We asked some of the most generous entrepreneurs, artists and creatives we know to talk to us about where they think their generosity comes from.
Steph Perez
I was raised in a family that would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it. It was instilled in me that it is better to give than to receive. If I have the energy and the time, I will give it to whoever needs it. I am still trying to figure out the balance of giving too much, so I constantly remind myself to be generous to myself as well. Read more>>
Jasmine Ramos
My generosity is deeply rooted in the love, lessons, and challenges I experienced growing up. My mother was the embodiment of selflessness, always helping others by offering food, money, or emotional support. She gave freely, even when others didn’t treat her kindly, and her quiet acts of kindness left an indelible mark on me. My Abuela reinforced this legacy by donating to children in need from other countries—the ones we’d see on TV who were homeless or hungry. Their examples taught me that generosity is a way of life, a natural extension of love. Read more>>
Charito Soriano (person 1) Rowena Conlu (person 2)
As musicians, generosity feels like this endless well we draw from—a mix of creativity, kindness, and the joy of sharing something real. At its heart, it’s about offering something authentic, whether that’s music, compassion, or just a little piece of ourselves, without expecting anything in return. If it doesn’t come from a real place, it risks feeling transactional, and that takes away its power to truly connect or inspire. Read more>>
Vasudha Pradhan
My family, especially my children, are my biggest source of inspiration and resilience. Seeing them grow and thrive motivates me to keep pushing forward. Also, for me, resilience is about mindset and perspective. I focus on finding solutions rather than getting bogged down by problems. Self-care, exercise, and mindfulness practices also help me stay grounded and focused. I believe that resilience is not just about bouncing back, but also about growing and learning from our experiences. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.” I prioritize self-care and make time for activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul. This helps me maintain my energy and resilience, even in the face of challenges. Read more>>
Nicole Rizkallah
As much as I strive for generosity, I have wrestled with my own limitations—particularly the struggle to receive love. To truly give, one must also learn to receive, and receiving often feels like the more vulnerable act. I’ve noticed that when I resist receiving love—whether out of pride, fear, or a false sense of independence—it creates a barrier within me that inhibits generosity. But in those moments of vulnerability, when I acknowledge my own need for love, I discover the essence of generosity. Read more>>
Harley Rose Nemeth
This is a value of my family members that has literally been passed down through the generations. I’ve grown up watching my family members take care of others because they had a little extra to share or something to spare. When you grow up this way, it becomes second nature to you. And this has been one of the most rewarding parts of owning a business in my own community. If you need a shirt and I have an extra one, I should share that with you. Now as a small business owner, more than ever I understand the value of every dollar and it makes me work harder to show that each dollar has a place and hard work is never a wasted effort. Generosity can come in the form of a hand up even if that starts with a hand out. Read more>>
Nicky Aye From The Bay
I think my generosity comes from a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me. I’m someone who values connection and the well-being of others, and this drives me to extend kindness and support. Whether it’s through sharing my time, resources, or simply offering a listening ear, my actions reflect a genuine compassion that likely stems from both personal experiences and my intrinsic nature. Read more>>
Aeirus Gantt
My generosity comes from a place of Love. I was always taught to share and be considerate of others. Moreover, my family had always urged me to be one who is generous. Read more>>
Jessica Hilts
I grew up watching my mother struggle to provide for us like she wanted to. She worked so hard to make sure we were taken care of and always worked so hard. We received help from many people and as an adult, when I am able to give back to someone in need, I will. Because when my family was in need, others were generous to us. I lost my mother 10 years ago, today. (1/14/15) she couldn’t give back like she wanted to, so in her honor, I give back when I am able. Read more>>
Electra Solis
I realized how important it is for everyone to feel seen and heard. As a result, I’ve made it a personal mission to offer a helping hand whenever I can, to ensure that others don’t feel the same loneliness I once did. I’ve found that in giving, I also receive a profound sense of connection and fulfillment, and through these experiences, I’ve learned that generosity isn’t just about material gifts, but about sharing love, understanding, and time. It’s a way to heal, not just others, but myself as well, transforming past hardships into a source of strength and resilience. Read more>>
Erick Englehart
Where does my generosity come from? I’ve always been driven to help others, and my desire to make a difference only grew stronger after witnessing the hardships of the recession. Seeing people lose their jobs and homes had a profound impact on me, and unfortunately, I see similar struggles today.
