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.

Megan Williams

I had to think long and hard about this question. There have been countless acts of kindness over the course of my life, especially from family and teachers. I think the older I get the more I value all the small acts, like phone calls and text messages and opportunities given. If I had to think of one kind act that changed the course of my life, it would be when my high school clarinet teacher, Wendy Westberry, gave me lessons during my lunch every day, no matter if I had money to pay her or not. I liked playing clarinet, and I liked band, and I knew I wanted to become a music educator. But Effingham County is a pretty isolated place in terms of private lesson instructors and I happened to be in the exact right place and the exact right time to have Wendy as a teacher. Her soon-to-be husband at the time, Ryan, was our assistant band director – and they were only in Effingham for those four years. Wendy was a clarinet performance major from Furman, and if she had not been in Effingham at the same time as my high school career, I have no doubt my life would not be what it is today. Read more>>

Heather Mack

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me was teach me how to love myself. It happened in 2019 at Burning Man, and it profoundly changed my life. I arrived with little awareness of the transformative environment I was stepping into, feeling unprepared both externally and internally. I had brought practical things—a mask, lights, a bike—but didn’t realize the freedom of expression that was such a huge part of the experience. I was in exercise shorts and tank tops, and after just one day, I felt completely out of place. I was beating myself up for not being able to express myself freely like everyone else. Read more>>

Jess Wellington

I have had many amazing people help me along the way but to name a few Iliza Shlesinger and Sarah Tiana. When I was on the road with Iliza she took me on a mini shopping spree at Sephora. My father raised me mostly and makeup wasn’t my strong suit. Iliza not only bought me makeup but also showed me some tricks for flawless makeup. Sarah Tiana, another hilarious comic, was more sneaky. She asked if I could check in on her dog while she was gone. I said of course and I could use the money. Sneaky Sarah ended up sending me $500 because she knew I was a struggling comedian and she knows what that’s like. That money really helped me when I needed it most.  Read more>>

Ronnie Rose

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was offering their space for free so I could host one of my wellness events, “Return to Wholeness.” It all started at an event where I met a beautiful soul named Mecca, a talented professional photographer. As we sat around the table discussing our businesses, I shared my vision for a virtual wellness event, inviting the women to attend. Mecca, in a moment of unexpected kindness, suggested that I host the event in person instead and offered me her photography studio at no cost. Read more>>

Bekah Walsh

I spent the past year traveling the country on a project I launched called the #POTUSTrail which was inspired by a play I saw on Broadway called POTUS. As a die hard theatre fan, I attend all sorts of productions and events including the annual Broadway Flea market which sells all sorts of props and memorabilia for charity. Last flea, I was disappointed I couldn’t find anything POTUS related. At this year’s flea, I spent most of my time as a volunteer, instead of shopping. Sometime during the day, another theatre fan I recently met walked up to my table and handed me a lanyard. A POTUS lanyard from the Broadway run signed by one of the performers. He said he spotted it and knew I should have it. Moments of spontaneous thoughtfulness like that demonstrate that you know and value a person. It was a small gift with a huge impact. It made my entire day and I still tell people about it. Read more>>

Tyrone Thomas

When i first was interested in photography, it was around Covid Time and my Girlfriend was a Model and we would pay for cover photos, headshots and etc.., and i had the idea of trying to take the photos my self so i started on my iphone but the quality was mot good enough and it just wasn’t right ,so i tried to shop around on target, best buy, amazon and the prices for Sony ,Canon and Nikon cameras were in the thousands of dollars and i didn’t have that at the time until a friend one day told me about “ Offer Up” and it’s basically a App were people sell different items , and i searched for days to find a affordable but up to date camera . I found multiple brands and nice prices but i couldn’t find a seller who would respond until i finally got a reply and he was selling a Nikon d60 and he was selling it for a couple hundred dollars , so we talked for a while and he came to the conclusion to sell me the camera , he exchanged address and i was on my way!. Read more>>

