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.

 Rakim Hogan | Artist & Designer

A lot of my inspiration came to me at an extremely young age ,since I was a kid fashion was in front of me. I always had a memory of seeing a pair of Louis Vuitton “jaspers” at age 10 to seeing my dad wearing bapestas I feel like it was always destine to be.When I would start to develop a taste of my own it would be people such as Pharrell,Drake,Nigo,Kanye,and Lupe Fiasco, just to name a few. There would also be a time when I was heavily into skateboarding and extreme sports along side of the beautiful era of “backpack” rap I would start to explore different creative mediums as far as designing skateboards and altering clothes to make them better or different. As far as today I’m usually inspired by everyday life. If I’m not out the house doing something then I’m in the house thinking of something to do, even now as I write this I am at the club under the influence but all things said are completely genuine. As an artist I feel like you need to go out and experience things in order to grow in any way, life will always show you things you need to see when you least expect it so when you do go out go with the intention of living, learning, and listening, then inspiration will follow. Read more>>

Shawn Jones | Winemaker

I am inspired most by my own creativity and self-confidence. This plays a key role in my success in business because it not only allows me to be myself while sending a message to my customers but representation of my brands. Being creative while pursuing something you love allows everything to be genuine. When things are genuine within yourself because you are being you this will inspire you to go above and beyond the determination to achieve success. This keeps me motivated, new ideas circulating constantly, and making a greater business. Read more>>

Christine Brisse | Bake Shop Owner

I find inspiration in art and the limitless potential of it. A major inspiration is my children’s inventive minds. Their imagination reminds me of the beauty in the simple yet ingenious concepts. Lastly, I find inspiration in entrepreneurs and specifically, skilled bakers who over the years have fueled my ambition to challenge myself with more detailed designs. These sources of inspiration drive me to explore, create, and grow in my own creative journey! Read more>>