Everyday we meet business owners, professionals, artists and creatives. Photographers, florists, realtors and more. They might come from different backgrounds, work in different industries, have varying personalities, and have vastly different income and educational profiles, but the one thing we’ve seen over and over again is that most people have a unique and special reason for why they do what they do. From a realtor helping families afford the first home he always wished for as a kid to a photographer using her skills to give a voice and face to victims who feel voiceless, we have been blown away by what happens when you just ask people a simple question – why do you do what you do?

Kara Mccann

As a firefighter, I quickly realized that fitness and nutrition aren’t just “nice to have” in the fire service—they’re essential. Our job demands strength, endurance, and resilience, yet too many firefighters struggle with inconsistent training, poor nutrition, and a lack of guidance on how to actually take care of their bodies for the long haul. Read more>>

Wayne Kirby

To create a real estate brokerage that is not just based on transactions but relationships. To create an environment for agents that it is not a competition but one that we all work together as a team and collaboration is the key to our success. Read more>>

Paul Adeyeye

When I moved to Canada six years ago, I encountered many new experiences and challenges, but adapting to life here came relatively easily. However, understanding personal finance in Canada was a different story—it felt clumsy and ambiguous. I soon realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle; even some Canadians lacked clarity about their finances. Within the immigrant community, the gap was even more significant. Read more>>

Juan Miguel Rivera-pecunia

At Otium, we strive to become the leader in short-term rental and boutique hotel management in Puerto Rico. This vision arose from a clear need: while the island is a vibrant tourist destination, we identified an opportunity to enhance the hospitality experience by establishing new standards in property management, guest experience, and operational excellence. Read more>>

Kaitlin Winder

“To help to empower & encourage people to feel comfortable & at ease in front of a camera-to be able to confidently & authentically capture their portraits & memories in a way that honors them and their individuality.”

Before I ever picked up a camera- I remember having those yearly family pictures or school portraits taken-like most of us do. ‘Picture Day’ is always a day filled with mixed emotions-excitement, anxiety, shyness, and so many other feelings in between those as well. We all feel some certain way about having our picture taken. Typically, most people tend to feel nervous when a camera is placed upon them. Read more>>

Kanak Bal

I started crafting single-protein dog treats with a very clear goal: to promote a better diet for all dogs, regardless of age or breed, so that our best friends can live their best lives for as long as possible. This soon extended to our feline friends as well, who often have limited options for healthy, protein-forward treats. Read more>>

Jake Huddelston

It’s hard to say that we are truly a mission driven company, because we aren’t out fighting global hunger or finding homes for lost puppies. However, I can tell you more about why I care deeply about what we do and why I do it.

Land investing, and more broadly real estate investing can feel like not only a lonely endeavor at times, but a selfish one. Our whole premise is based on finding an opportunity, and a lot of investors, my past self included, rely solely on people opportunities. These are finding people in tough situations where they need to quickly dispose of a property due to some unfortunate life circumstance. In exchange for a quick payout and way out of a normally illiquid asset (land), there is enough room left in the deal for an investor to throw some nice marketing behind the property, do a little clean up, and make a healthy profit. Read more>>

Edoardo Basile

I chose to create Roccosculptures not just as a business, but as a tribute—an homage to my grandfather, to my family name, and to the generations of artisans who have poured their hearts and souls into the marble industry. From my great-grandfather to my father, every generation in my family has worked with marble, building a tradition that speaks volumes about passion, craftsmanship, and dedication. It’s a tradition that runs through our veins, and for me, it was never a question of if I would continue it, but how. Read more>>

Adrian Accay

Adrian Accay, PharmD, is driven by a mission of personal transformation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of holistic well-being. Growing up in South Philadelphia, Adrian learned early on the importance of discipline, hard work, and responsibility, values that continue to shape his life and career.
His journey began with a passion for healthcare, leading him to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. As an entrepreneur, Adrian founded a chain of health center pharmacies across Philadelphia, marking early career success. Yet, despite this growth, he saw a gap in traditional medicine: one that focused more on treating symptoms than addressing root causes of health issues. Read more>>

Bobby Bengal

My mission is rooted in my passion for storytelling, branding, and helping artists and businesses bring their visions to life. From an early age, I was fascinated by how experiences were created—from magic tricks to Disney movies—and how they could make people feel something deeper. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that behind every great experience, there is someone carefully crafting the details, ensuring that what the audience sees is nothing short of magical. Read more>>

Angela Hicks

The mission of Nanny On The Go is deeply personal and rooted in both passion and purpose. From the time I was a little girl, I had an undeniable love for babies and children. There was something about their innocence, their need for care, and the joy they brought that always resonated with me. I knew, even then, that I wanted to be someone who made a difference in the lives of children. Read more>>

Richard Garcia

The mission: Getting into the film industry and joining my Local Union to make a decent wage. After making a decent living for a bachelor I never really cared to spread my wings, I was fine where I was or rather more stagnant, perhaps even complacent. What drove me to my journey which I am currently on is the opportunity to make an honest living while providing for the ones I love around me. Read more>>

