Karla Schulze-Dyer
I used to believe that running a retail store was a bad idea, too risky, too unpredictable, and not financially sustainable. But over time, I realized that was a pretty narrow way of looking at it. Small, niche shops bring so much character and connection to a community. They’re often built on passion and creativity, not just profit. Read more>>
William Guillon
I don’t know if it’s really a cultural value, but I deeply believe in progress, in the idea that things should keep getting better over time. Of course, life doesn’t always work that way, and we’re reminded of that every day, especially now. But still, it’s something I hold on to. For me, tomorrow has to be better than yesterday. Read more>>
Michael Janis
A cultural value I protect at all costs is presence; the commitment to being fully awake and aware of the world as it is right now. In exploring the many ways art can shape society, I’ve come to see its enduring power not just in beauty or skill, but in its ability to make us pause, to pay attention, to be here and aware. Read more>>
Rachelle Carson
Owning a company isn’t just about creating products or building a brand; it’s about walking in integrity, treating people with kindness, and using what I’ve been entrusted with to make a positive impact on others. I protect the value of faith at all costs because it keeps me grounded. Read more>>
Jake Alcoseba
Bayanihan- that sense of community and coming together- is something I hold close. It’s how I was raised and how I try to live. With the food truck, it’s more than just serving food- it’s about building relationships, supporting one another, and creating that same feeling of shared purpose wherever we go. Read more>>
Chanelle Molina
I’m Japanese, Filipino, and Mexican…so I’m always going to make sure you have eaten. Feeding people is how we (Islanders/Latins) make sure you know you are loved and your wellbeing is considered. Read more>>
A.R. Swanson
That everything I do is rooted in God. There has been times in my life where I absolutely had no idea how I was going to make it through adversity and obstacles, however God always makes a way. I give credit to the most high for my highs and lows. Each moment is a lesson. Read more>>
Elin Hunter
Freedom of Speech is a Coar value that I protect at all costs in the way I conduct my life. Read more>>
Zoë Anne Kessler
One thing I really changed my mind about after failing hard was what ‘progress’ means as an artist. A few years ago, I tried to make a short film that completely fell apart — I lost thousands of dollars, and it was humbling. At the time, I saw it as a failure because I didn’t have a finished product to show. Read more>>
Manuel Zopiyaxtle
Before, I used to despise and deceived failing. Lately, I’ve become more and more obsessed with it. With finding the wrong path. I am becoming more and more in touch with the way I fail and how many times I do that. Read more>>
Eddo-san
At first, We launched brand after brand — taking shots in the dark, chasing visions that never seemed to land. Each “failure” weighed heavier than the last. But even then, something inside me refused to stop creating. When the progress on the skate brand DUNTLK haltes after a communication breakdown, my long-time friend Son Daddu and I refused to quit. Read more>>
Abigail Rebecca
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my clients is how often people assume they already have everything they could possibly want. From the outside, they look confident, self-assured, and successful. I would have thought the same when I first started my business. What I’ve come to understand is that success doesn’t erase the desire for more. Read more>>
Stacy Nichols
Total Optim Bid was created to make the contracting process more accessible for small businesses by connecting them with government and corporate bid opportunities that align with their strengths. Read more>>
Arnie Casavant
We as artists feel that each of our paintings are special. The next will be my best. Then these treasures sit and sit in our studios, or galleries, waiting for a client to connect with them. I’ve learned that there is a person out there who will feel strongly about each of those paintings. It’s simply a matter of bringing those two forces together. Read more>>
Brittnee Scott
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is that it’s rarely about the numbers. Sure, they come to me for job costing, payroll, and clean books but underneath all that, they really want clarity. They want to stop feeling like their business is running them. Read more>>
Sapphire Starr Wilder
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers is how often they already have the answers and they just need permission to believe in their own power. Whether I’m coaching women on their finances or mentoring aspiring real estate investors, I’ve noticed that most people don’t lack knowledge; they lack confidence and clarity. Read more>>
Utako Toyama
Rather than changing my mind, I would say that over the past few years I’ve been refining and deepening my understanding of how I use my voice. Around the world, many people are raising their voices against inequality and injustice, and I’m deeply moved by their courage and conviction. Read more>>
