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?

ROB The voice

ROB the voice (Robert Adrian Steiner), is an international singer/songwriter and producer based in Bavaria/Germany. The lead singer and musician is looking back on more than 30 versatile and successful years in the music business with various bands, outstanding international musicians and as a successful producer and solo artist with numerous releases, most recently his two solo albums “Blues in the night” (2014) and “Legacy – the 30th anniversary unplugged album” (2022) and his latest x-mas single 2022 “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Claus!” (2022) with which he received several chart positions and numerous national and international awards, such as latest the Akademia Legacy Award 2022 in Los Angeles/USA and the International ISSA Gold Award 2022 in Atlanta/USA. Read more>>

Vivian & Alyx

Our story begins in 2020, Alyx and I, Vivian, came from creative backgrounds. Alyx had experience as a pixel artist, fashion director, and graphic designer. Vivian was a photographer and UI/UX designer. Both had an affinity for boba and wanted to give back, as well as participate in the creative community. Vivian grew up in San Jose, CA as a creative artist. Drawing, dancing, painting, sculpting and more were my hobbies. In high school, I did not find a creative community to be a part of that shared the same interests. Art electives were underfunded and wasn’t seen as a great career choice so I had thought being creative wasn’t what I was going to do growing up. Read more>>

Kimaya White

From the beginning of my cosmetology career, it has always been my mission to contribute to the self-expression of women and to enhance the natural beauty of all of my guests, while educating them on the health and texture of their hair. It was always my goal to create a space where women can have a moment to relax from the real world where they can feel valued and respected regardless of age, gender, or background. I’ve personally experienced some terrible things in the salon culture over the years, and I wanted to do things differently for my guests’ future and present. I believe that going to a salon should be a 360-degree experience from the moment that you walk through the door, to the moment that you leave. Beauty is more than skin deep, and it is my goal to make every client feel confident, empowered, and beautiful both inside and out. Read more>>

Jessica Molina

My work often expresses messages of self-love, progress, growth, and empowerment. These themes are prevalent in my own life as someone who, at different times, has struggled with things like low self-confidence, fear, perfectionism, and depression. I view my work as a reflection of the messages I needed to hear the most during those times—and sometimes still need to hear. My mission is that the messages in my art are able to inspire anyone in the world who’s feeling the same way I have, reminding them they are unique, strong, and a work in progress. Read more>>

Caitlyn Henderson

Growing up, I was never someone who felt safe to stick out or express myself authentically. I was always taught to blend in with the crowd and always think about what other random people would think of me and how I expressed myself. Once I was in a space to be able to move away from those ideas, I started to really dive deep into what I want to do, how I want to do it, and how I want to display my personality and my passions. That philosophy plays an incredibly integral role into Rainbow Rave Hats, because I want to help anyone be able to express themselves authentically and fearlessly, in any setting. One of the comments I receive the most frequently on my hats is, “Oh, I love your work, but I could never pull that off!”. While I understand the feeling, and the fact that my work is not to everyone’s taste, I’d love to help people reach a point where they feel like they can wear exactly what they want to wear, where they want to wear it, how they’d want to wear it. Period! Read more>>

Torris Pelichet

The mission of Pelichet Production is to create compelling and impactful visual stories that inspire, entertain, and educate audiences. Our mission is deeply meaningful to us because we believe in the power of storytelling to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and drive positive change. We are passionate about using the medium of film and video to connect with people on a personal level and make a difference in the world. Read more>>

Erin Anthony

Red Dog Coffee Roasters is definitely a mission based company, albeit not in the traditional, clearly defined mission statement sense. At our core, we are a small-batch coffee roaster with the mission of providing high quality, freshly roasted coffee at a decent price. This is obtained through quality control and being as self-sufficient as possible. I not only roast the coffee, but do all the design work, screen print t shirts, pour candles, and social media relations. This is just the base of our mission, though. As a brand based on a specific breed of dog, the Vizsla, I have the unique opportunity to use our brand as a platform to help in several unique ways. Not only do I donate a portion of sales to both Vizsla rescue and Vizsla health and welfare, I also use our brand as somewhat of a source to educate about the breed. Read more>>

