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.
Alexandra Kurland
My generosity is essentially rooted in good karma. What goes around comes back around and money just moves from hand to hand. Growing up my family owned a small restaurant serving authentic Mexican food and delicious charbroiled burgers. It was a staple in my hometown of Hacienda Heights for 20+ years. My Abuelo’s (grandparents) took it over when I was about 12 years old and I saw their generosity first hand. There were customers who had an IOU receipt and the homeless knew we would give them at least a bean and cheese burrito or some fries. My Abuela has always shared that while she grew up poor, she was never hungry. My family had the ability to give to those in need with a warm meal so they did, happily. I was allowed to do the same and encouraged to be that way. Read more>>
Luisa Jimenez
I was raised with not having a lot as I had an immigrant father and a mother that took care of us while my father worked. This taught me to always love what I do have and if I had more, to always share with others in need. My generosity definitely comes from my parents and the way they raised me as they were raised in a humble background and this taught them to raise us with the mindset of enjoying the little things and being kind and generous to others no matter what. Yes we had out financial and personal struggles, but we were always happy. I definitely have cultivated this skill over time as when you are younger being generous can be difficult but now I give it if I have more of it. For example, I don’t see my clients as dollar signs. I see them as real women, women that I want to genuinely help and form not only a business relationship, but a trustworthy one. One where they feel they can come to me because they believe in me, my skills and my generosity makes them super comfortable. Read more>>
Katelyn Curran
My generosity comes from lived experiences. The first half of my life I rarely received anything from anyone. Material or sentimental. But I also had instilled in me a very giving nature. I did a lot of volunteering and outreach work as a child and young adult. Read more>>
Jennifer Winer
I have always had a generous and kind heart. I think a big part comes from my Mother. It also comes from the many friends and clients I know. Helping them and doing what I can is very important to me. They are also examples to me as to what other amazing and generous people are out there. I not only have a big heart for people, but also animals. With Charlie Chap the WonderCat I was able to show this, share him with the world and put smiles on peoples faces for the last 4 years. I don’t intend to stop You can see the joy and happiness it creates. I receive so many wonderful messages from people around the world about how Charlie has helped them and they can’t wait to see him everyday. It does take time to provide the content, but it fills my heart. Read more>>
Beard Laws
It comes from my old man. If you were to look up the saying this man would give the shirt off your back in a history book I bet my fathers picture would be there. The guy works hard and has a huge heart and if you needed a shirt he would give you his! Especially in the summertime when he doesn’t wear one often. Read more>>
Ulises Gonzalez
My generosity comes from my family. I was raised in a very loving and supportive family. With both of my parents being immigrants to this country, I feel like we see the world in a different light because we understand that opportunities may come and go, but the one constant that we have is each other. With that in my mind, it’s allowed me to value the relationships that I have with people I come across. Read more>>
Gowri Rocco, MD
My generosity comes from my childhood. I was born in India in a very impoverished village. When I came to the United States, it made me really grateful to have this opportunity, not just as a woman, but just to have an education. I don’t think I could ever understate how blessed I feel to be American because of the freedoms that come with it. Read more>>
Theo Schmitt
I’ve always been involved in music bands, youth orchestras and amateur concert bands, so I’ve witnessed the amazing power of music to bring people together. Working with kids and amateurs was really a core experience for me. They gave so much energy and time to perform music together, simply because they love music. I feel sometimes I need to give them back that energy, to give them even more reason to love music. By composing music and conducting orchestras, I think I just try to facilitate the reunion between the creators, the performers and the listeners! I want to connect people with eachother. In other words, with my music, I like to create links between musicians and myself, between pictures and the audience, between reality and dreams. Read more>>
William Fogler
Helping and supporting those around me is one of my life’s most important purposes. I am fortunate to have been raised in a giving family and strongly believe the more you give, the more you get. My parents set a powerful example — my father offering practical support through fixing things and providing transportation, while my mother dedicated her time to assisting family members and volunteering even while working full time. Read more>>
Mike O’Malley
At PKLN, “spreading the love” is at the heart of everything we do. From our free community clinics & after-school clubs to our charity tournaments & partnerships, we always aim to give back to our community & beyond.
This was something that was instilled in us at a very young age and something we preach to our own children today. Read more>>
Joel Guptill
Overall it comes from my family upbringing. My dad is a career pastor and I was taught and shown at a young age it is more meaningful to give yourself (time, energy, and talents) away over trying to acquire as much as you can. We grew up in a frugal home, as my parents raised 5 boys, but they always found the energy and time to serve others. One of the biggest influential elements of my upbringing was working at a summer camp in high school and into university. There, I learned and experienced first hand the value of serving others. I have also found throughout my life that I have always been happier and more content when I have chosen to give my time and energy to others; or to think of others more than myself. Read more>>
Anchandria Collins
My generosity is God given. I was born this way, from as far as I can remember I have always been a generous individual. I am firm believer of treating others how you want to be treated. Not saying my generosity has always made others treat me with the same respect. There has been times where my kindness was taking for weakness and I had to realize their perspective on life had nothing to with me. I also understand my rewards come from God he has and continues to rewards me for my generous heart. Being generous and helping others makes me feel good on the inside. It’s a feeling of fulfilment. Read more>>
Dusty Bo
My mom and big brother. Read more>>
jean claude melito
I come from a Franco-Italian family, where family is more important than anything, having learned to respect and listen to people and give without return Read more>>
Tatianna Tolliver
Ty Hester and I, Tatianna Tolliver, began our creative journey with humble beginnings and a vision to share our talents with the world, bringing genuine optimism and a glass half full mentality to every project. We didn’t just want to create cool brands and campaigns (although we love doing that); we aimed to bring deeper meaning to every brand, production, and campaign. We wanted our teams to be so excited and invested in Optimist’s vision that the journey of building was as rewarding as seeing the final product. Read more>>
