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.

Harper Spero

I had eight jobs in ten years. Each of those jobs were companies I was passionate about working at but they either didn’t have any job openings or they didn’t have roles that were suitable for me. For each of those companies, I created a role for myself — finding a way in, knowing my value and believing that I could be a good fit for the company. In being a business owner for almost eight years, most of the services and content I’ve created are based on needs that I personally had and realized there were likely other people who were looking for this as well. Read more>>

Rennee Hubb Johnson

Inspiring 2 Live started as a hashtag and was officially birthed in 2020 when I lost (4 family members within 40 days). My grandfather, grandmother, niece, and nephew Marcus A. Godfrey gained his crown on July 22, 2020. I found myself at one of the lowest points and needed a way to express myself. I launched Inspiring2live, which started as a way to inspire people, win souls to Christ, help me heal, and a way to express my creative ideas. Read more>>

Nate Lastinger

So the story behind my mission is kind of a long story that I’ll shorten up in a couple sentences. I went to the Hair school a couple years ago based off of the suggestion of someone I was in a relationship with at the time.. Once I decided to go to Hair school, I knew at that point that I wanted to open a barbershop within a couple years and change the industry for barbershops to be more upscale as well as have more of an edgy vibe to it. I believe that there’s not enough barbershops that has originality attached to it. They’re all very basic shops with basic flooring basic walls very standard barber chairs and very standard methods of the service from start to finish. (At least from what I’ve seen as a common trend) So to me it was my mission personally to change that standard to be a higher quality. Read more>>

Alex & Pam Montero

The main story behind our mission is that I, (Pam), was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder when I was only 17 years of age. My career as a hairdresser had barely begun and that diagnosis made me feel that it had already ended. I soon learned ways I could stay healthy and prolong my career, with the use of naturally derived products. Finding products that protected my immune system gave me hope for my future as a hairstylist, and I have seen how it has given that same hope to my clients with delicate physical and mental health. Read more>>

Corinne Wight

Although my name is Corinne, I tend to go by Rinn. I am a visual artist originally from a quaint waterfront town on Long Island, currently residing in Bushwick, New York. I received my AOS and BFA in Communication Design from Pratt Institute. Shortly after graduating, I found myself working at a startup marketing agency; I was responsible for overseeing the artistic aspects of all, including publications, web development, digital marketing, and product design. Things were going well until 2020. Read more>>

Christina Barrett

I have always felt it was my calling to inspire others to see themselves in a beautiful way. As a photographer for more than a decade, I noticed that so many people (especially women) don’t see themselves the way others do. Confidence plays such a strong role in how we show up in our day to day lives. It shapes our decisions, what treatment we accept, the risks we’ll take to succeed and how worthy we think we are of all the good things in life. Read more>>

Susan Kahan

I’m a donor wall person. A data analysis person. A you should put your money where your mouth is person. A person who believes that collectively we can make a change, make a difference, and move the needle, even if just a little. There is a Hebrew proverb that tells us – by saving one life, you save the world. That is what philanthropy is to me, and why I am so passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their goals and advance their missions. Read more>>

Kairi Al-Amin

Launching my cannabis consulting company Legacy 2 Legal was the culmination of my struggles to break into the industry. I have first hand understanding of the pains solopreneurs and small business go throw when trying to navigate the process and so, when I found an affordable way to quickly launch my own product, I knew that it was something that the market needed and thus would be mutually beneficial for me as a business owner and my clients as the receiver of this much needed service. And that’s the best kind of business to start Read more>>

IKER ECHEVERRIA

The story behind my mission is simple: it has always been about unique, exhilarating experiences. My father is a professional racing driver, from whom I inherited a passion for all things automotive, and it is because of him that a spark ignited a relentless pursuit for these experiences throughout my life, in all aspects. Read more>>

Shawn Li

Our company’s mission statement is that “real estate is broken, and we are fixing it!” What we mean by this, is the real estate agent pool is composed of tons of part-time agents without that have little experience and prioritize sales over clients’ needs. This isn’t because real estate agents are evil or anything. It is just the incentives that are set up to have the clients’ needs last. Read more>>

Greg McCarthy Jr

The story behind my mission is for me to fulfill my destiny as an all around creator in every field that I specialize in. When I do photoshoots, create my paintings, create my NFT collection or write, create & edit my short films; my mission is always the same with each of these categories & that’s to Create My Vision, bring it to the world & do so in a unique way that sets myself apart from other people. I want you all to look at my paintings or watch my short films and automatically know that this was done by Greg McCarthy Jr, because I execute my vision in all of my works with precision, dedication & hard work, but always with a message behind everything I put out. Read more>>

