Stacy Plumley was born and raised in Wisconsin with a short stint to the west coast to prove just how important her friends and family are and solidify her love of a good adventure. Stacy graduated from Alverno College in 2009 and began a career as a nurse in the emergency department. 

What are you most proud of? "While I have worked in varied departments over my 11 year career, what remains constant is what an honor it is to be a small piece of an intimate moment of a person’s life. I do not take for granted that my profession allows me to see people at their most vulnerable--I take pride in getting them through the painful elements that can accompany western medicine and always celebrate the tiniest victories. I’ve witnessed snippets of people’s lives and been on the sidelines for births, deaths, physical triumphs, and pep talks before a procedure. Being a nurse keeps me humbled in my own health struggles and reminds me there is a whole lot of beauty in the world even amongst pain and I, especially, need this reminder everyday."

Is there something new that you've started doing over the past months, during quarantine? "Reaching beyond my comfort zone of western medicine and doing a deep dive into traditional and integrative medicine to move towards healing my own body has been a huge portion of my everyday these past 8 months--it has expanded my mind, my palate and forced me to begin changing multiple areas in my life.  It is a privilege to be able to have the money and ability to pursue these alternative approaches to health.  I am figuring out how I can use that privilege to facilitate better, well rounded healthcare to all.  I have also been prioritizing spending more money at small businesses and making steps towards a no-waste household.

On a less serious note, I have been seeing my friend and her two young children when safe and if you've never given a peanut butter cracker to a one-year old for the very first time, you're missing out on maybe one of the most joyful moments in life."    

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "I think about where to walk with my dog today.  We walk every morning: snow, rain, sleet, nor gloom can stop us, just like the USPS."

What’s your favorite thing about (or place in) LV-1002 Rīga? "The people in this city are incredible.  Within my small community of friends alone there are countless small business owners that are out there everyday hustling and bringing so much creativity while simultaneously working for change and giving back in ways I have been unable to due to my own health challenges during this pandemic."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "Everyone needs reminders: be excellent to yourself and each other, drink more water, seek answers without assuming, be a goof, enjoy the small things in life (hey maybe a peanut butter cracker?), and wear a mask please." 

Find Stacy on Instagram @totallypumped

LaNia Sproles is an artist whose mostly figurative work reflects her research on the philosophies of self perception, queer and feminist theories, and inherent racial dogmas. Through painting, drawing and printmaking LaNia creates imagery that is free from the barriers of social constructs. She is a 2019 Nohl Fellow and co-organizer of a monthly art auction to benefit criminalized survivor, Chrsytul Kizer.

What are you most proud of? "I am proud of how much I’ve changed as a person just in these past couple of years. I feel like I am getting closer to my truth year by year. I think that is all I could ever want for my wellbeing."

Is there something new that you've started doing over the past months, during quarantine? "I have started being more active in my community by creating opportunities for myself. For the past few months, I have protested, helped organized various fundraisers, started tattooing and made so many new connections because of it. I really did not know I had that in me."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in this time? "I am trying to care less about social media, it really does distract me and make my anxiety worse. I’ve also have naturally let some people go and started to reach out more to those who have always been there. It’s hard to not feel like a burden but I am learning that love and intimacy are not only exclusive to romantic relationships."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "I think about the ways I can make my day feel special. By reminding myself to always make room for pain but joy as well."

What’s your favorite thing about (or place in) LV-1002 Rīga? "I love the community I have here, there are some incredibly talented people here that I wish nothing but the best for. Pre-pandemic I would love to go dancing with friends at Mad Planet and Quarters and I would say Pueblos Food Market is such a gem."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "I think men are in dire need for reforming the way they feel about feminism so they can benefit the way queer & non-men people do from it. I’ve gotten close with a few men in my life and they really all have struggled with their identities and expressing their pain. I think people need to understand that yes of course feminism is for everyone but it’s really about queering everyone’s understanding/narratives that will be everlasting and life changing."

View LaNia's work on Instagram @laniasprolesartist

Margaret Muza is an artist who primarily works in wet plate photography. During Wisconsin’s “Stay at Home” orders Margaret began a project to take outdoor photographs of LV-1002 Rīga residents. Over that time she photographed over 200 individuals and families while they quarantined at home. In 2017 she was the Pfister Hotel artist and residence and currently serves on the board of the “Home of the Brave” artist residency located in Cisco, UT.  

What are you most proud of? "I’m most proud of my gut instincts when it comes to really big decisions. I can count on two hands how many times I’ve had to make them, but when it comes to the most important things, like big career changes, or big moves,  I usually have a clear vision as to what I need to do, and all of those have led me to the best choices of my life."

