Our stories are often hard to understand until folks understand our true motivations, our true drivers and the stories behind why our mission or purpose truly matters to us. We’ve asked some inspiring folks from the community to talk to us about why they do what they do and have shared some of our favorite responses below.

Adaeze Nwanonyiri And Lenny Rosenberg

Bea’s Bakery is a multicultural bakery that strives to ensure that every culture and nationality has a seat at the table. The establishment has been historically known as a Jewish bakery. As a first generation Nigerian, I know what it feels like to be excluded so I wanted to ensure that inclusion was a must. Designing the interior of the bakery with different colors that get all of the customers excited and hungry psychologically was a key factor. Additionally, specific multicultural ingredients in our baked goods is another important factor. For example, our red velvet kola nut cupcake is a Nigerian inspired dish which also pays homeage to Juneteenth. Read more>>

Alondra Taveras

After so many years of continuous heartbreak i started to see the patterns in my romantic relationships. i decided to track these habits that led me to look more intimately at my childhood and my parents. i was quickly able to see my parents and grandparents stories in my experience and that was very unsettling. what first came to mind was how in the christian church growing up the pastor spoke about these generational curses. i recalled he spoke about how it come down to someone in the lineage being able to finally break free of those chains. i knew i was chosen and had to take matters into my own practice as i was no longer part of the church but initiated into IFA, an african spiritual practice. Read more>>

Angela Jackson

Angela Rena & Co. exists to primarily help people become their best selves by learning to spread love by living in their purpose. Everyone has a purpose but how do you know your purpose? At Angela Rena & Co. we focus on helping people connect with their purpose, help them tell their stories through books or films, and create programming that speaks to the heart of humanity which encourages individuals to walk in Love while living in their purpose. Read more>>

Bex Schulman

When my cousin was planning her wedding and searching for a meaningful way to ask witnesses to sign her ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract, there wasn’t much on the market. I saw an opportunity to create something contemporary and on-trend special for Jewish couples and people who resonate with Jewish culture. From there, the Nice Jewish Girl (NJG) Doodles brand was born, beginning with the signature “Will You Sign Our Ketubah” card pack. NJG Doodles also offers bespoke greeting cards for life’s milestones, traditions, and everyday moments. There is also a “Stuff To Schlep Home” notepad, all featuring my original illustrations. Read more>>

Brad Etter

Star Potential Media was created for multiple reasons. The first was to simplify and streamline the social-first video production process. As producer/social manager and director/shooter/editor for a smorgasbord of clients over the years, my business partner Julia and I saw that many brands, businesses, and influencers were hard-pressed to find the jacks- and jills-of-all-trades of production that they needed in order to develop their brands creatively and meaningfully online while keeping their marketing budgets low. Another reason we created Star Potential Media was to celebrate the freelance creative. Having built many digital empires from the ground up, Julia and I know all too well just how much time, effort, and creativity goes into amassing an audience for a brand or personality. Read more>>

Brandi Hunter

My mission is to help people tell the stories that matter to the people they serve. When I started freelancing just as a creative outlet a decade ago, I learned that helping visionaries execute their vision is where I thrive. Leaders have great ideas and big hearts. They just need help with communicating it all in ways that will resonate, and that’s where I come in. Read more>>

Cherie Werner

For me, FIESTA’s mission is deeply personal. As someone who has experienced the isolation and challenges of being a founder plus being married to a serial entrepreneur, I know how arduous this journey can be. I am passionate about supporting the growth of others. FIESTA allows me to cheer on, give back, and help others overcome obstacles by building a supportive environment that nurtures innovation and success. By connecting people, promoting a giving environment, and celebrating achievements, I’ve seen individuals realize their potential, find co-founders, create opportunities, and secure funding. Read more>>

Chris Vazquez

Successful businesses are built on an actionable mission. Finding this mission and fine-tuning it to a place where it can be easily remembered, understood, and acted on takes time. When I started my first business, the idea popped into my head one night and I couldn’t shake it. It’s fair to say I never forgot it. However, boiling all that inspiration down into a single mission proved to be very difficult. When SoundLife Music Academy first opened in 2014, our mission was convoluted and overly verbose. As a result, it was very difficult to translate our passion and vision to our customers. It wasn’t until we learned how to clearly develop and articulate our mission that we saw true progress and growth in our business. Read more>>

Coco Wade

Let’s talk about it. In fact, if we’re being honest, prior to launching my publication, I myself, as an independent artist, creator and public figure have been racked with disparities in a way of seeking earned media and noteworthy publicity. In 2011, I set out on a journey to discover prominent methodologies with linear connections to approaching like-minded talents, hopefuls, industry leaders, legends, moguls, small businesses, startups, record labels and of course indie artists who share a similar compassion for unveiling surreal truths behind the business! Read more>>

Daphne Paras

I had been in a loveless and sexless marriage for over a decade and had become very numb in many aspects of my life. In 2016, I had a spiritual awakening that completely shifted the trajectory of my path. I was given the guidance, of “harness your goddess” energy. I followed divine guidance and began studying divine feminine energy and began facilitating full day workshops to help women return to their authentic selves. As I opened up with these women to share my story, I realized that my superpower was my ability to be vulnerable. Read more>>

Elizabeth Pokki

I discovered embroidery during one of the most challenging periods of my life. I was looking for a hobby to help me unwind and escape the pressures I was experiencing. I landed on embroidery because it was both affordable and beautiful. I quickly fell in love with it, and having something to look forward to made a significant positive impact on my mental health. Read more>>

