One of our favorite things to do is to ask the folks we are inspired by what they are inspired by. We’ve shared some of their responses below.

Rick Monroe | Singer/Songwriter/Entrepreneur

“Life” I can’t help but be motivated by the world around me. With all it’s crazy twists and turns life is a never ending well of inspiration. Read more>>

Jordan Hunt | Wedding & Event Planner

As a wedding planner, I am inspired by my couples and their love stories! There is something so humbling and beautiful about being asked to be a part of a couple’s very special wedding event. Every time I meet a couple I am being given a gift of learning something deeply personal about them. Read more>> 

Amanda Cirotto | Nature & Wildlife Photographer & Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

The beauty and mystery that is found in nature inspires me. When I am alone in nature with my camera, I am fully living in that moment. Being an artist, I am constantly observing the world around me, especially the tiny details. Dew drops on a spider web coalescing, the velvety feel of petals on a wildflower, a barred owl in flight – I live for experiencing and capturing those intimate moments. Read more>>

Chris Ewing | Founder & Lead Designer at Ivory & Green Creative House

I’m inspired by BOOKS! I am a huge reader, from fiction about fantasy worlds to non-fiction about linguistics and anything in between! I find all kinds of creative inspiration in books, not to mention it’s my favorite way to totally unplug after a long day of creating. Read more>>

Lauren Levine | Lactation Counselor, Pediatric Sleep & Well-being Specialist & Postpartum Doula

I’m forever inspired by parents and babies and the countless tiny exchanges that bring them together and orient them to one another. There is so much innate wisdom and straight up power in that bond. Read more>>

Nicholas Cockrell | Coffee Roaster

Excellent question! I am inspired by many things, honestly. For starters, I am inspired by nature. I love hiking and being immersed in nature, and so living with the Great Smoky Mountains in my backyard definitely helps. There is something truly grounding, humbling, and rejuvenating that comes with being outside. Read more>>  

Clemmie Greenlee | President/Ceo/Founder

I am inspired by life and people. Life because of the way it is being introduced to me as government, laws and therapies dictate how we live our lives. Peoples because some of us like me are quick to take risk and pull they life up by the boot strips instead of complaining. Read more>>

Tala Shatara | News Personality & Author

I believe the inspiration behind anything I do is ruled through the fear of failure. I know, I know, that sounds so cliche, but let me break it down for you further. Unfortunately, we live in world full of spectators. Read more>>

Jordan Griswould | Business Owner

The thing that initially inspired and started this business up was when my first car broke down and I wanted to find a way to get a car without paying for it. Whenever I heard of Turo I was all ears and was really interested in idea of it. It has turned from just paying off the car to hopefully growing and expanding to get new cars in the business to have a whole fleet. Read more>>

Mike Bauman | Podcaster & Healthcare Professional

There’s so much that inspires me, but I would say that music, genuinely kind people, and people who persevere through adversity inspire me the most. I have loved and been drawn to music since I was a kid, and I just can’t get enough of it. I’m definitely that guy who sends people the unsolicited “you gotta check these guys out” text when it comes to new artists I find. Read more>>

Brody Parksua | Virtual Reality Producer

I really connect with people who go after what they want, no matter the odds. I’m all about cheering for the underdog. Anyone who’s faced tough times and managed to come out on top? They’ve got my respect. Read more>>

PJ Cowan | Senior Program Manager, Musician, Non-profit Board Chair

I’m inspired by the countless artists, musicians and volunteers in our community. One of my favorite elements of this work, and non-profit work in general, is the process of building relationships with some of the most humble, dedicated and joyful people who give away their time and talents purely for the benefit of others. Read more>>