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.
Anne Bunn and Jill Forney
Generosity is the foundation of Urban Pharm. We started during the gray winter days of Covid, podded up with our best friends, deeply aware of the isolation so many were feeling. We wanted to extend to others what was nourishing us. So, we started delivering care packages to a small group. Read more>>
Allison Scavo
I come from a long line of trailer park living, or dirt floor living. Some people have generational wealth, I have generational nothingness. When you’re raised like that from several generations back, you learn to work together to get through. I was raised to not just share but to give. Read more>>
Christina Carrasquilla
Generosity by Design Generosity, for me, doesn’t always look like grand gestures. Sometimes it’s staying on Zoom an extra twenty minutes after class because a student finally feels safe enough to ask for help. Sometimes it’s sending a note of encouragement to a colleague who’s doubting themselves. And sometimes it’s creating a space—virtual or physical—where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Read more>>
Shanika Graffeo
My generosity comes from all the moments in life that forced me to grow a heart big enough to hold other people’s pain, and bold enough to actually do something about it. It didn’t come from comfort. Read more>>
Mikkel Aranas
My generosity comes from seeing life through the lens of gratitude — being thankful for everything that comes my way. The wins, the losses, the beautiful and the messy. I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t just about being thankful when life feels good; it’s about choosing to see purpose even when it doesn’t. Read more>>
Lincy Babu
My generosity comes from something that’s been a part of me my whole life. I’ve always been the type who wants to give more than I receive. Gift-giving is one of my love languages — not just physical gifts, but also time, effort, and resources, even when I don’t have much to give. Read more>>
Tahn Bae Park
Growing up in a farmhouse off an old highway in backcountry Indiana, USA, surrounded by crops and the woods for hunting wild game, you learn how small you are compared to the world in peripheral. My family taught me two very hard lessons in generosity: One: the hunger for adventure meant escaping our comforts and safety. Read more>>
GiA Ligammari
When I moved to LA in 2016, I was an intern at Titmouse. I learned from so many artists there about “paying it forward.” So many brilliant people told me that someone once helped them learn in their career and that they felt the need to pay it forward to others. It’s something I really miss from pre-pandemic, in-office times. Read more>>
Chelsey Borgstrom
Us. Community is our driving factor for our brewery and keeping the lights on. If it’s not for making sure everyone has a place, then what’s it all for? Outpost means ‘meeting place’. Read more>>
Lauren Dreggors
I know firsthand the power a small gesture of kindness can have. I’ve had low moments or bad days when even something as simple as a kind word from a stranger has made the difference. I understand how impactful it can be. I strive to be that respite of kindness for others. Read more>>
Lívia Pinheiro
From a young age, the ballet world was my safe space. With my classmates we were like a family, we grew up and learned not only about dance, but about ourselves and life together. Read more>>
Nikki Davis
I consider myself very fortunate because of the amazing people who have supported me throughout my professional career and creative journey. I couldn’t credit my success to ONLY myself. While I work very hard to do well in all that I do, I’m incredibly grateful for the individuals who have taken their time to listen, teach, and encourage me through my development as a creative. Read more>>
Erika Kramer
I think it comes from both my parents and my experiences. My parents have been endlessly supportive of me and always enthusiastically giving. Whether it was in how they raised me and treated me growing up or through schooling and starting my business. They’re just really generous and supportive people who have installed those same values in me. Read more>>
James Priest
My generosity comes from knowing what its like to go without, what it’s like to be on my own with nobody around to help, and how good it feels when someone cares. Read more>>
Calen Otto
In 2024 I launched Unruly Travel group trips to bring adventure-lovers together on meaningful trips across the globe. Through volunteer work and eco-minded tourism we dive deep into new ways of life, creating long-lasting relationships that transcend boarders. After visiting over 30 some countries myself on a small budget, I knew that making travel more accessible was important to me. Read more>>
Mia Balventy
“My generosity comes from the way I was raised. Since I was young, I was taught that life becomes richer when we share—whether it’s time, knowledge, compassion, or opportunities. Growing up, sharing wasn’t just something I did; it was a way of being. Over the years, that value has stayed with me and shaped how I show up in the world. Read more>>
Breon Clark
My generosity comes from me expecting the same from others. Do to others what you wish to be done for you. I love to see people happy and flourishing in whatever they’re doing. I believe it’ll shape the world in the long run. Read more>>
Andrew Taylor
I didn’t grow up in the antiques world. My parents weren’t dealers or really collectors, other than family pieces, so when I started dealing I was truly starting from ground zero. 99% of the people I have come across as I’ve been on this journey the past 13 years have been helpful and cheering me on. Read more>>
Jessica Bell
My generosity is rooted in the way I was raised. Growing up in a rural community meant that everyone showed up for each other; whether you needed a ride, a meal, or just a cheering section. Helping others wasn’t framed as an act of generosity; it was simply a part of life, woven into everyday moments. That spirit carried into my journey as an artist. Read more>>
Naomi Richards
My generosity comes from my grandmother (Gwendolyn Wilson) and my Dad (David Richards). I’ve always grew up seeing them give there last and making someone smile. Read more>>
Raelene S. Weaver
I was blessed to have a dad who led his life with an open heart and an open mind. He made everyone feel welcome who came into our home. He had that same welcoming spirit at Linda Vista Market, the grocery store he managed. Dad literally got to see customer’s kids grow up over the years. Read more>>
Lauren Donahue
My generosity comes from the way I was raised and the people who poured into me long before I ever had anything to give. I grew up with a grandfather who showed me every single day that the real measure of a person is how they treat people who can’t do anything for them in return. Read more>>
Juan (Tony Z.) Zermeno
My generosity comes from working alongside many chefs and team members with all kinds of personalities. When in a busy kitchen I soon realized that everyone has different strengths, experiences and stories which makes everyone unique. So with this, it has taught me to be understanding, to help others when they need it, and give the same support I once needed. Read more>>
Aleena Walters
My generosity comes from the people who raised me and surrounded me. I grew up watching my parents give so much of themselves — their time, their love, their effort — even when it wasn’t easy. They’ve always put out a lot for me, and seeing that level of selflessness taught me how powerful it is to show up for others. Read more>>
Edie Young
My generosity comes from my love of volunteering and wanting to help others. Ever since I was young, I found joy in giving my time and energy to support those around me. At 12, I noticed how difficult it was for my fellow artists to find support, so I started a community called *We Are Artistic*. Read more>>
Rosina Basi
Here at Icky Sticky Fun we are always finding ways to give back to the community. We believe in our vision and that children are the future! Read more>>
Edelis Travieso
My parents are the source of my generosity. They have always been pillars in our community, willing to lend a helping hand. Although my father worked many hours, his kindness and patience supported my mother’s efforts to assist people in the neighborhood. She would carry grocery bags for neighbors, open doors for strangers, and help the elderly. Her selflessness often meant putting others’ needs before her own, and our home was frequently filled with relatives and friends in need. Read more>>
