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.

Esmeralda Orozco | Teacher & creative

I know this answer might sound cliche but, I am inspired daily by this beautiful life I get to live. I have always loved crafting and losing myself in this form of creativity. It has always been a passion to find art to fit my identity. I say that life inspired me because life is fragile and if we do not spend it doing what we love we are not living to our full potential. I decided to take the risk and launch my small business after my dad (my first love) passed away in 2019. He was always so supportive of me. He collected art materials for me on his daily goodwill outings. He was always intrigued by my creativity and that inspires me to keep going. Read more>>

Emily Hainsworth | Author & Real Estate Investor

I am a sucker for success stories. I love hearing about people who set their sights on a goal and pursue it until they manage to accomplish their dreams. Writers, athletes, business owners–they all speak to me. It’s fascinating to hear about their process, their failures, their perseverance, and what ultimately led to their success. I always come away from these types of stories energized and inspired. Read more>>

Dr. Moe Mukiibi | Globally Recognized Water Expert

Bringing clean water to a water-stressed world. I make the unthinkable drinkable. Read more>>

Alexis Faille | Floral Designer

As a creative, I’m inspired by so many elements – trees changing color, a piece of abstract artwork or a colorful bird and his feathers. Artistically I’m moved by color and lines in my designing. But emotionally I am guided by love stories, courageousness and compassion. I take a lot of my inspiration from the outside world and all the beauty it has to offer. Read more>>

WAXCAT | Indie Electronic Band

We are inspired by experiences that can’t be described with only words – experiences that seem to have some unknowable source. We believe that art is the best way to convey these messages. Through our music, we aim to make listeners question their human experience alongside us, and relate to them in a way that breaks down their understanding of who they are as a living being. There’s so much that we can’t say, but that we all feel. Read more>>

Theresa Rudel | Owner of Board30FC

I am inspired by “I can’t” to “I can” “Negative” to “Positive” The I can’t and negative comments I have heard over the years as being a personal trainer is— I cant loose weight- I cant gain muscles – I don’t have the time -I don’t have good genetics- Im not athletic eat… Im am inspired by proving them wrong! That is why I love what I do. I am inspired helping them find the athlete in them they didn’t think was there. I am inspired when clients start making progress which leads to them leading a fuller life and more confident. I am inspired by clients that couldn’t run a block and soon are running marathons. I am inspired by a client who had to amputate her leg and wanted to give up and with my help she now she can still do what she was doing which was taking long walks, circuit training, hiking, playing the violin and most importantly looking at her posture and not being able to tell she has a prosthesis. before her amputation. I am inspired by clients who come to me and want to do a body building contest and she gets first place her first show. Read more>>

Jill Skoglund | Photographer & Visual Story Teller

I am inspired by human emotion and connection. I love getting to capture beautiful moments that tell a story. A mom loving on her kids, a couple looking lovingly into each other’s eyes, a brother squeezing his sister a little too hard, even a beautiful women sipping on her coffee. These moments tell little stories that make you feel something and allow your audience to feel it with you. Read more>>

Sheena Marshall | Jewelry Designer

Surrounding myself with strong women inspires me each and everyday. Community and connection are my why, and I believe that when we uplift each other, there is space for us all to go far. I am grateful that I am also able to offer women simple, functional, and consciously handmade jewelry as a reminder of their strength. Sheena Marshall jewelry is for the woman making empowered choices for themselves and the jewelry they wear. Read more>>

Lorna Rosenblum | Owner/ Head Chef

I have always been inspired to create beautiful food that makes people happy. Since going vegan 5 years ago, that motivation has been amplified 10 fold. My goal when I create a recipe is to challenge omnivores and herbivores a like to redefine their idea of what vegan food looks like. To hopefully inspire them to consider that eating a plant-based diet can look almost exactly like what their current diet is now. Read more>>

Jess Tiel | Owner & Master Cosmetic Tattoo Artist

First and foremost, I’m inspired by the other talented and driven artists in my industry. It takes years of hard work and dedication to gain the recognition some the top artists in my field have. Their drive and the evolution of their work is so inspiring, and it helps me objectively look at my own growth and appreciate how hard I’ve worked to get to where I am today. And thankfully I have a team of incredibly kind, talented, and motivated women who push me to reach higher and be the best artist and teammate that I can be. We have a very collective atmosphere that allows for anyone to bring new ideas to the table, as well as provides the opportunity to have another artist’s feedback in the creative process. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without my team. Read more>>