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.
Roxana Popescu
Something that brings me immense joy outside of work is knowing that my loved ones are well ( health related), and the sense of fulfillment I feel after each tour I guide. As a national tour guide, I find great happiness in seeing my tourists genuinely enjoy their experiences. Read more>>
Ryan Smith
Writing music. This summer I finally started writing how I like to write again – full drum kit, gutar, bass and vox at the ready with a few microphones. This time the only space I had was my kitchen, so the kitchen became the studio. My girlfriend was on tour, I took off work. Read more>>
Zoie Gentry
Being a mom — outside of business, titles, or achievements — is this deep, indescribable mix of love, chaos, and purpose. It’s waking up tired but still smiling when you see that little face. It’s holding the world together with one hand while holding your child with the other. It’s not glamorous. Read more>>
Jon Cruz
True joy for me isn’t tied to numbers or milestones — it’s when I’m with my family, laughing about nothing. Those are the moments that reset everything. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to live in constant motion — solving problems, chasing growth, carrying the weight of what you’ve built. Over time, that noise starts to bury the simple things that actually make you feel alive. Read more>>
Dylan DuBois
Something outside of work that’s been bringing me a lot of joy lately is mentoring others — especially young entrepreneurs and professionals who are trying to find their footing. There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping someone connect the dots between their potential and their purpose. Read more>>
Ronals McDowell
Lately I have had the opportunity to be back home with my family. The past 3 years I resided in Atlanta, Ga. where life brought me back to take care of my mother and grandmother. The joy I have is like no another. Read more>>
Becca Ayers
I’ve been doing a lot of guitar covers for social media (mostly instagram; becca__ayers) and it brings me a LOTTA joy. I love music so much and when a song hits me the right way, I’m excited to see if I can play and sing along. I’m planning some collaborations with friends, too. I love collaborating and I love seeing (and hearing) my friends shine. Read more>>
Jim McCarty
I own a Distillery. That’s actually outside of my ‘work’ in this way. Monday through Friday, I’m an oncologist. I don’t think anyone will be surprised by this, but being a cancer doctor is difficult. Patients are so wonderfully appreciative of the care we give. And the work is rewarding. But we still lose too many battles in the cancer world. Read more>>
Vanessa Valencia
Currently being a part of the Chula Vista Farmers Market community has brought me so much joy. It has been the highlight of my year. I always wanted to be a part of it and this year I was able to make it happen. I’ve gotten to meet so many incredible vendors, customers and staff. Read more>>
Hayley N. Chow
I spend most of my time interviewing and being inspired by artists, mainly filmmakers, on film festival red carpets – however, I feel so lucky to have found my own artistic outlet as well. I’m an author and poet outside of my work as an entrepreneur, and most recently, I’ve found joy in performing spoken word shows and writing daily. Read more>>
Dani Thompson
This isn’t just lately, it’s always but – hiking. I love getting outdoors in nature whether it’s forest, coastal or countryside. Just being out in the fresh air, feeling the sun or the breeze on on skin. Listening to the sounds and just being totally immersed in nature. Especially now that it’s Autumn and everything looks so beautiful. Read more>>
Monique Chappell
My son. He’s two, yet he communicate and behaves like a five-year-old. Although I’m sure our strong bond has influenced his development and growth, I do have to highlight his willingness to learn and explore his environment. It brings me joy to see him learn so much, academically (thanks to me) & about music (from my dad).We call him a genius baby. Read more>>
Bryan Rowe
My two year old daughter is definitely the highlight of my life right now. It is so fun to see her make discoveries in every aspect of life and see her brain start putting puzzle pieces together to make sense of her world. Sometimes it can be hard to focus on work when it’s so fun to just hang out with her. Read more>>