Lindsey Marshall

What started as a playful idea has turned into a very special job that I get to share with people all over the world. It started for me being a bridesmaid in what felt like a million weddings. Wedding day after wedding day we rushed through the morning “getting ready process” and before you knew it you were walking down the aisle and not seeing the bride again for the rest of the night. I wanted to slow the day down and create time and space for everyone to breath, celebrate and be fully present together. Read more>>

Michelle Bear

I am the fifth owner in Edmonds Bookshop’s 54-year history, and the previous two owners still work there. We are lucky to have this wealth and breadth of knowledge and experience. The previous owner (Mary Kay) and I have discussed how we feel the bookshop is really the community’s bookshop. She said that within a week of her ownership, after walking around the shop thinking to herself “that is mine, and that is mine” (all tongue-in-cheek,) she quickly realized how much the bookstore was not hers as much as it belonged to the customers, as one customer came in and exclaimed “where are my books, you moved them?!” Read more>>

Tyler Stehlik

At Livestock Nutrition Supplies LLC, our mission is rooted in our own experiences as farmers and ranchers. We know firsthand the challenges of keeping livestock healthy while maintaining a profitable operation. This business was born out of a simple but powerful belief: if we wouldn’t put something into our own animals, we wouldn’t sell it to others. Read more>>

Alejandra Lozano

I come from a country where limitations are everywhere. Since I was little, I was told that life was hard and that only a few could truly make it. On top of that, I was a highly sensitive child, and my family didn’t know how to help me navigate my emotions. This led me into deep depression, with multiple attempts to end my life. I’ve seen so many people suffer the same way—feeling hopeless, unable to find joy or light. Read more>>

Phillip Trujillo

I have always been passionate about fitness, but it wasn’t until I became a personal trainer that I realized my approach to movement was different. While other trainers meticulously wrote programs and followed rigid plans, I felt constrained by the structure. To me the human body was a story waiting to be told, and each client brought a new chapter. I decided to embrace the unknown and challenge myself to create workouts on the fly, inspired by the movement and energy my clients brought into the room. Read more>>

Kenia, Isabella Hale, Escobar

Barbara Smith, co-founder of Kitchen Table Press, named it so because the kitchen table is “the center of the home, the place where women in particular work and communicate with each other.” Porch Water Press honors the porch as a radical space of community meeting, where the home meets the world around us, meets the land, meets the many waters that connect us. Read more>>

Swati Starseed

I am an authentic bold woman who values freedom of expression. I spent years in survival mode due to Physical, Sexual & Emotional Trauma which led me to discover the journey of Self Mastery of Emotions. I resonate with being a “Starseed”. Starseeds are old souls that belong to a beautiful galaxy of stars where souls live in high resonance and frequencies of pure Love. My soul volunteered to come to planet Earth to raise the collective consciousness by using my spiritual gifts in the service of humanity. Being a starseed is a challenging lonely journey and is not for the faint of heart. I am a multidimensional being and I am gifted with many skills & talents. Mostly I prefer to spend time alone and connect deeply with high vibe spiritually aligned people. Read more>>

Carli Gordon

The Libi Project’s mission sits at the intersection of food and community. While food inherently fosters connection, those working in the industry often find themselves in isolation. Financial constraints, demanding schedules, and limited resources can make it difficult for culinary professionals to find mentorship, connect with like-minded peers, and expand their careers beyond traditional hospitality roles. Read more>>

Sean Herman

For Sean Herman, creativity has never been confined to a single medium—it’s a way of life, a relentless pursuit of new ways to tell stories, solve problems, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact. His mission is to push the boundaries of design, technology, and entertainment to build immersive, meaningful experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level. Read more>>

Shelby Crawford

At The Event Society, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences that feel effortless, sophisticated, and deeply personal. I believe that the best events aren’t just beautifully designed – they’re a reflection of the people at the heart of them.

This work is more than just planning for us, it’s about crafting moments that matter. With years in the wedding and event industry, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful details, seamless logistics, and intentional design can transform an event into something truly magical. I love what I do because I know these moments only happen once, and they deserve to be celebrated in a way that feels meaningful and completely you. Read more>>

Diana Olmedilla

From a young age, I knew I had a passion for transforming spaces. It all started with my grandmother—my biggest inspiration. She had an eye for beauty and a deep understanding of how a home should feel. Together, we would rearrange furniture, refresh rooms, and breathe new life into the spaces we lived in. She saw something in me before I even knew it myself. She knew that design was more than just aesthetics; it was about creating an environment that made people feel something—comfort, joy, inspiration. Read more>>

