We asked entrepreneurs, artists, creatives and folks from every walk of life to share stories of kindness with us because we believe that hearing about kindness inspires more kindness. Our world needs more kindness.
Brenda Cohen
Early in my career, I was working full-time as a wax modeler for a jewelry casting & manufacturing company. It was before CAD (computer-aided design) programs and 3D printers were being so commonly used, like they are today. Back then, a lot of custom pieces were carved in wax by hand, into the form of rings, pendants, earrings, and other assorted items. The wax was used to cast those forms into metal, which was finished into fine jewelry pieces. I wanted to make more money, so I asked my (then) boss for a raise. I was abruptly denied, but my boss told me that I should get freelance work from other people if I wanted to make more money, and do it outside of regular work hours. Read more>>
Rayna Rokicki
The Magic of Women Supporting Women There’s something magical about the way women build networks—lifting each other up, celebrating achievements, and creating space for collaboration. Last fall, I experienced this magic firsthand when Jess Lambrecht, someone I deeply admire for her work in women’s leadership, nominated me for an Athena Award. She recognized my efforts to elevate women’s stories on You Betcha She Did!—and it was a complete surprise that absolutely filled my bucket. Read more>>
Bo Scott
I’m not 100% certain this is the kindest thing anyone has EVER done for me, but it is definitely up there and I feel like a story worth sharing. In 2014 I moved to LA. I often heard stories about LA people being fake or shitty or what have you, but I rarely heard about how good they can be. In my first day moving to LA, someone backed into me and crushed the front end of my car. I had zero extra dollars so I was pretty stressed out. The person who backed into me apologized, called a tow truck and had my car towed. He paid for the tow, paid for my car to be fixed, and drove me to the rental car spot, and paid for my rental car. Wow. What a champ. Read more>>
Lee Moses
His name was Richard Atkins, a design draftsman of power distribution systems. I knew him from a previous company, one that we both left for better opportunities. Although we never worked together again we were good friends for the remainder of his life. I do not have many. On my left hand there exists more fingers than the number of true friends in my life. Rich was a fascinating man of too many interests and projects. His brain was wired in such a way as to demand constant inquisitiveness. Whenever I visited him there would be some project within which he was immersed. The task may have been tangible or intangible. It was always something interesting. There were times when we disagreed over various subjects or actions, but I valued his inspiration. Rich taught me to, “Question everything.” That mantra is what guided me while he lived and for decades since his death. Read more>>
Lindsey Konchar
When I was growing up, money was always a source on contention in my house. Financial disagreements ultimately led to my parents’ divorce. In my teenage years through their messy split, I was forced to live out of a suitcase, frequently going back and forth between homes. When I was 16, I more or less moved in with a friend’s family instead. Life felt different there. Like I didn’t have to walk on egg shells. Like, if I spilled my punch, I wasn’t going to get in serious trouble. Instead, they’d simply get the couch cleaned or even get a new one. Money didn’t feel like something to be fought over; it felt like something to use to live a happy life. Read more>>