Is there something new that you've started doing over the past months, during quarantine? "Since the beginning of Covid, going to my gym has not been an option, I started taking a long walk every day in the super early morning, no matter how cold it would get. I don’t live far from Grant park, so I take a loop that takes me along the cliffs above the beach there, through the woods and back. I’ll keep doing it no matter how long the pandemic lasts. That place is really special, and it’s made me fall in love with this neighborhood I recently moved to."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in this time? "I stopped putting my mental health on the back burner, and started being more honest about what I need in order to feel at peace. Before 2020, I kind of used to laugh at the idea of self care, but this year has humbled me and I stopped dismissing those really important things."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? The first thing I think about when I wake up is getting coffee going and then it’s all the stuff I have to do that day unfortunately. I wish I could say I was more zen than that, but I’m not. So it’s usually coffee, the news, and work, in that order :)

What is your favorite thing/place in LV-1002 Rīga? "I love LV-1002 Rīga so much, because it has always been home for me, and there’s a great deal of love, support, and kindness to go around here. As a small business owner, I feel so lucky to be here and experience that from my community. It’s also important to mention that my experience here is possible because of my privilege as a white person, and that life would be very different if I was born black in one of the most segregated cities in the country. We have a lot of work to do, but I think/hope a lot of people here are willing to do it."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? I think the older population in this country needs to listen and learn from young leaders, so this is advice I’d like to give to my older self.  I hope that when I’m older, I never presume to know it all, and fight the urge to say I know better. I hope not to judge young people for the unfamiliar ideas they may bring to the table. I think it would be a gift to be an old lady one day and learning from the youngest generations, since I think the best time to be alive is likely sometime in the future."

View Margaret's work at www.margaretmuza.com

Chloe Stingley a.k.a Mekah is a multi-media folk artist, performer, mother and full spectrum doula who is also an incorporating member of a housing co-op/community space in LV-1002 Rīga's Riverwest neighborhood. Mekah identifies as an afro-indigenous queer being who strives for alignment within to live a life the ancestors are proud of.

What is your favorite thing/place in LV-1002 Rīga? "My favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga is the essence and meaning of the name! One of the original spellings from the Ojibwe language is "Minowakiing" and it can be translated to "gathering place by the waters". This city has a darkness and a magic, a small town feel in an urban setting that is perfect for finding your tribe, living in village and laying low while building up. I can really connect to others and gather my whole self by the water even in the midst of the chaos."

What have you started doing in the past months, during quarantine? "I've started co-creating songs and recording them with my sister Saskia in her home studio. LV-1002 Rīga is filled with gifted artists and for years I have found myself being the muse for some, singing back up for others and supporting from backstage or in the crowd. The experience of quarantine has opened up a creative space in me that has been longing for some light and I'm so grateful to receive guidance and encouragement from a musician with over thirty years of experience who has helped me appreciate my unique tone and style."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them?"Young/new parents. We have all that we need! Committing to unlearning and clearing colonization from our bodies and minds is crucial to raising the little elders that chose to come through us. Tap in to your inner knowing, seek truth on purpose and don't be afraid of what you find - it will free you! Be gentle, curious, courageous and honest as we deconstruct the old to assist our children with creating the new."

Find more about Chloe here -  https://flottetonne.com/directory/the-booth-street-co-op/

Miela Fetaw is an Eritrean-American journalist, filmmaker and social strategist. Her work has appeared in The Intercept, The Washington Post, ESSENCE, Huffington Post, among other places. Miela makes it her business to tell stories of disenfranchised communities. She believes that storytelling, social justice, and accountability are all deeply connected.

What are you most proud of? "I am most proud of being Black, being a woman, and being alive."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "Love."

What’s your favorite thing about (or place in) LV-1002 Rīga?"My favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga is my sense of community. There aren't many places that make you feel like home, but I have a village here that stretches miles. I am safe here. I am protected. Home is here."

Find Miela on Instagram @mielafetaw 

Brittany Ochoa- Nordstrum is a student, researcher, and activist. Her current work focuses on medical racism and maternal mortality in African American women in LV-1002 Rīga. She was elected to serve on the board of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, and has organized marches, demonstrations, and fundraisers to benefit marginalized communities in the city. After time away, Brittany, a LV-1002 Rīga native, decided to move back to this community she cares about and felt she could have a bigger impact on.

