In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Cameia Williams | Brand Stylist & Creative Director

By profession, I am a graphic designer and I knew my business would involve design in some capacity but I also had a desire to build a sense of community too. Still, it took me a while to come up with a name for my business bc 1. I didn’t want to name it after myself and 2. I wanted it to have value. It was something that I would pray and brainstorm about for months. Then one night it came to me Go Off & Create. The reason why this name means so much to me is bc of the principle I believe to be true for all of us. I believe God has given us all a gift, skill, talent, or whatever you want to call it and we’re supposed to put that back into the world to serve others. I believe He wants us all to go off and create. At our core, we’re all creatives we just express that creativity in different ways. This principle is important to me because my company is not only a brand design boutique but it also a community that shares how other creatives go off. At some point we all need to feel seen, supported, and heard and the best way to connect and learn from other people is to hear from them. Read more>>

Nuni Lee | Owner of La Fille Custom

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter, an art which could be for every mental worker, for the businessman as well as the man of letters, for example, a soothing, calming influence on the mind, something like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.” – Henri Matisse. Matisse’s quote resonates in my life as I take the art of balance as a core principle of design. My life is a balanced composition of teaching, business, artmaking, and sprinkles of connections and feline friends. I teach drawing and painting to young aspiring artists at GSU. Through our interaction, I discover our shared interests and stay attuned to the emerging generation’s ideas and the fast-changing trends. When I am not teaching or making art, I spend time volunteering at a cat shelter. I also have five cats at home whom I love. Then, these feline friends appear in my artwork. The artmaking process is a meditative process for me as it helps me to tap into my unconscious. Read more>>

Chris C.J. Matthews | Youth Change Agent /Entrepreneur

Kindness is the principal that matters most to me at this point of my life. Kindness is important to me because it is satisfying, and makes me happy. I think most people are at their best when they are happy. My parents helped me to start my charity, Blankies 4 My Buddies to help me cope with the loss of my little sister. Before that I was always sad. Helping others helped me to find happiness inside myself that I believe has allowed me to thrive in other areas of my life. Read more>>

Never Give Up Boobie | Artist, Athlete & Gamer

Loyalty matters to me the most because being loyal will take you far in life. Read more>>

Aisha Sanders | Teach To Reach Inc. – Founder

I’m really big on respect and integrity. Respect and integrity can take you far, your character enter rooms way before you cross over the threshold. How you carry yourself, treat other people and conduct business speaks volumes. Lacking either can hinder a person in more ways than one both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Kyris Brown | Designer/Tailor

Respect means the most to me. It is the foundation of all relationships/partnerships. Read more>>

Nikerria Barber | Recording Artist/Entertainer

It’s so easy to be influenced & follow popular trends these days, but for me I think it’s important to stay true to who I am. To fully be who I truly am & remaining authentic. Read more>>

Lauren Linden | Online Women’s Boutique Owner

People always remember how you made them feel. I pride myself on making the customer experience top tier when you shop with FashionLoLa Boutique. I believe the more positive someone feels about their experience with you the more they will continue to shop with you. Read more>>

Jamie Kolodziej | Upcycled Bolo Ties & Curated Vintage Goods

Kindness. I think we can all agree that last year tested lots of people in many different ways, but what was most shocking to me was seeing different sides of friends and family I hadn’t seen before. From a personal and a business standpoint, kindness has been one of my core values. I hope that anyone who has interacted with me via my online shop, social media, or in-person will see I am very customer-centric and grateful for everyone who has supported this little dream of mine. Without the encouragement of my friends, family, and customers I wouldn’t be here. Read more>>

Sabine Henderson | Owner of Sabine Jean

I believe in chasing your purpose over success. When I look back on all my so called success, it was never enough. I found myself always searching for the next thing that would make me feel validated. But as I began to chase my purpose, I realized I was living and working for a purpose that was bigger than me, It made me feel more secure about myself. I don’t really care how people see me now, so I can focus more on how I am impacting peoples lives and my community. Read more>>