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.

Terrel Bailey | Nature and Conservation Photographer

Nature, and the desire to preserve it for future generations. We seem to have become so preoccupied with ourselves, our television schedules and our devices and less concerned with the physical world we live in. I try to inspire others to care and preserve the nature we still have – to ask ourselves the tough question(s) of what we can do to stop the destruction and potential loss of many of the places I’ve had the opportunity to get to know and love. Read more>>

Brian Coates | Musical Instrument Store Owner, Musician & Woodworker

I draw inspiration from people doing things superlatively. Watching musicians perform or a tattooist ink in a piece, reading words put together just so or appreciating the craft of a hand built guitar all take me to that beautiful place. Taking in art (“the arts”, that is to say) made by someone with a fully formed voice is always inspiring. The world is full of musicians and it can be difficult to tell who is who, but it is easy to recognize Miles Davis or John Coltrane, Rush or Flogging Molly. These artists have voices all their own. As another example: Olympic figure skating. I bring this up because I do *not* care about figure skating. At all. Not even a little bit. Yet, to see the best in the world do it is captivating. I take my inspiration from some of these masters not because I want to do what they do, but because I love that people are out there doing it. Read more>>

Akiala I | Multidimensional Artist & Futurist

From a very young age I became enthralled by the lotus flower, it is considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the world yet it grows out of the muckiest water. That to me is extremely inspiring… that despite your environment or the apparent contradictions you can find a way to grow, be glorious and fully be yourself. I am also inspired by people that strive to better themselves and the world around them and dare to envision new ways of thriving. My son has been my greatest source of inspiration, his existence has pushed me to create some of my best creations. Having a child has made me constantly think about how I can make this world a safer place for him and aware of what legacy I am leaving behind for the current and future generations. Read more>>