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.

Casey Young | Registered Dietitian & Certified Personal Trainer

I have many favorite quotes & affirmations, as I believe they can be so powerful! My most favorite is “You Got This”. It started as my mantra when I was training for my one and only marathon, but it has grown to mean so much more to me. Times get tough. Work gets hard. Sometimes we get frustrated and want to quit. “You Got This” is an affirmation I use for myself & for my clients to help us through the challenges that we will inevitably face. I remind my clients all the time that they can do hard things & when I face challenges in my personal life or in my business I remind myself- You Got This. It helps me keep moving forward. Even when the pace is slow & everything feels hard I am reminded that I am capable- I just have to keep pushing. Read more>>

Mariana Campos | Latina Business Owner & Food Stylist

“You have to be a romantic to invest yourself, your money, and your time in cheese.” -Anthony Bourdain I first read this quote outside of The Cheese School in San Francisco. It made me laugh but I realized how true it was. I love cheese, have eaten it all my life, but I never imagined this particular product would turn into a successful business for me. I really threw all caution out the window and went all in on this venture and so far it is paying off. Read more>>

Alma Erendira Perez Rafael | Owner of Nage Beauty Salon & Master Cosmetology

My favorite affirmation is “Work hard everyday, follow your dreams, and remain humble.” This affirmation encourages me to provide the best service to my clients which means I have to continuously learn new things and improve my work. I like that this affirmation pushes me beyond my limits and that nothing is impossible with hard work and sacrifice. While, still remaining true to my self. Read more>>

Shawn Pryor | Author

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” -Langston Hughes What I like about the quote is that it reminds us that even though this world tries its hardest to work us to death just to survive, we must allow ourselves to dream. Our dreams give us life, and when we work towards them, it not only helps us feel a form of freedom, but it may also inspire or invigorate others. Read more>>

Raymond Banks | Fashion Designer & Owner of Hoodvenchy

I have four quotes that I live by. 1. “God Created Black People and Black People Created Style”- George C. Wolfe, this quote gives insight into the history and mission of Hoodvenchy. The Hoodvenchy motto is, “Our Culture Is Not Your Trend”, the main goal of Hoodvenchy is to bring light to those fashion creatives who did not receive their full acknowledgment. Read more>>

Terry Preston | Founder of The Radikal Readers Clubhouse

My all-time favorite quote comes from our Mother-Sistah Friend Maya Angelou. “When someone shows you who they are believe them” . This quotes means so much to me for several reasons: 1) People are aware that I am sowing the earth with seeds of compassion, literacy, and love. Whether someone meets me now or in a year, my goal and commitment to helping black and brown people will not change. My walk and talk are in sync. Read more>>