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.

Jeannette Butts | Owner

I started Kohola Coffee with the idea of “ocean inspired coffee.” Which could mean many things, for many different people. And I like that anyone can take that statement and attach their own personal memories, passions, and inspirations to it. For me, it stems from a very specific place. My parents raised me in Seward, Alaska, which is nestled into Resurrection Bay where the mountains propel all things towards the ocean. Seward is like being inside a stadium made of mountains and the field is the ocean. I grew up fishing and eating from the ocean, interacting with marine life, learning about it, and more importantly, playing in the ocean. Camping trips for me often entailed packing the boat and leaving Resurrection Bay to explore, camp, and survive off a truly remote place. Waking up to humpbacks bubble net feeding, or eagles scavenging for salmon was so awe inspiring and that awe never left me. Read more>>

Gioja Antonette | Singer/Musician/Clown/Performer

I am inspired by spirit of clown: being brave, weird, exploring self and the uncomfortable; banishing shame by freely sharing myself through art, and therefore learning about and healing myself. Everyone is weird. There is no normal. I feel my calling is to show others they are allowed to be brave and play. My clown name is Crying—that sweet spot of melancholy blues and the overwhelming ecstasy of life. The highs make me wonder why I ever felt low, but the lows make me want to go somewhere no one should. We need community to hold us up, to learn from, to witness our growth. I am inspired by all that breaks free from the devastating confines of societal norms. Read more>>

Dagmawi Solomon | Artist

I’m inspired by life! Everyday we get to see is a blessing full of wonderful inspiration. We just have to be able to see beyond, to see the positive, and live a life of gratitude so we can transcend. Read more>>