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.

Crystal Taylor

My story. Those two words create a loaded sentence! Goals are a big part of my life. I started setting them when I became sick with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) that caused me to lose my kidneys. I knew life didn’t end there, but just began. I set a goal to enroll in college and complete it. And I did. I enrolled at Texas State University (formerly known as SWT) and studied at night while on dialysis. I received a kidney 5 years later and graduated in 2002. I entered the education system and worked on yearly goals in the classroom. Read more>>

Lamar Hardwick

In 2014, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. I also live wit cancer and I am an advocate for persons with disability and chronic illnesses. Read more>>

Shannon McGlathery

Hair has always been my natural gift and my passion. However, finding a niche was difficult for me because I am a versatile hairstylist, meaning I can provide mutilple hair services. Throughout my 16 years in the beauty industry I experienced clients coming in with different hair challenges. Hair damage, hair loss, hair growth, and not being aware of what it takes to maintain healthy hair. Then myself and my daughter experienced hair loss. I began researching the science of the hair in depth, took a hair loss certification class, and gained all knowledge possible. Read more>>

CeCe Malone

I own TMK Influence with my daughters Taneeyah Biscette, Meniyah Biscette and Krislyn Biscette. They are recording artists, dancers, athletes, social media influencers and brand ambassadors. Taneeyah and Meniyah are known as “TM Twins,” Krislyn is known as “Krissy” and collectively as an r&b group they are known as “Cette 3.” I serve as the general counsel and manager with my background as an attorney and business owner for 21 years. My daughters serve as the creatives as they all have a background in dance, music and theater. Krissy is also a star basketball player. Read more>>

Cyndi Prince

As a parent, I truly value health and wellness and know that when my family is healthy, they are happier. Like many moms, I’m careful not to expose my family to household cleaners that may contain toxic chemicals that can cause serious illness. All cleaning products have natural alternatives that are better for our home environment. I am dedicated to educating myself in order to seek products that protect my family. This pursuit is behind the creation of LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls. Read more>>

Fizzah Raza

The story behind my mission is very personal and goes quite deep. Actually it has been a big part of my life, even before I began photography as a career. However, I didn’t piece it all together until a few months after I went full time with my portrait work. My parents were born and raised in Kenya. In the 1980s there was an attempt to overthrow then President Moi. This failed uprising involved rioting and raiding of homes. Our home was one that was raided and eventually this event changed the course of our lives. Read more>>

William Lassiter

The story behind my mission is simple, to tell the customers story through the art. If I can bring out true,raw, and real emotion through the art then I have done my job. Pictures can have a thousand meanings just by looking at it, so why not share your story through it as well. I remember one specific customer I had who struggled with accepting the way they looked. Once I was able to finish the shoot and share the final product with them they shed tears of joy. Their first words were “wow, this is the first time I can actually see the beauty in myself.” Read more>>

Verina Zonise

After going through a very tumultuous divorce, I did not recognize myself looking in the mirror. I was back at home with my parents and my two babies and now in the basement. I was also mentally in the basement, it really could get no lower. Baths became my comfort time and while reading one of my favorite books in the bible (Esther) my spark came back. What I discovered was the preparation to meet the King was actually a beauty ritual. This ritual that started physically but what it did mentally and emotionally for the candidates was life changing. Read more>>

Mary Pellettieri

19 years ago, I was still working for a craft brewery, and pregnant. There were less women in the industry then, and I felt the peer pressure to still attend events etc. However I had to hide the non alcoholic drinking selection. There was really nothing that they could offer. A Cola, a lemon lime soda? Both really high in sugar and sodium….no thanks. I went with tonic water (not realizing at the time it too was loaded with sugar and sodium…), because at least it didn’t taste like sugar water. Read more>>

