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.

Noreen & Tatyana

When we started Naturally Me Tees, we wanted to advocate just how important it is to embrace your beauty from both within and on the outside. A lot of times it can be hard for you to see what others might see when they look at you, no matter how much a person tells you how special you are, you have to be able to believe it for yourself more than anything. Read more>>

Courtney Alabi-Isama

I truly started my business to show single mothers that anything can be done with a little hard work an effort. I started my small business 8 years ago an originally didn’t have a lot of confidence nor resources. One day I just woke up an said enough was enough, I got up an started pushing towards providing the best party and decor experience I could. Read more>>

Kristen Karhio

I’m a brand photographer, but it goes deeper than that. I started my first business at 28 years old and ran a boutique kettlebell gym for 9 years. My primary goal was to coach my clients to move better, but I also created all our content, branding and marketing strategy. It’s difficult to do both. And if you’re like me, being in the spotlight is uncomfortable. Read more>>

Lindsay Bendell

Everyone has a story to tell. We are NOT our worst moment. Everyone deserves a second chance. These are the things that drive our mission at Mitigation Mentor. Mitigation Mentor is the first and only on-demand education program for forensic social work and non-capital mitigation and what that means is: in order to fight for a more equitable and just system, individuals facing that system must have their stories told. Read more>>

Claudia Michaels

The Brick is a gift shop in every sense of the word- I wanted to create a space that revolves around the act giving- not only for our customers, but for our partnering artists as well. In addition to home goods, we sell one-of-a-kind sculptures, pottery, drawings and paintings from artists around the world, especially right here in Brooklyn, NY. Read more>>

SANDRA JACQUEMIN

Starsoul was founded by a husband-and-wife team, who shortly after having their first son felt driven and inspired to change the world. On the heels of his celebrating his first birthday, the pandemic was “declared” and while packing up from their week-long Disney celebration all took a somber turn of mood. Read more>>

Richie Jaynes

I have always known and 99% of America has always known. That the health care system is broke in regards to health insurance. and prescription drugs. 99% of America is overpaying for their coverage. 99% don’t know they have a choice outside of the big 3 companies. Read more>>

Joey Karei

To educate the public and future generations on the truth of the Tainos while also showing through my research that during pre-colonial times the influence of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas was predominantly a Southern to Northern flow verses the common belief of a Nothern to Southern flow steming from the Bering Straight theory while also following the ways of my ancestors through my Humane Wildlife Removal business Naturalist Trapping and Prevention LLC. Read more>>

Vera Schmitz

I’ve always dreamed of becoming an Olympian. My whole life I’ve been in athletics. I trained for years to try and make the US Olympic Track and Field Team as a pole vaulter. When training for a goal like this, there are inevitable highs and lows. If you’ve ever watched the Olympics, you know what I’m talking about. Read more>>

Queon Martin

Growing up in America as a descendant of slaves is a unique experience that other ethnic groups will never experience… And helping those who are descendants of slaves learn the history of their ancestor’s struggles and the challenges they face, drives me every day to empower them with the reflection of accomplishments and achievements they overcame. Read more>>

Wendy Preslan

When one door closes another one opens. Instead of looking at the closed door with regrets too long, look to the other door that is open. I almost feel guilty about expressing my deep sadness over what Covid-19 has done to my photography non profit because I know there are so many people whose lives have been turned upside down and see no clear path for better days. Read more>>

Crystal Kozlak

Food for Thought is a program of Animal Place, one of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for farmed animals in the United States. Animal Place’s Executive Director, Kim Sturla, used to work at an animal shelter. A pig named Zelda came into the shelter. Her guardian didn’t claim her. The only people who wanted to take her had plans to butcher and eat her. Read more>>

Nadjhla Gracia

The goal here at NADJEA is to focus on Slow Fashion, a sustainable approach to fashion that not only delivers optimum quality and luxurious swimwear but also reduces our carbon footprint to ensure we are environmentally friendly. Read more>>

