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.

Natalie and Violet Mitchell and Navarrete | Sustainable and Ethical Retail Shop Owners

Our business has always been focused on sustainability and ethical production. We both grew up in rural areas with a deep appreciation of nature. In college, we learned about the impacts of production and the large amount of pollution and poor working conditions it causes. Consumerism has resulted in more emphasis on profit margins than global impacts, and we want to help shift that focus. There are so many brands creating beautiful, durable goods that also pay livable wages and source sustainable materials. We are so excited to be able to share our vintage and these makers with San Diego and help facilitate more conversations and understanding around responsible buying. Read more>>

Farzan Dehmoubed | CEO | Lotus Sustainables

At Lotus Sustainables, we value more than anything the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our customers and the planet. We believe that if we work together, we can eliminate plastic from shopping. Proving this principle, our customers have helped us to prevent over 400 million plastic bags from entering into the environment. We are passionate about the health of our oceans and environment. As California surfers, we’ve witnessed firsthand the damaging effects of plastic. One of our grounding principles is a strong sense of responsibility to help raise awareness and offer solutions to plastic pollution. My wife and I started Lotus Sustainables with the mission to eliminate plastic from shopping. Our goal is to motivate individuals to change their shopping habits to use fewer plastic bags. Read more>>

Clarissa Gosney | Licensed Psychologist

Honesty is the most important principle in both my personal and professional life. I believe in full transparency. Honesty leads to trust, and trust and open communication are the foundation of any solid relationship. I’ve always been one to want to hear the truth, even if it’s hard to handle, because it is only from there that I can grow and mature into a better version of myself. My clients tend to appreciate my honesty in session, as it brings us closer in our therapeutic relationship and propels them to move forward by making positive changes that will affect their life forever. Read more>>

Danielle Parker | Clinical Psychologist

My guiding principle is The Golden Rule–Treat others as you want to be treated. I have always felt my own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, very strongly, which may have been a determining factor into why I became a psychologist. This has led me to be quite sensitive at times to the actions of others, in addition to the consequences of my actions. Each day, I encounter many different people, most of whom are in some state of distress; and, I do my best to treat each of those people in the way that I would like to be treated if I was in their situation. Whether they just need an ear to listen, or if they need another human being to validate the way they are feeling in that moment. Read more>>

Fawn ® | Billboard Hit Singer-songwriter and Recording Artist

The value and principles of honesty and integrity matter most to me. Without that, you have nothing. There’s no building relationships, career or an effective personal life in general because everything is false and there is no moving forward in a positive direction. Read more>>