What are you inspired by?

I am inspired by life in general. From the day-to-day hustle and bustle or a calm evening of reading a book in a coffee shop. Traveling and getting out of comfort zone creates a space of new experiences that allow my imagination to flow. I also enjoy watching interviews, documentaries, and amazing drama series that inspire me, but also challenge me. I honestly can find inspiration from anything or anywhere. Read more>>

Jordan Watkins: Beautycounter Consultant

I am inspired by women everywhere. Personally, I am inspired by my late grandmother Ernestine Jordan. Even after her passing I am constantly amazed by her love, strength, and ability to understand those around her. Her devotion towards others added value to their lives, enabled them to use their voice and ensured them that they mattered. As a young woman my grandmother lost her father at the age of two, started working at the age of six and lost her mother at the age of fourteen. Met with the responsibility to care for her five siblings my grandmother dropped out of school after the eleventh grade. She became a dedicated and permanent caregiver at an early age. Life taught her that when there is nothing tangible left to give, offer hope, offer friendship, offer peace and love. Her daily offerings nurtured those who were broken, carried those who had fallen and found those who were lost. Read more>>

Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen, DC, CCN: Chiropractor, Certified Clinical Nutritionist & Female Hormone Expert

I am inspired by my patients every single day. It brings me absolute joy to assist my patients in naturally transforming their health. Each person I see is a unique case and my job is to determine the underlying causes of their health challenges. This is what motivates me to learn more, do more and be the best doctor I can for them!. Read more>>

Quincy Powell: Owner/Founder

I am inspired by the fact that Jesus, has allowed me to take the vision He gave me and make it a reality! Thru our clothing brand we are able to make and design dope items that represent God. Read more>>

Briana Avalos: Art Director, Copywriter, & Empath

I am most often inspired by people who are underrepresented or unheard. There are so many perspectives out there that are not depicted in everyday media, and in my opinion, they are usually the most impactful, emotional, and powerful. I am an avid researcher, so that plays a large role in my creative process. I like to learn about aspects of life that I may not encounter. People deserve a voice no matter where they come from, so I am constantly inspired by their stories. Read more>>

Trisha Monae: Owner of The Monae Brand

My childhood is my inspiration. When I was younger, I watched my mother struggle to pay bills and pay for everyday expenses. I remember one situation so vividly. My mother had to return her bed that she was making monthly payments on, just so she could pay rent. I remember her telling me she had to sleep on the couch for a few weeks. Growing up I always thought about how I could make sure that my family would not face those same challenges all over again. By creating a brand that offers a variety of products, one day I will be able to take care of my family financially. I don’t ever want my family and I to go back to that place. Every time I think of my past, it inspires me to go harder. Read more>>

Alicia McCalla: Science Fiction & Fantasy Author

In 2018, my son who was a NAVY Officer, was lost at sea. Losing him devastated me but his memory pushes me to be courageous and brave–he has truly been an inspiration to me and I’ll always appreciate everything about him. When I’m feeling despair, I always remember his bright smile and encouraging words. He was a great kid and I’m proud to have been his Mom. Read more>>

Sebastian Lara: Creative Professional & Visual Artist

I draw a lot of my inspiration for my work from stories, music, and other content I like to consume. I have found that whether I am working on art pieces, designing a creative space, or an interactive activity, a lot of what people value are ideas and concepts that tie different themes together or that go deeper than just something that is interesting to look at. While craftsmanship and the production of high quality work is extremely important, the idea or story that is being told through a medium can provide a much richer experience. In regards to the actual inspiration, I think that the music I listen during that portion of my life outside of the work, as well as when I am creating it can greatly impact it. Being very involved and interested in live events such as festivals, concerts, or other immersive themed entertainment, allows me to draw from experiences that I find super impactful and then I try to identify the value and the why I felt the way I did when interacted with them/in those spaces. Read more>>

Julia (Ms.BBB) Agnew: Educator, Writer, Photographer, Media Personal, Dancer, & Content Creator

I am inspired by PURPOSE and understanding your WHY! I’m inspired by the drive for success from Black Men and Women, fighting to make a change within themselves and a difference in the world. Read more>>

Kimberly Hamilton: Performing Artist, Yoga Instructor, Health Coach

I am inspired by the lives I touch through my work as a performing artist and a health coach. For instance, when an audience member approaches me after watching me perform something comical and tells me how much they needed a good laugh or when a yoga student tells me how much my class helped them relieve stress and feel peaceful, I am inspired to keep pursuing my passions. When parents of a child I’ve been teaching tells me their child has been able to focus better in school since taking my kids yoga classes, I feel deeply inspired. Recently a friend of mine from high school watched a film I wrote and produced called “Unmasked Voice” and told me it inspired her to start writing poetry. Seeing my yoga students make progress and overcome problems is naturally very inspiring. I felt elated when I heard that one of my clients booked an acting job after I helped coach them in yogic breathing to calm their nerves before their audition. What inspires me the most is hearing feedback about how my work as an artist and a yoga teacher has impacted lives in meaningful ways. Read more>>

Nicole Young-Turner: Founder, Kaleidoscope Village | LGBTQ+ Activist | #BraveEducator | Liberationist

I am constantly nourished, ignited, and motivated by the courage and resiliency of the People and Communities fighting fiercely for Love, Liberation, and Unity–past, present, and future. When I’m most inspired, I can literally feel the brilliant force of The Ancestors; I am activated by their willingness to bravely choose faith in the face of fear, to seek the light of truth in the midst of blinding darkness, and to move toward solidarity and healing in the wilderness of rage and ignorance. These ‘soul-models’ provided us with a blueprint for civil service and disobedience, gave us permission to ACT UP while finding homeplace amongst the S.T.A.R.s, and reminded us that our silence will not save us. We are because They were. Read more>>

Kelvin Apparicio: Creative Director and President of The Modern CRWD Conglomerate

I’m inspired by creativity. Ideas flow through my head all the time and sometimes it is hard to keep the ideas in my head. So the best way to release all these ideas is to put them on video or speak to someone about them. Read more>>

Christopher Morgan: Chef and Owner of The 6ft Cook Catering

Im inspired by my wife (Tequita) and children and grandkids. Family means everything to me and to create a legacy for them is what I strive for daily. Read more>>

Anaeja Halliburton: Visual artist

As an artist I’m inspired by daily life, emotions,pop culture, and extraterrestrial life. We all have a little alien in us and to manifest it into art is satisfying. Recently I’ve been very inspired by decomposition because it’s what we all have in common, and what will happen to us one day. Read more>>