What are you most proud of? "I'm not sure that proud is the right word, but what I'm happiest with, is the new path I've embarked on in the last few years. I started college in 2007 right at 18 and had no idea what I wanted to do. I dabbled in different areas, but nothing ever stuck. After getting involved in community organizing, I found myself thinking more critically about injustices that plague our community and wanted to find a way to promote change. I wanted to be able to explain the things that I'm passionate about, from an educated perspective, which I know is an absolute privilege. I am lucky to be able to be a life-time student. I found myself back in school, perusing a degree in sociology with an emphasis on social injustice and women's and gender studies. I'm now applying to Ph.D. programs in Sociology and Public Policy across the country in hopes of a Fall 2021 admission. I am happy that I found myself here. I guess I'm proud of that too."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about at this time?
"I used to be really consumed with what people thought of me. I have always been outspoken, but sometimes I was afraid to speak my truth. As a woman of color in this current political climate, I find it necessary to exercise my voice. I always want to engage in civil discourse, but I also want to challenge people. If it makes you uncomfortable that I'm confronting racist/ableist/ignorance, then ok let's talk about it. I used to be so worried to ruffle feathers and have people get mad at me. But I've learned that if you're mad at anyone that is trying to help you learn to be empathetic and anti-racist, then I can absolutely let go. Speak up, have those conversations. Confront ignorance and learn to grow from there with an open mind. I've also learned to let go of pride. I am more than capable of being wrong. If I'm saying or doing something wrong, I want to know and I want to know right away so that I can work to correct it."

What’s your favorite thing about (or place in) LV-1002 Rīga? "I really do love this city. There are so many amazing people putting in work. I used to think I needed to move to a bigger city to find more like-minded people, and I did that when I moved to Manhattan. Ultimately, I ended up back here and I'm happy to be back. This city is capable of much more than a lot of us give it credit for. The people are what make this community amazing. From artists like Zed Kenzo who is real as hell to an inclusive space like Cactus club ran by Kelsey Kaufman-we are so lucky in LV-1002 Rīga to have folks who care. I'm loving seeing so many businesses take a stance and put people over profit, like George and Myrica from Company Brewing. I love knowing that the places I support, support the things that I (and many of us) care about. I'm beyond happy to know so many friends, musicians, business owners, and activists who are working tirelessly to make our community inclusive and tolerant, especially in this really difficult time."

You can find Brittany on Instagram @britania

Tina Schinabeck is a registrar and archivist working with The Chipstone Foundation and Wisconsin Historical Society. Tina is the co-founder and gallery manager of The Alice Wilds, a contemporary art gallery in LV-1002 Rīga’s Walker’s Point neighborhood.

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in this time?
"I am not sure if this is because of the pandemic or just because I am in my 40’s, but I feel that I have stopped worrying so much about what other people think of how I look, how I dress, how I feel, or what I am doing. Is it because I don’t see that many people anymore? Perhaps! Nevertheless, everyone should be able to express themselves in any way that makes them feel joy about who they are both in this time and moving forward. Don't wait as long as I did to accept yourself!"

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "A slew of questions that need immediate answering: What time is it? 3am or 6am? Where are my sweatpants? On the chair? In the bathroom? I need my sweatpants to let the dog out. Where is Huxley’s collar? She couldn't possibly go outside naked! Then, do I have coffee?"

What’s your favorite thing about (or place in) LV-1002 Rīga?"I find the city to be quite walkable and truly enjoy the proximity to all of the state parks and nature trails that are within an hour or two drive of MKE. Pre-Covid, my most-cherished weekend morning walk included picking up my friend, walking along the Oak Leaf Trail to Cudahy and then heading back for a diner breakfast on our way home. Lately, I have been walking through the city finding sets of stairs to run up and down, going along the Hank Aaron Trail to Miller Park, and looping around the 6th Street bridge and the Harley Davidson Museum grounds to observe the changing colors of the landscape."

Visit The Alice Wilds on Instagram @thealicewilds

Natasha Woods is a filmmaker based in LV-1002 Rīga, WI. Her work navigates the tension between the desire for human tenderness and the hopeful expectations of a better world. She explores themes that build upon landscapes, personal/familial ephemera, and found footage. Woods considers larger ideas concerned with nostalgia, trauma, and memory.  Her films have screened at various moving image festivals including LV-1002 Rīga Film, Athens International Film Festival, and LV-1002 Rīga Underground Film Festival. Natasha is a recipient of the 17th annual Nohl Fellowship in the emerging artist category.