This experience sparked a promise to myself to spread love, positivity, and support those in need. Through the Buttheadz Growers Club, we’ve turned this vision into reality. Over the past two years, we’ve built a thriving community garden, donating fresh produce to feed the hungry and collecting canned goods for local food banks. Read more>>
Generationdmv. Inc
It comes from my background and upbringing, i was raised to value community, giving, and uplifting others, which shaped the way I engage with people and causes.
Am simply person who has a natural inclination to care and contribute to others’ well-being. Read more>>
Jennifer Hall
From my earliest memories, I have always loved cats. Growing up in rural Illinois in the 1990’s, my family had our share of “drop off” cats and dogs. We never turned away a stray, always feeding them and trying to provide the best care we could at the time. Despite low cost spay and neuter not existing in our rural area, my parents still did their best to get each stray spayed or neutered so we wouldn’t be overwhelmed with kittens and puppies. I truly believe experiencing that compassion and generosity as a child helped to mold me into what I am today – a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) advocate. Read more>>
Divya Pal
Generosity doesn’t mean giving material things but its about showing love, compassion, understanding, and tolerance. My generosity comes from my values, experiences, and upbringing, I was raised with a knowledge of helping people and I instill the same in my kids. Growing up in a household where helping others was always prioritized, my parents constantly encouraged me to give back to the community. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I feel it’s important to share those blessings by being generous to those in need. Read more>>
Tristan Butler
My generosity comes from my family background and upbringing. Growing up in a family where people would give the shirt off their back, you are bound to pick up those same character traits. Read more>>
Garry Simms-rowe
I’ve always been a generous caring kind of person. My generosity comes from having a big heart and learning valuable lessons from over the years. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what you’ve been through, it doesn’t matter how people treat you, it’s always better to give than to receive. I say, when you receive you receive. When you give, you give and then you receive and that always feels better. Especially with all this craziness going on right now with the fires and the winds and all, this is the time more than ever to be generous. I decided to serve my community in this time at a nearby food bank. We swept the debris off the streets and gave food and supplies to people. I want people to feel like they have someone they can rely on, but also know when someone is genuinely in trouble or when someone is trying to get free stuff and take advantage of you. Another big lesson is to give and be generous with an honest heart and honest intentions. When you give out of selfish reasons, it always comes back to haunt you, but when you give with the intention of giving, it comes back to bless you. Read more>>
Robin Nance
My generosity comes from my years in the hospitality and service industry. It is such a unique community that is considered “unskilled” by labor standards and often disrespected by customers. I wish everyone worked in service for at least a year of their life. The deep care and connection that the people in this industry have for those they serve and each other through the challenges of low wages, harassment and almost constant turnover is unparalleled. In crisis, these are often the first people to step up to support their communities. Even in the face of challenge, I learned the importance of generosity through service. Even today as we watch the devastating wild fires in California, restaurants are feeding people for free. The same was true during COVID. Seeing that level of generosity first hand and being a part of it changes you forever. Read more>>
Sani Mohammed
This is a very thought-provoking question. When I reflect on my generosity, I always think back to the influence of the people around me and how I was raised. My parents emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating others. For example, in elementary school, my mom would gift my teachers a candle at the end of every year as a way of saying thank you. These small gestures left a lasting impression on me and shaped how I express generosity as an adult. Read more>>
B
Generosity comes from a deep love for the community. Dowagiac has played a big role in shaping who I am, and giving back feels like a natural way to show appreciation. Whether it’s featuring local businesses or sharing helpful insights, supporting the community just makes sense. When one part of the community thrives, everyone benefits, and that belief is at the heart of everything I do. Read more>>
Kory Sagendorf
My generosity stems from the lack of generosity that I received as a child growing up. Nobody ever gave me the time of day as well as When I was 12 years old my mom died in my arms from a drug overdose which changed me and made me the human I am today.
