We asked some very talented folks to tell us about the most innovative thing they’ve done in their career.

Faisal Zedan

It was the unexpected financial and moral support during the pandemic from people who volunteered on their own to help established musicians and artist survive that dark and uncertain era. Read more>>

Gervase Ware

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me happened a few years ago when I was going through a particularly tough time. I had just lost my job and was struggling financially, and on top of that, I was dealing with some personal issues that left me feeling very alone and isolated. I didn’t have many friends nearby, and those that were would often cancel plans or just not show up at all. Read more>>

Bethany Myers

I think one of the kindest things someone has ever done for me was listen. Without interrupting. Without trying to fix me, or offer advice. Without trying to relate my pain or circumstance to something they had felt. And then, going one step further and asking me more questions about the root cause of my feeling, pain, or thought process. Read more>>

Jessica Johnson

During the Pandemic, like so many other businesses, I was forced to close my shop. I really missed sewing. I had my sewing machine, I had a ton of scrap cotton fabric, so I decided to make masks, free of charge and ship them to Healthcare workers. Read more>>

Leandro Taub

Such a nice question! For sure the kindest is to be alive, and I have to thank G’d and my parents for that. Nothing else would exist in my life if I would not exist. Taking this, very big detail, by the side, let’s talk about some kind things I received in my artistic career. Read more>>

Kim Ellis

As an author and illustrator, I’ve found many ways to market my books. But, with my first children’s book I published, I didn’t realize that I would be blessed by what someone would do for me. My book, “Butterflies for Rory”, was created to honor the memory of my first daughter. On her 16th birthday in heaven, I decided to go on a hike in the mountains of VA, and paint 16 butterfly rocks to hide in her honor. Read more>>

Renae Franz

My horizons expanded one day into beauty after a trip home from school with my teenage daughter. She shared with me from a popular publication that the best lip color is one that matches your nipples. Yes. Your nipples! A trip to Walgreens, thirty tubes of lipstick and three hours later, my daughter and I found our perfect colors. It was a lot of work! Read more>>

Minnie Luong

I think for any entrepreneur, the most innovative thing is to take real steps to chart your own path without knowing what the outcome will be. If you are courageous and passionate enough to not accept the status quo of your current situation you are innovating in your own life and you will naturally bring the people around you on that journey as well. As far as Chi Kitchen is concerned, I think creating our Fermented Sesame Slaw, which was the 2022 SOFI Gold Winner Award in the competitive pickles and olives category, was pretty cool. Read more>>

Daniel Craig

In 2016 we started the initiative, “School Supply Closet.” School Supply Closet helps stock several closets in the Nashville public school system with needed school supplies. This allows teachers to access school supplies easily when they become depleted. Each year we help a total of 13 schools, with aspirations to help more. The school supply closet assured teachers wouldn’t have to incur the unwanted expense for their student’s backpacks, paper, and pens. Read more>>

Sam Stokes

In a world full of so much love and so much kindness, it is impossible to choose just one. Perhaps it was my mother who took such loving care of herself while I was growing in her womb so that I may greet the world healthy and strong. Perhaps it was my father sitting for hours in his car, lovingly doing crosswords until I finished with some after school activity. Read more>>