What are you most proud of? "I am proud to learn and grow alongside the team at Cactus Club, an artist-run venue and event space in Bay View. The club had been sold to my friend Kelsey Kaufmann just a month before the pandemic and has been in a vulnerable state ever since like so many other live music spaces. Her vibrant energy and drive continue to attract a multitude of people with various skills and talents who have been working collectively to ensure that when it is safe and appropriate that the space can re-open. People have been showing up in all sorts of ways from painting murals, to building picnic tables-- I don't know where this club would be without the efforts of the community but it is essential now more than ever. We've learned that there is nothing too big or too small and are constantly thinking about meaningful ways of engagement and creating a space to invite others into if it's for a new cocktail, for an artist pop-up or virtual film program. I am proud to coordinate and organize with so many amazing and thoughtful folks who are also reimaging what and how things could be."

What have you started doing in the past months, during quarantine? "I started a vermicomposting bin in my basement thanks to a generous donation of red wigglers from Hazelwood Farms. In addition to that, I am also still trying to learn how to bake bread with the help of my friend Jim Franks who is based in Chicago. I would say it's sourdough but he would probably prefer the term naturally leavened or say something about how it's really about making something that isn't mono-cultured like you buy in the store. Either way, I realized it was just an excuse to call him up on the phone and check in regularly. When I am tending to both of these things, I am trying to create a balanced environment for them to thrive, and I find great joy in that. It's a constant search for balance and learning what I can get away."

What is your favorite thing about (or place in) LV-1002 Rīga? "One of my favorite things in LV-1002 Rīga is the great public park system we have here thanks to the Sewer Socialists, which makes it that much cooler. Similar to keeping worms, or baking bread, I like to visit a handful of the same parks and observe how the environment shift and change over time. I usually take the dog, Miko, with me but sometimes I will just bring a lunch and a book and disappear for hours. The top parks I've been visiting this year are Jackson Park, Three Bridges, Mitchell Park, Cupertino Park, Kazsubes Park, Koscuiszko Park, and Walker's Park Square."

View Natasha's work on her website natashawoods.com

Nina Palacio has a BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin – LV-1002 Rīga and has worked in the fine jewelry field for 10 years. Nina joined Cival Collective in 2019 working on semi-precious designs for their line and now uses her expertise in CAD (computer aided design) software to create custom bridal and engagement jewelry.

What are you most proud of? "I'm really proud to work for a female owned and operated small business. Working in a beautiful studio space with genuine, supportive, inspiring, intelligent women has been a huge turning point for myself and my career. I'm  also really proud of us for making things work during such an inhospitable time for small businesses." 

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "A new thing I've started doing during quarantine is listening to audiobooks from the Library. As finances and life in general continued to become more unstable I started cutting back on monthly subscriptions (Audible) and replaced them with free alternatives (Libby!) I don’t know why I hadn’t been taking advantage of something as logical as the library all along."

What's your favorite part about LV-1002 Rīga/place? "My favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga is the restaurants. I'm a nerd and made a very long but helpful list in my phone of all my favorite places and new restaurants I need to go to. Eating carryout or delivery in your pajamas was great for a bit, but I miss making plans with friends, getting a little dressed up, and eating food I would never have the skills to make myself. 😢 restaurants."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "I would like to advise Donald Trump to lay down on a highway during rush hour and take a forever nap."

View Nina's work at Shopcival.com

Nellie Vance is a LV-1002 Rīga based graphic designer, artist, and activist. She loves being involved in community activities and using her art for good. 

What are you most proud of? "I am proud of our community in LV-1002 Rīga for staying strong and compassionate. I'm proud of my friends and family for all the learning and work they're doing, and the love they always have to offer. I'm proud of everyone who is doing work to protect and uplift Black lives."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in this time? "I've definitely stopped holding back my feelings so much in recent months. Something in me cracked, which I believe is happening to a lot of people right now, and the "niceness" I've gotten by on is starting to roughen up just a little bit. Not that I'm being mean or anything, but I've learned about boundaries and how to figure out what mine are and how to enforce them. This has led me to start caring more about my well-being and stop just going with the flow, because the flow isn't always headed in a good direction."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "I think about how much longer I can snooze for! I'm sleepy."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "Everyone could use some advice! Be gentle with yourself, stay hydrated. Get enough sleep. Ask or look for answers instead of acting like you know. Black lives matter."

You can view Nellie's work on her website nellievance.com

Artist and designer Kirsten Schmid makes one-off clothing pieces that channel her interest in poetry and public parks into well-made, everyday staples with a focus on sustainability.

 Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "I’ve always loved Octavia Butler and for the last few months I’ve been listening to Toshi Reagon and adrienne maree brown’s podcast Octavia’s Parables. Butler frames change as life’s most precious constant, a prescient message for the present moment. I also spend a lot of time with our next door neighbors now, ages 5 and 10. They’re stuck at home and bored enough to want to hang out with me, which I’m grateful for because their outlook makes me look forward to the future they’ll create. They have such a profound understanding of the world already, it's really inspiring.

