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.
Danny McHenry
The Lord has given me a generous heart. Even though I was an only child I wanted to share my toys and things with others from an early age. My mother always encouraged me to designate part of my small allowance. Still have that motive, just wish sometimes that I had more to be generous with but the heart is more important than the amount I think. Read More>>
Isabel Soto
My generosity comes from my life experiences, the most powerful people I have met have been very generous to me and the others, the people who have the talent that I admire, are very generous as well. I think it’s a kind of wheel of life, if you have the commitment to be generous with others, life is generous with you. Read More>>
Charmian Stephens
My generosity comes from my mother. That is one of the first things that everyone who describes her will say. Because of her faith walk and relationship with God, she gave freely of herself, her time, her resources and her love to everyone she met and made sure that she instilled the value of giving into my sisters and me. Read More>>
G Peoples
I love this question. I consider my generosity coming straight from Source itself, and for this I’m grateful. Being a personal trainer, meditation coach and musician, kindness, generosity & love is at the core of everything I do. Read More>>
B Mvjor
My generosity definitely comes from my mom. Seeing how much of herself she was able to give to make sure I was good growing up really helped me in that area. She showed me there was never a sacrifice too big for those you love. So I give that same energy to everyone around me who I have love for. My mom showed me if she has it, we have it. So I carry that mindset with me today. Read More>>
Sarah Chatel
My parents were wonderful role models of what it meant to be generous and give back to a community. My Momma would bake homemade bread twice a week. I can still smell that bread baking. Our family would keep one loaf and a shut-in or new mom would get the other. Read More>>
Walid Chaya
Growing up, I’d often ask my mom if I could eat out with friends. Instead, she’d cook a feast, enough for everyone. Those moments, filled with love and great food, are etched in my memory. This spirit of giving isn’t just family—it’s my Lebanese roots. Lebanon, often called the ‘Paris of the Middle East’, is known for its warm welcome and vibrant culture. We greet with three kisses, a symbol of our open hearts. This generosity shapes my work too, especially with actors. It’s a way of passing on the warmth, love, and inclusion I’ve been lucky to have. Because in giving, we truly receive. Read More>>
Courtney Lyneé
I believe that generosity is a part of my character. However, I feel that when you have insecurities or imbalances in other areas of your life, you can tend to subconsciously use great characteristics too much (for the wrong reasons). Read More>>
Paul Hurley
Well, I grew up in Texas, got married, had children and later divorced. I move to NC to be closer to my brother for a fresh start. I traveled every 3 months back to Texas to see my children as they grew up. In their absences for years I volunteered at CIS ( communities in schools ) as a Mentor for at-risk dropout students. Read More>>
D’Angelo Walker
I believe I got my generosity from my mom, I Watched This woman my whole life give to everyone even tho we never had much to give. Hello my name is Coach D’Lo and I’m your neighborhood friendly Fitness coach! Four years ago fitness changed my life! Four years ago I decided to hire a personal trainer and that was the best decision I made that year because it sparked this fire in me to want to help others the same way my trainer helped me! At the time I hired him to help me lose weight and become better in football because I was playing Semi-Pro football, I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life at 273 lbs and within 6 months he helped me get back down to 245 lbs and I was in the best shape of my life and feeling great! That feeling made me want to help others accomplish that same thing, so a year later I decided to pursue my own career as a fitness coach and started my business Motivative Fitness 49 LLC. Read More>>
Mr. Daniel Dickey
My generosity comes from my heart, the place that God inspires and ignites the blessings that flow to me and through me to so many others. My generosity was nurtured by growing up in a family full of givers, I watched my grandfather Reverend Dr. WK Raynor grow food in his garden and give food to the whole neighborhood. I would also in turn see those same people bring our family all sorts of dishes, cakes and pies. Read More>>
Lynadria Ware
My generosity has deep roots in my upbringing and personal experiences. I believe that I was born with a natural inclination to give, but it was my upbringing as a foster child that truly shaped my generous spirit. Read More>>
Lauren Levy and Ellie Barclay
Our generosity is deeply rooted in our journey as entrepreneurs and our unwavering belief in the power of community. Our photo studio/event space, Dottiewood Studios, is more than just a business; it’s a creative haven, a place where artists, photographers, and creators of all kinds can find inspiration and express themselves. We’ve created a space that works for a variety of budgets and have incorporated initiatives such as “Free to Create” (launching soon), that gives free studio space for exciting creative ideas. At the core of our business ethos is the importance of relationships. We don’t just see clients and collaborators; we see partners in creativity. Generosity, for us, means investing time and energy into building strong, lasting relationships with those we work with. It’s about going the extra mile to support and empower others, because we believe that together, we can achieve more. Genorisity is also infused in our design ethos; each of our studios are designed to the highest standard with unique and inspiring props and decor. We also provide a whole back catalouge of backdrops, additional props, and furniture for no extra cost. Read More>>
Meron Tadesse
I would say that my generosity comes from having an abundant mindset. Most people do not know that they can operate with a scarcity mindset or an abundant mindset. Essentially, operating in such a manner that you know that you can get more. There is a concept of having an open hand rather than a closed fist. Read More>>
Tanisha Davis
I feel that it comes solely from my personal relationship with God. I believe strongly in praying and trusting God for everything. I also believe that what you sow, whether good or bad, you will reap it. So I do my best to make sure that I am sowing good seeds. Over the years I have experienced the good and the ugly side of dealing with people. Read More>>
Trevor Szafranski
Honestly, I don’t feel right answering a question about generosity because there are countless better examples in my town of Freeland. When I was young, I loved possessions. I was always desiring the latest games, DVDs, clothes, fancy cars, etc. I was a pretty good person, but I definitely put myself first. This carried over with my time. Read More>>
