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.

Lina Alattar

One of my closest collector and friend has always always been a champion of my work by spreading the word out to her friends and colleagues, which has supported me in so many ways. We all need people that have your back no matter what. Read more>>

Ashley Miah

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me is believe in me, even if it came after I already showed the world how much I believe in myself. I am on the road less travelled, and while I faced a lot of trial and have had a lot of critics on the way up, I am in a place where the amount I’ve poured into the world and the art scene is being poured back into me. Every comment, like, message, show attendance, purchase, article read, truly touches my heart. I have a beautiful circle of sisterhood, artists, loved ones and friends around me that cheer me on. It lifts me up through burn out, it keeps me going so I can be an example for young minority girls in urban neighborhoods to look up to, for artists that don’t know where to start or don’t have anyone that understands the road less travelled, for women of color who want to build an empire. Read more>>

Tara Kukla

I chose this question because I couldn’t think of just a simple answer. My clients are just amazing. Some I have known and grown with over several years as their massage therapist, or felt like I’ve known them for years when meeting them for the first time. I have so much gratitude for them. I appreciate that they always value my time, bring great conversations, their stories about how they bragged about me to their friends and constant referrals, and I can just feel the support and warmth that they bring. Read more>>

Jimihr Sean

The kindest thing someone has ever done for me was when I worked at Chick Fil A. I was having the hardest time there and would often feel down. During those down times I would always pray to my God Jehovah. After I prayed there was this guy sitting in the dining room as I was cleaning. He stopped me and said “Man I’ve been watching you and with your personality the sky is the limit”. I remember that moment lifting me up and making me feel stronger. Every time I would pray he would always come into the restaurant and have some encouraging words for me and he had no idea about what I was going through, which let me know it was all Jehovah. His name was Andre and I’ll never forget him and his words of encouragement. Read more>>

Vanna Wrobel

I just had my first ever public film screening. I held it at a local bar that the Chicago Film Scene likes to host their meet ups at. I had a ton of anxiety as this has been a film I worked on for two years. I had two co-workers come and support me. They bought me flowers. I never get flowers. I don’t usually want any. But that really really did help. I needed that kind of reassurance. Read more>>

Justin Charley

The kindness thing anyone has ever done for me would have to be my tia Mary. She was truly a Saint in her own sense. She is not only the strongest woman I’ve ever come across but the most caring and loving woman I’ve ever know. The reason I instantly think of her when I think of kindness is because that’s what she was, she took me in as her own & raised me as if I was her child. In all senses I was her child and she was my mom and I treated her as such. She has since passed away but her legacy will live on well beyond my years on this earth. She is the definition of unconditional love. Read more>>

Kaihan Huang

Going back to the start of my career when I was 17, I was a passionate student who initially faced rejection from many film schools in China. Fast forward to August 2023, I was selected for Academy Gold Rising program, an exclusive film industry internship enhancement program through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Out of 7,449 applicants, I was fortunate to be one of the 92 selected. Throughout my journey, I’ve been helped by many kind and wonderful people, to whom I’m eternally grateful. Read more>>

Danni & Fede

We were traveling through Senegal, and drove several hours to a destination saved on our map. We had seen a really impressive mosque that a local had posted, so we added the city of Touba to our itinerary. The roads in Senegal aren’t always the best, and it took us several hours to make it the city. We couldn’t find an ATM or restaurant along the way, so we were hoping that we’d be able to find one in Touba. Read more>>

Anthony Ferdin

I’d have to say a friend gettting me video equipment/ gear I need . This person is someone who I’ve worked with for a long time and has become a great friend through us working together on various projects big and small . So receiving that definitely felt good and made me feel appreciated and valued. Read more>>

Jamie Susslin

As an author, the kindest acts bestowed upon me have been those people who have read my book and took time out of their busy lives to write a sincere review of my book. Reviews are so helpful and so much appreciated. I love reading them and seeing how my book has impacted someone’s experience after reading it. Read more>>

Kimberly (Kim) Scanlan

One of our early guests who has since passed, Don, would come to the restaurant daily and listen. It was a few months after we’d opened and we already did not know if we were going to make it. We had little money to start, but we worked really hard and were going after our dream. Don had retired from a university in CA where he had been in marketing. He also really enjoyed our little restaurant and talking to and listening to Gerard and other staff. He listened to our ideas and offered some ideas and truly mainly he was just there…he would give us compliments and always had a smile on his face. He was so kind to all of our team. Read more>>

Jennifer Marlin

I have a friend Pete who’s stayed in touch since I met him around 2010-2011. We aren’t super close, but we text every few months. Read more>>