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.

Evelyn Layne | Founder / CEO of Layne’s Den Inc. non-profit organization

The inspiration for Layne’s Den Inc. came from wanting to carry on the legacy of my grandparents, Deacon Evelyn & Tyree Layne Jr. and my uncle Tyrone Layne. In addition to paying homage to their legacy the platform I created allotted me the opportunity to carry on a piece of my paternal grandmother’s legacy, Mary Clinkscale “Lizzie”, my first cousins Kirkteashe “Tia” Jordan, Clarington D Faucette & godson Mi’Quarius Alexander. I woke up one day in the middle of so many things going on in the world and just realized how lost the newer generation is and how the generations after them will have such a hard time at something “normal”. Read more>>

Adam Frost | Guitar Instructor

I guess it first started in 1992. I was five, my older brother was entering his early teens and exposed me to all the amazing music that was exploding at the time. My earliest memories of falling in love with music was when I was exposed to Nirvana at the time and feel fortunate to have been able to be alive during that time and able to experience it. I didn’t start playing till I was 15. This was because my parents believed I lacked the focus to do music. I struggled heavily in school in my early years from having ADHD and OCD, so my parents stuck me in fencing and martial arts for a number of years. My friend James brought my focus back to music and I drove my parents crazy to let me play guitar. Read more>>

Ezra Jones | Fashion Publicist & Brand Consultant

I am most inspired by the ability to assist others in helping themselves. Witnessing the transformative journey and personal growth of individuals is truly fulfilling. It’s not just about providing support; it’s about empowering others to navigate their challenges collaboratively. This empowerment fosters a sense of resilience and community, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond immediate assistance. The joy lies in being a catalyst for discovery and progression in the lives of others. I deeply enjoy helping others envision and achieve their goals from strategizing how to build a measurable fashion career and brand to executing events and increasing brand awareness. Read more>>

Lorena Montalvo | Chief Executive Officer, CHW

I am an immigrant from Mexico, coming to an unknown country not knowing the language was hard, my parents worked extra hard to learn the ways of living in the USA, with no support from family or friends. A grew up in a household where my father work in construction and my mother worked at home to help pay for the bills, we did not have extra money or resources. When someone in our household got sick, we did not have a doctor to go to, we depended on the members of our local church (who ware nurses) to give us medical advice. Growing up I knew I wanted to help people in my community, I started volunteering in my church at a young age, 11-13 years old, but it was not enough. Read more>>