Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than we realize. With the benefit of hindsight, we asked some wise and experienced members of our community whether they think they are doing what they were meant to do or told to do.

Nate Mahoney

What brings me true joy these days is painting my cowboy boot series. There’s something incredibly satisfying about capturing the unique character and details of each boot, blending colors, and bringing them to life on canvas. It’s both relaxing and inspiring, allowing me to express creativity in a way that feels deeply personal. Read More>>

Ms. Tracee Gadson

I really enjoy escaping into nature whenever its nice outside and I have the opportunity. I love sitting by the water, watching the ripples against the rocks and feeling the breeze on my skin. It brings me joy and peace. I love the quiet stillness that I feel and it helps me feel close to God. Read More>>

Telani Lasoleille

I think people believe that dog training will “fix” their dog. I think they imagine dog behavior problems will disappear in a few sessions. The reality is that dog training and behavior modification are lifetime endeavors. It does get easier with time, but there are no quick fixes. Read More>>

Dr. Luke Hobson

Ah, that’s an easy one. I just became a dad! My wife and I welcomed our baby girl, Riley Rose, into the world on June 16th. She has instantly changed our lives and is all that we think about. I honestly didn’t know this kind of love could exist and can’t wait for her to experience all that life has to offer. Read More>>

Alexis Viele

Integrity will always be the value I consider to be most important. Without integrity, we’ve got nothing.
As such, integrity is the root of my practice and informs how I move forward, with whom I collaborate, and the message of my work. Read More>>

Carli Robe

The last time I felt true joy was this past weekend when I had the pleasure to meet Marlon Wayans and spend the entire weekend watching all six of his sold out shows at the Cleveland Funny Bone. Marlon treated me like the Queen that I am. He made me feel special and it meant the world to me. I grew up watching him and his family on ‘In Living Color,’ and I owe so much of my comedic timing to the Wayans family. It was an experience that I will never forget!!! Read More>>

Paige Nathan

One of the things I love most about running Simply Food Trucks is the flexibility it gives me. No two days are the same—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Some mornings might start with a pickleball game to get my juices flowing. Other days, I’ll meet a colleague to try a new restaurant on Buford Highway—I’m always on the lookout for unique flavors and inspiration. I also love getting out to meet new food truck vendors and sample their food, making sure they’re a great fit for our clients and events. Read More>>

Lauren Michelle

Integrity, hands down. To me, integrity is the foundation of everything. It shows up in how you treat people, how you carry yourself, and whether you follow through when no one’s watching. I actually think true integrity reflects both intelligence and energy — it takes a certain kind of self-awareness and effort to consistently show up with honesty and alignment. You can be smart and have charisma, but without integrity, it doesn’t hold weight. Integrity is what builds trust, and without trust, nothing real can grow. Read More>> 

Osay B

The first 90 minutes of my day starts around 5am early enough where I can fit in some sort of exercise, whether that’s a run outside or stretching. Then I’ll take time to pray and read and write down the things I want to get done that day or just listen to some music. Read More>>

Ekaterina Khromin

Art. The process of creating allows me to lose track of time while simultaneously returning to myself completely. When I paint, it feels as though an inner voice is guiding my brush—calm, intuitive, and deeply spiritual. It’s in that sacred space of making ART that I feel most present, most alive, and most connected to who I truly am. Read More>>

Dani Regan

Something that’s been bringing me constant joy—truly, not just lately but always—is my trio of dogs: Bentley, Boris, and Boston. They’re each full of personality, and being around them brings this steady sense of love, humor, and comfort that’s just part of my everyday life. It’s not a fleeting joy, it’s more like a beautiful constant and very grounding. Read More>>

Kourtnee Monroe

I’m being called to speak, not just as a model or a performer, but as a writer and a storyteller. For so long, I thought I had to stay in one lane. I was comfortable behind beautiful visuals, but hesitant to share my voice, my truth, or the softer, more thoughtful parts of myself. Now, I feel called to create from that place: to write poetry, essays, and stories that reflect who I really am. Read More>>

Annette Czech

The idea for the Miso Mice in a way, was actually born many, many years ago as I was growing up, so I have always been walking a path, although I may not have fully realized it until recently. As a child, I wrote and produced plays with my neighborhood elementary school friends using garages as theaters and charging 5 cents for admission (popcorn was free). Although the play and story writing continued, productions were halted as the producer and actors were lax in putting away everything they had lugged out of houses and into garages Read More>>

Darren Paltrowitz

Many things. For starters, that they do not know something. Related to that, that they are worried about what is coming next, and fitting in overall to the plans and happenings of others. Universal things we are all struggling with, but a lot of people choose to keep that all secret. Read More>>

Justin Loretangeli

About a month ago, I covered my first CMA Fest. Holding that media credential was pretty surreal, and seeing Pro Country on a sheet full of some of the biggest outlets in music was pretty crazy. I was incredibly fortunate to interview a handful of artists on site; artists that I’ve looked up to and spent countless hours listening to. Though I’ve conducted 700+ interviews, prior to CMA Fest, I’d only conducted one of them in person, and that was three years ago. Naturally, I’m a pretty shy person, so to actually sit down with those artists and have great, in-depth conversations about their lives and their music was really special for me. Read More>> 

Tony Olivas

I am currently learning from myself at the moment. From the moment my birthday arrived, there was a realization and a feeling that I had just crossed the finish line, it was a tough year but what came out of that was new found wisdom, I got a chance to sit down and think about what works and what doesn’t, and to think about what truly brings joy to my core being. Read More>>

Kimberly Davis

I think a lot of people misunderstand how much work really goes into doing makeup on set. For my beauty looks I always like to know what my client looks like before I do their makeup I like to study their face, features and their own style of makeup so I can create something they love. When I do special effects I practice weeks ahead of time, even if it’s something I’ve done before I like to make sure I’m at my best. I spend hours promoting and talking to clients and filmmakers. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that makeup artists don’t always get credit for. Read More>>

Lea Saccomanno

I’m most proud of building community. When most people stumble upon our events, I think they see the embroidery or creative aspect first. Sharing a craft that I love is so important and central to Sippin’ and Stitchin’, but what brings me the most joy is creating a space for people to connect with and support one another. Nothing makes me happier than seeing folks connect with one another through trying (or honing) a craft. Read More>>

Adereio Jones

On a day to day basis I’m working, making sure everything straight at home with my wife and 2 kids, listening to beats and writing music for my upcoming tape “NATIONWIDE” amongst maintaining my side businesses where you can find on my instagram @kmobigg00 or on my website www.00dereio.com Read More>>

Alexia Dávila

Right now, the most important mentors in my life are my colleagues and friends who teach me via life and work experiences! They have taken me places I’ve never imagined before, and we have learnt many things I also wasn’t expecting to learn before getting to know them! Read More>>