We asked folks to tell us about their favorite quote or affirmation and to tell us what it means to them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Matthew Wright | aka Sitch — Singer, Dancer, Entertainer

I love the West African proverb Sankofa, or “It’s not taboo to go back and fetch that which you have forgotten.” Essentially, it’s okay to go back to/learn from the past in order to guide your future. I learned to live by this proverb from “Mama” Toni Thorpe in college and I love it so much because in life and especially my career, it’s so important (and helpful) to know how and where to find true history. When you can identify what was there before you, you can take notes and help yourself get to where you’ve never been. Read more>>

Josh Smith | Owner, Operator and CEO of God`s Child Apparel Co.

My favorite Quote is a Bible verse. Philippians 4:13 I Can Do All Things. This means everything to me, I live by this! I can do all things though Christ who Is my strength. Running a eCommerce brand many times you have to do everything, design the merchandise, handle the logistics and shipping, customer resolution, create your website and sometimes even model the merchandise. So when I feel overwhelmed or inadequate I read this affirmation and remind myself that I can Do all Things! Read more>>

Alexus Levant | Creative Director, Designer, CEO

“You have the best ideas. Other people’s opinions are usually more destructive than informative. Follow your own vision. Base your actions on love. Do things you love and if you don’t absolutely love something stop doing it as soon as you can.” -Kanye West This quote speaks to me because in the creative process of designing and planning for Levant I would often find myself asking for other’s opinions. I found that my core ideas were always the best and most authentic. I’m an overthinker and a perfectionist so listening to other’s opinions can be distracting from my original ideas. As artists, I feel that we should still value feedback and suggestions, but don’t let them derail you from your original vision. Read more>>

Tamar Turner | Host of the Down 2 Business Podcast

“Can’t stop, won’t stop, ’til we all on top!” Funny thing about this quote/affirmation is that I am not 100% sure if I made this or if I saw it somewhere else, but whichever is the case I have no abandoned it since. To me, this quote is all about resiliency amidst all the trials and tribulations. It is one of the sole things that keeps me and the podcast going! I refuse to call it quits or even think about doing so until all of my family/friends/peers are household names! There is no reason why we all can’t achieve the desired success by putting in the work for it day in and day out. I love how straightforward it is, but it can also be dissected and applied to various situations. Read more>>