Nobody ever expected I could do anything and nobody considered that I could be something. Because I never got that. I tried to exude it out of me to everyone that comes near. Read more>>
Vanessa N Martinez
In my family, giving has always felt better than receiving. It was ingrained in us to enjoy the process. My mother was born in Guatemala and promised to return to her hometown when she had enough money to have a big party for all the kids in the village she was from. I didn’t fully understand her until the day finally occurred. We traveled to Guatemala as a family; my three sisters, my mom, and my dad had to work and couldn’t take the time off. We arrived and started ordering food, booking clowns, buying toys, and ordering cake. You get the idea; it was a full-blown carnival party. We had to wake up super early on the day of, which didn’t make us very happy, but we did and started getting everything set up. It was one of the best days I have experienced, and I will remember it forever! Read more>>
Michael Burton
There is nothing I’ve been through that hasn’t happened before to someone else. Everything will be okay. No one is as concerned or judging of you to the degree you think. Focus on your passion and love the people who make you feel happy to be alive. And read history books you’ll see we are living in the best times in recorded history. Read more>>
Stephany Hernandez Monarres
I discovered the power of optimism early in life, especially when faced with challenging circumstances. I grew up in Torreón, a city in Mexico where economic opportunities were often limited, and it became clear to me that if I wanted to change my situation and achieve something more, I couldn’t rely on anyone else, I had to do it on my own. It was during these formative years that optimism became one of my most valuable tools. It wasn’t just about maintaining a positive attitude, it was about finding hope and strength in the face of adversity, and using that to fuel my pursuit of goals and dreams. Read more>>
Graciela Diaz
My optimism comes from believing in the potential of my business and the niche I’ve carved out with Virgo & Gem. I’m confident in my capabilities and have a strong drive to achieve my goals—when I set my sights on something, I go for it wholeheartedly. I balance taking action with nurturing a positive mindset by listening to uplifting podcasts and constantly working on personal growth. This combination of action and mindset keeps me focused and hopeful, even when challenges arise. Read more>>
Kellie Harvey
Optimism can be found anywhere. I know that may sound cliche, but really, it’s all about perspective. I’ve been in the same room, in the same chaos as people doing the same job as me, but with a different mindset – and I’d bet you’d be able to tell who’s an optimist and who isn’t.
I’ve simply learned that I can either be upset, or not. I do realize that can’t be used in every situation, but it can be used more often than a person might think. Recently, I looked around my kitchen, not redone, and compared it to my dining room, recently painted and rearranged. I was irriated the kitchen wasn’t what I wanted yet, and quickly thought about how I really did have a lovely kitchen that I’ve tasted delicous meals from, how fortunate am I? Why should I not love the porgress along with the end result. Again, it sounds cliche, but why on Earth would I want to find every inconveniece as a negative? Why wouldn’t I want to look for the one thing that could turn not just my day, but other peoples around? Read more>>
Lois Stavsky
My sense of optimism comes from my sense of purpose. I believe that everything I do should and can make this world a bit better. It may derive from the Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam” that I was taught as a child– the responsibility that each one of us has for “repairing the world.” As an educator, I encouraged my students to tap into their distinct talents. We discovered unsung poets, novelists and visual artists in our midst! I was determined to share their gifts in a range of settings including: magazines we would publish and distribute to local libraries, nearby galleries that would showcase their talents and national and local contests that brought their distinct gifts to a wide audience. There is nothing like success to nourish and sustain optimism. Read more>>
Maid Rosé
Cherrybomb Maid Café is a project, fueled by passion and hope! If we weren’t optimistic starting up wouldn’t be possible! Our goal is to eventually have a secured location for our Café one day. Having such a big goal requires a certain level of optimism!
Our optimism also comes from knowing that it’s okay to learn as we go, and from providing a fun experience for all of our guests that visit our pop-ups! Read more>>
Kristin Wiebe
We have a tremendous wellspring of optimism coming from primarily our neighbors and neighborhood around us. Baltimore is a “DIY Town,” as we have often heard in the past, and this endeavor has really made us test that and prove it to be right. Not only can you “Do It Yourself” in many areas of opening a business, but there really are a lot of people right next door who cheer you on. A secondary source of optimism comes from actually wanting to interact with humans in real life. So much of our existence is atomized and force-fed on small screens. We wanted to be a part of the street-level conversation that actually makes up a city and fight back in some small way against the megalith of online mass retail. Read more>>
Kaitlyn Kissel
My father has been a family practice doctor for twenty years in our tiny town of Greencastle, Indiana, and my mother has worked as a physical therapist for the same duration. They both have an absolutely un-wavering optimism that refuses to give up on patients. Watching this, growing up in this culture has taught me to always believe in what you’re doing and truly believe in it to the fullest, and perhaps most importantly, stay positive! Read more>>
Susana Mojica
My optimism has evolved through the years and different phases of my life. Currently, I’d say it’s a learned habit, nurtured by many sources.
