What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?

We asked some of the most inspiring local entrepreneurs and creatives what was bringing them joy and we hope the responses below inspire you to find more joy in your day-to-day life as well.

Akiko Coats

My family brings me joy as always, and they are the reasons to keep me going. Aside from my flower arrangement work, music is a big part of our family. Our two daughters play the violin since they were very young. They are now teenagers and still enjoy playing the violin in various orchestras and ensembles. Read more>>

Kate Pawlicki Bourne

I’m exploring how Palm Springs’ Old West heritage connects to the present. The Los Compadres Club, operating since 1939, bridges those worlds—where frontier tradition and contemporary community intersect. The club hosts two annual events that keep that continuity alive: the Deep Pit BBQ (coming up November 1st) and the Invitational Guest Ride through Palm Springs in March. Read more>>

Albert Myles

Lately, what’s been bringing me the most joy is my wife, traveling the world together, enjoying life’s finer moments, and just spending quality time with her. Focusing on what matters most in my personal life, my health and our marriage, lets me show up even stronger for my clients. Read more>>

Vivian Martínez

I’ve been attending more VHS swaps recently and I love the VHS community in Southern California. They really have each other’s backs. Having physical media seems silly, but it’s really been bringing me joy lately to be a part of that weirdo community. Read more>>

La Kia A. Gooch

When I moved from Delaware to Los Angeles years ago, I made a promise to myself that I would always return home to celebrate my Grandmother’s birthday. Every November, I travel back to Delaware to spend time with my family and honor her special day. This year is especially meaningful; she is turning 100 years young. Read more>>

Susan Sangani

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with new coffee drinks at home. I’ve been trying out different brewing methods, flavor combinations, and seasonal ingredients. It’s such a relaxing and creative outlet, and there’s nothing better than sharing a new drink with friends and family to get their feedback! Read more>>

Christina Palacios

Barefoot beach walks with the best man in the world my husband! And taste testing all the matcha lattes in LA for the best one. Read more>>

Randy Kulina

Golf has always been one of my favorite hobbies. It brings me both joy and of course a bit of frustration! I love being outdoors and golf offers the perfect mix of fresh air, competition, and mental challenge. It’s also become a great way for me to stay connected with friends as well as meet new people. Read more>>

Ashley Jade

I love this question, because I’ve been into miniature crafts lately with my daughter. We have been completely submerged in the world of anything mini sized, and we have not yet found any willingness to get out of our current obsession with Polly pockets, mini brands, and creating tiny homes. Read more>>

Pamela Maria De La Luz

Lately, the greatest joy in my life comes from the quiet moments at home with my animals — all fourteen of them. My days start before sunrise with the sounds of paws on wood floors, sleepy cats stretching in warm patches of light, and the older dogs waiting patiently for their morning hugs. Read more>>

Feiran Wang

It is having a pet chicken and being surrounded by all kinds of cute animals; I spent my earliest childhood living with my grandparents who lived in a suburban area where there were lots of animals of all kinds; grandparents had hens and a rooster and other birds, cats and dogs; I would see neighbor’s cow passing by every day, pigs, ducks, foxes, all kinds of reptiles and amphibians and fish and crabs in a small river.  Read more>>

Jennifer Sayre

Honestly, it’s the simple, grounding moments—the ones that remind me why I create art about wholeness in the first place. My boys are 14 and 20, so I’m in that bittersweet season where I treasure every moment they still want to hang out with me. Whether we’re grabbing food or just being in the same room, those moments ground me. Read more>>

carlos aceves

For years, I had the tools, the talent, and the love for making cars shine like new. Automotive detailing was something I always enjoyed — a passion I practiced on weekends, for family, friends, and anyone who appreciated a spotless ride. But for me, it was never more than that — a skill, not a business. Then came my son, Carlos Garcia Aceves II. Read more>>

Jeff Garcia

Last year I met a girl. I fell and I fell hard. Long story short she is now my fiancé. I have never felt this much joy ever. So happy to have met her and I am beyond excited to get married next year. Read more>>

Brian Hoover

Work keeps me very busy but I always find time to coach my son’s sports teams. I have coached 7 years of baseball, 3 years of flag football, and we are in our 3rd season of tackle football. It has been so cool to watch my son grow along with all his friends from the different teams. Read more>>

Nicole Willig

Freestyle painting LIVE on TikTok everyday, and then my paintings are being bought from my TikTok shop. Read more>>