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.

Quantrilla Ard

Grief manifests in various ways. Typically, we push it to the side or tuck it away to deal with it at a more opportune time, only to realize that time never comes. As someone familiar with many types of grief, I held on to the lessons I’d learned and the strategies I was given because who really wants to talk about grief and loss? Little did I know that grief and loss are on our minds much more often than any of us wants to admit. For years, I have walked alongside countless friends, family members, and others, helping them name, navigate, and reframe their grief journeys, and the older I become, the more I witness the need for this type of work in a more formal, structured way. I get to share my story and the strategies that have helped me with others, providing a path forward through one of life’s most difficult challenges – grief and loss. Read more>>

Mariano Rodriguez

My dream or Mission is bigger than my existence. My goal is to create generational wealth. Id like my kids kids kids kids to have a good start at life. I come low income neighborhood where we face income challenges growing up which effects our daily choices and dreams we pursue. Also to show my kids and everyone that no matter what your doing or where you are in life. With the right mentality and consistency truly anything is possible! Im a barbershop owner working myself out the shop to do music full time. Read more>>

Dustin David

My mission is to make art and keep making art. The story behind that is pretty simple for a long time I thought I was just a comedian and I had a lot of my identity tied to that until I was put in a position where I was unable to perform and didn’t really feel like I knew who I was anymore. I did have the urge to continue to create though. So I got back into graphic design and then figure drawing and then mixed media and then photography and then eventually back into comedy. They are all things that I still enjoy doing and oscillate between them from time to time. Having the privilege and luxury of having.a day job puts me in a position to chose what kind of art I get to create. Read more>>

Lala Williams

Behind The Lenz 202 was born from Lala’s own journey in the modeling industry—one filled with both triumphs and trials. As a professional model who carved her path through major fashion shows, editorial shoots, and brand campaigns, Lala experienced firsthand the lack of genuine support and development opportunities for emerging talent, especially for models who didn’t fit the industry’s narrow mold. Read more>>

Chris Sarfin

I’m drawn to tell feel-good stories that hopefully bring some sense of joy. I like bringing happiness to people and think filmmaking could be a way in which to do that. I think that in spite of all the noise in this world people need some safe space to be able to feel that. I’ve always felt the desire to do that since I was a kid and hope to continue doing that moving forward.  Read more>>

Ashley Lindholm

I’m all about making fashion feel approachable — for real life, real budgets, and real bodies. Whether it’s for men, women, or kids, I love curating pieces that are both stylish and size inclusive without the high price tag. While not everyone wants to shop for new apparel — or can afford it — we want to have something to offer both. Living in a small town, having a local option that brings together name-brand style and affordable prices is really all I’m after. Read more>>

Tracy Lamourie

I help people and their passion projects – whether its their book, their business, their film, their not for profit find success and expand their possibilities by getting them seen and heard in major media, in the online world and in the real world – finding them TV, radio, podcast, newspaper and magazine opportunities and speaking engagements, parts, partnerships, sponsors – whatever helps get their mission out to a great audience – and ultimately to the world! Read more>>

Adena Sampson

There comes a time in each of our lives when everything seems like it’s falling apart—our relationships unravel, our health declines, our finances crumble—and it can be easy to allow these circumstances to define us. When these seemingly insurmountable obstacles arise, we have two choices: to use our circumstances as an excuse to stay stuck, or to face our fears and move through them. Read more>>

Davina Lloyd

My name is Davina Lloyd, and the mission behind my work was born out of a moment of reflection—sitting in the gym, having a heartfelt conversation with my friend and trainer. I kept thinking about the men and young boys in my life who were silently struggling—facing job loss, divorce, PTSD, lack of support, and the effects of violence and bullying in schools. I felt a deep conviction that something needed to be done. That’s when I decided to launch a Men’s Empowerment Conference, designed to provide mentorship, professional development, mental health awareness, and community support for men of all ages. Read more>>

Lucretia Marsh Ward

Coffee played a vital part of my childhood up until now in my adult hood. As a child I could remember at about 7-8 years old the smell of coffee flowing through the house that I was raised in. My mother would get up early in the morning and make a pot of coffee. The smell would run through the whole house. When I would get up to get ready for school I could smell nothing but coffee. She had this aquarius zodiac sign coffee mug. It was large.😆 By the time I will come down from getting ready for school.There was always a half a cup of coffee left. Yes we drink it,me. I joke with myself now because at seven or eight I could have invented ice coffee because it was cold when I drank it! Read more>>