Katrina Piercy

Meraki means to “put a piece of yourself in your work.” I chose that name because I didn’t know who I was, but I wanted to find out. I started my business during a difficult time in my life. I felt so lost and alone and didn’t know who I was or how to move forward. I had played with the idea of starting a business for years but it wasn’t until I experienced loss that I realized I needed a safe space to create, process, and heal. At first it was just a distraction from the pain, but eventually, gave me a place to start healing, then to help others. Read more>>

Pamela Sarmiento

My name is Pamela Sarmiento, co-founder of Pametarium, a healthy lifestyle oriented company with passion for inclusivity and body positivity. Our meal prep company stands by the idea that every body is beautiful and that health/beauty has no shape, size, weight, culture, gender, etc. All bodies are welcome here, and all we want is for you to feel whole in your overall life. Read more>>

Kenny Lindsey

The whole point of me DJing is to make that impact on them through music. I used to go to events and functions that had great music and some of my craziest nights were the ones where I was going through things…those good vibes helped me forget about things that were troubling me at the time. I ultimately wanted to have the same impact on other people by allowing the way I play my music to be an outlet for them to take their mind off the real world things. My OGs taught me a lot about making an impact of the people you DJ for! Read more>>

Adrian Huff

The LLC for Drown In Gold Clothing was created on Oct. 5. 2020 , The idea for this clothing brand was to build partnerships and change surroundings for a better situation. Specifically I’m a musician from Cleveland OH known as Chop Santino and I am also a brand Ambassador for a few other brands. But from the beginning of music to understanding and having a bigger purpose behind what you want to put into this world is one of my main focuses to what I want to bring into the business industry. Read more>>

Elizabeth Perry

My mission as a photographer is to capture unique images that focus on wild and remote places. Images that tell a story, that are a reflection of my respect, connection and deep rooted passion for adventure in the natural world. Read more>>

Joa Macnalie Claircius

As I step out of my ‘striving’ season into my ‘thriving’ season , the story behind my mission has never been so clear. My life was, is, and will always be ON PURPOSE. I was born 17 pounds 0 ounces. Yes, 17 whole pounds! I was born BIG! I never came to play small! As a child, I would dream these God-sized dreams about wealth, success, family, philanthropy and community, even though my immediate reality often testified against my appointed destiny. Read more>>

Shereva Purifoy

Worship Unplugged originally started out as a Worship type night event. The first one was held in 2017. I created a shirt for the event, not knowing that so many people would be interested in purchasing them once posted on social media. From there, I begin to create different t-shirts and eventually Worship Unplugged became a business. I never dreamed of owning my own business and it was definitely not in my plan. However, God saw otherwise. Worship Unplugged is a company whose mission is to give back to others and the community. I believe in sowing. Read more>>

Britney Clause

I photograph alongside my husband, and we realized during the planning of our own wedding that the old adage “it’s the bride’s day” is still used to exile the other half of a partnership. There is one person in the coupling that often gets overlooked. Their opinion isn’t valued in vendor meetings, they aren’t listened to when it comes to decisions, and their vision gets marked down as unimportant. Read more>>

Matthew Reed

I’ve spent all of the best years of my life as a U.S. Marine, a U.S. Army Intelligence NCO and as a Contractor for the U.S. Intelligence Community. I’ve Deployed in Uniform to both Iraq and Afghanistan and have also worked as a Military Intelligence Contractor Analyst in both Afghanistan and the Balkans Region of Europe. Read more>>

Chan Jatikusuma

The story behind my mission opening a business is i wanted to share my knowledge to the peoples through my food. I loved watching peoples happy every single bites they take. That gave me comfort and satusfaction. Read more>>

Jennifer Love Gironda

I feel like many folks know me as the ‘gal who makes art everyday’ and first off, I LOVE that- and second, I want to make sure people know my WHY. I am a trained artist and teacher. I have a BFA and MAEd from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC where I studied art education and textiles. When I first lived in south Florida back in 2009 I felt like I was focusing more on my teaching and less on my artistic practice- which honestly is the whole reason I became and art teacher. I knew I wanted to make more art, but I wasn’t sure how to get myself motivated. I would go through a few spurts making more work but I still didn’t feel like I was being an artist. Read more>>

