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.

Mariah Bottomly | Practitioner of Curanderismo, Full-Spectrum doula, Educator, Photographer

My inspiration comes from observing and learning from people, practices, ceremonies, rituals, art, being a mother and being in community. I draw from the part of me that excites me and resonates with what I’m observing. I get most inspired by art and dance (same thing), singing and really connecting with the elements of our great mother (Earth.) I love to document my surroundings. Through photography and visual art, it reminds me of my learning and to be in reverence of it all. Read more>>

Ian Jamison | Composer

I am inspired by reading philosophy and sheet music. The works of Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, and Plotinus and the compositions of Bach, Handel, and Beethoven are like old friends that I correspond with regularly, In the last year, I’ve also taken a deep dive into C.P.E. Bach, Chabrier, Grieg, Scarlatti, Mozart and Telemann. For instance, after reading the major keyboard compositions of C.P.E. Bach, I felt more direct license to explore the extremities of Romantic ornamentation, tonalities and contrast without feeling like a pastiche of Beethoven, since I am essentially going to the source. Read more>>

Lexi Nebesniak Nebesniak | Wellness coach & Real Estate Agent

I am inspired by the little things in life. After being involved in a terrible car accident my outlook on life shifted drastically. I quickly realized all of the things that I took for granted. Once I was able to get back on to my own two feet, I knew that I wanted to spend everyday living my best life. I was inspired by everything around me because I no longer took them granted. The little things like the smell of morning coffee, walking in nature, gardening, dancing, live music, time with loved ones, etc. We spend so much time wrapped up with the things that do not matter at the end of the day. What truly matters is looking within yourself and doing what makes you happy. Read more>>

Scot Romaine | Owner/Chef

Starting my own business was a long term goal that I am proud to have brought to fruition. To myself, I have always felt it was a natural part of the progression of finding a trade you feel a connection with, absorbing and participating in the knowledge of your trade, and eventually taking the leap and putting yourself to the test. Whether that be progressing in your career, or venturing off on your own. After growing under my mentor, and sadly with his passing, I chose to seize the moment and start my own business. The Divide Restaurant. Read more>>

Justin Krompier | Photographer

I’m inspired by people who take big risks. I’m inspired even more when those risks don’t pan out the way they had anticipated and yet they still keep trying. Read more>>

Vanilla Chi | Illustrator, Designer & Self-Publisher

I am generally inspired by traditional East Asian art, I’m especially fascinated by the ‘architectural’ aesthetics of order. The delicate and detailed aesthetic is genuinely my personal preference. Also, I love the beauty of mathematics, physics and experimental diagrams, so my works are usually geometric. At the same time, I appreciate the vitality conveyed by maximalism. Read more>>