Emily Bejaran

Adventure. Love. Passion. Adventure, love, and passion have always been at the core of who I am. I seek out adventure, act out of love, and dedicate myself to nurturing my passions. These values have deeply shaped my life decisions, motivating me to make a meaningful impact and presence in others’ lives. By embracing these principles, I aim to inspire and uplift those around me, creating connections that will resonate long after I’m gone. Read more>>

Empress Simone’

Mission Statement: My NICU Story At My NICU Story, our mission is to provide unwavering support, advocacy, and a sense of community for families navigating the challenges of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As a two-time preemie mom, I know firsthand the emotional rollercoaster, the fears, and the hopes that come with having a baby in the NICU. My personal journey has ignited a deep passion within me to help others facing similar experiences. Read more>>

Eric Trevisanut

In 2021, we were just a couple of buddies who bonded over a passion for house music. With nowhere to play but a cramped 1 bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver, we craved a way to share this passion with the people around us. We had the idea to rent a space and throw a party. Who would be there? We didn’t know, and it may not have really mattered at the time. We just needed to play our music; so play we did, In the side room of a little boutique shop. And we LOVED IT! That was the night that WHYNOT was born. Read more>>

Gil Shuler

My mission has always been to try and solve design problems with a great idea / great concept. ive always worked hard to find idea driven solutions and do the best graphic design for the client no matter the size of the budget or the project. i love graphic design and when i get an assignment, i really enjoy the process of sketching different concepts, then taking them to tighter art, then once that solution crystallizes, its a true feeling of success, satisfaction and fun. then, most of the time, when i present it to the customer and they react with joy – i have accomplished my mission. Read more>>

Hareder Mcdowell

My mission is based on the lack of sexual education and communication provided specifically through the lens and experience of black women. The creation of my nonprofit organization, P.R.E.T.T.Y INC, was based on how sexual choices were not discussed & sexual communication was not accepted nor provided from a positive standpoint therefore allowing black women and girls to fall victim to sexual abuse, unplanned pregnancy, contraction of sexually transmitted infections, low body positivity, lack of sexual pleasure and maturity and shame. Read more>>

Hatem Askar

Mission Statement: At Middle Eats 808, our mission is to bring people together by sharing the vibrant flavors and stories of our Middle Eastern heritage with the beautiful communities of Hawaii. We’re passionate about offering a healthier, delicious alternative that blends the traditions of our culture with fresh, local ingredients, all at a price everyone can enjoy. Hawaii is home now, and we love creating connections with the local community—not just through our food, but through the stories and history we share in our cooking classes. At Middle Eats 808, it’s about feeding both body and soul, one plate at a time Read more>>

James Metts

The name for my brand, Planet Storyland, came from a question I had. The question was, what would a kid from another planet think about how we live? One evening I decided to answer that question. I got out a pen and paper and set them on my nightstand. Then I laid back on my bed with my eyes closed to see how the answer would play out in my mind. Almost immediately a scene appeared and after watching and listening for about fifteen minutes I opened my eyes, sat up, picked up the pen and paper and began to write down what I remembered. I continued this process every evening for a little more than three weeks. Read more>>

Jill Lerner

Learn with the Best started off as a tutoring company for students with and without disabilities. Many years ago, I was working with a student with disabilities who was attending a specialized school and the school refused to give him math instruction since his level was far below his peers. The mother drove three hours a day, 1.5 hours each way, to come to me for individualized math instruction. This became very burdensome for this family in many ways: time, gas expenses, car maintenance, etc. Read more>>

John Cameron

Our mission is clear, reduce, reuse repair. We reduce consumption as a basic business model by providing a consignment avenue. This Consignment avenue is the essence of our company. There have been a handful of studies that proves that reselling is more environmentally friendly than donating because oftentimes reselling means that it gets to the intended group that is supposed to go to we’re donating is just a roulette. Nothing new is sustainable. No matter what the brand it took energy to create it. It took materials to create it. So by selling used. Read more>>

Kady Jacobs

In a small but growing town in Upstate, SC, a small brick-and-mortar business is making a big difference. “Anger Management of the Upstate” housed within the Resolution and Enrichment Center (the R.E.C. for short), isn’t just another community service provider; it’s a beacon of hope, born from my determination to turn personal pain into a legacy of healing. I never set out to be a business owner. My journey began while I was working at a local non-profit, dedicating my time and energy to helping those in need. But time and time again, I encountered a heartbreaking reality: people calling in desperation, seeking anger management or domestic violence classes to meet court-ordered requirements, only to be turned away. There simply weren’t enough resources in our community to meet this critical need. Read more>>

Kim Phan

My husband, sister and I started Crab Hut in 2007 with two goals: to retired our parents and to eat seafood at wholesale cost. When we first opened, we were so committed to bring the best seafood available to our guests that we’d get our live crawfish shipped to the airport and drive our little VW Beetle back to Convoy, our original location. Now with three locations and our new adventure, Kingfisher, we still place the same emphasis on serving high quality, mindfully sourced products and sourcing as much local products as possible. As we grow older, our mission has grew with us a little more as well. Read more>>

Dennis Spielvogel

“Our mission is to create immersive and engaging mobile gaming experiences that captivate players of all ages and backgrounds. Through innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, we strive to deliver high-quality games that inspire, entertain, and connect people worldwide. We believe in the power of gaming to bring joy, excitement, and shared experiences, and we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the mobile gaming industry.” Read more>>

Abraham Carbajal

The reason why I do all the things that I do is to show the world that anything you set your mind to is accomplishable. I believe everyone has a chance at success. If you are set on what you want and believe in yourself nothing is stopping you. My mission is to inspire all of those people who are scared and insecure about themselves. I want to help them get out of their little scared bubble and burst out into greatness. Read more>>