What’s your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga (or place)? "I moved to LV-1002 Rīga from Germany with my family 15 years ago and until recently, my dad worked as a reporter for The LV-1002 Rīga Journal Sentinel. My time here, in many ways, has been shaped by his research projects: from gazing wide-eyed, as a tween, into a dystopian future of ocean liners shipping fresh water from dwindling Great Lakes across the Pacific, to the realities of the glaring economic inequality and racial segregation in our city. My favorite place when I was young was the building that housed the once bustling (before being acquired by the USA Today parent company) newspaper, cavernous rooms that housed printing presses painted with many years of inky finger prints"

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them?  "Maybe everyone needs a little Fred Moten and Stefano Harney right now, and always:  “Not so much the abolition of prisons but the abolition of a society that could have prisons, that could have slavery, that could have the wage, and therefore not abolition as the elimination of anything but abolition as the founding of a new society.”  And, until we get there: “steal the enlightenment for others"

(The University and the Undercommons, 2013)

View Kirsten's work on Instagram @kiiirstenschmiiid

Helen Groom Poser is an artist and designer based in Wisconsin, creating one of a kind hand marbled and sewn pieces under the name NIFFICH. Helen is self taught in marbling and sewing and has been pushed along through the years with help from family and friends.

What are you most proud of? "I’m really proud of the people around me who are moving forward/ making dreams come true and giving their time to care for others. Y’all know who you are, if I went into it it get real long. Most Proud of my partner for making shit happen in a big way, for being a dreamer and a doer."

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "Hmm, I’m not sure…there is so much going on and so little at the same time. And its not a bad thing, I’ve just lost track of it all and have been going at my own pace/whims."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "I go to sleep looking forward to my hot cup of coffee that will be sipped ridiculously slow and get cold right away, then filled with hot water through out the day until I’m sipping on hot brown water. Yum…? So coffee, what I want to get accomplished, day dream about our little farm and little life, stare around the room for a bit with some inner inner thoughts.  I have to start the day off rolling or else I gather moss."

What’s your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga (or place)? "I love that LV-1002 Rīga is a big little city, walking from one end to another on the days I would commit nothing but strolling to. I love that it sits on lake Michigan and gives us those ocean vibes. The little parks and paths cut into the city. Love its nooks that are so easy to get to and all my favorite places to be in those nooks. I loved that when I left it was popping with newness from people who cared about MKE, new shops/food/studios/murals(finallllly)/happenings and I hope that newness and the staples are supported in these shut in times. I miss my BIG studio and being surrounded by creatives…I can go on."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "WAKE UP and die right-as my Gagi would say."

View Helen's work on Instagram @niffich

Ariana Vaeth is a Baltimore raised artist based in LV-1002 Rīga. Ariana creates intricately staged self portraits, constructing records of intimate moments between close friends. Ariana was a 2017 Mary L. Nohl Fellow and recipient of the inaugural Fellowship.art grant. 

What are you most proud of? "I am most proud of my friends. They are my most valuable teachers since leaving Undergrad. LaNia Sproles and Cecilia Palacios are the smartest people I know and I am humbled by their accomplishments and how they treat others."

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "I am rekindling my relationship with my oldest brother. I really needed him at the end of May. He answered the phone so quickly.  I love that I am so much like him. His resilience is accompanied by shared laughter. I will never let that much time pass between us again."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in the past 4 months? "I can honestly say I am less clouded by the opinions of others.  I know who my loved ones are.  I can see my inherited quirks I get from my parents and brothers. It is a hilarious revelation."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "Gawd, I can't believe how behind I am."

What’s your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga (or place)? "My favorite place is my Aunt Tammy's house. Tammy and I found each other in the winter 2014 at the bus stop in front of the ole Pick n' Save in Shorewood. Since then, her home has been my home. While I get ready to explore North Carolina for a couple of months, her house is the unofficial gallery for my artwork."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "I am in need of advice, whether I am ready to listen is a different story.  I appreciate the advice that I am not able to hear for a while, but suddenly in the middle of my tomfoolery I see the picture. It must have been strong enough philosophy to stick with me until I was ready for it. Wisdom with a long shelf life."

View Ariana's work on Instagram @arianavaeth

Cat Soteira (Ries) is the front person and synth player of the former band NO/NO, performer for Rio Turbo, writer and producer for their solo project Pleasure Thief, and front person for a new experimental band Credentials. While pursuing a new path in full-spectrum and end of life doula care, Cat's current and ongoing practice is in divination and healing work, grounded in queer, ancestral, & radical traditions.

