The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

deborah altizio

I have a special client that values me very much. I’ve been working with her for about 15 years. Do to NDA I can’t mention names but during the pandemic she was sending me paychecks as if I was working with her during those difficult times. Large amounts every 2 months or so. Non taxable Read more>>

Camille Gordon Fanfair

One of the most heartwarming experiences in my life occurred right after I had shown an act of kindness myself. I had just emerged from a particularly challenging Lupus flare-up and was feeling a bit lost in the world. Despite having my spiritual practice, I still felt a void. Several friends had mentioned a personal development workshop in the past, but I hadn’t been interested. However, deep down, I knew I needed something more, so I made a promise to myself that once I regained my health, I would sign up for and attend that workshop. Read more>>

Brittany Wood

I’ve had many people in my life that have done many kind things, but the one that sticks out the most and really helped put me on this path was a couple years after my mom died. I was working with a client (I work in home with special needs children providing therapy) and I was talking about losing my mom and finding it hard to find joy again. And the clients mom asked me if I had any hobbies and I said no. She then asked me “If you could do anything, or make anything, what would you choose?” And candles was the first thing out of my mouth. A few weeks later she handed me a gift basket full of candle making supplies like wax, fragrance oils, wicks, pouring pitchers – she thought of everything! Read more>>

Melissa Renee

When I was accepted into my first large art show, I had an ex-coworker reach out to me and tell me that he wanted to cover the cost of my art booth for the exhibition. He said he loved my art and he really believed in me and wanted to help me launch my art career. He had been blessed with really good sales on his job that year and wanted to share his good fortune with me. I’m forever grateful! Read more>>

Lisa Temple

This just happened recently. I was asked to do a large abstract commission piece for a company. The CEO had purchased other pieces of mine for her personal residences. When told that I would present her with a mock up, she replied, “no need to, I know her work and trust her.” This is one of the nicest compliments I have gotten in the business. Trust is everything and it freed me to create from a place of abandonment. That makes a great painting. Read more>>

Jim Meskimen

I’m now at an age where I spend a bit more time than normal reviewing the highs and lows of my life. As a result, I’ve often been impressed by how often major gains in my life were brought about by the kindness of others. Probably the biggest, most long-lasting and significant kindness that was bestowed on me (besides the innumerable kind and supportive acts by my mom, actress Marion Ross) was by a painting teacher whose class wasn’t even one that I wanted to sign up for. Read more>>

Mark Vogel

I’ve been very blessed in my life, and kindness has been a big part of it all. This can be a crazy business in which to get started, in fact, I wasn’t even sure how to begin. Rachel Beeman had a television series that taught music to children. It was called “Music of Many Lands” and aired in my parts of the world. As a 15 year old musician, she entrusted me with the music and that started my career in television music. What an amazing act of kindness and trust. She mentored me and taught me so much. Thanks for everything, Rachel. You left the Earth too soon. Read more>>

Katie St. Gelais

I have had so many kind people bless me in my life. Of all the things that has happened to me, I would have to say that my parents help in support throughout my becoming a single mom has been the kindest thing that anyone has done for me. About 2 years ago I found out that I was pregnant. I was terrified, and immediately stressing about finances. At the time, I was living with my friend and roommate and her daughter. I was working a 9 to 5 job. And I was so used to going out dancing multiple times a week. Being hit suddenly with an immediate responsibility of another little life was a big shock. Read more>>

Trent Park

I think the kindest thing done to me in the creative industry I’m in is tell the truth. Los Angeles has a way of embellishing the truth so much it turns into a lie. What I value with the people I work alongside is their truthfulness and transparency. When an artist I’m working with is truthful with me it accomplishes a couple things; it allows me the insight of who they really are and allows me to become more effective at producing something they are truly happy with. When I truly learn an artist I’m able to make a sound that reflects them; in doing that I save time and bandwidth because I’m able to get to the best version of what I’m creating quicker. I always ask my artists questions throughout my creative process like “do you like this direction?” or “what are your thoughts”. That way the artist gives consent to me to dig deeper into what I hear. Read more>>

Tacora Jackson

I signed up to be a vendor for an event this past summer and it was a COMPLETE disaster! When I arrived at the event, I was in a super cheerful mood because of the foot traffic and it was a beautiful day. I knew I was in the right place at the right time. Once I checked into the event, I was reminded that I should have my own table. I was looking so crazy because I did NOT bring my own table and had no idea this was required for the event. Now you see where I’m going with this! It was super-hot outside and I was completely frustrated once I realized my dilemma. It’s so funny now because I never run into these types of issues but on that particular day- I was a mess! Unfortunately, I made the decision to leave the event because there was nothing I could do at this point. By this time, my whole mood shifted because I couldn’t believe I missed the “Bring your own table memo”. Read more>>

Nicki Tedesco

Believed in me. I have a few people in my life that think I can do whatever I put my mind to. While I know we always hear: “You can do anything you put your mind to”, and I logically know that and understand it, but sometimes my mind gets in the way. I start to think I don’t work hard enough or I’m not committed enough or I’m not (fill in the blank) enough. When I was really down in my life and was about to put out my last album (Heaven Is A Ghost Town) but I didn’t believe it needed a party or performance to back the release, a friend of mine was the biggest cheerleader. She would say it was: Brilliant. That I MUST celebrate the release because it’s a true work of art and she would not let it go unnoticed to the world. So I did. Through that, I have gotten so many fans that are my people, that love my music. All I needed was that little push of someone, outside of myself, that believed in me. Read more>>