Natalia & Joel Garcia

Miami Lights Studio has been servicing companies worldwide since 2017. From sunglasses, to firearms training, and networking events, we have had the pleasure of working with a variety of industries over the past 6 years. Our first client to hire us for a project; Floats Eyewear. Floats is our most loyal client to this day. It brings us pure joy in knowing that our creations, create a demand for our clients consumers. Read more>>

Kianna McCurdy

The story behind my mission of becoming a nail tech/owner is that I stuck to what I’ve always known which is nails. I turned my GOD given gift and created a business doing something that I love to do. I just took what I know and used that to start building my brand. Read more>>

Darice Anderson

Trendsetters Enterprises, LLC is a family-owned business founded by a group of experienced business leaders and consultants who saw a need for a comprehensive business service center that could support the growth and success of both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Our family roots are at the heart of its culture and values, and the team is dedicated to serving our clients with the same care and attention we would give to our families. Read more>>

Janay Townes

The story behind LupiesUnite Inc mission is, back when I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2004 there wasn’t a lot of information about it. As time went on and the years went by, I thought that there would be more information about Lupus as time went on but still not that much information. In 2019 I took it upon myself to start LupiesUnite Inc because of the lack of information and education about lupus and all that it comes. Lupus is too serious of an illness to not talk about and have discussions. Read more>>

Nick Dreiling

Our goal is to serve our community by instilling leadership qualities and values in the students we have the pleasure of working with. Changing lives in a positive atmosphere with positive influences is how we set our students up to become leaders within their own community, to also be able to positively change lives down the road. Consider it a ripple effect! Read more>>

Konnar Allgire

Realistically I want to be able to create a fun, safe and inclusive environment for creatives of all types and mediums. I want to focus on a community that barters and supports, a community that lifts each-other up, teaches each-other. I want to be able to grow with my peers and I think a lot of people are afraid of branching out, or working within a community and I just want to show people that not everything always has to be a competition, that it’s okay to talk about ideas with people, to try new techniques. There’s so much creativity out there and I’m ready to dig into it! Read more>>

Jodi Jenks

We are a family owned and operated small business on the NE side of Grand Rapids. We have been open now for 8 years. The story behind our mission started with a spark of interest in Holistic Health made when I was just a teen. A homeopathic doctor helped our family so many times over the years; where she had answers (as weird as some of them seemed at the time) for things we were struggling with health wise, Read more>>

Nicole Evelina

As a writer and lover of women’s history, I feel like it is my mission to bright to light the stories of women who have either been forgotten or have been passed over in favor of the men in their lives. We have so many amazing, strong women that aren’t talked about in school or in popular media and I feel like it is my duty to tell as many of them as I can. Read more>>

Malik Shuler

My mission is to empower local creatives & artisans by making it convenient and seats to shop local. When I was young, I used to love discovering local businesses and finding unique items while admiring the owner’s for having their own world where they can do whatever they want. As I got older, I started to see how difficult it was for small, minority-owned businesses to stay open and to receive the opportunities that others have. Read more>>

Ja’el Mendez

The Coordinated Collective is a wedding company created for couples planning their own weddings. When I was thinking about the mission of my company, I thought back to my own wedding. I hired all of my vendors, but still on the day of the wedding I was telling everyone what to do–who to photograph, what time the cocktail hour ends, how we wanted to be introduced into the reception space etc. I needed someone to be me, so that I could be present with my husband, friends and family. Read more>>

Mitsy Hernandez

My mission is to help Latina lash artists raise their prices, double their income, and become the women they are destined to be. So that their Latinx community can thrive financially whilst putting their families at the forefront. Read more>>

Cassidy Cygan

Whether it’s a wedding or couples session, my goal is to always create moments that make you feel everything. That take you back to how you felt in that exact moment, bring all of those emotions back to life. I crave the feeling of nostalgia so much and I want my couples to feel the exact way I do when looking back at photos. Read more>>

Carmen Castillo-Barrett

The mission of Kiddie Science is to plant the seeds of science. This is something we actively do each and every day through our workshop presentations. The idea and wording behind it happened during a casual meeting with a neighborhood friend and creative professional. Read more>>