Keeley Young

For me, it was never about “weight loss, fitness, or looking a certain way.” Barre made me feel strong, confident, and simply put — happy. When I was pregnant with my daughter, Stella, in 2021, I wasn’t able to run the long distances I was normally able to. During that time, I needed to find another outlet, and barre became just that. After delivery, I continued taking online barre classes but was missing the community aspect. In 2022, I decided that I would take the leap and get trained to be a teacher so I could share the love I have for Barre. Our mission is mindfulness, movement, community. Being mindful of what we tell ourselves, moving our bodies in a way that makes us HAPPY, and finding community with the women we share space with. Read more>>

Kyanah Hughes

At the age of six or seven, I got so obsessed with the “Thats So Raven”. A Disney show about a young black girl who wanted to be a fashion designer that had physic abilities to see in the future. Her style was bold and colorful which captivated me at such a young age to start sketching my designs. I eventually started loving flare jeans and obsessed with 1970’s styles. My Nana Connie showed me all her amazing outfits from her party days in the 1970s which made me love that time period so much. I’ve had people tell me I have an old soul ever since. Read more>>

Theresa Delarosa

My name is Theresa and I am a local event and wedding coordinator in Kansas City, MO. At the age of 13, my heart felt drawn to hospitality. I just wanted to serve others and love them well. That purpose has taken me to various career fields and when I finally decided to start my business it felt pretty dang natural. I place a huge emphasis on transparency and compatibility. I operate out of an abundance mindset now, (thanks to some really awesome mentors.) I always want to reassure future clients, brides and grooms that they need to hire a coordinator they trust, have fun and connect with. I know that my personality and the services I offer are not for every couple and that is ok! Read more>>

Charley Wright

My Mission when I opened this space was to have a place local artists, creators, healers, and specialists could showcase their talents. I’m an artist and I used to go to local craft fairs. I was amazed by the incredibly talented people I was surrounded by, and I wanted to give us a home. I wanted to open a unique spot where people could shop and honestly say, “this was handcrafted in Myrtle Beach by a local artist!”. And luckily for me, I have a ridiculously supportive, business savvy, and creative family who were ready to jump in with me. Read more>>

Shahid LaMothe

I want to motivate others because I believe that there are infinite possibilities to the success of myself and everyone else. If you have faith and believe in your ability to achieve your goals then you will become a success. The circumstances of your life does not matter. This is my mission because when I was at the lowest point in my life I found a new level of faith and belief in myself that brought my goals closer to me. 2021 was a pivotal year for me because my whole life was turned upside in a matter of days and events that cost me everything I earned, and landed me in the hospital for 30 days and in jail for 5 months. On August 5th of that year I experienced my first manic episode while I was traveling from New Orleans to Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Read more>>

Azia Gambrell

My mission is to improve, educate, and inspire my clients and those around me to accomplish their goals whether that is through real estate, dance, the arts, or fitness training, I love helping those around me become greater in their life! My passion is to inspire those around me to see the light within themselves so much so that they inspire those around them to do the same! Read more>>

Yasmine Jones

In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves trapped in jobs they dislike, solely for financial stability. My husband & I own an Event Venue (Savannahs’s Event Center) & a Multimedia company (GoodBoy Multimedia) here in Detroit, Michigan where “We pride ourselves on giving people the ability to stop doing things for money and start doing what they love.” Happiness and satisfaction can stem from engaging in activities that align with one’s passions. This approach allows individuals to lead more meaningful lives, leading to increased overall well-being and contentment. Read more>>

Chrissy Rowden

My mission is to connect people in the community with not only what they need but also with experiences or things they will enjoy. If that happens to be with local and/or small businesses that are about spreading kindness and love and are giving back, even better! During the day, I work in marketing at a medical pregnancy center that helps women and families in the community. There are so many resources available to help the underserved, but most do not know what is out there. I love the opportunity to share hope and discover their options while finding community. Read more>>

Adren Cook

For as long as I can remember, my unwavering focus has been on bridging the gap and empowering people, regardless of the field or lane I find myself in. One of the gifts that I cherish the most is my visionary nature, allowing me to see beyond the present and envision the next level or the ideal roadmap to bring ideas to life. This ability has always come naturally to me, and it’s complemented by a deep-rooted motivation to help others succeed and thrive. Witnessing the growth and success of others brings me immense joy and fulfillment, which has ultimately become the driving force behind my mission to empower people and make a lasting difference. Read more>>