Andrea Riccardi
I think the last time I truly changed my mind about something important was when I realized that free time isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. For years, I thought that to feel fulfilled, I had to be constantly on the move, constantly productive, with my head full of goals and milestones to achieve. Read more>>
Felicia Malone
I recently had a book release party for Ruth’s Awakening: Love on the Moon. As the MC began to take questions from the audience – which was comprised of my family, church family, and friends. The questions morphed into individuals stating kind things about me and why they appreciate me in general. It was a shower of compliments and heartfelt words. Read more>>
Sharon Chrzanowski
I try to focus on joy and gratitude every day. One of the bigger joyful movements of the year was in July when I when I helped a family buy their dream home. They found me on Facebook looking to rent and had no idea that they could even qualify to purchase a home. We helped them relocate and buy a brand new Build! Read more>>
Jeannee Sacken
True, elated joy: I was on a photoshoot in Jozibanini Camp in a remote section of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Sitting on top of the blind (a shipping container partially buried in the Kalahari sand) next to the watering hole, I was watching hundreds of elephants make their way out of the bush to get a drink. Read more>>
Jonah Dillon
The last time I felt true Joy was at an art show I had about a month ago. I organized this event along with another artist/Friend Bode. Seeing this event come together brought me lots of joy but the moment where I felt the most joyful was when I was live painting in front of a crowd of people. Read more>>
Annie Latrice
Today! I feel joy every day that I wake up. I look at it, as another opportunity to 100% be myself, and enjoy this beautiful life that I have. I am blessed to have a beautiful group of family and friends. They make life even more enjoyable. Read more>>
Anne Breedlove
I don’t know about it being the last, most recent, time but the joy I felt when my husband Jim and I decided to do another long-distance bike tour – it was the first in 9 years, and we were 78 and 71 – it was just bliss. Read more>>
Alex-Anne Aube-Kubel
Ice skating!!!! This sport gave me so much confidence, discipline and resilience Read more>>
Parish Mandhan
When I think about being sad or scared as a child, one memory always stands out. I was 17 when I finally got the chance to assist a photographer I had been trying to work with for almost a year. The job was in a different city – one I knew nothing about. Read more>>
Crystel Samia
When I was a child and felt scared, I used to imagine myself as the hero of my own story. The hero has to face challenges to grow stronger, so I would tell myself that I needed to be brave and keep going. I remember once, I had to walk at night behind the house to turn on the generator.Read more>>
Patricia Yáñez
Whatever you focus on grows. If we put bees and children in the heart-center of all decisions and include elders and artists as part of the decision-making, we’ll be fine. People are too caught up in their stories. It’s time to connect. Read more>>
Carol Enneking
Smart people are getting it wrong by confusing capacity with calling. We live in a world that rewards constant motion. The smarter and more capable someone is, the more they’re asked to take on—and the more they believe they can’t afford to slow down. Many brilliant, well-intentioned people are burning out because they’ve built lives full of achievement but empty of margin. Read more>>
Sophie Chan-Sady
Hustle culture. The need to constantly be productive, hustling, working hard, being accomplished, proving yourself. I used to be so into productivity, working hard, and proving myself through my accomplishments. My self worth was so tied to my work. I see so many incredibly smart people fall into this same trap. Read more>>
( Coach Jackie) Jacqueline Rambin
I think a lot of smart people get it wrong today by believing that success is only measured by titles, income, or visibility. Intelligence alone doesn’t create impact—emotional intelligence, humility, and compassion do. Too often, people chase perfection instead of purpose, or strategy without empathy. What’s missing is a human-centered approach. Read more>>
Oskar Sax
Right now, I’m learning a lot from my friends — people who have taught me so much about business and how to achieve things with a clear mind and the right focus. They’ve helped me understand that success isn’t just about talent or passion, but also about strategy, patience, and making smart decisions. Read more>>
Amanda Hirsch
I’m learning from artists and activists partnering with communities to use the power of storytelling to build resilience and hope. Read more>>
Heather Wylie
I’m learning from this new season of my life. My father passed away in the spring of this year and I had my second child almost a month to the day later. Those two large life events ushered me into a season of profound grief and joy. I’ve been trying to give myself a lot of grace. Read more>>
