Inspirations
When you start to question who you are or why you do what you do, go back to what inspires you to refuel your soul, and continuously fill your life with whatever pushes you to become a better version of who you were yesterday.
Here is a brief look at who and what shape our brand, our minds, and our hearts.
People
So many people influenced the values upon which this business is based. For brevity purposes, we’ll give these two a shout out as they played a large role in raising the owner.
Haverly’s grandpa (“Poppy”) came to the US from Italy when he was 16. Not knowing a word of English, he was placed in the 2nd grade. Soon after, he joined the US Navy and fought in WWII. Poppy worked multiple jobs to support his family, and even though his work ethnic was his most admirable quality, his sense of humor, love for his family, and pride in being a veteran were close seconds. Poppy died at 96 years young, and even though he stood at 5’6” on a good day, he was among the tallest men in the room when it came to commitment, patience, and loyalty.
Poppy was married to Nancy (Nana). Nana was an incredible woman. While Poppy taught his granddaughters the importance of a work ethic, Nana taught them the importance of an open heart and kindness to all. No matter how little money the family had, or how crowded the dinner table already was, Nana made sure her family knew that there were always those who had less and there was always room for more.
Word451 was built and continues to work on the blood, sweat, and tears that Poppy put into everything, and with the heart and love that guided Nana’s way of life.
Books
We are inspired by books. A lot of them! Too many to list, but a few of our top choices include (in random order) Walden by Henry David Thoreau for its teachings on simplified living; Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss for making us dream big; I Know Why Caged Birds Sing by Maya Angelou for introducing the importance of strength of character and owning our stories; and Fahrenheit 451 for which this business is partially named as its message rocked Haverly’s mind in high school, and it re-enforced her passion for freely shared ideas and her dedication to help others find lasting happiness rather than instant gratification.
Quotes
Sometimes, people say things that stick with us when we hear or read them. Here are a few of our favorites:
“Don't spend your precious time asking, ‘Why isn't the world a better place?’ It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’ To that there is an answer.”
Why we love it: If you’re bothered by something, make the change you want to see. You have the power.
“Do the thing, and you shall have the power.”
Why we love it: You must do the thing, our thing, for anything to happen. There is no perfect timing. You will never be ready. Just take the first step. Start somewhere my friends and enjoy the journey.
“I think that the good and the great are only separated by the willingness to sacrifice.”
Why we love it: There isn’t much this man says we don’t love. Quite simply, we believe those who are great become that way because of their willingness to work hard, fight laziness, admit ignorance when needed, and make sacrifices.
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
Why we love it: We strongly believe that we have an obligation to make this world a better place for those who come after us, and whether we personally benefit or receive recognition plays no role in our motivation to give and help others.