We asked some of the happiest folks we know to tell us their secret.

Mohammed Ghanayem | Photographer, Videographer, Director of Communications at Farouk Systems Inc. CHI-Biosilk

The year 2020 gave us all a lot of time to think about what is important in life. My happiness comes from my family. This year taught me to value the little things, the time together doing a puzzle, taking a walk outside as a family, and laughing as much as we can. I also take pleasure is excelling in my work and career. Taking pride in my work and showing my children a strong work ethic, even when faced with challenges, is a big part of my life ethos. Read more>>

William Wood | Photographer/Videographer

Natural light makes me happy. No matter how many projects I work on with perfect three point lighting, I still just like natural light coming through a window in the afternoon creating refractions or interesting shadows. When it comes to filming I think I am the happiest when a frame selection or the environment surprises me. If I know exactly what I want something to look like and it turns out exactly that way, I am a little bummed out. I need variability and newness. I usually will try and switch up something for every new project, either a new lens or a new camera body or a different lighting system, just to keep me seeing things with fresh eyes. Read more>>

Veronica Gaona | Artist and Educator

What makes me happy is being in control of my happiness. I realized that my happiness is not dependent on external things, but a choice I consciously make. Which is putting a lot of work into conceptualizing and creating art pieces for my practice. Read more>>

Meredith Johns | Makeup/Special FX Makeup Artist

Making art makes me happy. Whether it’s the perfect blend on a beauty makeup or a super complicated character build with prosthetics, I’m happiest when I’m creating art. I love how the magic of makeup can transform things. I love to sculpt and create prosthetics. Fabrication of costumes and weapons and integrating LEDs, animatronics and things like 3D printing make my heart sing. I’m living the dream and creating art every day. Read more>>

Muriel Vancauwen | Hairstylist

I am very happy to come from Paris and live in New York for my career, it was a big chalenge, but after understanding this city and what the opportunities you have from of you here, in New York, I just follow my instincts and I took a different direction for my job, I used my knowledge to change industry, I finally find my road where I am very happy with my new private clients instead the fashion industry as a hairstylist, in America, I give up the fashion world but it take me back for some huge few missions during the year than I will never expected, for example as a chef hairstylist for the most famous luxury Brand of the world for shows , events or Hair -coloring shooting for L’oreal etc…. That’s make me very happy and proud of myself. Read more>>

Catalina Ochoa | Jewelry Designer & Crafter

A lot of things make me happy like doing yoga, eat delicious food, reading, going to the beach, etc. but one of the things that make me the most happy is having the privilege of working in what I really love and feel passionate about it; the fact that every morning I can work with my hands, express myself and my creativity through my jewelry, see how people respond, and see them wearing my creations is something that always put a smile on my face and I feel very grateful about it. Read more>>

Noise Traveler | Synthpop Duo

I couldn’t have said it better than sir Albert Schweitzer: “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” Music has a special connection with humans. Although music may seem like nothing more than entertainment, it provides us with so much more. Music is therapy, music is healing, music is empowering. It’s been there for us through good and bad. It brings out emotions, it soothes you, it lifts you up. Music is a friend to cry with, love with, loathe with. I think back on every song that helped us get through something in life or that reminds us of a special moment in time. Our purpose as musicians is to create those moments via our music. And of course–cats! Our life would not be complete without our fur babies. They bring us so much joy, laughter, and love. To us, happiness is music and cats. Read more>>

Shunelett Myintthu | Content Creator & Freelancer

My happiness stems from spending quality time with those closest to me and getting to do the things that I am passionate about. Even though 2020 was a difficult year with fewer human interactions, I felt as though it also strengthened the bonds that I have and hold onto. When I did see my family or select friends, they never failed to make me smile or laugh during tough times. I also love working on my hobbies, such as music or photography. This year, I definitely improved my photography skills and even began freelancing/doing paid shoots as a result. Read more>>