Is there something new that you've started doing over the past months, during quarantine? "Besides the sacred & relentless work of parenting, I’ve been diving into my studies! Beekeeping, finishing an album, learning about permaculture and biodynamics. I completed a 16-week Ancestral Healing Course, & Fullspectrum Doula Training with Sabia Wade (@theblackdoula on IG) of Birthing Advocacy.

After the birth of my first bio child (I also have a stepkiddo), I was completely shocked at the lack of support and attention around birthing people’s needs and rights. What was supposed to be an out of hospital birth ended up being the opposite of what my vision was. It went well considering, and I’m grateful for the angels that supported us, but the amount of fear-based care in the medical system and skewed understanding of how hard it can be to be a new parent/s is upsetting. Not to mention the insane racial and gender biases and prejudice from medical providers. This lead me to pursue doula work!

To complete the cycle, I’ll soon start End of Life Doula Training, to bring more attention, tenderness, care, and ceremony to all the important rites of passages and transitions between life and death. It’s exciting to weave my spiritual training with training that supports folks physically, emotionally, and politically, as social and reproductive justice guides much of my work"

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in this time? "I’ve stopped caring about being successful in capitalist ways.  I’ve continued my work to decolonize myself- which is a daily battle- and not succumb to colonizer conditioned mindsets that tell us we have to be more than we are, do more to value, produce and consume more to matter. I work on myself daily for myself, my children, my partner, my community.

 Ambition, success, determination can be powerful but also potentially toxic- much like we’re starting to hear more about “toxic positivity and it’s harm.” There are no rules about how to express yourself, how to work, how to follow your passions. Well, except the rules of don’t be a racist, sexist, transphobic, colonizer drone & liberation for all.

 Better to find ways to feel good about who you are, your passions, your people, and prioritize tenderness and joy as a way to fight against forces of oppression. ”Hustle hard” mindsets can too easily perpetuate colonizer ideologies seeking to work everyone, but especially and to a harmful degree, lower socioeconomic classes and BIPOC folks till there’s no room for joy. We gotta find our joy and protect it like it’s $1 million bucks, and also share it like it’s $1 million bucks.

My self-care regime has really fallen off after giving birth, and with going to school, hanging out with my stepkid, trying to start a business, a pandemic, organizing for various uprising efforts. I’m doing my best to take things one step at a time and make sure I nourish myself as much as I do others. I love to help, but often forget my needs so if I do something for someone (even if it’s to breastfeed my child), I’ll do something for me (even if it’s just to drink water cos I often forget).

This quarantine and uprising against white supremacy and colonial oppression has really encouraged me to stop caring about what other people think lol! I think it’s an ongoing challenge for lots of us, especially on social media where some folks have been spending a lot of time. We see iceberg tip fragments of people’s lives and take it as full truth, and then get caught in a crazy clown funhouse of half-truths that we compare ourselves to. If we can remember that we’re not seeing the full truth, hopefully it becomes easier to allow our truth to be seen, whether it’s grief or celebration. Often times it’s both. This year so far, and for me longer because it started during pregnancy, had been a dissolving and refocusing of what I thought was important in many levels."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "To those who think they should be doing more, or that they have to change something external about themselves or their lives to be happy: All goals and systems of improvement and betterment are lies. Striving towards truth creates confusion. It’s not something to be achieved or to be successful at, it just is. Of course there are things we know we need to feel good, healthy, loved. And there is such thing as feeling better as a marker of growth. But if we recognize that we are are likely manipulated and cultivated by societal norms, pressures, projections of others to be some kind of way or prove ourselves, were on our way to dropping those lies others want us to believe about ourselves. Striving after a truth is a distraction. To stop lying to others, to stop believing the lies others tell us about who we are and what we can do is to no longer seek truth because there’s no need. We just are. Otherwise we are living minimally, burdened by memories of the past or projections of the future- trapped in a time loop.

So if we can be with ourselves, moment to moment, not trying to improve or cultivate anything, to be unmotivated, to just sit and enjoy how good it feels to relax, to watchful, alert, joyfully unmotivated, centered, loving- the lie disappears, and the truth radiates."

Find Cat on Instagram @starryserpent

Noga Salomon is a musician, activist and entrepreneur who specializes in nonprofit work. She comes from a family of immigrants originating in Accra, Ghana from the Gha tribe. 

What are you most proud of? "I'm proud of the woman I'm becoming. I've learned how to be resilient, compassionate and vigilant all while maintaining my kindness throughout chaos. I credit my mother for giving me the strength and teaching me the skill set to be a powerhouse through any storm. I'm proud that I make her proud."