Gillian Henker

At Sisu Global, we set our vision for a world where medical technology enables access to healthcare in every community. In 2010 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), I set out to create medical devices to fit the unmet needs of those in resource-limited settings — medical devices that are simple in nature yet impactful in design, serve as a lifesaving intervention for patients, and directly influence the entire healthcare ecosystem. Joining with others in 2014 to found Sisu Global, we began developing our first flagship device, Hemafuse. Hemafuse was conceived in response to the lack of donor blood in many hospitals around the world. I, like many others, was asked by a nurse about my blood type for a maternal patient who needed blood urgently due to hemorrhage. My blood type didn’t match, therefore I was unable to donate. Read more>>

Alex & Robert Pappas

Robert and I saw a need for a product in an up and coming category, CBD. Both of us being avid snackers and believing in the benefits of hemp and cannabis products we sought out to make an all in one product that provided both substance and the powerful benefits of CBD. In doing so we Hemp Nuts was born. A lot of current hemp offerings are things you wouldn’t normally eat or you’d eat on a rare occasion like desert. So we wanted a snack that you could easily incorporate into your everyday life that allowed you to take advantage of the benefits of hemp without having to sacrifice your regular diet. Peanuts are a snack that are found in most peoples homes around the country. By adding CBD to peanuts we created an all in one snack that provides both substance and protein but also provides the recovery benefits of CBD. Hemp Nuts provide people a CBD offering that is familiar to them, peanuts. In addition to the familiarity of peanuts, cannabinoids being fat soluble actually need fat in the body to help them to maximize ingestion. Read more>>

Enrique Puerto

For some time I dedicated myself to learning. I always wanted to learn from the best. But I didn’t know why I wanted to learn. The simple fact of being better did not satisfy me 100%. Along the way, I was discovering what is the real reason for wanting to learn more and more. I wanted to learn to share. It is useless for me to stay with that knowledge, I like to share what I have learned. Also, wanting to learn made me realize that to achieve it, it was essential to do things without expecting something in return, that was a key point in my learning process. Read more>>

Damon Thompson

When I got laid off from work at Habit ReStore during the 2020 lockdown, I used that free time to do over 43 spray paint murals in 5 weeks, in my city of Louisville, KY. It was the first time I ever got to do what I wanted to, every day. Neighbors and community members where so excited, they we’re giving me money, even though I wasn’t even asking. Since then I continue to do spray paint murals, as a small business. I keep my prices affordable and work directly with renters and property owners, keeping their vision and partnership my top priority. I also take every opportunity to share what I know at schools and by answering any questions from other artists who ask. Read more>>

Tanisha Bullock

At La Bella Bleu, our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Our journey began with my love for dresses and the transformative power they had on my own self-confidence from a young age. I wanted to create a space where people of all backgrounds, body types, and identities could find the perfect dress and jewelry combination that made them feel empowered and radiant. As an African American woman, I also embarked on a personal journey of embracing my natural hair, and this became an essential part of my identity. However, I noticed a lack of all-natural products that catered to my specific hair and skin needs. It was then that I realized there was an opportunity to offer a holistic approach to beauty, incorporating all-natural, handmade skin and hair care products that celebrate individuality and promote self-love. Read more>>

Maria Melkonian-Maissian

At Enove Agency, our mission is to facilitate connections. We strive to connect the most qualified talent with businesses in need of their skills and expertise. We also aim to connect businesses and brands with their ideal customers, fostering long-lasting and meaningful relationships. Through our commitment to connection, we aim to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Our goal is to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Empower, provide resources, and tools to serve our community. Read more>>

Dawn Lorentz

Before starting Self Reboot, I worked at one of the premier commercial real estate consulting firms where the motto was “work hard and play hard.” And’s that exactly what I did for 10+ years until I physically and mentally burnt out from the stress of chasing back-to-back deadlines on little sleep and poor nutrition. Over time, my stress and unhealthy lifestyle manifested into severe migraine headaches, Trigeminal Neuralgia, TMG, Insomnia, Depression, losing my hair…and the list goes on. I visited at least 10 different specialists in a little over two years and not a single one was able to determine the cause of my declining health. At times, the pain was so unbearable I had thoughts of giving up and committing suicide but, instead, I found the power from within and committed my life to not only surviving, but thriving despite the debilitating pain. Read more>>