Che Johnson

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me. WOW. What a question. I’m fortunate enough to say that over the years, generally speaking most people have been kind enough to forgive me for things I’ve done or things I’ve said in the heat of the moment. Friends, family, work colleges and employers have had the kindness to hold space for me and hear my apology you know that’s something that I do not take for granted. But I know in my heart the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me would be when my father came to see me when I was living in another city and not doing so well. I was partying pretty hard and not sleeping very much, some nights not at all. It got out of control and I had completely lost my mind. My Godfather had contacted my Dad because he noticed something was up. My father flew down immediately and it was evidently clear I wasn’t doing well at all.  Read more>>

Dawn Battle

The kindest thing I would have to choose that anyone has done was when my best friend chose my mental health over partying for his birthday. My dad passed March 2020 and I threw myself into work and didn’t really grieve. I would randomly breakdown when I was alone because I miss my dad so much. So, one day my best friend asked me about my dad and my ex who passed. He realized that I never really dealt with their deaths. He would offer to go with me to their graves to release my emotions and grieve. I would always tell him no because honestly I didn’t want to accept that they are gone. I was planning a fun filled day for my best friend birthday May 2023 and asked him what he wanted to do. He said take you to see your dad. I was like it’s your birthday and it’s supposed to be about you. In that moment I realized my best friend was selfless and really cared about me and my well being. Read more>>

Tim Harper

I have a painting degree from the University of Florida. When I graduated, I moved to Hawaii to meet up with my friends and enjoy the surfing life. I end up getting a good job at an ad agency, but also started my painting career. I took some of my first paintings to a gallery and remember the gallery owner laughing at them. That really hurt and I thought about quitting my pursuit as an painter. One of my best friends, who was an accomplished artist and graphic designer at the ad agency we worked at together told me that art takes time, be patient, keep painting and growing as an artist. Keep learning and get better. He insisted that one gallery owner was not going to define me and my love for painting. He encouraged me to keep painting and I am glad he did. I listened to him and I never looked back. His name is Larry Racoma. Read more>>

Melissa “missy” Miles

Backstory- 2005 boyfriend gifted me truckload of gourds for Valentine’s Day. We shortly after married. His gift of gourds changed my life. I joined Alabama Gourd Society, and the American Gourd society and thru juried Gourd shows I became Alabama Gourd Queen 2008,2009, and 2012. His gift unlocked my creativity and I was hooked. I have not found an animal or person they could not become. His uncommon gift of molded fruit opened doors I never would have planned. This November we will be celebrating 19 years of joyful marriage together. Read more>>

Nadia Marshall

One of the kindest things that was given to me was an introduction to this career. I met a woman, Sumaira, while we were both in an opera chorus for Carmen when I was still in high school. She told me that she was a voice actor and we had kept in touch over the years. Fast forward to 4 years later after I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree and she reached out. She told me that I should consider voiceover as a potential career. I still felt lost after graduating and not knowing how to make consistent money. Read more>>

Angel Mollel

The kindest thing someone has ever done for me was my adoptive father bringing me to the US. I met him in 2010 in Tanzania. At first, we were strangers, but soon we found joy in each other’s company. From the moment he met me, he took care of me—buying clothes to add to the single pair I owned, taking me to hospitals, feeding me nutritious food to strengthen my weak body, and driving my sister and me everywhere, which was a new experience for us. Read more>>

Adrien Blackwell

What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Give us the backstory so we can fully appreciate the context, circumstances and what you must have felt like at the moment and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you. Many years ago, I was driving home from Burning Man in my car. At the time, I wasn’t making much money yet and was just starting to establish my career. I’d have months where I earned a lot, followed by months where I earned almost nothing. My car was essential—it was my way to get to Los Angeles for media work, and I practically lived out of it, moving between hotels. So, you can imagine how important that car was to me. Read more>>

Sam & Elliot Archuleta

The deeper we dive into human connection, the more it becomes clear that small things become big ones over time. The seemingly inconsequential moments like smiling at a stranger when you pass them on the sidewalk or offering to hold the elevator for the person an awkward distance behind you are moments that can turn a day around. The kindest thing anyone has ever done for us has truly been taking a few moments out of their day to reach out to us on Instagram or email, or even in person when the occasion calls for it, to tell us how encouraged they were after listening to an episode of our podcast, or telling us about what they learned or how they were inspired or challenged. Intentionally reaching out to other human beings is no longer as normal or as popular as it used to be. Read more>>