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?

Maria Margo Berry

I’m a copywriter, and my mission is to encourage conscious consumerism by helping sustainable fashion and jewelry brands reach and connect with wider audiences.

After watching documentaries like The True Cost and RiverBlue, things just started to click for me. Once I really thought about my shopping behavior and the impact of my purchases, I couldn’t look the other way. I made the decision to purchase fewer, better-quality things and sought out brands that were creating products mindfully. Read more>>

Jay Pastucha

At Oil Lamp Theater, our mission is to create a warm, welcoming, and intimate theatrical experience that fosters deep connections between artists and audiences. What makes our mission truly meaningful is our commitment to bringing the quintessential storefront theater experience—so often associated with Chicago—to the suburbs. In our 60-seat space, every performance is personal, every audience member is close to the action, and relationships are built over time, not just for a single evening. Read more>>

Nostalgia Bar

We are dedicated to turning the clock back & providing our customers a unique, nostalgic 90’s experience. Re-live the good ol’ days at Nostalgia!. Read more>>

John Stallone

Keeping the history of the telephone alive. Read more>>

Jacob Anderson

The mission of Ratherbe Outdoors is to show that adventure, exploration, and camping don’t have to be expensive and that time in nature can be a powerful way to relieve stress and anxiety. By using creativity, resourcefulness, and DIY solutions, we prove that anyone can enjoy the outdoors without spending a fortune. Whether it’s repurposing gear, building survival tools, or finding budget-friendly ways to camp and explore, we aim to inspire others to get outside, embrace adventure, and experience the mental and emotional benefits of being in nature. Read more>>

Yolanda Petty

I was introduced to the financial world in college in Intro to Finance. It captured my attention then. I knew it was a way to make a difference in the lives of every day people. Fast forward to 2018 I had ended my almost 17 year marriage in my mid- forties and I had been laid-off a year prior from a declining industry. I found myself a divorcée, with two children, and one of them was in college. I was where many middle age women were finding themselves; juggling all the things and wondering how they are going to make it now and prepare for their future. I had been in the financial space early in my career as a financial advisor. Read more>>

Francheska Travieso

Oh, I love this question because my mission is so deeply personal. I didn’t start this business just to sell self-care products—I started it because I was losing myself.

As a new mother, I felt like I was disappearing into the constant demands of caring for everyone else. I needed something—anything—that helped me reconnect with me. That’s when I started creating. At first, it was just about finding small moments of peace, but without even realizing it, those moments became a healing process. What started as simple self-care turned into something much bigger: self-love. Read more>>

Carmilla Bobmanuel

At HOMD we strive, to provide a culturally diverse, professional dance, and theatre education in a safe, non-judgmental space at an affordable rate. Our aim is to bridge the economical gap in fine arts and provide a family-like atmosphere that builds confidence, self-esteem, and encourages our students to get to know each other. We strongly believe in contributing to Minnesota in a positive healthy way by giving back to the community free dance fitness lessons for every fitness lesson purchased. Read more>>

Davis Taylor

LocateNow was founded with one simple mission: to make finding an apartment in Atlanta as easy and stress-free as possible. As Atlanta natives, Davis Taylor and Grant Harney know how overwhelming the search can be—especially for newcomers who aren’t familiar with the area. With their backgrounds in property management, logistics, financial tech, and investing, they saw an opportunity to create a service that simplifies the process and provides real, local expertise. Read more>>

Michelle Carvalho

All In The Detail is a lifestyle brand that is rooted in our Portuguese heritage. We authentically celebrate strength, beauty, and individuality by designing with purpose and intention. With integrity, every piece is thoughtfully crafted using a sustainable conscience mindset and practices. We are proudly committed to support give back initiatives that create a meaningful change. Our legacy is defined not just by what we create, but by the lasting difference we make. At All In The Detail, every stitch, every fabric, and every design carries a deeper purpose. Read more>>

Shaniqua Jones-Williams

The mission behind SendBack is deeply personal and a reflection of my roots, my first spark of entrepreneurship, and the realization that what looks like a simple returns service is actually a powerful tool for impact — financially, environmentally, and socially.

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and some of my favorite childhood memories are of creating with my grandfather. My very first entrepreneurial endeavor was making pencil holders out of toilet paper rolls. We’d collect them from neighbors, cover them in wrapping paper, and sell them as pencil holders. It was the true epitome of turning one man’s — or woman’s — trash into another’s treasure. I didn’t know it then, but that experience sparked a lifelong passion for finding creative ways to add value, reduce waste, and serve my community. Read more>>

Chasen Lee

Started doing business in the night life in Hollywood Ca. Where I became a event planner . One of the 1st of my era to promote on the main stream of Los Angeles areas. Then moved to Las Vegas where I got my biggest claim to fame and hustle the Las Vegas strip. Bringing tourist and locals all together for an eventful weekend. Working at Encore/Wynn Surrender Nightclub/Encore Beach Club , Drais Nightclub, and then Light nightclub/ daylight beach club. Music has always been a passion of my mine where frowning up singing in the youth choir was a family tradition. Read more>>

Margaret Ferguson

Beyond the Chair Co. is a volunteer nonprofit and feminist group that focuses on addressing the issues faced by beauty workers who have long been undervalued and had poor education and working conditions. Our mission is to aid in enhancing beauty education and addressing labor discrepancies for beauty workers, such as cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, and makeup artists, along with researching this understudied industry. Read more>>

Lindsay Buwalda

I’ve always been someone who finds clarity through movement and nature. Whether running on a scholarship at UCSB, skiing, hiking, doing triathlons, marathons, races, riding horses, or just getting outside to breathe and reset—those moments have always been my compass. They’ve pushed me to grow, to stretch beyond my comfort zone, and to stay connected to what really matters. Read more>>

