In our experience, talking about legacy is often subtly discouraged by society and we find this to be deeply unfortunate. Thinking about the legacy you would like to build can help you better align your work, life, time – your sweat and tears – with your values. Below, we’ve tried to create a space for folks to start conversations about they legacies they are hoping to build.

Khalilah Morris

I hope my life, my story, and my journey will carry on for many generations. It will encourage others to tell their story and not be ashame of who or where they came from. I definitely know that people will remember me for asking. Are you ready for the Smoke? Read more>>

Marzena Trawinski

I hope to be remembered as a supportive guide and a source of wisdom and inspiration. If people recall me as someone who made their lives a bit smoother, guided them towards achieving their dreams, ignited their curiosity, or offered comfort through meaningful conversations, that would be a legacy I’d cherish. I’d love to be seen as a resource that fostered genuinely relationships, always available to lend a hand. A God-fearing woman, a loving mother and a great leader. Read more>>

Meg

When we think of great artists—like Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, or Jane Austen—they’re often remembered for the way their work impacted people long after they were gone. I certainly can’t compare my creations to the great works of the artists mentioned, but as I and my business grow, I hope that I am building a legacy like that of a great artist — one that is not just in the beauty or individuality of the work created, but in the emotional and intellectual impact their art has had on people in the centuries after they’re gone. Though, I do hope my work won’t need quite that much time to be appreciated! Read more>>

Clayton Mcgee

I would love for my legacy to state that I was a true king and modern times. I want to be remembered for my generosity, my love and support of others, and most importantly, as a trendsetter who paved away and not only music but life. I want people to say that I was a real human being and I really cared about my community and my culture. Read more>>

Spooky Balamains

I hope to build a foundation of creativity for my legacy. Breaking the standard of what’s considered normal and freely creating what speaks to you, not what’s in the “now” so to speak. I can’t be sure what people might say, but I hope to be remembered for my true expression. Whether it be a picture I edited with a hazy blue color grade or a poster I made with detailed backgrounds, I hope my true essence is valued.  Read more>>

Chris Dicola

I hope to leave a legacy of encouragement and empowerment when my work is done. My mission is to make people feel proud of themselves through the work that I do – otherwise, I’m not really living up to my own standards. There are a lot of reasons to write and record music, and my favorite one is what I like to call the “time capsule”. Regardless of streams, fans, all of the things that make the music industry an industry, you have your music for the rest of your life once you’ve recorded it. It’s a personal thing, and I think that’s special. And I think it’s worth doing the best job you can for that reason alone. I hope people will think of me as someone who helped them do their best job. The same goes for providing opportunities. Read more>>

Oleksandr Malitchuk

I am hoping to leave a legacy of innovation in my work. I have only lived in the US for a few years, but I already offer a unique service. I developed my chrome tattoo style over the past year, and I hope to push the limits of tattooing further. I hope to usher in a new wave of tattoo artists who consider the possibilities rather than the limitations of their art. My next step in testing the boundaries is to combine the style of realism with my chrome tattoo work. Read more>>

Chelsea Evans

The sort of legacy that I am hoping to build is one that I pray inspires others to go beyond what those may deem as impossible. My hope is that I am remembered as someone that not only encouraged and motivated others but, also showed resilience in the midst of many trials and tribulations. When my journey is complete I think people will say that “She did it” or “Job well done”! People will be able to say that I never gave up, everything that I set my heart out to do I accomplished it. I hope to be remembered by my smile, my laughter, my personality, and the motivational words that I’ve poured out into this world. I hope to be remembered as someone that didn’t take no for an answer and, that she always found a solution. Read more>>

Cleandrea Hayden

This is such a great question. Legacy – it’s huge and I don’t know if we talk about it enough. As I build my agency from a small business to a multi-million dollar entity, I think about what I am growing in terms of impact – how many people will be impacted by the work that we are doing. I am hopeful that my legacy will be one to include advancement, empowerment, and exposure. Read more>>

Sanja Jing

As the founder of Global Visioneers, I hope our legacy will be a world where cultural barriers are bridges and language differences are opportunities for connection rather than division. We’re not just teaching languages but cultivating global citizens who see the world as their community. I envision people saying, “Global Visioneers showed us that empathy and understanding can be learned, just like any language.” We want to be remembered for creating a ripple effect of kindness and cultural appreciation that spans generations and continents. Read more>>

Jordyn Mayes

When all is said and done, after all the hard work has been put in and I’m sitting back to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I hope to leave an unforgettable legacy. I aspire to build a platform in the creative business space that inspires young people to chase their dreams and shows them that any idea can blossom into a beautiful reality. Choosing what you want to be and do in life is a serious decision that takes time. I hope my influence demonstrates that there is more to life than a 9-to-5 job and that you can work for yourself, carve your own path, and pursue what you love. I aim to continue growing in both of my fields and to combine them to create a magazine that is inclusive, brings people together, and keeps everyone informed. Read more>>

Matthew Dominguez

I want to build a legacy as a photographer whose work captures the essence of human experience images that tell stories and evoke emotions long after I’m gone. I envision my photographs hanging in galleries and being discussed in rooms filled with creativity, where people reflect on the moments I captured and the perspectives I offered. I hope people will remember me for my ability to see beauty in the ordinary and to transform fleeting moments into timeless art. I want my work to inspire future generations of artists and to spark conversations about the world around us. If someone looks at my photos and feels a connection or a sense of understanding, that would be the ultimate compliment. Read more>>

