In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Radiance Francois | Artist

Authenticity. I had to learn this one the hard way. There was a point in my life where I was trying to please everyone. That was so paralyzing because I was always in fear of making the wrong move, so I often made no move at all. Everything was put under a microscope to make sure it was as perfect as possible to avoid judgement or rejection. In reality, nothing is perfect. There’s a quote that I think about a lot and it goes: “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” You can’t control people liking you and you’ll go crazy trying to gain the approval of others. Not to mention, trying to appeal to the masses is the fastest way to make the worst art of your life. Read more>>

Jackson randolph Randolph | Musician

Id definitely have to say Work ethic. If you don’t take the time out of your life to stress, wake up early, go to bed way too late, and work your tail off, you don’t deserve success. Read more>>

Charlie Hilliard | Owner of Green Witch’s Brew and Co-Owner of the All Writers Online Workshop

I used to work at Starbucks and unfortunately, the one I worked at was terrible about cross-contamination. They also used ingredients past the expiration date. I know so many people with allergies, and now that I sell food products I wanted to ensure that I never did those things to my customers. I want people to feel safe when they drink my tea and eat my honey. Read more>>

Greg Shepard | Founder of Dallas Maids

“Always Seek Truth” is a guiding principle of mine that illuminates the path we walk in life, providing us with a more reliable map to navigate the complexities of our world. Embracing this philosophy, I have consistently strived to uncover the essence of reality, to prioritize verifiable facts over subjective opinions, and to employ critical thinking as a guiding light in lieu of impulsive emotional responses. My deep-rooted love for nonfiction literature has proven instrumental in this pursuit, as it equips me with a toolbox of knowledge, a lens through which I can see the world more clearly. Read more>>