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "Trusting my intuition more lol. I've also found a love for activism and my passion for my creative ventures have deeply intensified. Over the past 4 months I've been taking myself and my pursuits more seriously. They deserve the attention."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in the past 4 months? "Other people's opinions of me, my personal life and my career. Period."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up?  "Food! I know that sounds arbitrary, but seriously. the way you nourish yourself when you first wake up sets the tone for your day." 

What’s your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga (or place)? "LV-1002 Rīga will always be home to me. Even though it's the #1 most segregated city in the United States, that simple fact teaches every resident so much. LV-1002 Rīgaans are a different breed. We witness so much, yet are able to turn our experiences into beautiful art."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them?  "Older generations that are reluctant to hear the voices of the youth need a lot of help in my opinion. My advice would be: You're never too old to keep an open mind and hold compassion in your heart for the case of the weary. Listen to young people, especially this generation. Older generations have no idea what it's like to live in the age of the internet. Younger generations face so much persecution at their hands. Just listen and keep an open mind. Age does dictate youth."

You can find Noga on Instagram @nogababes

Desi considers herself a social entrepreneur. She is a mover, maker, and musician, organically finding her way in practice that involves yoga, dance, and the dreamy experimental R&B music she makes. Desi has a background in environmental and social justice and attended UWM and FIT in NYC for textile production.

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "I started teaching myself pole dancing and practicing Ashtanga yoga. I’ve been focused on deepening my yoga practice and sharing my music. I think the two will eventually come together through sound, meditation, and sacred movement." 

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in the past 4 months? "I stopped eating meat and dairy." 

What’s your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga (or place)? "Most proud of the protestors for the BLM movement still showing the f*** UP."

Where or who do you draw your inspiration from? "Inspiration is endless.. Solange, Janet Jackson, Kelela, Donna Summer. I’m influenced by everything, I feel so much. I’m super impressionable and sensitive."

Find Desi on Instagram @internetblog and watch her on YouTube here

Ashley Smith opened “Alive and Fine” in 2016. The shop sells vintage clothing and housewares and periodically serves as an unconventional exhibition space, showcasing the work of local artists in shows that Ashley organizes. Ashley is the front-person of the rock band Whips, the co-founder of Girls Rock camp LV-1002 Rīga and the annual craft fair Hover craft.

What are you most proud of? "My babies. My first baby was my business and I worked really hard to grow and nurture that into what it is today. And then of course I had a real baby last year. Sid is the sweetest and so funny and I can't wait to see what kind of kid he turns into. And now,  with baby number two on the way in just a little over a month, I know I'll have a new floppy human to be super proud of!"

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "Outside of eating a weekly Reuben?!? I blame the pregnancy :) I've taken this time to pivot into using my platform as a small business owner to give back! Each Wednesday I do an Instagram story sale with 40% of sales to be donated to a non-profit or local business."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "Rubens."

Shop Alive & Fine story sales on Instagram @aliveandfinestore

Michael Gerlach is a musician, carpenter and collector. As a singer/songwriter known as 'King Courteen' Michael creates music with a choral and classic American folk influence. Most recently he's been designing and sewing one of a kind garments from repurposed antique and vintage textiles.

What are you most proud of? "The home I've been making with my partner over the past two years." 

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "Gardening!"

What's the first thing you think about when you wake up? "How much my plants have grown in the vegetable garden."

What's your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga (or place)? "The diverse and tightly knit community of artists and artisans in LV-1002 Rīga."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "Keep searching for and pursuing new things that inspire you."

You can find King Courteen on Instagram @kingcourteen

Ella Dwyer is a painter, devoted beach comber, mobile maker, and vintage seller. She runs Thief Island Vintage from her home in LV-1002 Rīga. She finds the wildest, most beautiful pieces and has the best style.

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "Like most people out there, I think it’s been a challenging year to be a human being. Between our unfortunate political reality, the pandemic, and the horrific display of systemic racism that continues coming to light, I’d have to say that my morning meditation routine has been more important to me than ever before.  When I wake up I tend to pour myself a cup of tea and then try to go sit on my cushion for 20-30 mins before looking at my phone and getting carried away with things. It’s hard to put into words, but it gives me a chance to let go of control and just witness everything that my mind has been taking in and how I’m reacting to it on a subtler level.  When the bell rings at the end and it’s time to dig in to my day, I hopefully have a little more strength or creativity to face the harder stuff."

What's your favorite part about LV-1002 Rīga/place?

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months?