Rhonda Mapp

The story behind my mission is to not just train women so they can feel and look better physically but I want them to mentally feel the same way. As women we have a lot on our plates, kids, work, making sure everything around the house is in order etc. we tend to put ourselves last. Fitness heals the body and mind. Read more>>

James Ruediger

A home may be the largest purchase we ever make. It is very important to know what you are buying and this is why a home inspection is so important. The problem, however, is that many people believe a home inspection is something you only do when you buy a home and often times it is very expensive. I created Galaxy Property Inspection so buyers, sellers, or home owners could get a high quality home inspection at an affordable price. My inspections start at $250. Read more>>

Jaelyn Barnes

Ultimately no matter how minuscule the event may be there is a reason that drives that action. As far as naming my experience, there were a lot of factors involved. Picture this; years upon years spent in adolescence striving for the highest level in a competitive sport. Typically consistently overlooked by other schools in your area, an opportunity presents itself where a scout is attending your game. Unfortunately it wasn’t your day and you underperform, scout takes note of this singular performance and negatively impacts your rating. Read more>>

Jacqueline Reynoso

I opened up a gallery so I could have a studio area and the space was too large for myself. I had a few girls at the time that I was mentoring and giving art advice to so I decided I would share the space with young emerging artist to help them have a jump start into our art community. So I now have a YOUNG ARTS EXHIBITION that is growing and full of talented young artists. Read more>>

Joanna Beck

When I was in my teens and early twenties I was surrounded by people who just told me what I wanted to hear. They encouraged my bad decisions and the decisions I had made in that time led me down a very lonely path. That is why today it is my goal to be who I needed. I do not sugar coat hard truths. I help build bolder people and teach them how to prosper in all areas of life. Read more>>

Christy Sanborn

I had the honor of being a cosmetologist for over 20 years. One day I asked myself, “Is this it? Do I want to own my own hair salon?” The answer that I came up with was, “No.” At that point in my life I decided to do some soul searching in search of my true purpose. If not hair then what was I going to pursue? I loved the camaraderie of the salon and the therapist type role that I got to play behind the chair with my clients. It was the “Coaching” that I loved most about my job. I had the privilege of making people look their best while talking them through their problems, and helping to find solutions. Read more>>

Samantha Luque

I always knew I wanted to be in the film industry. As a kid, I was obsessed with stories and was always curious about how people brought them to life. I didn’t know how to break into the industry. I wanted people to get the chance to share their story and know it deserves to be told. At the time, I only had my camera and my voice. I started working with different non-profits to help them tell their stories through film. It’s always been so important to me to make sure that a story is given justice and is told in a way that people could relate to. Read more>>

Chinelle Gwartney

Our mission is to represent all women in the paranormal field. Women in this field are underrepresented, and the women that are headliners in the field are not portrayed as scientists, but as mediums, psychics, or empaths. Women in the paranormal field can have scientific practices and principles, and posses those spiritual abilities as well. The paranormal media portrays women as weak, and in promotional material women tend to not be in the forefront, but in the background. In reality, women in this field are just as strong and capable as the men in the field are, and at some locations may even draw better evidence just for being female. Read more>>

Tiffany Roldan

Hey, Thanks for having me! The story behind my mission is personal. I’ve experienced first hand how false beliefs and anxiety kept me from thriving in my own life. I understand the consequences that result from not having the people, resources or tools to help combat self-deprecating and intrusive thoughts. I know what it’s like to feel completely stagnant in life as if there’s no possible way to rise from the darkness. That was my reality for a long time and I masked it well. Read more>>

Jamal Stroud

Big Homie Lil Homie Mentoring is committed to building strong, trusting relationships, positive attitudes, and life skills in young males through mentoring and enriching life experiences. Our vision is to stimulate positive change in young males’ lives and their families. Big Homie Lil Homie is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization mentoring program. The organization provides guidance and mentors at-risk youth who come from single-parent homes. Read more>>