Tina Bhardwaj

My mission is to use fashion as a language to help people find their place in the world—with confidence, culture, and style. Whether I’m styling a CEO, a bride, or designing ready-to-wear, my work is rooted in identity and belonging. Read more>>

Attica Lundy

Attica Lundy PResents is a company I created to present the world my talents and the talents of those I connect with. It started with helping others gain exposure using my Public Relations skills and resources and continues to evolve. As someone who struggles with the challenges of having Multiple Sclerosis and mental disability, I find it very meaningful to continue to present opportunities to others worldwide. Attica Lundy PResents On The Rise Magazine by far has been my biggest accomplishment as it’s shown longevity in it’s 17 years of existence. Read more>> 

Rebecca Cary

I am a survivor, or Overcomer, of domestic sex trafficking. I was trafficked in my 20′ s by a man that was twice my age. It took me 15 years after my abuse to come to terms with what happened to me and to try and change my life for the better. When I started looking for help, I found that there was simply not any, or very little, services for someone like me. The term “human trafficking” was still so new, and many services just had not been developed yet. This was just 6 years ago. Read more>>

Nikki Brown

When I first moved to Northern Virginia, I spent ten years working with Fairfax County Government as a community outreach worker. During that time, I discovered just how much rich, deeply rooted African American history exists in this region. I was surprised to learn how little of it was widely known or shared. That realization lit a fire in me. It became my mission to create a space where the legacies and contributions of African American culture could be honored, preserved, and celebrated. Read more>>

Necci Cooper

Juicing is my jam! I never imagined that something simple like juicing would completely transform my life.

In 2022, I made a bold move and left my home state of Michigan to move to a place unknown to me. Stepping out on faith and obedience to the Lord is the best decision that I have made. I didn’t have a support system here, but I did have a deep knowing that this is where I’m supposed to be. Starting new can be intimidating, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Read more>>

Marissa Clarke

I am a dedicated advocate for womb + yoni wellness, passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to reproductive health, self-care, and empowerment. As a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula (specializing in birth + postpartum doula support services), trained by Ancient Song in Brooklyn, NY and a Certified Peristeam/Yoni Steam Facilitator (PFc), I provide holistic support through every stage of life – from menstruation and fertility to pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. My love for herbalism plays a key role in my approach, as I incorporate plant-based healing traditions to help restore balance and vitality. With a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSc), I blend modern wisdom, ensuring that my clients receive well-rounded, nurturing care. Read more>>

Julie Williams

Our mission is to be in service to the plants. To give a voice and pathway for the botanical world to speak with and interface more directly with humanity. Through our pure, potent botanical extracts, essential oils, and our proprietary manufacturing process, we retain both their potent therapeutic properties and energetic messages. Read more>>

Nora Wilhelm

I became a changeworker when I was just 16 years old. After witnessing the pain that exists across the globe, in our history as well as in our present, I channeled all of my grief into action, and decided I wanted to be a part of the change. It was clear to me that I would dedicate my life to a more just and regenerative future, the question was just how. Read more>>

Sitora

I started Oncata because I wanted to represent so many beautiful humans I knew personally that were never seen in the media before. I wanted to break the mold of visual representation of us (models, actors etc ). When AI made an appearance my mission became even more crystal clear. We need to preserve our humanity through art, in person interactions and collaborations while remaining authentic to our unique personalities. Read more>>

Claudia Giovine

After over 30 years in Corporate America, I witnessed firsthand how many professionals operate on autopilot—disconnected, unfulfilled, and often dreading their workdays. True job satisfaction is rare, not because people lack talent, but because they lack inspired leadership. Read more>>

Eli Moreno

The mission behind Gnomies is rooted in a very personal desire: to create a space where people can gather, feel welcome, and tell unforgettable stories together. At its core, Gnomies is more than just a brand—it’s a living, breathing community where friendship is forged and grand stories are told. Whether it’s around a tabletop for a Dungeons & Dragons session or while grabbing a coffee at our future tavern-style hideaway, everything we do is centered on human connection, storytelling, and belonging. Read more>>

Treasure Hance

We’re on a mission to change the way people eat. Knowing where your food comes from and what goes into the process of how it gets to your plate is a vital part of creating healthier humans and a healthier planet. Read more>>

