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.

Carissa Laitinen-Kniss & Khristen Pahler | Owner’s/Instructors – Twisted Bodies

When we started our business many years ago, it was just a silly idea between two friends enjoying margaritas by the pool. That idea continued to grow and eventually we opened our first brick a mortar studio. A year after opening, Khristen came across the book “What do you do with an idea?” By Kobe Yamada and Mae Besom and gave it to Carissa as an anniversary gift. This book has won several different awards and been on the New York Times best sellers list, and with good reason. When you start a business it’s exciting and fun; you get caught up in the ride so it’s easy to ignore the scarier parts of business ownership. After you have been in business for awhile that’s where the uneasiness starts to creep in. Read more>>

Thurmeka Robinson | Videographer/photographer

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of the most profound books I’ve ever read. The way the agreements are broken down and explained in a way that changes one’s perspective is unmatched. The second agreement “Don’t take anything personally”is the one I like most. I had a tendency of taking everything someone did to heart. This book helped me to realize that what other people do is a direct reflection of themselves, it has nothing to do with me. Once I got that understanding down, a lot of things stopped bothering me. Read more>>

Chelsea Davis | Wardrobe Stylist, Runway Show Producer, and future Author.

The most valuable books I have read recently have been The Chiffon Trenches by Andre Leon Talley and Paris Hilton’s memoir. I have been reading a majority of memoirs of people in the fashion industry with trying to find my voice for my current book I am writing. From each, I have found some memorable selections from each that have guided either my writing or personality in business. Paris Hilton’s memoir as well as her first book made me gain confidence at a young age. Her first book even though a little more materialistic and with a very y2k theme, had guiding steps for how to be a confident person. It has helped me become the way I am and help others with dressing through their insecurities. Read more>>

Damian Revel | Active duty service member USN

The 50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 Cent had a profound impact on me. It taught me to embrace fear, be self-reliant, and continuously evolve. The book’s unique blend of personal anecdotes, historical examples, and practical advice made it an insightful and inspiring read. Read more>>