Sometimes a book, or even just a line, chapter or passage within a book can stick with us long after we’ve read its final page. We asked some of our favorite community members to tell us about a book that’s had a meaningful impact on them.

Miesha Johnson | Founder, Gold Soul Candle Co.

My favorite business book is The Birth Of a Brand by Brian Smith the co-founder of UGG. He writes such an interested story filled with the ups and downs of what it took to make such an iconic brand. Along the way he refers to the process of building a longstanding brand as similar to raising children and it really adds a personal touch to the story. After I read the book I felt extremely energized to start my business and everything really started to come together. Read more>>

Simeon Aston Covell Walker | Artist ( photographer, videographer, illustrator (digital and traditional), recording artist, performing artist, songwriter, producer)

The Bible. I have not yet ventured through every inch of it yet and I doubt I’ll fit the whole picture in frame in my lifetime but is a beautiful work in indeed. Its author was able to capture truths from every aspect of life no matter what the situation. And if you don’t think so you simply are refusing to see the truth for yourself. It has given me wisdom from stories of kings and poor folk alike. It provides an examples of true romance, love, brotherhood and sisterhood. The Good, the bad, and the ugly. All of the successes and failures of man and the answer to peace, all being able to held in my hands by the author of the universe. What a blessing it is for a creation to understand its creator. God is the artists of artists. Sculptor of sculptors. Visionaries of visionaries And we are in His image. As an artist it’s only right that I pay homage to the person that was responsible for painting me. I want my art to fulfill its purpose according to the plan that God has. A man’s work can put him in the presence of kings. Read more>>

Taylor de la Fuente | Copywriter

I’m not a particularly woo-woo person, so I don’t say this lightly, but reading “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown has changed my life. The concept is about having/doing less, but better, which is a revolutionary thought in our capitalist society and overall age of consumerism. Using his principles, I’ve been able to more clearly make decisions that will lead to a life that’s full of joy instead of stuff. Read more>>