Sham Shah

Travel4Purpose was born out of a deep desire to transform the way we travel. I noticed the negative impacts of travel during my first backpacking trip and felt a need to address this, from environmental harm to the exploitation of local communities and cultures. We’re not just another travel company; we’re a platform where purpose meets adventure. We prioritise creating a positive impact in everything we do, and that’s what sets us apart from traditional travel agencies. Our mission is to create more smiles and introduce the world to Kenya, authentically. Read more>>

Logan Jarvis

One of the main things I find in the music industry is selfish ambition. I’m sure this comes as no surprise. However, the music and entertainment industries are places where you encounter SO MANY people. It’s constant interaction with people from all different walks of life. This is the ultimate mission field. Especially for creatives, who already have the eyes and ears of so many. People want to be listened to, loved, and told the truth. And that is my goal as an artist or songwriter. I want myself, and my team to be known for the type of personal interactions we have with people. Trustworthiness, kindness, and truly caring for the human beings around us, not just pushing career agendas, will separate us from everyone else. Read more>>

Marlene Lopez

My journey into holistic living began as a personal quest but has since transformed into a mission to help others reconnect with nature, sustainability, and the power of traditional healing.

For over a decade, I have sought a simpler, more intentional way of life—one rooted in self-sufficiency, community, and holistic well-being. This passion grew from necessity when, in 2017, my newborn son was diagnosed with severe chronic asthma. After exhausting conventional treatments and endless hospital visits, I turned to herbal remedies and natural healing. Through careful study and a commitment to my ancestral medicines, I witnessed my son’s health transform—freeing him from the constraints of chronic illness. Read more>>

Liz Parsons

Motivating Movement was born from the belief that fitness should be accessible, empowering, and free from perfectionism. After spending years in the entertainment industry as an actress and performer, I experienced firsthand how movement could be a source of both joy and pressure. That experience shaped my approach to fitness—not as a means to “fix” yourself, but as a way to celebrate, strengthen, and nurture the body and mind you already have. Read more>>

Jillian Anderson

HERide was born out of necessity and personal experience. As a Black woman and a former rideshare driver, I saw firsthand the challenges women face in the rideshare industry, both as passengers and as drivers. Stories like that of Chanti Dixon, who tragically lost her life while simply trying to do her job, highlight the urgent need for safer alternatives. Read more>>

Eisha Branner

At E-Community Outreach Services, our mission is to empower and uplift families by connecting them with essential resources and support.

This mission is deeply personal to me because it stems from my own life experiences. As a mother of four, I understand the challenges families face when trying to provide stability and opportunity for their children. My career in human services, including my time at OLHSA, helped me see the transformative impact that access to resources can have on a family’s future. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I lost my job. That experience, though difficult, became the catalyst for my nonprofit. It showed me firsthand how quickly life can change—and how crucial it is to have a community that offers support during those times. Read more>>

Mariana Mcfadden

My mission is deeply personal. As a mom and immigrant from Mexico, I faced the challenge of building a career that allowed me to be present for my daughters and my husband while also creating financial stability. Without family support in the U.S., I needed something flexible—something that would give me the freedom to work on my own terms. That’s when I discovered e-commerce and Etsy. Read more>>

Rick L

I wanted to know more about the experiences of my father-in-law, David Stein, in WWII. He was a navigator on a B-17 bomber. His plane was shot down over Germany, and he was held captive in a German stalag in the last nine months of the war. I learned about his experiences from his military records and family interviews. As I dug into his story, I wondered what it was like for him and other American airmen, particularly those who were Jewish. It eventually evolved into a book, Navigator Down! A Jewish POW in Nazi Germany, that covers these experiences from enlistment through training in the States, transport to and life on their Italian bases, their bombing missions, capture and its aftermath, liberation, and the return stateside. Read more>>

Kelly Olson

In October of 2023, co-founder Kelly had an encounter with turtle road mortality that left a lasting impact. After moving into a house situated between two marshland areas, she noticed turtles crossing the busy intersection outside her home office daily. Determined to help, she began conducting regular “turtle sweeps” on the hour during the spring, summer, and fall months. One day, while rushing to save two large painted turtles in the street, a truck came around the bend and struck them just feet away from her. Although they survived the initial hit, both turtles were too severely injured to be transported to a rehabilitation facility. Read more>>

Joshua Jones

Growing up, my Dad would always have a camera in his hand. Home videos. Recording school plays. Capturing award ceremonies. You name it — Dad always wanted to capture and remember memories.
In the Fall of 2022, I was clearing out our garage back home and I found his Canon AE-1 with a Sigma zoom lens. I brought it to him and saw his face light up from the memories that came from this instrument. The joy of photography, memory, capturing moments is what I live for. Im never losing sight of that. Read more>>

Dr. Rishikesh Upadhyay

I did my schooling at District Council Lower Primary School and Don Bosco School, Haflong, and my father (Pitambar Upadhaya) was a railwayman and my mother (Nandakala Bawni Upadhaya), a homemaker. My father died on 24th January 1997 at Bhanjang Basti, Haflong, when I was a student of Haflong Government College studying BSc Hons in Botany. Read more>>