We asked some of the most inspiring local entrepreneurs and creatives what was bringing them joy and we hope the responses below inspire you to find more joy in your day-to-day life as well.
Daria (Dary) Dega
What brings me immense joy lately is returning to school to continue my education. Although I already hold an M.D., a Ph.D., and several bachelor’s degrees, I have always believed that learning is a lifelong journey. I completed another Master’s degree at Northwestern State University two years ago and decided to take an exciting step by joining the Museum Studies graduate program at Harvard University. Read more>>
Jess Sabine
This is such a fun question for me to answer! I have been consciously seeking activities outside of my normal work life to bring more joy into my days. This is definitely a two part answer: First, I’ve been slowly getting involved with a new community group called The Crowded Table – which is focused on community building for business owners. Read more>>
Theo Petelov
I’ve been truly enjoying exploring the world alongside my little son lately. Whether we’re traveling or hiking, seeing things through his eyes has been a profound experience. It’s helped me reevaluate my priorities and has deeply renewed my curiosity for new places and adventures. Read more>>
HOPE HILL
Oh, hands down, the biggest source of joy lately has been watching my family rally around my dad as he recovers from his second stroke. It’s truly a beautiful thing to witness—my husband, son, and daughter have turned into his personal recovery squad! But if I have to pick the peak moment of joy? Read more>>
Pamela Bass
My family. When we first moved to Huntsville, my kids were just 2, 3, and 8. Now they’re 21, 15, and 14 — each blossoming into who God created them to be. Watching them grow, find their voice, and walk in purpose brings me so much joy. Read more>>
Jackie Rabbit
This last year I’ve really been exploring expressing myself more through my painting and drawing. In the past I had tried to make art that I thought would be marketable and attractive to the general public. I’ve decided now though that the art that I do outside of tattooing should really just be for me and for the pure joy of it. Read more>>
Blane Charles
Being nominated to compete in Elton John’s Style Icon https://styleicon.org/2025/blane-charles Read more>>
Suzanne Grzanna
I find great joy in sharing my talents with children, especially when it comes to teaching them music. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience is seeing their faces light up as they begin to grasp a musical concept. That moment of understanding fills my heart with happiness and makes every lesson worthwhile. Read more>>
Bruna Firkins
Lately, what’s been bringing me the most joy is spending time with my kids and seeing how much they’re growing, not just in age, but in who they’re becoming. Watching their personalities shine and seeing their progress in school, sports, and just life in general makes me so proud. Read more>>
Laurie Kaplowitz
My husband and I just spent the month of October in the south of France traveling through Avignon, Aix, Marseille, and Nice. We travel a lot , but neither of us had been anywhere in France besides Paris. It wasn’t the most exciting trip we’ve been on, but the sights, the art, medieval towns were all very lovely. Read more>>
Lindsay Rider
Recently, I took a cooking class! I LOVE food and feel pretty confident in the baking department because there are specific directions that are exact. But cooking is a different matter – one where ‘pinch’ and ‘dash’ are units of measure. I have felt reticent to put more time into learning how to cook because, honestly, the flexibility was daunting to me. Read more>>
Alejandro Chamorro
Creating content and working on film projects. Read more>>
Jasmine Jasper
Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from being a mom to my 15-month-old son, AJ. Watching him grow, learn, and discover the world reminds me daily why I do what I do. Motherhood has brought a new kind of purpose and balance into my life. It’s taught me patience, gratitude, and how to find joy in the little moments. Read more>>
Amy Colton
There are two things outside of work that bring me joy. One is to get away and relax without a cell phone or laptop. I go to a place where I can take classes of a spiritual nature such as astrology, tarot card reading, visit with a psychic, etc. I also can go for hikes, swim, practice yoga and meditate. Read more>>