Michael Judkins
This may sound funny, but I am currently learning a lot from myself at this stage in my life. I am becoming more attentive to my loyalty, my intuition, and the path I want to take. It’s a mix of emotions—scary, frustrating, liberating, and sometimes even sad. But this journey is uniquely mine. Read more>>
Ben Ivers
Lately, I’ve been learning the most from my friends and family. I’m in a season of life where I’m really cherishing my relationships and putting them at the highest priority – a decision I made a few years ago after unexpectedly losing a few loved ones. Read more>>
Abby McClure
Thanks for having me back to Canvas Rebel. I look forward to another engaging interview! Currently, I’m drawing daily motivation from ancient Stoic philosophy, especially the practical wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. Morning readings guide my pursuit of self-improvement and mental discipline throughout the day. Read more>>
Carolyn Wirth
Right now, I’m learning the most from my art collective, FeministFuturist. I learn valuable skills about materials and media (everyone uses media largely different from mine), and, importantly, how to frame the present political moment without sinking into apathy or fear. Approaching adversity with joy and creativity, as well as critical thinking, diligence, and activism, is an ongoing process I learn from my collective members. Read more>>
Patricia Belyea
I’ve just returned from our 12th Okan Arts textile tour to Japan. I now recognize that our tours are so much more than travel. Everyone who joins us loves textiles, but they also care deeply about the people they meet—the masters, sensei, and artisans — who continue Japan’s textile traditions. Our travelers support the future of these textiles in Japan. Read more>>
Sarah Stunt
What it means to create and lead from the margins has been at the center of everything I’m learning right now. Working alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community — listening, collaborating, and building with intention — has reshaped how I think about representation and bias. It’s not just about visibility, but about creating systems where people can see themselves reflected accurately, without distortion or gatekeeping. Read more>>
Megan Powell
I admire Barack Obama for his character. He carries strength without dominance and presence without pretense. His leadership feels rooted in integrity — calm, intelligent, and deeply human. He isn’t a power monger; he walks his talk. There’s a steadiness in how he listens, pauses, and chooses his words with care. Read more>>
Liam Canet Leiva
Definitely as a film composer i truly admire Vangelis. Since i was a kid and my dad showed me the score for Blade Runner, i said wow this is something else. Although not until i grew more and started to realize the genius of that man and all his body work and process for creating the memorable scores we all know and love. Read more>>
Mildred Opendi
I deeply admire my mother for her generosity, resilience, hard work, and poise. She lost her parents at a young age but built a beautiful life for herself, brick by brick. Read more>>
Montana Doran
My mom, without a doubt. We took care of my Sittu (grandma) together during her final months and were with her when she took her last breath. I was only there for two months, but my mom had been caring for her selflessly for five years. Day in and day out. Read more>>
Martin Geller
There isn’t one specific person who comes to mind, but I’ve always admired people who have power and influence yet remain kind, thoughtful, and grounded. To me, real strength isn’t defined by status or authority—it’s defined by humility and respect. Read more>>
Dorota Mani
Luyao Chang
I would hire me because I bring a unique combination of hands-on artistic practice, teaching experience, and expertise in managing creative projects. I’m skilled in both traditional and digital media, installation, and ceramics, and I know how to handle artwork, equipment, and studio resources safely and efficiently. I’m adaptable, organized, self-motivated and proactive, whether guiding students in workshops, preparing exhibitions, or assisting with gallery operations. Read more>>
Naila Mehrabova
I would hire me, but not for a role that currently exists. I would hire myself to be a co-strategist for heirs, someone who helps those who have inherited resources, a rank or even a dream to find their vision. These individuals are bound for greatness and, if supported to reach their potential, can solve so many of the world’s problems. Read more>>
Alissa Reed
Absolutely. I’d hire me because I know how much heart I pour into every wedding I photograph. I care deeply about my couples and about creating a day that feels effortless for them — where they don’t have to worry about the timeline or the little details, because I’ve already got it handled. Read more>>
Kay Jones
I would absolutely hire me as a vendor for my own wedding. My biggest selling point, and the core mission I’d hire, is the absolute guarantee that every single person in the wedding party will look and feel their best. Read more>>
