What is creativity? Believe it or not, I was asked that as the first question in a very important job interview. My answer fell flat, I said, “Creativity is being able to look at the world like a child again.” I still think that was a decent answer, but someone wasn’t impressed. Job: 0, Kid Goggles: 1.

Some say creativity is the ability to generate original ideas, while others emphasize thinking outside the box. I believe creativity is all about finding unique connections and combinations. It is akin to playing matchmaker with ideas, being open-minded, and sometimes brave enough, to forge connections in novel and unexpected ways.

And the best news is, there is no one else in the world exactly like you. So when you are creating in an authentic way and summoning the courage to really express yourself through your craft, the outcome is bound to be original and creative.

Creativity isn’t predicated on discovering something new. How long has the wheel existed, and how many times have inspired individuals and companies very literally ‘reinvented the wheel’?

Early on in our startup adventure, Starla and I met to discuss our vision and how we wanted to describe our mission at UnchainedBrainz (albeit over some really disappointing tacos). We always knew we wanted to be a company rooted in creativity, but Starla admitted to me, giggling a bit, that she doesn't perceive herself as the most creative person. (This couldn’t be farther from the truth, by the way).

I told Starla that I see her as exceptionally creative because creativity is all about looking at the world in a unique way and drawing connections where others may not see them. Starla makes these types of connections on the fly, and like no one I know. It’s one of the things I love about her.

As we peeled back the layers on creativity, a revelation struck us like a bolt of lightning: We want UnchainedBrainz to be a haven for connecting the dots. Our mission goes beyond merely coloring outside the lines or applying paint to canvases—what we're really fired up about doing is drawing connections between people, thoughts, and ideas in new and inventive ways.

At UnchainedBrainz, our mission is clear. We're here to emphasize that there are no mistakes in art and creativity. The sole mistake lies in not seizing the paper and colors and taking the leap to rediscover yourself and engage again in creative play with your loved ones.

For some inspiration, here are some interesting examples of creativity in action. In each of these examples, inventors creatively recognized the connections between the seemingly unrelated and used that inspiration to transform what could’ve been dismissed as failure even, into inspiration.

• Slinky - Walking Springs: In 1943, naval engineer Richard James was attempting to create springs to stabilize sensitive equipment on ships. One of his prototypes fell off a shelf and "walked" down, giving him the idea for the Slinky, which went on to become a popular children's toy.

• Velcro - Nature's Inspiration: George de Mestral observed burrs sticking to his dog's fur and mimicked the hook-and-loop mechanism to create Velcro.

• Play-Doh - Failed Cleaning Product: Play-Doh started as a wallpaper cleaner. When its formula proved ineffective for cleaning, its pliability and non-toxic nature made it an ideal toy material, turning it into a beloved children's product.

• Post-it Notes - Failed Adhesive Innovation: Spencer Silver, while working at 3M, was attempting to create a super-strong adhesive. Instead, he accidentally developed a low-tack, reusable adhesive. It wasn't until Arthur Fry, another 3M scientist, used it to anchor his bookmark in a hymn book that the concept of Post-it Notes was born.

• Ice Cream Cone - Sweet Serendipity: At the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, an ice cream vendor ran out of cups. Next to him, a waffle vendor offered to roll his waffles into cones, fueling the popularization of the iconic ice cream cone.

Let’s redefine creativity together, however we want. It's not just about thinking outside the box; it's about forging connections in your own unique way.

Keep those creative currents flowing and stay unchained! --Janet

Sources and More Reading:

• The Accidental Invention of the Slinky

• George de Mestral: Velcro® Inventor

• Play-Doh: Inducted Year: 1998

• History Timeline: Post-it® Notes

• At the World's Fair of 1904, St. Louis showed off the best and worst of America