Over the years, we have consistently been blown away by the examples of generosity we’ve witnessed from our community of creatives and entrepreneurs. We asked some of them to open up to us about where they think their generosity comes from.
Jennifer Harmon
My work ethic came me from having children & never wanting them to go without the things they need. I always wanted to be able to provide some of the things that they wanted as well. Read more>>
Ami Becker Aronson
Ever since I was a little girl Ive been exposed to giving back as a core family value. Were volunteering at Guide Dogs for the Blind in middle school, or community service at the local animal shelters or serving on the AIDS ward at San Francisco General Hospital. My parents mandated that I must leave this world better than how I found it. Of course, my grandparents were also active in their respective communities whether in temple or the community. My father’s parents would drive the veterans to baseball games and serve meals. Read more>>
Melson Tookes
Generosity is an amazingly interesting concept. We assume that it emanates from a pure and sincere heart. We generally perceive it to have humble origins. Many also believe that it should be freely given without partiality, strings, or attachments. On the other hand, generosity can also be given under the guise of good, but it truly originates from a greedy, envious, and hateful place. It can be a risk taken that can result in serious consequences for the unassuming and unsuspecting eye. Read more>>
Becca Salmonson
My generosity comes from my Southern upbringing, specifically my mom. She always taught me to be kind, thoughtful, and especially giving. She showed me through her actions that although giving can be seen as a selfless act, it also reaps many rewards, such as feeling content, proud, and joyful. I’m a nurturer at heart, thanks to my mom, and helping others definitely brings me joy. Read more>>
Quintin Fields
Seeing both sides of the coin as pertains to poverty. I’ve seen extravagant houses and fancy things and lived in some of those places. I’ve also seen government housing, slumlord-ran apartments and even homelessness. Through all that I learned that giving is, or at least should be, an obligation of those with an abundance. So if I got it, and I got it to share, why not right? Read more>>
Tavia Trulson
At Oh, Beehave! generosity isn’t just a business practice—it’s woven into the very fabric of my mission. As a small, woman-owned business committed to revolutionizing consumer habits, my generosity stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of creating a new relationship with capitalism for positive change, a dedication to environmental justice and regenerative agriculture, and the influence of a good Midwest upbringing. Read more>>
Evan Brice
Being generous is first nature to me. When you die you cannot take anything with you. So once I’m gone out of this world anything of value will remain. I enjoy being a blessing to others particularly if it means beating the odds for that individual even if I’m being generous to myself or family. My parents are givers and watching them be generous instilled that it me. Also knowing that my stream of income will always be available to me as long as I keep my mind and my hands. Read more>>
Maguis Sosa
I was raised by a philanthropist mom and since I was little and used to go with her to giveaway blankets and food to people with less resources and learned. She was also was raised by philanthropist dad. Giving is a great feeling and generates endorphins. It can be different resources, like knowledge, time, skills or money. When we are fortunate we should always appreciate what we have and be generous. Read more>>
Christina Santi
My generosity is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me by the strong and supportive community of mothers that surrounded me during my upbringing. Growing up as a first-generation American, I witnessed the selflessness and compassion of Jamaican women, starting with my grandmother, who worked to support and uplift those around them. Read more>>
COOPER PHILLIP
My generosity comes from my family. As a little child I was raised in love but my family didn’t have much to give, but they were giving me ALL. It made me very grateful and giving. I love to give. It makes me feel WHOLE. Read more>>
Isaiah Seay
The overwhelming feeling of being constantly blessed in my own life….knowing that Karma is real. For continued blessings to appear we must give freely and without expectation. It’s not always easy, sometimes it feels downright counterproductive, but giving freely, being generous daily and in every aspect of life, is one of the best feelings one can hope for. Read more>>
Myles Johnson
I think my willingness to give to others who are less fortunate really drive me to do better. Realizing that someone out there has it a lot worse than you, makes giving so much easier. My purpose is to always help those succeed in life no matter what that meant. Read more>>
Shelby Castile, LMFT
I’ve always felt a strong desire to be helpful and supportive towards others. My past experiences of receiving help may have been a motivating factor to want to pay it forward and contribute to the cycle of giving. I also grew up watching my Mom giving back to those in need and donating her time to others who were struggling. I remember wanting to make a positive impact in some way and do good in the world so I think it’s partly this, coupled with my personal experiences of receiving that have helped shape my compassionate outlook. Read more>>
Sha’Condria “iCon” Sices-Sibley
I am the great-granddaughter of Mary Catherine (Mamie) who was orphaned when her mother transitioned in childbirth and raised by her aunt and uncle. She never finished school but went on to be a wife of over 60 years, to raise a family, and to become a pillar in her church and small community. She always had a meal for anyone who stopped by, donated regularly to others, and always had a “token” (i.e. money) to put in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s hands (especially for birthdays, field trips, those leaving for college, etc). Read more>>
Tiara B. Cosby
My generosity comes from within. I remember as a child, I always had a soft spot in my heart when it came to solidifying my place in society. I vividly remember making efforts to let someone who may have been unnoticed, feel that someone saw them — and that has always been my strongest suit. Read more>>
Melody Lomboy-Lowe
I think that my generosity probably is rooted from my personal experience during childhood. I battled cancer for 3 years and during that time I received an outpouring of support. Family and friends rallied together to support my family. Read more>>
Stephanie Fields
I believe my generosity comes from my parents. My mother and father are the kindest, most loving and generous people I know. My mom taught me to always lead with kindness, and to treat everyone as you would want to be treated. Every day I stride to be the best person I can be for myself and to those around me. Besides being an incredible mom, she was a physical education teacher and coach. I grew up watching how impactful she was on her students. Read more>>
Keylla Medina
My generosity comes from my uprising, from the time I was a child my parents thought me to respect others in order to get the respect I deserve. Read more>>
Michelle Kopacz
Gift giving is my love language. Ever since I started making jewelry at age 12 I would always give it away. My family is very generous in general so giving is definitely what I was raised with. Giving is the most pure when there are no intentions but solely for the purpose of making the receiver feel good. Read more>>
Bryn Baldassari
This question is very fitting for me right now because I just lost my mom several months ago and I have been reflecting on all the things she taught me as a person. I am so honored to share that my generosity came from watching my mom love and care for others. I also have to credit my dad because he’s been an amazing role model as well. Growing up, my mom would bring my brother and I to pick up food from grocery stores and bring them to local food banks. I remember many times helping give the food out to others in need. Read more>>
Dorothy Shain
Growing up my parents put an emphasis on giving back and helping the community. They wanted us to be grateful for what we had and that we gave back to those that had less than us. They were constantly volunteering and lead by example. Read more>>
