We asked folks to tell us about their favorite quote or affirmation and to tell us what it means to them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Justin LaBelle | Artist (JT Blackfire) and Manager

“I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues” is a paraphrased quote from Sir Duke Ellington I think about a lot. It used to mean something different to me when I first heard it, but hearing it with the context of the past few years, it means more now than it ever did. Some days things can just appear out of thin air, no rhyme or reason to it, and it completely ruins your day, or life, or world. And in those moments, there are two responses: the old fight or flight mentality – or rather, fight or ignore. But there’s always a third option that I think Sir Ellington captures well, and that’s taking that situation and using it as inspiration to move forward. Simple acts of redirecting energy into something more helpful and encouraging of your interests only takes a thought and a will. Read more>>

Sarah Bieber | Sales Executive & Office Manager

“The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it”. Fear can be paralyzing and hold us back from achieving goals and pursuing dreams. I’ve used this quote through many different aspects of life whether it be home or work. It can be as simple as calling that customer back right away or answering that email just so you can stop obsessing or worrying over it. Or as major as taking the plunge and opening the new business knowing you don’t know the ins and outs of every aspect. Read more>>