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.

Christine Daley

Something that bring me so much joy is enjoying a meal, whether that’s by myself or with loved ones or strangers, not rushing and being present. Some of my favorite memories are around a dinner table, filled with laughter and delicious food. Read more>>

Cindy Hudson

Our mission at Do It 4 W Foundation is deeply rooted in a personal story of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of W.C. Hudson Jr., whose legacy fuels our purpose. W.C. was not only a beloved father and husband but a pillar of our community, driven by values such as Faith, Athletics, Leadership, and Academics. Read more>>

Mikelle Brown

I think something that is super apparent in the beauty industry is everyone wants what someone else has. You want curly hair if you hair is straight, you want her glowing skin or amazing lashes. We are all hardwired to want what we don’t have but also the media throws the “perfect” life in your face everywhere you turn. Read more>>

Maria Mwangi

I’m hopeful that my clients and colleagues see me for who I am – a real person with a real desire to see them win. I have a competitive edge, but I’m also respectful and considerate of others’ needs and emotions. Read more>>

Duvalier Malone

The inspiration for ‘Those Who Give a Damn’ podcast sprouted from a deep-seated belief in the power of voice and narrative. In today’s world, the loudest voices often overshadow those that hold profound truths and insights. Read more>>

Josh Chitwood

Since 2014, the mission of Chitwood Media has been to create films that cultivate inspiration, expand perspective, empower community & affirm hope. We love stories and here is ours: Read more>>

Tony Marfione

Our mission in our industry is to defy convention. We are in an industry that has been around since a caveman sharpened a rock. and being able to do new and unique things is a tall order. Every day we take what has been done and make it our own in a unique and artistic way. Read more>>

Amanda Griffin-Snyder

Our mission is the heartbeat of everything we do at Wild Three Co. We are on a mission to redefining the way we all think about products and their impact on our planet and people. Our mission is to produce the highest quality herbal remedies with Hemp CBD and other cannabinoids. Read more>>

Heather Sloan+En Wei Li

In one word- EMPOWERMENT. Helping and empowering people to take health into their own hands has never been so important. In today’s world, fitness and longevity are top of mind. Read more>>

Daniel Hercott

My mission is to explore and define meaningful ‘allyship’ in Australia (and beyond) through the medium of music. I grew up in a western society largely dislocated from any sense of cultural purpose or belonging, alongside a youthful, burning passion for the environmental preservation. Read more>>

Holly Wood

I am an artist. I don’t run a company. My mission, such as it is, is to put out into the world my visions of life on this planet as I see it, and as I would like to see it. I believe that art can influence the viewpoints of individuals and social movements. Read more>>

Blair KH Naujok

Korean Image Archive’s mission is to help strengthen Korea’s connection to its past by providing access to historic images discovered, collected, and preserved in the US. Read more>>

Brent Broussard

The best way to describe the story behind why I chose to follow my entrepreneurial dreams can be traced back to 2012 when I was a Youth Group Coordinator for the church I attended at that time. Read more>>

Karen Saakian

My journey in the world of tattooing began in Pyatigorsk, in the North Caucasus. At that time, tattoos were not very common and were even frowned upon in this region. Despite these challenges, I found my calling and started learning and developing as a tattoo artist. Read more>>

Eileen Wenger

My mission is to empower women to love themselves fiercely just as they are. When I got into photography I started doing families and small weddings but I knew deep down that I wanted to do something more, something that made a difference. Read more>>

Robyn Tanner

Ten years ago, I was left for dead. For weeks I had been battling a war within. Pain ripped through my body for no apparent reason. I had been in the best shape of my life, when one day I just couldn’t walk. I couldn’t stand up straight. Read more>>

Brittney Williams

The mission of The Ubuntu Wellness Space is to provide people, families and communities with holistic resources, teachings and practices that will assist them in living a liberated and joyful life and also support them with dying a dignified death. Read more>>

Janeen Kokodynski

Koko’s Candles is a small business based in Scottsdale, Arizona that makes luxury all natural soy wax candles. We proudly support the Children’s Heart Foundation. Read more>>

K. Renée

As a cosmetologist and permanent makeup artist I aim to enhance the appearance of my clients without the use of harsh chemicals in cosmetics & toxic products while maintaining a natural look. Read more>>

Taylor Tankson Kareem Wallace

During he COVID-19 pandemic Taylor returned from a 10-month stint in Australia to a changed landscape in New York City, outdoor activities were limited, prompting a focus on indoor pursuits. Read more>>

Dani Wallace

Dani Wallace is a motivational speaker, international celebrity public speaking coach and fearless leader of the I Am The Queen Bee movement. She helps people all over the world to Show Up, Wise Up and Rise up using their superpower hidden in plain sight, their VOICE, so they can take up more space in the world and step into their birthright of success. Read more>>

Rebecca Outlaw

When my first grandson was born, I fell in love! He made me a grandmother for the first time! I knew the world, his world, our world together had to be as perfect as I could make it. This included books I would read to him. Read more>>

Nivi Achanta

Soapbox Project exists to help you transform your climate anxiety into meaningful action, supported by bite-sized education, easy pathways to action, and a community that cares about you. Read more>>

Christine (Chris) Murphy

Flower Song LA believes in the magic of tiny details and the little moments that can spark joy for someone. Through sustainable, head-turning design, our floral installations and arrangements aim to make hearts and minds dance. Read more>>

Asha Yarde

My hair care brand, Gorgeously Beautiful was created around our mission which is to help those that have curly, kinky, and coily hair to embrace their curls all while providing products that will maintain the health of their hair, take the hassle out of their hair care routine, and have them fall back in love with their natural hair. Read more>>

Sydney Winovich

My mission is to inspire young girls to find their style & become entrepreneurs themselves. I started my company in high school, where I witnessed firsthand the power of self-expression and the lessons one can learn through starting their own business. Read more>>

Julian Watanabe-Neis

Our ethos is based around giving back to the artist community. However, we’ve had to pivot over the first years as only working with artists is a very unstable way to run a business. Read more>>

Tania Montano

I founded Tuukul, a home interior line focused on decorative pillows, as a way to blend my passion and my culture. I was born and raised in Mexico, a culturally rich country, and I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of nature and the stunning craftsmanship that surrounded me. Read more>>

Marquita Evans

As an entrepreneur, you story and your why is what sets you apart from others in the industry. Unless you are creating a new product that the world has yet to experience, there will be someone or many others who are doing the exact same thing. Read more>>

Aisha Rice

Diverse Stories in a Bottle LLC was a company name my husband came up with. After my debut book “My Kinky Coily Hair” which focus on a child named Naomi who battles with individuality and acceptance of self. Read more>>

Dame Powell

Our mission is to empower & inspire our community by creating timeless pieces that blend urban edge with sophisticated elegance. We strive to bring a touch of luxury to the everyday, and to be a beacon of pride for our city & our culture. Read more>>

Aubrey Fornwalt

My mission is to create an alternative to dumping food scraps and wasted food into the landfill. In my region of Pennsylvania, we are in a compost desert, but just over the mountain is a huge landfill that serves several counties. That landfill disposes of 25,000 tons of food annually. Read more>>

Janaya Jones

As someone who understands firsthand the impact of lacking confidence as a child, I’ve made it my mission to create a positive change for kids. Where every child can discover their strengths and believe in their potential. Read more>>

Kirrston Mclendon

The story behind Kirrston’s Kollections is one deeply rooted in personal passion, familial influence, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Read more>>

Milatto Shavelle

One of my daily prayers is to make a impact while making an income… I pray that my goals in life are aligned with the purpose that God has planned for me. Read more>>