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.
Theresa Faleti
“…..Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40 Read more>>
William Marrs
As a child, I can remember how much I enjoyed helping people. It would be little things like, sharing food, toys, or anything else I could think of. I can’t take credit for what I believe God has done when He gave me a heart and mind to want to help others in need. Read more>>
Nikita ‘Keet’ Ford
I have always been a generous person. I have always believed that my purpose was bigger than just myself, and helping others has always been something that has been embedded into my character. As an educator, I see children go through things I could never imagine every year. Read more>>
Cerise Hall
This a relevant question in these current times..I learned the habit of giving with no expectation of return from my Grandmother..This definition exemplifies generosity.. Read more>>
Angela Kent
My generosity was instilled in me at an early age through my mother and grandmother/grandfather. They were truly the most giving, generous, kind, engaged people I have known. Read more>>
Lasheena Williams
My generosity is rooted in the profound impact that the kindness and selflessness of others have had on my life. I have chosen to lead a life of giving because I recognize the significance of the support and assistance I’ve received from my family, friends, teachers, colleagues, and even strangers. Their unselfish acts have shaped me into the person I am today, and I hold an everlasting sense of gratitude for their contributions. Read more>>
Jay Infinity
For the majority of my youth I was a person who gave selflessly to others, often times to a fault. Negative experiences that I had in my late 20s culminated to me learning that others are not obligated to care for me, or look out for me the same way that I would for them, despite how much I had sacrificed and put others before myself. With therapy and self-introspection, I had a harsh wake up call when I realized that I was hurting myself by being selfless. Read more>>
Andre Whatley
My generosity comes from my grandmother. Growing up seeing her being so kind to everyone, planning family reunions, giving to the homeless and help our friends/family who was in need. So it just stuck with me as I grew, once I was able to get settled in Dallas that’s when I really wanted to tap into feeding the community. Read more>>
Andrew Glantz
My generosity finds its roots in the values my parents instilled in me from an early age. They always emphasized the importance of giving back to others and making a positive impact in the lives of those less fortunate. Growing up, I witnessed their commitment to extend a helping hand whenever possible. Read more>>
Toby Witte
I recently picked up the book The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. I was surprised to find it describing in a playful way my attitude towards abundance. If we open up, share, and help others succeed, only good will come of it. I believe that our possibilities and opportunities are endless if we allow them to show up. Read more>>
Ryan Stevenson
One thing Shore Smoke Seasonings has always done is try and give back to the community no matter where we are. Nicole and I have been from Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina and a few other places in our time together but one thing has always been at the forefront is giving back. I wish I could say that I was always this way but in reality that’s not true. Read more>>
Melissa Lucas
There is a quote “Service to others is the rent we pay for our room on Earth,” by Mohammed Ali. This quote is something I abide by and give generously to those who need it. We are all meant to lift each other up and help others when they need it. Read more>>
Cassidy Drury
My grandmother, known in our family and to many around her as “Nonny,” has been the embodiment of generosity in my life. Growing up, I watched her unwavering kindness and giving nature, which shaped my own understanding of what it means to be generous. Nonny has a unique way of making everyone around her feel cherished and valued. Read more>>
Shauntise Weeks
Wow! This is an amazing question. In the past 4/5 years I went through some of my darkest moments with 2019 and 2022 being some of the toughest years. In 2019 I started TUCF full time and moved my family into my mom’s basement. Read more>>
Ke’o Velasquez
In my life I have been very fortunate to have incredibly generous people throughout. Just as importantly I was instilled with a presence of mind to recognize and appreciate them. Read more>>
Nicholas Burdo
My mom is very spiritual and I adapted that trait from her because we truly believe in Karma and that as long as your heart is good and your intentions are pure you’ll be rewarded in some way shape or form. Also music is a very giving art. Any art is truly. But music really touches the soul and because I’m an artist, the generous trait of giving vibes and feelings come naturally for me. Read more>>
Faith Murphy
For me, being empathetic, generous, and simply being kind to others comes from a deep desire that others feel heard and seen. There have been moments in my life where I wish I had been heard and seen more as I was facing difficult trials and even on just a normal regular day. Read more>>
Sabryna Wright
Generosity is like a joyful dance, a term that sways and spins depending on who you’re talking to. It’s like the sun casting its warm rays, sometimes shining too brightly, and other times illuminating the path to heartwarming moments. Read more>>
Megan Reed
I’ve had many ups and downs in my life and I’ve accepted the help of others countless times. Because of that, I try to help others whenever I can. Most of the time, it can’t be financial and I think sometimes people forget that there are many other ways you can make a difference! Offering your time and experience is just as valuable as offering financial help. Read more>>
Randalyn Lauren
I would have to say that my generosity comes from my grandmother. She is always going above and beyond to help others. Ever since I can remember she has always been the perfect example of someone that is unselfish when it comes to giving time and gifts. Most recently I will never forget the energy and the time that my grandmother gave when she was helping one of her friend’s that was diagnosed with alzheimer’s. Read more>>
Amanda Peña
My generosity comes from the want, and need to see a solution! Read more>>
Michelle Goth
Generosity has always been a part of my business and it comes from a feeling of gratitude. I feel so incredibly lucky to have to a career I enjoy, that is growing and able to enrich my life the way it does. It feels natural to give back whenever I can, whether that’s financially, through raising awareness, or through donating auction items to our local non-profits. Read more>>
Shelba Malone
My generosity comes from how I was raised. I was always taught to share and to be kind. My mother, though flawed as we all are, is the kind of person who will give her last dollar to someone in need. She is primarily who instilled in me the ability to be generous. Read more>>
Christoper Thomas
Ah, generosity! That’s a word that paints my journey in broad strokes and vivid colors. 🎨 It’s a melody, really, that I’ve been humming since I was a child. Read more>>
Shauntelle Parham
I would say that my generosity comes from my passion for making spaces functional as well as beautiful. There have been numerous times where I have volunteered to help others because I truly enjoy what I do. As an example, when I worked in the medical field, I noticed that one of the physician offices could use a refresh in terms of styling so I offered to help them at no cost. Read more>>
Missy & Matt Rutter
We both know how hard it is to take care of yourself in the hospitality industry. Working long hours in sometimes extreme conditions can take a toll on your body and mind. What is great about Pay it Forward Charleston is not only are they helping those in the industry that are going through unforeseen hardships, but they are addressing ways to help people live a healthier lifestyle. Read more>>
Warith EL-Amin Jumu’ah
Displaying a great deal of generosity was inherited from my parents….definitely from my parents. Throughout my life, my parents have always been community/family oriented, as well as giving people. Due to our Islamic beliefs, connecting with the community and furthering our education became major priorities. Read more>>