Stephen Winters

my goal as thepizzahulk is to spread the word of pizza to everyone. yea that might be done by a bigger more popular pizza guy, but he’s got an entire company backing him. Me, im just a guy who loves pizza it’s been a lifelong obsession. I don’t have a very robust flavor pallet so the few things I like I really dig into and pizza is at the top of the list. thepizzahulk is a passion project its something that I enjoy doing I travel around the great state of NJ eat pizza and talk about it. no scores nothing to in depth just putting out videos and pictures of pizza. most places get the stamp of approval by a sticker I place on the front door saying its been “PizzaHulk Approved” I do travel outside of NJ I have stickers on doors in NY CT PA FLA Chicago & Las Vegas I have a few other states on my invite list and ill get to them soon enough! Read more>>

Chris Turner

My mission, is to make sure I can touch as many people/veterans through song as I possibly can. Music is a type of healing and a great therapeutic outlet. As a veteran, we will never Stop 22 but if if I can Stop 1, I did my job!! Read more>>

Pierre Ngung

The mission behind VIBE Oasis™ is deeply personal to me. I’ve always believed in the power of human connection—how live music and shared experiences bring people together in ways that leave lasting impressions. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I developed a deep appreciation for diversity, travel, music and art. Read more>>

Rebecca Richard

My mission as a web designer is deeply rooted in my background in cybersecurity. After graduating, I worked at a Fortune 500 company, but the corporate environment didn’t align with my values. I saw firsthand how overwhelming and restrictive it could be, especially when I noticed how my manager’s schedule was packed with back-to-back meetings, leaving little room for creativity or balance. Read more>>

Sümeyra Yüce

I believe the biggest risk I have taken in my life was choosing to be an artist, especially as a woman, considering the geography I was born into. Art has always been the most powerful expression of my existence and despite all the challenges, I chose to walk this path. At times, I faced uncertainty, societal perceptions of art, and the invisible barriers that exist for women artists. However, looking back now, I see that every step of this journey was worth it. Art has not only been a personal endeavor but has also provided a space for connection with those who relate to my work. The experiences I have gained throughout this journey have shaped not only my artistic production but also my perspective on life. I take great pride in both myself and the path I have chosen. Read more>>

Latasha Nelson

To serve the community that has built their back on the sense of sisterhood ad belonging by providing services that has always brought us together. To nurture the human spirit, one sister at a time.

I wouldn’t have been able to start my business without my community, without Black women. It was my mother and my sister that strongly advocated for me to start because of my “magic hands”. It was the Black women at my university that decided to trust me, another student on campus, with their braids in which I was able to teach them how to take care of their natural hair underneath. Read more>>

Gina

It’s always been my personal mission to show my clients, especially women, how beautiful and photogenic they are. We live in a time where most people think they are not good enough. Putting your brand out in a competitive and sometimes critical environment can make you feel very vulnerable. Read more>>

Gerard And George Rasshard Brown

I, Gerard Brown have partnered with my brother George Rasshard to launch a Premium Cigar Brand called BrownBoyz Cigars. Our mission is to not only build a legacy for our family, but to create a quality product that cigar smokers can enjoy. BrownBoyz started as just an idea, but has now turned into a full fledge family owned business. All the employees of BrownBoyz are family members as we are debunking the narrative that you should not do business with family. Read more>>

Michele Cho Dorado

Growing up, I was taught that education was the key to success, and like many in my field, I followed the well-defined path into medicine. But despite years of schooling and training, there was one critical subject I was never taught – financial literacy. Like so many physicians, I spent my early career focused on excelling in my specialty, only to realize much later that I had little understanding of how to build and sustain financial security. Read more>>

Kristopher Davis

My mission is simple: to push people past their limits and help them take full control of their lives—physically, mentally, and financially. Active Lifestyle Coaching isn’t just about fitness; it’s about self-mastery. I believe discipline in the gym translates into every other area of life. I’ve seen firsthand how committing to fitness builds the mindset necessary to win in business, relationships, and personal growth. Read more>>

Trunnis Goggins, II

My original mission was to write books to help aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals buying direction, plan appropriately, and remain motivated through the ups and downs of their career. However, once I created a lasting relationship with my publisher, I realized that I would use the doors that I open to give others a voice. As a result in addition to my “The 4Ps of You” franchise of books, I created a “Stories of” series which is an anthology of books that deal with subjects of grief, veteran transition, drug abuse and recovery, and even I book that is coming out in 2026 of people who have overcome circumstances of prostitution and human trafficking. These books are to give a voice, create awareness, and even assist nonprofit groups and issues and manners of funding and promotion. Read more>>

Ria Visitacion

The Mission behind my company is so that people can feel Empowered to go after the life they truly desire. The way were brought into society makes us believe that we are just average individuals who then become scared to take a risk to give themselves a better life. We have limiting beliefs. I love empowering people to know they can achieve anything they dream of with strong leadership and guidance. I help & also teach individuals about Financial Education , Generational Wealth Building & Also that they can become Entrepreneurs just by going after what they dream of and through pure hard work & the will to survive they really can go after it all! Read more>>

Kristy Drutman

Green Jobs Board didn’t begin with a group of environmental enthusiasts trying to start a profitable company. We were born from an instagram post that led to an engaged and buzzing community asking the same question: what are the steps we need to take to build a career in the green economy? Read more>>

Lindsay Scarlatelli

I officially launched my photography business in January of 2022. I believe part of what makes me as a photographer and my business “unique” is that I want to be able to put a certain percentage of my profits towards various organizations and good causes. During October – December of 2023, 10% of all business I made went towards two mental health organizations (AFSP and NAMI). I have also made donations during ALS Awareness Month in May. It is a long-term goal to generate enough monthly business to consistently do more of this. Read more>>