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.

Cherie Doyen

I grew up in an alcoholic abusive home. My experiences through that while at times horrific, at times were completely magical. And then I grew up and tried to blend into a world that I did not belong to. I was blessed, the setting for my horror show was a little farmstead. The animals and nature took care of me. And as I grew up all of that changed and I instead living in the world where the magic was not recognized. Read more>>

Rebecca Hamlin

On a regular basis, members of the community express their kindness and gratitude for us. We are a nonprofit 501c3 organization that rescues, rehabs, and releases native Texas wildlife. Our Facebook page, intake line, and inboxes are constantly flooded with support from the community. Read more>>

Dominic Del Signore | Homestead Circus Productions

One of the kindest things that anyone has done for me is share information. Real information. The nitty gritty details and guidelines on how things work. Tactics to find leads and success in sales. People are so guarded with their success formulas. At least in the US, there is a strong famine mentality thats deeply integrated in the arts & entertainment sector. Read more>>

Jeanette Pidi

A few years back, my alma mater, Montclair State University, generously gifted us a beautiful letterpress machine. My former professors were looking for a home for a vintage Heidelberg Windmill press, and I jumped at the opportunity. After some (very) heavy lifting, we were able to transport the machine to our shop where it’s become our primary letterpress. It was an honor being able to inherit a piece of the university’s history and I’m so thankful for their kindness. Read more>>

Espie Randolph III

Honestly? Reject me. I now it sounds crazy but being rejected isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes we take a blow to the ego because we didn’t get the response that we had hoped for. But each rejection is really just a recalibration sending us back to the drawing board – back to commiserate with our wounds and collaborate with our imagination to figure out the next big step on our path. Information is power. And rejection is information. Read more>>

Sarah Boyts Yoder

The focus of this answer is definitely on teachers. My high school art teacher, to be specific, although at every step of my (art) education there has been A teacher who made a huge impact on my life and trajectory at that particular stage. This teacher nominated me to be a part of a museum program for high school students in our city. Read more>>

Jennifer Shaver

The kindest thing anyone can do for a small business is a referral. Whenever a client refers my program to someone that is a gift I am thankful for. It means they took the time and think highly enough about my work to tell their friends, family and associates. This is something that costs them nothing, but means the world to me. It is the highest form of compliment and is appreciated beyond measure. Read more>>

Cody F. Miller

( This might be more information than you really wanted. It’s an excerpt from a speech I gave through the Storytellers Project which is part of the USA TODAY NETWORK ) I grew up in a little village named St. Louisville. It’s about an hour east of Columbus sandwiched in between Newark and Utica. Read more>>