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.

Valerie Frazee

I wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. My theatre teacher, Gus, believedd in me. He saw something in me that I could not. He went out on a limb and recommended that I audition for a scholarship at a small school in Carthage. I sent in a tape back when that was not a thing and well before the digital media we know now. Somehow, I got in. Not only did he help me there, but his brother had small business across the street my school. Gus and his family took me in as one of their own. Now thing led to another and I need up in the hair industry. When Gus passed away, I was so lost, So, I thank him every day by being successful at what I do. Read more>>

Joanna Callaway

My family and I FINALLY made it to Mexico City. Our plan was to live there for a month. Prior to arriving, our flights was delayed 12+ hours. Now think about that much time at the airport with a 3 year old and 1 year old. It was INSANE. Everyone was exhausted when we arrived. We were starving… and decided to go to the mall and eat at the food court, it was fast and easy. We sat down and ordered our food. The boys were out of control. I had food all over my shirt from attempting to feed them. Let’s just say that this mama was STRUGGLING. I was holding back all my tears of frustration and exhaustion. Read more>>

Sophia Zayfman

I was working as the Human Resources Generalist for a Global Imaging company headquarters, a Xerox company. It was a very demanding position, working with multiple locations, acquisitions, benefits administration and audit, and labor relations issues. My goal was to save enough funds while working there, to afford a trip to Jamaica with my husband, as our 10 year anniversary. Sadly, few months into my employment, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with “mysterious” cancer, after having a hip surgery. Read more>>

Carmen Ward

I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life, and I was spiraling. I was lost, I had lost my job, and I had no hope. In the deepest depression I had ever experienced before, I was struggling to find the meaning of it all. However, a friend, Renee Racette, asked me to wait, just a few months: there was an opportunity for me in the initial cohort of the nonprofit Rung for Women program, which she was a founding partner in. Read more>>

Michael Grier

The Kindest Thing anyone has ever done for me is when DJ Jammin J took me under his wing and taught me how to become a business man and Dj. I met Dj Jammin J back in 2012 & I can honesty say he changed my life. I met him at a concert he was doing sound for in my hometown. His set up was one I had never seen in my lifetime. I approached him not knowing what was going to come from it. I was strictly focusing on becoming a music artist and growing my fan base at the time. Read more>>

Jackie Leisler

Recently I had a client gift me a painting from a local artist. We have been working on his home for the past year. It started with a referral to my client for my interior design services. He had a nice art collection and needed help organizing and hanging his art in his new home. Read more>>

Katharine Gottfried

It would be impossible for me to narrow down the kindest thing anyone has EVER done for me but I can say that the kindest memorable moments have come to me in the smallest and simplest gestures. Throughout my career at Yo Bo Cantina I have been privileged to work with a number of kind, caring, and compassionate people who have illustrated their true character during stressful, chaotic, or unplanned situations. Read more>>

Reginald Howard

I published my first book in 2018. It was the first thing I ever did entrepreneur wise. I heard about a service online with older gentlemen who helped other authors published their book. I took my rent money and gave him the deposit because I thought I was betting on myself. Keep in mind that I was a father of 2 sons and engaged to be married. Long story short he stole the money and I never heard from him again. Read more>>

Kristin Alpine RN, BSN

When I was first starting out I needed to rent a kitchen that met health codes to do my cooking in. An 80 year old woman (a dynamo) was opening a lunch spot in an antebellum home with her daughter and son in law. She rented me their kitchen during off hours for $25/month. She also gave me the best advice… when a competitor opened down the street, she explained to me that when one of us does well, we all do well. She explained that when people enjoy eating or taking a cooking class they tend to want to do more of it – thus more business for us all! Read more>>

 LaKisha Mosley

I met Michael Saghian when I was planning my 5-year wedding renewal. He was the owner of the venue we chose. He was extremely helpful during the process and made the experience a great one. After our ceremony, I was laid off from my job. I loved the event planning process and felt I could make a business like this work. I came up with a name, registered my business, and signed up for a few classes. I reached out to Michael to let him know what I had done and asked if I could come by to talk with him about the event industry. Read more>>

Steven Pellissier

Probably the most thoughtful and caring thing one of clients did was pay for a fine/ticket for me. It was during our shutdowns during the pandemic here in Los Angeles. We were shut down. We were doing back door service. Meaning the salon was closed but clients would come in the back door. I had clients one day then there was a knock on the back door. It was an enforcement officer. He said he had been watching people come in. He issued me a ticket for 100.00. Read more>>