S Morris

I began writing, when I was in high school. I was in creative writing, and English honors classes, it wasn’t long before I was captivated by how people were able to express themselves in their writings. I thought it was beautiful. Ten different people could read the exact same poem and it could be interpreted ten different ways. Read more>>

Debbie Fay

From a very young age – maybe about 8 or 9 – I have been getting people on stage. My first ‘coachees’ were my cousins, who I would strong-arm into performing “The Sound of Music” every summer when we were visiting them. Fast forward a couple decades and I created and directed a Talent Show at my children’s elementary school. Read more>>

Natalie Pipkin

Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore’s mission is to provide access and awareness to Black stories as well as excitement and engagement around reading. In 2018 we made a collective decision to transition out of conventional schooling to home education. We immediately and excitedly began searching for resources that reflected the African Diaspora and building our home library. Read more>>

Shantuey Clark

The pandemic, I know right! During the pandemic it was a critical time for everyone. Including me I was laid off from my job of 3 years, literally 2 days before my daughter’s Solar Return day (Birthday). I remember driving home soaking in tears. I did this for 3 days straight with a party to plan. Till I took the initiative to start the process of started my online boutique. Read more>>

Arda Sitiprawet

The main goal of SugarCube Marshmallows is to spread awareness of Asian flavors here in the U.S. Growing up here in America, I have always felt that Asian representation in well-known American snacks have always been lacking. I mean, for example, Oreos have hundred of flavors but rarely do flavors from my community ever comes up. Read more>>

Sue Carter Collins

My mission is to help high-performing women entrepreneurs and professionals recognize and overcome the sabotaging beliefs, habits, and behaviors that stop them from pursuing their goals and reaching their highest potential. I am passionate about this because that was my story. Even though I earned five academic degrees (BS, MS, JD, PhD & BMsc) and held multiple high-level positions as a lawyer, professor, and criminal justice professional, for years I felt like an impostor and lived in fear of being found out. Read more>>

Ashley Monique

I have been through many obstacles in life that sparked a downward spiral. After several years, I stopped sinking in self-pity and I began to heal. Healing happened through prayer, love and utilizing resources. I realized that I didn’t just go through things in life to overcome obstacles but I needed to use the tools I gained to help others. At that moment, my purpose became “bigger than me”. I made it my mission, to use every inch of my being to help others grow holistically through all of my endeavors. Read more>>

Alonzo Perrin

My parents always found the time to serve others. They made sure that I knew that I was born to be a blessing and to not just receive blessings. I will do what I can to empower and inspire the next generation of families and kids that God sends our way. Read more>>

Jonathon McClellan

I’ve always been on a mission, since before I really understood what my mission was. If you asked me, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?” I would tell you that I already have it. Although I love to fly when I’m lucid dreaming and imagine myself being able to affect reality with my mind – I do not need any of that. What I’m most proud of and what I consider to be the power I already possess, is simply, kindness. Read more>>

Stefani Davila

My small business is related to photography and art to raise funds to support Meraki Youth and Jovenes Contra El Cancer initiatives. In 2019 I founded Meraki Youth to support local and global communities. Therefore, in 2021 I founded the FJCC International Volunteer Mission Trip, intending to raise cancer awareness and bring a community together to help those in need in Ecuador. Through my work with photography and art, I have raised more than $1200 for this project and Meraki Youth items for local community events. Read more>>

Jeremy Hill

Our mission is to build furniture that is meaningful and made to last a lifetime! We want to be a part of the undoing of fast-furniture culture. Tables and bookshelves and nightstands should be simple and well-built– made to be handed down, not destined for the landfill. Furniture defines our personal space and gives purpose to a room. Natural hardwoods are warm and timeless and sustainable. Read more>>

Jeanita Cantrell

I have been a photographer for over 10 years. I have absolutely loved every bit of it, and have done every genre of photography on top of that! From babies to weddings I liked to say. Read more>>