Suzanna Valles

As a teen mother, statistics have always been stacked against me. I want to show women around the country every single day that you can beat the odds and achieve your dreams no matter what circumstances life has thrown at you. The goal is to take your hardships as motivation to take your life to levels you never thought would be possible. I always tell women that I once prayed for the place I am in life right now. And even on hard days where I am not where I want to be, I’m also not where I was yesterday. Read more>>

TONY BERARDO

During 2020 when we were all stuck at home either by ourselves or with our spouses, we watched as some of our favorite daily activities and local businesses shut down right before our eyes. At that point we put together a plan to start a business that we both would enjoy and would help our community. So after months of planning and research, in 2022 my wife and I launched Meet Cute Box. Read more>>

Chris Slade” Johnson”

The story behind the mission of The Influence Crew began with a need to bring different and more relevant events and content to the city of Jacksonville, Florida. Flying Write was added as a way to create content and distribute original artistic images and events to the city of Jacksonville and beyond. The mission has remained the same since the brand’s creation in 2017 and we have never strayed away from our mission and movement. We are bringing cultural awareness to a city that has been creating amazing content for decades. It’s now time for our movements to be seen and heard. Read more>>

Divya Yoder

I am a lover of and advocate for all-natural products. As a mother to two young boys, I wanted a natural health product to help cure common ailments but was unable to find one locally that was palatable and effective in boosting immunity. I was already disheartened by the general overuse of antibiotics in this country and became further wearied by the prevalence of artificial and impure products on the market. Read more>>

Neysa Jones

NJ Kingdom Enterprises is an incubator for Dreams, birthed out of my passion to ignite, nurture, and empower the visions of Creatives, budding Entrepreneurs & Non-profit startups, who may be struggling to launch Read more>>

Jennie Ellis

In 2009, my family and I started a school in a primitive, mountainous region of Haiti. I learned during my first trip that I needed a photographer to document students and their progress to sponsors in the US. It was not feasible to bring a photographer every trip so I decided I needed to learn. For the next 10 years, I hauled my equipment and a portable printer and taught myself how to capture moments without exploiting anyone or taking his or her dignity. I was completely in my element- savoring the moments of beautiful relationships and also devastating poverty. Americans needed to know the people, their conditions, and their needs and my camera was the catalyst. Read more>>

Kory Douglas-Davis

Being an innovative person has always given me the leverage I needed in any industry that I have worked in. Particularly as an Independent Bartender who thinks outside the box while using the necessary skills acquired in my formal training at Atlanta Professional Bartending School ( June of 2019). My passion for people, service, hospitality and making elevated cocktails has afforded me many opportunities locally, Nationwide, and in the Caribbean. From small house parties, to wedding receptions, private gatherings ( requiring NDA), apartment clubhouses, corporate events, and the list goes on with regards to the events WE/I service large and small. In this service with a smile industry; Read more>>

John Howell

My life has been a story of following the rules, and then changing them. Let me explain. I grew up a straight A student, in the top 15 of my class. I listened to my teachers, my coaches and my parents. I listened to the voices of my community that said that the best choice for a career is to become a doctor, attorney, or accountant. Don’t get me wrong, I like those guys. My dad is an attorney. But it just wasn’t for me. From the time I was 5 years old, I had already decided that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, and that dream never died. Read more>>

Stephanie Joplin

I want to see other women win. I have this wish of abundance for all women. Even the women who, perhaps, don’t relate to me. When I manifest abundance, I do so with everyone else in mind. Seeing others genuinely happy and thriving has been my mission since becoming a serious content creator and curator of high-end crystals and minerals. I spend 14-16 hours a day curating, creating beautiful images and video, writing copy, sharing important information and discussing topics that some shy away from because it might be considered “controversial.” Read more>>

Tamika Smith

I started Rawbeautie Wellness to help customers achieve their weight loss goals. Considering surgery myself and being afraid I started researching body Contouring and it became my new business baby. Read more>>

 

Rayn Forest

To be honest, I answered the call from my Ancestors, Spirit Guides and Los Muertos (The Dead) that I honor and serve, at the age of 17. As far back as I can remember I always had a keen understanding about death. My Bisabuela ( Great Grandmother) taught me Los Muertos should be honored and respected, there was no need to be afraid and I wasn’t. It’s in my Taíno Arawak Indian & African bloodline to honor and celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones as they transition from this life to another. Read more>>

