VISION: Collaborators Anita Patel and Stephanie Walters on Creativity, Connection & Community

“Creativity is inherent to the human condition. It’s an act of love.” – Anita Patel

Community has been central to the careers of Anita Patel and Stephanie Walters, so it was not surprising to see our Virginia Beach community show up in droves to listen to them share their VISION at The Garage on this beautiful fall morning.

Anita and Stephanie have long been creating spaces for themselves, their creativity and their community. While their respective journeys to Virginia Beach were different, these two powerhouses are now collaborating to fulfill the city’s vibrant vision through art, music and events that celebrate creativity and build community.

Anita attributes her success – which has included leading special initiatives for Gordon Ramsay, Zaha Hadid, Louis Vuitton Europe and Louis Vuitton Americas, to name a few – to her conviction in herself and her vision. It was Hadid, the world-renowned architect, who taught Anita to never compromise as a person or a creator.

Stephanie, too, credits her steadfastness for her illustrious professional journey, which in addition to the countless initiatives she has led for YELLOW has included hosting a variety of television programs and launching Dream Pusher, a storytelling and vision-building studio to help women reclaim and accomplish their dreams. “I’ve believed in myself more than all of the nos I’ve ever received,” she shared.

“I call it FAITHing it, instead of faking it. I believe in myself– I can do it!” - Stephanie Walters

Anita and Stephanie have challenged themselves (and each other) to make and hold space for creative collaboration. Creativity is the ultimate act of love, they say, and uplifting others, is the only way to fulfill the collective vision for a vibrant, and hopeful, city.

Working together at YELLOW – the nonprofit organization founded by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams whose mission is to EVEN THE ODDS through education – Anita and Stephanie build and nurture community relationships, create engaging community activations, and facilitate invaluable conversations that help advance possibilities for all. Together, Anita and Stephanie have collaborated on Bright Sparks Live, The Mighty Dream Forum and Something in the Water, all of which have contributed to our vibrant local culture.

Of course, as exemplified by their joint CreativeMornings appearance and the visible ease and love in their conversation, being surrounded by good people is also essential. No doubt, thanks to Anita and Stephanie’s extraordinary vision, Virginia Beach will continue to nurture its creative pursuits, inspiring us all to live more artistically and authentically.

“Why should we accept anything but the highest standards for ourselves and for what we’re trying to build? – Anita Patel

_

Written by CMVB volunteer blogger Valeria L. Palmertree

Join us every third Friday in 2024 as we explore, along with 236 other cities in 69 countries around the world, 12 new themes in a face-to-face community format. Past themes have included Rhythm, Endurance, Ritual, Reflection and Vision. November’s theme is THREAD, and our speaker will be Nikki Leone.

CM also has virtual field trips and a database of previous talks to enjoy and explore at home.