PAUL ANDRUS

Our biggest goal with our Efoil business is to grow the sport of Efoiling and foiling all around. We would like to get more people out on an Efoil for a new and very unique experience “flying over the water”. Hydrofoils are changing the water and wind sports game right now, we want help get more people to be part of that trend. From kite foiling, wing foiling, wake foiling, prone foiling, Efoiling, etc….there is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to try a foil in some fashion. Our company is passionate about being on the water and has really enjoyed teaching a wide variety of people how to ride Efoils and enjoy the water in a new way. Read more>>

Chef Coy and Chef Chandra Touch

Whisk & Whiskey holds a special place in our hearts because it represents the actualization of a shared dream amidst the challenges of the pandemic. It embodies our passion for creating a space where people can come together, feel welcomed, and find solace in the company of friends, both old and new. Celebrating and highlighting our cultures, West Indian and South East Asian, specifically Trinidad, and Cambodia, is a deeply personal and meaningful aspect of our mission. We want to honor our heritage, share the richness of our traditions, and create an environment where others can experience and appreciate the beauty of these cultures too. Read more>>

Dennelle Mattier

When I started designing clothes I wanted to design more that just your average club dress or tshirt. I wanted to design clothes that celebrated and elevated black culture in positive ways. I wanted to create conversation pieces and wearable art that made us feel regal. I remember being younger going into clothing stores and not seeing any black designers and most definitely not seeing any clothing that represented me. There were never any black or brown faces on anything and I wanted to change that. Read more>>

Gail Cronauer

Everything that I do is connected to encouraging, supporting, instructing, guiding people to move toward their personal goals, using their creativity and as yet unlocked potential. When I was a child, my dad built a blackboard for me in our basement so I could play teacher to my toys and siblings! I have remained a life-long teacher – and learner! In college and grad school, studying theatre and the many skills and disciplines it entails, I took advantage of every opportunity I could to pass on what I had learned to others. Being present when someone experiences a moment of discovery, an “Oh, wow!” moment, enriches both their world and mine! I find that teaching is one of the best ways to deepen my knowledge – and to reveal areas in which I need to, want to, explore more. Read more>>

Ashika Lessani

My mission is derived from my own failures and success stories. Being a mentor and health coach in the wellness industry online, there is a lot of demand on showing up, working long hours and getting caught up in hustler culture. Many entrepreneurs can get caught in this cycle, and start to lack creativity and drive in their business, Including myself. Having the a back ground as a registered holistic nutritionist, who worked with clients needing support on how to eat for optimal mental health, and personal trainer focusing on longevity and leadership coach providing accountability and clarity in the health and wellness space, it was critical for me to make my own mental, physical, emotional including spiritual health a priority. Also, as a parent it become that much more apparent that my well-being had to be number one. Read more>>

Dallen Amar

My mission is to get those interested in fashion the result they want. The result worth more than what they are paying me for. If they are interested in fashion, it’s because they want to look nice and feel nice, or standout, am I correct? So, I am here to provide that for them. When you see it, it looks nice. When you wear it, it will feel nice. Then when you go out in public you will stand out. I’m telling you because I know for a fact, though my own experiences and testimonials. This mission is meaningful to me because I need a meaning to offset the tragedy’s life comes with. Life is suffering, I am at least going to have a meaning to get me through the suffering. Otherwise, I will just suffer. Read more>>

Allie Nyman

My husband and I got married June, 2015 and moved to Texas in September of that same year. I had just turned 21 and other than college I had never been on my own. It was a new and exciting journey for me. Eventually, we were ready to start having kids. What we were not prepared for was the four year struggle. After lots of tears and accepting the roles of cool and fun aunt and uncle, we found out we were pregnant! Once again there were lots of tears but these were tears of joy. And again another unexpected journey as we navigated pregnancy and becoming new parents during a pandemic. I so desperately wanted to document our journey but the world was shut down. I decided this would be the perfect time to pick up my camera and learn how to take pictures. The pictures of my son were some of the first, worst, and most treasured photos I have ever taken. Read more>>