Sauntymia Robinson

My husband and I are both R&B music lovers. We love a night out on the town where we can find good music, good vibes and good food. But there’s a catch — we’re in Fort Worth and our idea of fun is usually hosted in Dallas. Thus Artistry Soul Collective was born! Our mission is not only to curate events in Fort Worth that highlight local R&B artists but also to provide these artists the opportunity to share their stories and inspiration! We want to ensure we provide them with community that sets them up for success. Read more>>

Nique Triplett

At Nique’s Accessories LLC, our passion is to offer exquisite, affordable accessories that celebrate self-care, self-love, and self-expression. Our commitment is to empower individuals to embrace their authenticity and unique style through our diverse range of meticulously curated options. Read more>>

Katie Silcox

I created The Shakti School as a portal in feminine energy for women, based on two principles: 1. Women have been discounted from their sources of traditional women’s wisdom in regard to their health, wellness and spirituality and 2. While we need education, we also need a space where we can access the quiet voice behind the thinking mind that holds wisdom, intuition and true knowledge. Our mission is to support women in honoring their own spiritual and health sovereignty as well as empowering and educating them in the world’s global health traditions. Read more>>

Sharla Ellis

I grew up in a very loving home — the kind of place where I felt safe, where I could dream big and know I was supported. There was my mom, my dad, and my four sisters — a true “Leave It to Beaver” kind of family. We actually ate breakfast and dinner together every day. We prayed together, laughed around the table, and created memories in a home full of warmth. Read more>>

ELISEAH WILLIAMS DIXON

At Hand N Hand Outreach, our mission is deeply personal: to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and offer a real second chance to formerly incarcerated individuals. But to truly understand our mission, you have to understand our story. Read more>>

Brandy Brimhall

AquaBandz, LLC was born from a very personal place—my own lifelong experience of being left on the sidelines during water activities. For my entire life, I’ve had to miss out on swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other water adventures because of my inability to prevent water over-exposure to my ears. I’ve watched family and friends make memories in the water while I stayed back, disconnected and limited—not for lack of desire, but for lack of a real solution. That can be an incredibly isolating experience. Read more>>

Delena Mai

Being a nail tech is more then just a job for me. What I’ve learned from being a nail tech for over a decade is that I love when people leave the salon happy and feeling great about themselves. My clients come in and i get to connect with everyone in different ways, this makes me feel like I have a special bond with each and every client. So my mission is more then just a pretty nail set, it’s making them feel seen and heard. We also get to watch each other grow in many ways. Read more>>

Cynthia Moreno Romero

The story of Ollin Cafetzin began in 2020 when a group of educators, organizers, and visionaries came together with a shared social dream: to create a contemporary space where people of color could gather, feel seen, and engage in critical conversations about identity, justice, and culture. Out of this collective vision, Ollin Cafetzin was born—a modern Indigenous Cafe and Ethnic Studies Library rooted in the values of cafetzin, conexión, and educación based in Aurora, Colorado. Read more>>

Jaron Matheson

I have build a business with me Wife, Her parents and My parents and we had to hire a consoler and separate and move on. I am currently back renting space from my parents who bought us all out of our equity. I have my kids working with me know. I have lots of thoughts on family business and what not to do and what to do. The biggest take away is to be honest from the start what everyone wants out of the business and what you are willing to sacrifice to make it work. Just saying we want to build an amazing company is a terrible idea. Everyone has different visions and goals in the business and life and not understanding that is going to break it all about. Read more>>

Melissa Cook

Running a successful business is no small feat, but I am fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family, who play an instrumental role in our daily operations. Their dedication, skills, and commitment have become the backbone of our success, allowing us to thrive even in the face of challenges.  Read more>>

Amanda Westcott

We are a husband and wife team. We have been together 20 years now. Officially worked together for about 13 years of those 20. We started the business in Toronto, then we redirected our efforts into moving to New York and continuing the business there. We made that move with neither of us having a full time job. All we had was our cat and our dreams. A lot of people thought we were crazy. Not the part about us moving to New York. That, they were completely fine with. We actually have friends and family that were TOO supportive and had TOO much confidence in us. We’d be 3 days into the move and they’d be like “how are the shoots coming along?” Read more>>

Abeer Jowaid

I am the sole owner of Stemtree of McKinney. However, I had tremendous support from my husband Dr. Monther Haddad. He helped me in various aspects of the business management. He worked over 22 years as a Telecom Engineer, he currently teaches Math and AI, and he has a doctorate in Business Administration. His support was invaluable in the success of Stemtree of McKinney. Read more>>