Greg RAy

Hutto Texas is the only city in the country with Hippos as a mascot. We are known as Hippo Nation. When we first moved to Hutto we noticed hundreds of Hippo statues in peoples yards and business’s. We wanted to represent our city, but did not want a huge hippo in our yard. I went online and found a small flat hippo mold to make my own concrete hippo stepping stone. I made a few and put them in the flowerbeds. My wife took some pictures and posted them on social media. We immediately received feedback asking if we were selling them. We started selling them, but it was real sporadic. Read more>>

Trina Slade-Burks

The mission for the No More Starving Artists Foundation is to help primarily Palm Beach County artists be sustainable personally and professionally by providing opportunities and services. This started because artists in the county were struggling to get the respect and recognition from local businesses, municipalities and organizations. They were not getting opportunities that of county and out of state artists were receiving. We wanted to build the legacies for artists from Palm Beach County. Read more>>

David Spitdowski Jr

I grew up competing in gymnastics since the age of 5, so I was always around coaches. I would go to gymnastics camp every summer to work with some of the best coaches from all over the world. I looked up to these coaches and always wanted to help others achieve their goals. As I got into high school, I was going to the gym to get extra strength and conditioning in for gymnastics. This is where my passion for fitness began. On my 18th birthday, I asked my family for a personal trainer and nutrition certification. I’ve been hooked ever since with continuing education so that I can provide the best quality coaching for my clients. Read more>>

Giliane Lafontant

I’ve always been a foodie. One day while I was out , I decided to take a picture of my plate and I’ve been taking pictures . Why not share with the world some delicious food Read more>>

Charrisa Taylor

Hi. My name is Charrisa T and I founded iTeach iCoach LLC because I saw a need in my community. During my time as a teacher, I found the issue with my some of my scholars was that they were missing many foundational reading skills that caused them not tp perform on grade level. A parent asked me if I could provide extra practice outside of school to help them close the missing gaps. Once I started tutoring one scholar, the word got out and many more parents requested outside tutoring services. Read more>>

Natalie Wood

I believe it is important to give my clients nothing but the best. Top quality products. Up to date training. Unlimited contact before the big day for any questions to ensure peace of mind. Patience during the service for those who are nervous or unsure of their chosen look. Time …. nobody is to feel rushed on the day. I make sure we leave an hour before everyone is to leave for the ceremony, this sets aside time for photos, presents, phone calls, touch ups and any last minute missions that arise. Read more>>

Germano Coker

St Pete Fight Team is St. Petersburg’s only karate school located on the south side of St Pete and meant to serve the underprivileged communities in that area. We are a 501(c)(3). We provide karate classes for all age groups, starting from 3 years old up to adults. Our classes include traditional karate and Okinawan weapons training, self-defense, fitness, and competition training, We provide an exciting summer camp and after school program.. We also host seminars and various special events and trainings throughout the year. We are St Petersburg’s premier sport martial arts school. Read more>>

Lequita Sharrock

My spirituality serves as the inspiration behind my business ventures. After years of running into obstacles in the corporate world, in 2015, I took a leap of faith and decided to start our family business, Sharrock Media Group. Yes, there have been moments of trials and tribulations. However, my God is faithful. I stand firm on the promises of his deliverance. The byproduct of prayer, devotion and studying his word has resulted in great opportunities for our company. Our trees and streams include podcasts, sports media outlet, life/business coaching, government contracts and a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Read more>>

Idara Udoh

The mission of Black Male Clothing is to instill pride in our people and elevate through fashion and clothing. Positive words about ourselves and teaching our history while doing so. Read more>>

Tamzum Morris

My story started out as wanting to help those that suffered from skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis and More. But as I’ve been growing in my business, I’ve found that it takes healing on the inside to reflect on the outside. Self Care is something we fail to do from time to time. And now it’s my mission to make people Glo inside, just as well as outside. Self Care plays a part on building Self Esteem, and I want to help those get back on a path of loving themselves. Read more>>

Valeria Amor Lopez

My name is Valeria Amor and I am a small business owner of ElegantWomanBoutique When I was Younger I wouldn’t afford big brand names for lingerie & I saw perfect models in there website I couldn’t identify myself like this models . So I made My Business Elegant Woman Boutique that you can se real life woman feeling elegant in there own skin. Read more>>

Da’Vion Tatum

Growing up and seeing how so many people who look like me are mistreated across so many different areas has made me want to be instrumental in fixing those disparities. If we look at our health system, our justice system, and even our society as a whole, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that disparities not only exist but are prevalent in new and more overlooked ways. I aim to use my platform and my work to rectify these issues and uplift minority and underserved communities on multiple frontiers. Read more>>