One of our favorite things to do is to ask the folks we are inspired by what they are inspired by. We’ve shared some of their responses below.

Iesha Congo Watson | Minister , motivational speaker , CEO

My mission and purpose is directly related to the word of God . I use the principle of the Bible in my nonprofit work and in any business dealing as well as any encounter I have with individuals on a daily basis . Read more>>

Dasom Choi | Interdisciplinary artist

This life itself inspires me. If you say this, some people ask me if there’s anything special about being an artist. Then I laugh and say, “Our existence in today’s life is special enough.” Read more>>

Xiaoqing He | illustrator and artist

My inspiration comes more from life. I like to buy lots of cute, creative lifestyle items and toys. Antiques, board games or dolls of all kinds with collectible value. I think they are my main source of inspiration. My mom used to call them little trash. Because she doesn‘t think those things are useful except to look good. Over time, my friends and I also call my collection little trash. I don’t think it’s a particularly derogatory term either. It is a general term for an attitude towards life. I also like to visit Disneyland and other parks. I always find happiness here. Each of their cartoons is a classic that I watched over and over again when I growing up. I like being the princess of my own life. I will also learn and draw inspiration from these movies. Read more>>

Kelley Hoagland | Chattanooga Photographer

I find the inspiration for my work in family, and more specifically motherhood during this season of my life. As a teenager, I experienced the loss of several family members within a couple of years of each other. That really impressed on me the fragility of life and the importance of family. As I became a mother of three, I quickly felt a different grief with the speed at which life moves. My children grew and changed so quickly and I wanted a way to hold onto and remember all their beautiful little moments of personality and development. Read more>>

Jeremiah Pojah | Educator, Entrepreneur, & Mentor

My inspiration stems from my faith in God and commitment to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When I was a teenager, I often wondered what I was supposed to be doing as I sought earnestly for purpose in life. I made many poor decisions in the process of seeking my identity, but when I completely surrendered my life to God, I was able to find my identity and purpose in life. For this reason, helping people find their purpose has been one of the primary missions in life. In the world we live in today, multitudes of people are seeking personal identity and purpose. When a person has a purpose, they are motivated to be productive because they can see the value they possess. If a person is without identity that person is unable to find purpose because their purpose is appended to their identity. Therefore, without a defined purpose it is hard for that individual to identify their value. I am motivated to help individuals, especially young people, find their identity so they can be maximized and display their intrinsic value given by God. Read more>>

Katherine Burkhardt | Transpersonal Breathwork & SoulCollage® Facilitator

I am inspired by the interaction between life and nature. Life in itself is so endlessly inspiring. The intricate dance between life and nature, with its ever-changing rhythm, never fails to captivate me. It’s in the delicate balance of ecosystems, the resilience of living organisms (us included), and the perpetual cycle of life, growth, death and renewal that I find an unending wellspring of inspiration. My dreams at night serve as a portal to a realm where creativity truly knows no bounds. The subconscious mind weaves stories, unveils hidden desires, and conjures fantastical landscapes. Exploring the landscapes of my dreams allows me to tap into a reservoir of creativity and insight that transcends the limitations of waking life. Read more>>

Sampada Agarwal | Visual artist/muralist/art educator & IT Professional

I am inspired by nature. I feel there is no better teacher than nature. Every creation in nature is perfect – the color, the size, the shape, the vibes – be it a simple flower or a majestic sunset. One can never tire of the show nature puts on for us – every day, every season, every location – only if we had time to stop and smell the roses. Read more>>

Taylor Richardson | Actionist | Speaker | Advocate | Philanthropist | Student | Writer | Volunteer

Many things inspire me to pursue my dreams. The unconditional love and support from my family and friends, the adventure, challenge and ambition to aspire to be something great and the paths that come with the actuality of attaining it. Being charitable and seeing people working hard to create change, reach out to the less privileged, and make life better for people inspires me and honored to be part of the things that I can be. Read more>>