BBOY ZERO

Of all the communities I’ve been in contact with, hip-hop is the one I identify the most with. The street dance community embraced me with open arms as a 10-year-old kid. As long as you can contribute to this mural of hip-hop in some meaningful way, you are welcome. I released my first album during George Floyd’s murder and the resurgence of the BLM movement. I realized that the black community has given me eveyrthing I love, through this subculture I identify with so heavily. Read more>>

Jena Sims

When I created the Pageant of Hope in 2005, I had just won my first pageant title. I was also working with kids facing challenges and terminal illnesses at the time. I knew that the confidence and skills I gained from competing had to be passed on, so I created the most inclusive pageant in the world- where every participant leaves a winner, celebrating the importance of inner beauty and self esteem. Read more>>

Gabe Horton

Pawster Nashville was born in the summer of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As news of the pandemic’s economic consequences filled the headlines, a group of Nashville residents began to wonder how an economic downturn might affect pet owners. With rising unemployment, housing instability, evictions, and lack of access to usual services, what options did pet owners have? So we asked around. Read more>>

Lynn Wehrman

I grew up on a farm, outside of a small Wisconsin town in the 1960’s and 70’s. I, and each of my four sisters, were born with different forms of Epilepsy. I also had a second diagnosis of a major mental illness. As you can imagine it was impossible to keep our disabilities private in such a small community; especially when my older sister’s absence seizures occurred at school and my mental illness meant I was in the hospital for most of my 8th grade year. Read more>>

Monica Kelly

At 15 years old I started struggling with anorexia which turned into years of a battle. For about 17 years, I struggled with this eating disorder that took over my life. When I finally got help and did inner healing, I discovered that a lot of my eating disorder was related to how I felt about myself and while discovering this I got into image consulting at FIT. After eventually becoming certified as an image consultant and a health coach (with IIN), I can now help woman who experienced the same inner struggles I did. Read more>>

Kayla Chisholm

If you were to ask 5 people with pets if they have or know anyone who has had a traumatic grooming experience the short answer would be yes. Your Home Groomer is here to change how you and your pet(s) see and feel about the grooming industry. We are here to promote a positive grooming experience. We accommodate all breeds and sizes. Our mission is to provide top of the line, high quality service right at your home. Our top priority is to make the dog feel safe and provide exceptional grooming that we know the owner will love as well. Read more>>

Amy Mitchell

At the age of 19 I was pregnant with my first child Mariah and living off of government assistance. After giving birth to Mariah, I was robbed of every dime I had. I made poor decisions to try and provide for us and I was arrested and facing prison time and losing custody of my daughter. The night I was in jail I cried out to God. I told Him that I would do anything not to lose custody of my daughter. By the grace of God, I was released from jail before my daughter was removed from my custody, I got probation instead of prison and I was given a second chance. Read more>>

Joelle Gracia

“C’était le coup de foudre” – It was love at first sight. I remember the day when I fell in love with Paris. It was during a trip with EF Tours in April 2002, my first trip abroad. Our group of 40 plus travelers had just arrived from London to the City of Light via Eurostar, and on the coach ride from the Gare du Nord train station to our Paris hotel, I remember looking through the windows and feeling an instant attraction. The cafés, the lamp posts, the stylish people, the architecture, the language… there was a certain mood, a certain ambiance that I had never experienced before and I felt at home here. Read more>>

Mershele Brown

My mission is to serve the community as a educator you see first hand the needs of the community. Rather that be the need for housing or the need for resources I aim to provide my students and the community with the resources to help them get to their next level. The Conversation Peace is not only a book that you can find on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles but its a podcast where we have peaceful conversations from relationships, mental health to millionaire minds shifts we talk about it all. I think that this society has lost all social skills and need to get back to the table of conversation. Read more>>