We asked some of the most inspiring folks we know to tell us what they are inspired by.

T.A. Yero | Visual Storyteller & Commercial Photographer

My late father, Tacuma Opio Yero, was the self-proclaimed Family Historian. He always told me as a kid that “Photos were proof WE existed.” he always had a camera in his had to capture the moments that mattered to the family so we could have something to remember. When he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, I knew I had to take as many pictures as I could of him before it was too late. Nothing was ever “posed”, they were all candid shots of him just living…I wanted to capture him…just LIVING. So with he passed a few months later, Read more>>

Sandra Wilson | Single Mother, Pro-Black Activist, Magazine Publisher, CEO, & Influencer

I am inspired by our ancestors who came before me. Our ancestors in our community fought for what they believed in. Our ancestors were determined to make a change for our community by any means necessary. They were willing and some did die for what they believed in. What they went through trying to give our community a better life is what inspires me. Read more>>

Sasha Beckford | Entrepreneur & Home Chef

I am inspired by my own experience, family, friends and my culture. I think about what my experience was walking into an establishment. Was it a pleasant experience or does that establishment need some work. I use that experience as my inspiration to make my business better and stand out. I also get inspiration for my business from my family and friends. If they like a certain dish but can’t find the time to make the dish. I research the flavors of the dish and different recipes to create my own recipes, to surprise them with said dish. Read more>>

Christine Benta | Health Coach, Chef, & Cooking Enrichment Instructor

I am inspired by of the hospitality of the people I have met and the stories they have shared, the delicious dishes I have sampled throughout my travels, the extraordinary places I have visited and lived, and the mind-blowing life experiences God continues to bless me with. From my late Kurdish friend, who was the only survivor of her 12 siblings post the War in Iraq, who taught me how to cook fragrant rice, a Nigerian nurse sharing her spinach recipe, Read more>>

CannaShame Network | Media Network

At the Cannashame Network, we are inspired by freedom; freedom of people and freedom for a plant. We believe that no one should be incarcerated and have their life and future impeded and even stripped from them for a plant, that in 2022, people are making millions of dollars from. Also freedom for a plant. Cannabis has the right to exist and be used in a multitude of ways. It is plant, just like any other. So we are inspired by freedom. Read more>>