A big part of making decisions is determining what our actions and choices have been inspired by. So we asked decision makers from the community to tell us about what they are inspired by.

Lynese

Literally everything. I have became so observant over the years. It’s a blessing and a curse because i notice everything lol. But I think it’s easy for me to get inspired whether it’s me going to a concert, seeing kids play, talking with a stranger. I believe you can take anything from life and make it into art. Read more>>

Imani Shola

My biggest influences are definitely the artists I grew up listening to. My gospel sound was influenced by the likes of Mary Mary, Darwin Hobbs, Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans. My soul and jazz sounds were influenced by the big names of the 80s and 90s, names like Nina Simone, Aretha, right through to Patrice Rushen, Fugees, and Soul ii Soul. So my music has the sound of the jazz and soul artists, while having the message of the gospel artists! Read more>>

Melissa Ahrendt

I’m inspired by my company’s mission to “Improve People’s Lives and the Communities Where They Live”. We, on the leadership team, at Stafford, really dug deep to define our “why”. It needed to be the thing that truly got us out of bed in the morning, and the thing we would be most proud of accomplishing at the end of our lives. Our mission statement is where we landed. I think of this mission in every aspect of my job and in my developments. It’s my touchstone, and it drives me to approach things in a mindful way. People don’t normally think of a commercial real estate developer as someone who truly cares about the positive impacts their projects can have in a community. I want to break through the stereotype of someone driven by greed to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot”. Read more>>

Amber Marie

When it comes to GAM Photography I always think of my grandmother first. The name it self stands for Gwendolyn and Marie’s Photography. My grandmother always have been my inspiration and I just want to be able to be at least half the woman she was. She believed in me becoming a photographer before I even knew that was something I truly wanted to do. She is the reason no matter how many obstacles I may face that I have not given up. Of course nothing in life is easy, but trying to be great in a profession that is known to be a “male dominated” industry it can be a little bit discouraging at times, however I have to remember not only am I great but my grandmother thought I was great since I was a little girl so there is absolutely no way I will be giving up. Photography is truly my passion, I truly enjoy making people smile, brghtening up their days and most importantly bringing peoples visions to life. Read more>>

Nicole Stewart

I am inspired by the constant grace God gives me. I question my plan and purpose at times because life can be difficult. However, I always find my way back around the people and places that push me to be my best self. My home town of Chicago definitely inspires me. It’s where I come to grab a piece of my authentic self . When I am surrounded by the hustle, sounds and pulse of my city, it helps create more determination in my life to keep going. So my God ,my friends , family , and my city can be pleased with my works. Read more>>

Mya Miller

I make no moves without first consulting with the Holy Spirit. I am a firm follower of Jesus Christ. Without Him, there is no me. Other than my faith, my family inspires me. Without my family’s love and tangible support, nothing that I do would matter. Read more>>

Brenda “ladie B” Gibbs | Singer / Songwriter / Artist

I have the desire to be fulfilled. My inspiration comes from striving to be what God created me to be. I have lived a large part of my life doing things that I had to do to survive rather than using the gifts God gave me, and doing God’s will fulfills me. The Bible says that our gifts will make room for us and since I’ve been using my gifts more frequently and purposefully, I have been more fulfilled than I’ve ever been. Doors have opened that I have only dreamed of. God has been blowing my mind and I know it’s only the beginning. Read more>>