“If you stand for nothing, you fall for everything”

We asked the community to tell us about the values and principles that guide their lives and businesses.

Frankie Rollins | Writer, Writing Mentor, and Creativity Coach

Creativity is the value of highest order for me. I’ve devoted my life to it, in fact, and created a business with this value at the very center. In a time of planetary distress and constant human fighting, we need creative solutions. So many people resort to violence to express their ideas, but I believe there are better ways in both practical/artistic applications. Creativity is what makes a bridge appear in a space over water. Creativity manifests in books so we can share ways to be human. Creativity harnesses energy to make light. Creativity births dance and screenplays and songs, which we need to balance the difficulties of a life. Read more>> 

Theresa Aqui | Geriatric/Adult Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

As a clinician and business owner, integrity is the most important value that matters most to me. It is the foundation of trust and credibility in any business that leads to long lasting relationships with clients, patients, and other stakeholders. In a world where scandals, gossips, gaslighting , and ethical lapses are all too common, integrity sets a business apart. With integrity, one is honest, transparent in all business dealings, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. As a nurse practitioner lead, integrity is essential for building a strong company culture and strong reputation. Read more>>

Valentin Batista | Dancer with Pointeworks

Passion, kindness, and a sense of humor are valued principles to me because the people I work with can inspire and make the experience phenomenal! As they do! Read more>>

Karyl Hanley | Equestrian Facility Owner/Operator

Honesty and integrity are integral components in developing trust and building strong relationships. I have always considered honesty to be the cornerstone in both my professional and personal life. Having strong moral principles based on honesty and following those principles consistently has been important in building and maintaining the relationships I have with clients at my property. I spent the majority of of my business career managing people in corporate settings and always strived to be honest, trustworthy and fair. As a small business owner, I have applied those same principles to my interactions with the trainers at my facility, the clients they serve and those in my employ. Read more>>