sandoval
What brings me joy is when I see people smiling when I sing. I regularly perform at Balcon Salon in Hells Kitchen in the talent shows Song for your Life with drag queen Shequida Hall and Unhinged Talent with Svetlana Stoli. One night, I performed Part of that world fully dressed as the little mermaid. Read More>>
Devon Goodwin
My crochet business, “Devon’s Craft Corner”. I get to create works of art and bring people joy, as well as use it as self-care for myself. It’s the best of both worlds! Read More>>
Dominique Wilson-Grubbs
Content creating and cosplay brings me joy outside of work. Creating cool videos for my YouTube and other social media pages are definitely enjoyable. The process is fun because I get to create and edit videos and also help my husband do the same. Read More>>
Michanna Murphy
My neighbors dog! My downstairs neighbor has an amazing cane corso named Butte Beloved and I love her like she is my own. I see her everyday, I walk her, buy treats, clothes(pink is her favorite color), cool dog collars, and even bring her upstairs to my apartment sometimes. Read More>>
Cara D’Orazio
Working at the local cat shelter ! I get to socialize with the cats and step out of the fitness realm for a bit. They are such wonderful calming creatures! Read More>>
Liz Matney
What’s bringing me joy lately is returning to the unhurried, simple things in life. Time with family, observing the playfulness and stillness in nature, and learning to step back from the cortisol-driven pace that can too easily becomes our “normal.” Joy, for me, is found in the steady practice of inner wellness. Read More>>
Holly Slice
As a musician, my work is filled with joy — I truly feel I have the best job ever. Recently though, I’ve been discovering new areas of joy outside of music. Read More>>
Peter Ivancovich
I have started an artistic Salon called Les xx. We meet quarterly. I love being part of a creative community. Read More>>
Blair Williamson
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in monitoring six active sea turtle nests on a nearby island with my family. My kids and I created a notebook to record our predictions, observations, nest numbers, and crawl dates—gathering every detail we can in hopes of experiencing the hatchings. Read More>>
Kahra
I’m reading a book that speaks about being in each moment to fully experience and observe the surrounding world. To not let the mind dwell too much on the past or worry about the future that you miss the gifts of the present moment. I’m not saying that it isn’t important to analyze a past performance to see how you could have done it better or to mentally prepare for one coming up, what I’m speaking of is the over analytical mind that can continue repeating the same bad feelings. Read More>>
Katrina Bell
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in focusing on my overall health. I’ve been moving my body more, making time for myself, eating better, and staying consistent with my vitamins. I’ve also been pouring into my spiritual and mental well-being by reading a daily devotional, practicing gratitude, listening to music, meditating, manifesting, and even getting back into reading books again. Read More>>
Peter Mitzelfeld
My son is the joy of my life, he is a toddler and is the happiest guy in the world. He makes me smile and laugh daily and is so much fun! Read More>>
Supreme Mack
Lately, something that’s been bringing me joy is seeing people rediscover the simple things—like walking at sunrise, starting a small garden, or writing just for the sake of expression. There’s something powerful in quiet growth that doesn’t need to be posted or praised. Read More>>
Michelle (Miki) Henderson
When I’m not behind the chair helping clients transform their hair, you’ll often find me on the back of a motorcycle with my husband. We’re proud members of BACA — Bikers Against Child Abuse — a global organization dedicated to empowering children who have faced abuse and helping them live without fear. Read More>>
Michelle Maney
My girls are my everything and being able to homeschool and watch them learn and grow has made me so proud and has brought me so much joy. Read More>>
Lisa Moore
What’s bringing me joy lately is watching Blaze of Hope and the Gold Movement grow into something that’s touching lives far beyond what I ever imagined. Every conversation, every billboard, every family we reach feels like another spark of hope in the world. It’s deeply personal for me, and I’d love to share the story behind why this mission matters so much to me. Read More>>
Brett Meyer
Currently I am engaging more on social media and posting more on Instagram and my TikTok account. I really dive into my hobbies of sneakers and fashion with my social media Read More>>
Kennedy Lindberg
Making art for myself and others, hanging out with my puppy Biscuit and watching movies are things that bring me joy outside of work lately. I love making things for people when they don’t expect it, and the process of making the art is relaxing to me too. My dog biscuit is still a baby and I just got her this year, she is hilarious. Read More>>
Sade M
Lately, exploring the city has been bringing me joy, trying new things like visiting places I’ve never visited before or trying new dishes. Los Angeles is a big melting pot with so much history, architecture, and culture here. Read More>>
Cindy Laverty
I volunteer weekly at our local animal shelter. I walk and help train the shelter dogs so they are ready for adoption. I’ve always loved animals (especially dogs) and this is a place where I can give back to my community, but honestly, these dogs have taught me so much about patience and grace. It’s horrific what humans are willing to do to animals and yet, even with the worst cases, they are always looking for love. I find incredible joy in my weekly trips to our local animal shelter. Read More>>
Lorenzo Pozzan
I really love this question, and the cryptic answer would have to be: life. Let me explain, as cliche’ as this may seem, finding joy or at least newness and discovery in daily habits, from preparing food to walking to the gym, post office or grocery store, to doing daily chores like making my bed in the morning. Read More>>
Natasha “Chef Tash” Waller
Being a MOM-for sure. I have a (currently) 19 month old daughter and she is the best little human in the world. Her laughs, her smiles, her spunky attitude, her hugs, her kisses, her peek-a-boos! They all bring me the most joy . Sending a shout out to Na’Riah Sharron Rivers ! Mommy loves you 💖 Read More>>
Monica Joy
I have an intimidatingly adorable Spaniel named Remington. He brings endless amounts of laughter, happiness, and the destruction of anything worth more than $20. Although he is my service dog, he makes it very clear that his work for me will only last as long as the peanut butter flows like water. Read More>>
Christina Sledge
Lately, one of the things bringing us the most joy outside of work was our recent visit to Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center. We had the chance to tour the hospital, meet the incredible team at Seacrest Studios, and donate copies of A Day at Shea, our coloring books, and some fun squishy baseballs. Read More>>
Joseph Travers
Assisting parents and law enforcement locating runaway, missing & exploited children for the last 10 years Read More>>