Jacyn Alexis

My mother was a entrepreneur, I watched her do it all with 4 kids and I can’t recall her ever complaining. Her strength to me is remarkable. When she passed away I promised I’d live the life that I saw in my head. So at the age of 21 I started my first business. My hair company “Crowned By Cyn.” I was never satisfied working for other people and at that time I was all into beauty and hair. Read more>>

Brandy Espinosa

Hot Skin Lab is a realm of serenity, allowing each individual the right to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to provide a tranquil space where every client can rediscover their authentic and whole self. At Hot Skin Lab our wellness approach towards the body is about respecting and supporting each external and internal component. Read more>>

Elle Domann

I have always deeply believed that a photo is the most valuable thing you could ever own. When my mom was in high school, she lost everything she owned in a house fire, and the biggest thing she talked about losing was not the clothes or jewelry, but the irreplaceable things she could never recreate- the photos of her childhood and loved ones. Read more>>

Iman Hill

My business was born out of witnessing the failures, disappointments, and confusion of artists, producers, songwriters, and general small business owners in my immediate circle. I too, was one of those disappointed and sometimes confused artists myself at one point in time. At the age of 15, I was offered a recording and publishing contract with a major record label. Read more>>

Faith Murphy

Our mission at Bound By Grace Media (BBG) is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build their brand and launch their business with a solid strategy and plan. Specifically, we specialize in female entrepreneurs and mothers who are taking those first steps into starting their business. Read more>>

Susan Norris

It is the mission of Rescuing Hope to enlighten the public about sex trafficking in America, educate potential victims and first responders and empower advocates and survivors. Our Enlighten events are Reality Check and Play It Safe. Reality Check presents the issue of sex trafficking, how it happens and what people can do to fight it. People won’t fight a problem if they don’t know it exists or how it connects to them and their community. Read more>>

Yuliana Kim-Grant

N/A Read more>>

Merci Chrisette

The story behind my mission for M.V.M beauty is to provide makeup products that can empower and enhance not only outer beauty but inner beauty as well. When you look good, you feel good which reflects, and projects outwardly through the power of beauty. I have not always felt confident and/or comfortable in my own skin growing up but when I started to use make up, Read more>>

Tanya Lawson

The story behind my mission is that for all of my adult life, I’ve worked on someone else’s job ; a regular “9-5”, but I have two daughter’s that need to be able to witness entrepreneurship from their mother, to be able to show them that they too can one day start a business of their own. Read more>>

Burley Tuggle

Traditionally, drinking fine wine has been associated with refined culture, wealth and snobbery. My company’s mission is to demystify traditional wine culture and make it accessible to all by providing fun wine tasting events and affordable products and services. Read more>>

Chandler Wright

I began my business, Not Quite Diamonds, around June of 2021 in hopes of making my handmade jewelry in styles that aren’t found in mainstream and mass-produced stores. My biggest goal has always been representation to those who cannot or do not find it elsewhere, such as individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. As a multi-letter member of the community, I often cannot find jewelry and fashion that represents my style and identity, so, by offering custom orders and unique pieces, Read more>>

Cheryl Jones-Allie

I was nine years old when I decided to become a teacher. My fourth grade teacher was the reason. A mean woman who thought very little of children whose mothers were poor. A woman who used words such as “dumb” and “stupid” to describe her students, my class. I knew at the age of nine, children deserved better. I understood at nine years of age that it was not the fault of the child to exist in a time that was hard and filled with lack. Read more>>

Mikki/Ashley Eveloff/Ludwig

2020 was a year of challenges. A basket full of “lemons.’” Life as we knew it came to a grinding halt. We adjusted, readjusted, and managed but nothing changed. Time kept going. More “lemons.” We needed SOMETHING. Something to fill the empty spaces. To bring joy. Read more>>

J Renard O’Neil

I got into leatherwork because of a $350 wallet I saw at a Prada store in San Diego, Coming from a family that makes things, I thought to myself, “I’m good with my hands. I could make something better.” My next thought was “Well, stop talkin’ s**t!” Read more>>