As a teenager, my optimism came from daydreams of the future—traveling the world, living on my own, and working in my own office. Simple dreams kept me inspired. But as life unfolded, optimism became more about survival. I remember a time when I realized I was carrying a lot of suppressed emotions that made optimism feel out of reach. It took deep reflection to overcome that and find a way back to hope. Read more>>
Madoka Wilson
My optimism comes from life experiences that showed me the power of a positive mindset. I’ve always been a pretty naturally positive person, but that was tested during some of the toughest moments in my life. At my lowest points—like fighting a brain tumor, moving to the U.S. without speaking English, and experiencing two serious car accidents within five months—I was able to stay positive and found a way to keep moving forward. These challenges taught me how resilient I can be and how much strength comes from staying hopeful. They also deepened my appreciation for the life I have today and the incredible support system of friends and family I’m fortunate to share it with. Read more>>
Jack Bride
Reminding myself that throughout human history, people would find ways to create art. It would be insane not to make the most of this time, in our modern age. I love looking at paintings from the Middle Ages, that have survived centuries. I can only imagine what the artist’s quality of life was, back then, and how precious pigments were, and here are these wonderful illuminated pages, persevering just by existing! And all I have to do is walk to an art supply store to have access to every colour imaginable, with the availability of all kinds of prepared surfaces. Also, the freedom to make what inspires me is an incredibly rare thing, when weighing against human history and other parts of the world. So I suppose I use the burden of freedom as optimism, haha. Read more>>
Arianna Cantini
my optimism is born from my pessimism. let me explain.
I had, like everyone, a delicate moment in my life where I saw everything gray, dull and I couldn’t find a real purpose in my life.
I have to say thanks to this period of pessimism if today I have managed to make my passion my job, if what are my dreams, I can realize them,
simply because I didn’t let that pessimism remain as such, transforming it into something extremely precious and beautiful. Read more>>
Cathy Ballone
I am being asked, where does my optimism come from? My mother, a psych nurse for 45 years, specialized in Alzheimer’s and dementia. With a huge heart and vast knowledge, she loved to share both. It could be with a stranger in the grocery line or with me curled up by the fire. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with everyone she met. As her daughter, I learned that being kind and compassionate could (and should) be a normal part of life. Read more>>
Cory Danziger
Optimism simply feels good. Being optimistic is a choice that I make when I wake up in the morning and when I go to bed at night. I want to feel good, and everything is up to our interpretation. As a result, I have chosen optimism most of my life.
My parents were optimists, and they encouraged me to keep an eye on the “possibilities” for good things to happen at any and all times. I am grateful for this trait, and I’m grateful for their encouragement to see the “light” in whatever I’m doing. Read more>>
Nürnberg
Optimism for a music band can stem from various factors, including:
Talent and Skill: The band’s musical abilities, songwriting skills, and performance quality can create a positive outlook among fans and industry professionals.
Unique Sound or Style: Bands that offer something fresh or different in terms of genre, instrumentation, or lyrical content can generate excitement and optimism.
Positive Publicity: Media coverage, including interviews, reviews, and features in music publications, can create buzz and optimism about a band’s potential for success. Read more>>
Kelsey Jean
It’s hard to pinpoint a time in my life when I wasn’t optimistic. I was raised by a very “woo-woo” mom, which gave me a unique lens through which I’ve always been able to see opportunities where others might only see obstacles. As a woman in this world, it’s easy to be buried by pain and disappointment if you don’t hold onto hope. Not that those struggles don’t still exist, but I’ve learned to stay hopeful that there’s always a rainbow on the other side—and a lot of that comes from within me. It’s about what I put into my life: the decisions I make, the way I engage in conversations, and the actions I take that ripple out into the world. I feel incredibly privileged to have a deep sense of self-awareness. At my core, I know my strengths and weaknesses, and even in times of stress, I have to maintain faith in myself to keep that optimism alive. After all, no one is carving my path for me. My optimism is rooted in the belief that I can shape the future I want—no matter how winding that road may be. Read more>>
Lindbergh Levan
It’s a personal choice. I choose to be optimistic. It feels better. And I also believe that there is power in our words and actions. Speaking things into existence. Growing up my parents would always speak with an undertone of caution and fear when it came to the outside world and the unknown and as a kid it was hard for me to take what somebody said as law so it just made me curious. As I explore the world I realize its really not that bad. Yeah, there is craziness everywhere but there’s also great and beautiful things as well. It all depends on how you look at it.