Ri-shard Bethley

Building My Father’s Legacy Through BBQ Losing my father to cancer was one of the hardest experiences of my life. His strength, resilience, and passion for life continue to inspire me every day. One of the most cherished memories I have of him is our time spent together around the BBQ. Those moments were filled with laughter, stories, and lessons that I carry with me to this day. In his honor, I have decided to channel my grief into something positive by starting a BBQ business—a venture that not only pays tribute to him but also allows me to share the joy and love he instilled in me.My father was not just a cook; he was a maestro of the grill. His secret marinades and perfectly smoked ribs were legendary among family and friends. Read more>>

Katya Awar

The best thing about being a writer is having something physical to leave behind. I hope one day my writing becomes someone’s comfort show/book/movie that they have to watch or read every year, just like I do with my favorite media. The iconic 2000s show have become seasonal routines that I look forward to, and passing on my favorite books to my friends has turned into moments of bonding and understanding. Read more>>

Frederique Bekale

I am striving to build a legacy of kindness through my passion for baking. My vision is to create a warm, inviting space where friends, family, and colleagues can share in the joy of heartwarming cookies. I live by the philosophy that; to bake for someone is to care for someone. Baking allows me to share in happiness and to comfort in heartbreak. Whether it’s teacher appreciation week, a thank you to a friend for their help, or an “I’m thinking of you” during a difficult time, there is just something about homemade cookies that makes a person feel cared for, appreciated, and loved-It’s the essence of kindness. I consider my ability to convey this message through baking to be my greatest contribution to society. I hope to be remembered for my generosity, resilience, and, of course, my great cookies. More than anything, I believe people will say I was kind. Read more>>

Beth Shelton

I hope my life, my words, my actions will inspire people to reach out and discover their talents, take chances, and strive for their dreams. To encourage even one person would satisfy my bequest. Read more>>

Sheila Williamson

I hope to be remembered as someone who really cared about others and strove to make a difference in our community. My heart hurts for so many who need help right now and I try to make sure the ones I can help get the help they need through sponsoring events, referring them to some other groups to help them, promoting the organizations who DO offer help, and standing up for those who feel they have no where to turn, no one to hear them. Our firm is dedicated to helping the communities that we serve, not just trying to make profits for ourselves. It has been my experience that, in order to understand the needs, you need to serve, not just write checks. Then, it becomes a personal mission to help. I learned this lesson from my Dad who served on many boards and organizations, always willing to help when someone needed it! When I was hired at Haiman Hogue, I expressed the desire to make them community partners and explained what that meant. That is why our firm is so dedicated to helping others. Read more>>

Taylor Tuckson

I would love my legacy to be one that brings warmth and peace. When i’m creating a video I am hoping that the person on the other side watching the will feel a sense of comfort and have a desire to come back and feel the same warmth all over again. I want to be remembered as someone who is intentional about what I film and to inspire others to capture their own memories. Because In the end that’s all we’ll be left with. Read more>>

DJ Relly

As much as I would like to say, I want to be remembered for being one of the top DJs in the Twin Cities, especially in the nightlife. I feel what’s most important to me in my legacy is just being a genuine person and helping as many people as I can. Because when it’s all said and done for me, I would like people to champion the fact that I never crossed anybody or did them wrong, I want my legacy to be built on respect and hard work because that’s what got me into a lot of positions and opportunities I was blessed with, that no amount of money or fame could do. Read more>>

Jasmine Twineham

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” is a famous quote by Maya Angelou and something I believe in so strongly. That being said, I hope to leave people feeling more loved, seen and heard then before we crossed paths. I think it’s divine for us to come across all sorts of people in out lives and it’s never for no reason, no matter if they stay or not. I should hope my tombstone reads ” Jasmine Twineham ‘ she laughed hard & loved even harder.’. Read more>>

Gabriel Patterson

Legacy is an interesting concept. Eventually, we’re all forgotten. In the immediate aftermath of our passing (and for some, a little longer), how would we like to be remembered? And more interestingly, how would we like the idea that people had of us to somehow carry on, even after our name is long forgotten? This is the truly interesting angle to me. I suppose I’d like to help propel ideas into the future such as “everything is important”, “take nothing personally”, “listen to your muse”, and “advocate for others and yourself”. Read more>>

Gianni Martinez

I hope my legacy reflects my passion for empowering others, especially women entrepreneurs, to succeed and thrive in the digital space. I want to be remembered as someone who not only built a successful agency but also fostered a community of creativity, collaboration, and mentorship. Through Girl Socially, I aim to leave a lasting impact by helping creators and business owners tell their stories and achieve their goals. Read more>>

Jenni Johnson

I say often that “I hope my grandkids think I’m cool,” but in reality, I hope cool isn’t in their vocabulary. I hope it is replaced with aligned, creative and innovative. I moved from the United States to Paris with no family or friends and began to fabricate a fully creatively sustained life for just me and my dog. This isn’t something most women have been able to do in the past, certainly not in my family, and I hope my legacy echoes somewhere into the lineage of my family that bravery is a choice and a privledge. Read more>>