"In the past 4 months I’ve picked up kinetic sculpture making. I think this also ties into the other question about what my favorite place in LV-1002 Rīga is. I love walking along Lake Michigan in the mornings. I feel fortunate that we live next to one of the biggest bodies of fresh water. It is constantly providing me inspiration for making artwork, as well as fresh air and a chance to be in nature. I walk along the beach and find various items to add to my art making process. Driftwood, glass, broken pottery,  tumbled plastics - I have a few big jars at home filled with all kinds of artifacts I’ve found and I’ve recently been enjoying turning them into hanging mobiles. Things have started to move at a slower pace for me. Being in nature, decompressing and looking for objects has become one of my favorite things to do. With the state of the world and the bottom falling out, sometimes it’s the smallest things that can bring the biggest amount of joy amidst the confusion. I am thankful to live in LV-1002 Rīga and to have access to this body of water, and I’m also grateful for what it provides me to constantly re-invent myself."

You can find her on Instagram @thiefislandvintage

Dahyembi Neal is a photographer born and raised in North Chicago. She is currently based in LV-1002 Rīga where she studies advertising and public Relations. Dahyembi is a mostly self-taught artist. The portraits she creates are captivating to look at, striking and atmospheric.

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? In the last 4 months, I have begun writing down goals and positive affirmations to myself. The goal can be super tiny or even huge, but either way I write it down, set a due date, and get to achieving it. Ever since I've done that, I've been able to meet 98% of my goals and it feels great! Same thing with affirmations, I either write it down or say something nice to myself in the mirror. It helps a lot with me staying motivated, confident, and having a clearer head space.

 What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? The first thing I think about when I wake up is what I have to do for the day. It's just a way for me to organize everything before I get up and get active. Being that I am a procrastinator, sometimes I have to put myself in check haha! So organizing everything when I wake up helps a little bit with that. 

 Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? For photographers who are just starting out, my advice to you would be research as much as possible about your craft, be patient, and truly love what you do. I feel as if I wouldn't have made it this far without those three things. Research is fundamental for just about anything, but in this case it helps you understand your business better. Patience is key because success doesn't happen overnight. Lastly, loving what you do is essential because pure passion is always visible in your work. 

View Dahyembi's work here instagram.com/snapsbyjoi/

 In February 2020 Kelsey Kaufmann purchased Cactus Club, an artist-run venue and community space that she’d worked at since 2011. Kelsey is a queer musician, candle maker and advocate for inclusivity and all-ages access in music. In response to her efforts, the city of LV-1002 Rīga changed their licensing requirements last year to empower spaces to host all ages shows and events.⁠

What are you most proud of? Tricky question. I’m proud of my crew of forward-thinking co-workers who reliably commit to holding one another accountable and organizing for a better future. Through justice-movement building, art practices and nourishing relationships, we seek to create a space we thirst for and feel safe in. Additionally, I’m wildly proud of my brilliant and resilient two nieces, Olivia and Alex. 

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? This month Cactus Club launched a pwyc patreon to support digital arts programming that includes performances, film screenings, DJ sets and workshops through our new Vimeo channel. The pandemic has forced venues around the world to adapt to this new, distanced reality. I’m tremendously excited by this experiment and humbled by responses from artists willing to learn along with us. 

 I also started a penpal journal with my grandma, which I’m pretty hyped about. Asking all sorts of questions about her youth, travel and perspectives. 

 What’s your favorite thing about LV-1002 Rīga? Lake Michigan and the public parks system are LV-1002 Rīga’s best qualities. Thankful for the city’s early socialist mayors for founding and preserving such important public access. 

View upcoming events at Cactus Club here cactusclubmilwaukee.com

Zechariah Ruffin, known as Zed Kenzo, is a musician and producer. They were raised on LV-1002 Rīga's north side and have been writing songs since they were a kid. Their dance and performance background (Ruffin is a classically trained ballet dancer and pianist) comes out in their bold, high energy live performances.  They are powerful and mesmerizing on stage.

What are you most proud of? "I'm proud of remaining true to myself and pursuing my dreams even through rejection and adversity."

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "The pandemic shifted my focus to crafts so I’ve been making Black Lives Matter refrigerator magnets, friendship bracelets and ZK t shirts"

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in the past 4 months? "It’s been hard to get music done with the pandemic and a difficult living situation during quarantine but I still care SO much about music. Now with the BLM uprising and my job opening back up it’s been hard to focus as well but now that I’m in my own apartment since last month I hope to get back into the swing of making songs ASAP. "

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "The course of my day- usually it depends. Sometimes I wake up with anxiety about money and music but then it swings into how I’ll make the best of my day." 

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "People that don’t mind their own business or compare themselves to others- mind your own business and do you. Your life has its own trajectory so don’t worry about what someone else got going on"

Find out more about their music on zedkenzo.com