The way I process a situation is to take a step back, remove my emotions and desires from it and consider all angles, options, and perspectives. At any given moment, the likelihood of something getting better is the same as it getting worse. Id prefer to go in the direction of the latter. Read more>>
Rebeca Sheehan Sheehan
My optimism is deeply rooted in the example set by my parents. My father was an entrepreneur who worked tirelessly to build something meaningful, and my mother decided to pursue college later in life—a testament to her resilience and commitment to growth. They came to this country, leaving their families behind, and embraced a new life with joy, courage, and an unwavering belief in helping others. Their attitude was always one of service, and they instilled in me the value of giving back and finding happiness in supporting others. Read more>>
Najing Cen
My optimism stems from the countless setbacks and challenges I have encountered. For instance, my first theater project, < Fefu and Her Friends>, was a journey filled with both challenges and excitement. The project had limited budget, tight resources, and time constraints. Adding to the difficulty, it was an immersive theater production, fundamentally different from traditional plays. As someone working on a theater project for the first time, I had to consider not only the audience’s interaction with the performers but also how the setting would affect their experience. Read more>>
Amanda Caswell
The simplest answer would be, my optimism comes from my mother. She is one of those radiant, joyful people who makes friends wherever she goes, including while waiting in the grocery store lineup. It frustrated me to no end growing up, because everything took so much longer than I wanted it to. But I see now what a gift it is and appreciate how it has permeated the way I navigate the world. Her delight in other people and her insistence on connecting with their humanness can make all the difference to someone feeling like they belong, that they matter. Everyone has things they carry that no one else can see, and I truly do believe that ultimately people want the same things as everyone else — love, connection, belonging, safety. We just have different (and sometimes conflicting) ideas on how best to achieve that. Read more>>
Pooja Bartake
Growing up in a lively Indian household, I learned early on that optimism wasn’t just about hoping for the best—it was about taking action, even when the path forward seemed unclear. My parents calm determination and unwavering support showed me how to turn challenges into opportunities.
That mindset carried me through my own journey— As a realtor, I’ve had to lean on that optimism countless times. Not every deal works out, and not every day goes as planned, but I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities to grow and connect with people on a deeper level. The real reward is helping others find their own fresh start, their own corner of hope. In this industry, I’ve faced setbacks and tough moments, but I’ve come to see them as opportunities to grow and connect with others. Optimism isn’t about ignoring struggles; it’s about trusting that every setback is part of something bigger. Read more>>
Jennifer Celeste Briggs
My optimism regarding my daughter Sarah, who has special needs and is on the autism spectrum, comes from realizing how many challenges she has overcome that at one time seemed impossible. When she was an infant, my husband and I didn’t know if she would learn to roll over, let alone crawl or walk, but with a lot of hard work and many different therapies, she did. When she was four years old and not talking and not making regular eye contact with others, I trained at the Autism Treatment Center of America to learn how to run a Son-Rise Program for her. I called my program Sarah-Rise and ran it for five years. She received anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours a day of focused, loving playtime that followed her lead and interests, while encouraging language, eye contact, and interaction. Every tiny bit of progress seemed like a miracle, and I kept telling myself if something could happen once then could happen twice. Read more>>
Colby Cedar Smith
Some days I am filled with optimism, and some days I lie awake at night crippled by anxiety and fear. But I have learned that there are several things that bring my life great meaning: the pursuit of joy, a devotion to curiosity, and a commitment to building community through the arts.
I am an observer. I walk through clothing stores and feel every fabric. I sit on trains, close my eyes, and lean into the rocking sway. I take long walks in the woods every day and breathe with the trees. I love watching my dog’s ears flap as she runs. I savor sleep and waking from a dream. I take pleasure in watching my husband make me food and follow a recipe with scientific precision. I love listening to my children sing when they do the dishes together. Read more>>
Adam W. Barney
My optimism is deeply rooted in how I view challenges and opportunities in life.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by family and mentors who instilled the belief that every obstacle contains the seed of growth and transformation. This mindset has guided me through personal and professional challenges, including moments of uncertainty when launching my coaching practice and writing my book, Make Your Own Glass Half Full: The Path To Empowered Optimism and Autonomy. Read more>>
Kate Evans
Optimism is a mental attitude that leans toward confidence and hope for a better future. Buddhist teachers, such as Pema Chodron, have helped me lean toward optimism. I believe this is because I’ve learned to befriend my mind.
An example is when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I focused a lot on being grateful for my medical providers, and those who developed the technology to see and fix what was happening. I imagined my surgeon as a little girl deciding to be a doctor, going to medical school, studying hard, choosing to specialize in neurology, learning from her mentors. Everything that brought her to this moment where we came together. This kind of thinking helped me to feel curiosity and awe. Also, when the thought of dying came to me, I’d try to relax into the reality of mortality: we all die. I’d think of Ram Dass’ words, that to die is like taking off a too-tight shoe. So all of this helped me feel that everything would be okay. No matter what. Read more>>
