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.

Aaron Ableman

Once upon a time, I was a new parent to a 3 yr old – forced to stay at home from preschool due to the pandemic – and then the worst wildfire season in planetary history hit our community and we couldn’t even go to outside or to the grocery store. I immediately lost all my clients and sponsors deals, plus my new book and TV series were shelved due to the collapse of civilization as we knew it. As I lay down on my bed about to cry (again) for the state of my life and the world, I had a spiritual teacher call me out of the blue. Read more>>

DeShon Washington Jr

Sixth grade is when I truly began to lean into my creative side knowing one day I wanted create movies and tv shows. I knew that I wanted to both write and draw for them. That school year I decided to write my first movie script. I would write it during class in this green composition notebook instead of paying attention. The script was called “The Road” and was about three friends going on a road trip (where absolutely everything goes wrong)  to see Kanye West perform at Coachella. Now, for the next part of the story I need you to take into account that. Read more>>

Jonbonnet Levy

It all started back I 2018 when I left high school, mental wise I was not up to par I used to miss out on events, never wanted to be seen at the family gatherings, I had no friends simply because I had a hard time finding people who shared similarities with me I was always quiet and dismissive and it all sprung from not being able to grasp all my studies at school. Fast forward 2 years later I started working at a crystal store and there was something about that store, sense of relief whenever I walked in. Read more>>

Mia Hannah

In early 2021, I had the blessing to meet world re-known makeup artist Mali Thomas! We began to work together frequently and every time it was surreal to say the least. Without expecting anything in return, she has provided me with opportunities to not only be recognized by, but to also work with brands such as Bobbi Brown and Anastasia Beverly Hills. Though working with those companies were some of the best experiences I’ve ever had, Read more>>

Texsena Scott

While in esthetician school, I wanted to get more practice with facials. I created a “free facials” event, where clients would come in to get free basic facials so I could get the hands-on experience. One of my classmates had an extra steamer/mag light combo, and she said I could borrow it for the weekend. I used it for the event and the next week, before I could ask her what day and time to bring it back, Read more>>

Val Barnett

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me is when a customer prayed for me. I was selling at a farmers market and a customer came to my booth to smell my candles. After smelling my candles, he asked me how I develop the scents and the names of the products. I explained to him that Emmerse creates custom scent blends for all of our products and that I create them by trusting my nose and judgement in the process. He then complimented me on how great all the candles smelled and proceeded to purchase his favorite scents. Read more>>

Kai Sutton

In 2018, I was pregnant and running for public office. I also was apart of an organization that stood on the front lines for the community to fight racism. It was one of the most challenging times of my life. At about 6 months pregnant, I was admitted to the hospital for the rest of my pregnancy due to severe illness and health complications. I was unable to work, feed my already 4 children and take care of my home. Read more>>

Kindora

To the people who give me a chance and hear me out…the people who go out of their way to find me and let me know they appreciate what I do…the people who hype me up when I put myself out there…the ones who show up and support my performances…the ones who listen quietly from a distance…you mean everything to me and no matter what I’ve been through or go through I feel empowered to keep being me and keep sharing my music because of you! Read more>>

BRENDA ROBINSON

WELL, THE FOLLOWING “KIND DEED” STANDS OUT IN MY MIND BECAUSE IT HAPPENED RECENTLY. I WAS INTERVIEWED ON A PODCAST CALLED: *THE PASSIONATE PAINTER, WITH CAROLINA ITALIA IT WAS BROADCAST ON JULY 17, 2022, WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCAST. SHE ASKED ME A SIMILAR QUESTION. I TALKED ABOUT THE FACT THAT WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN THE SOUTH, THERE NO DOLLS WHO LOOKED LIKE ME AND THE PEOPLE THAT I KNEW AROUND ME, BEING A GRITS, GIRL RAISED IN THE SOUTH. Read more>>

Shannon Gruber

My neighbors… Jen and Kara! I live in a small, beautiful waterfront community, where everyone looks out for each other. The type of place where you feel welcomed and safe. Little did I know, when I moved here, there were actual angels watching out! It was a little over a year ago… I was building out my second restaurant kitchen and working on opening. At the same time, yacht catering was really gearing up and funding this build out. Read more>>

Sierra Starke

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was when Erica, owner of Keeper’s Vintage offered me a space to sell my products in her store. I had been doing popups at her shop for a couple of months Read more>>

Christina Sylvia

I started Nspire Learning Center in March 2022. Since then, we’ve worked with over 30 students across Duval County schools. We’ve seen some great progress and have many success stories. However, on Wednesday September 6, 2022, I experienced the best feeling of gratitude yet! I’ve made it a goal to infuse mentorship and tutoring. I believe it’s imperative to build a connection with these kids before we can teach them anything. I schedule each session for 90 minutes to allow time for us to do just this. Read more>>

Lakeya Cherry

Earlier this year, I had an opportunity to attend TED Vancouver for the first time. While I’ve attended TED Women in past years, this was my first time attending TED and my first conference since the pandemic. I was excited because “Who doesn’t love TED talks?” but also admittedly fearful of not “fitting in” or being accepted into this community. Read more>>