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.

David Stuckey III

Growing up I was influenced by music. Though many of the Artist I listened to were great Artist’. The words the whole message that was delivered influenced me in such a negative way. Read more>>

Marizza Contretras

Setting ourselves apart from other spas, we’re dedicated to crafting experiences that deeply resonate, leaving guests transformed and profoundly moved, opening a little window of magic! Read more>>

Lauren Engel

We believe there’s great potential in editorial videography for architects, interior designers, and hotels. The industry is moving away from fast-paced videos to more narrative-driven content. Read more>>

Ariana Pineda

In a world where the pace of AI and technological advancement sets the rhythm for progress, the mission of Kairos AI (kairosai.xyz) springs from a deep-seated belief that no business, regardless of its size, should be left behind. Read more>>

Deborah Sadler

My mission has been world peace of over three decades. During the pandemic I wrote a trilogy called “A New Humanity,” This series marries Earth wisdom with star knowledge. Read more>>

John Harmon

ObiiGO was founded from the experience on both sides of the automotive repair industry. One as a shop investor and a car owner. I saw frustration on both side of the industry. Read more>>

Reid Ozaki

I’m now fifty years into my career as a ceramic artist. I also taught ceramics at Tacoma Community College for twenty-five of those years while also maintaining my personal work. Read more>>

Melissa George

My journey with InvestHER Fiduciary Solutions is deeply personal and rooted in the struggles I’ve faced in the financial industry. As a woman of color navigating, I’ve encountered hurdles that seemed insurmountable. Read more>>

Crystal Hawkins

The promotion of healthy lives for Black communities is of utmost importance to us. C.Hawkins and Associates is a group of Black Mental Health & Wellness Professionals that are intentional about supporting our community with their healing journey. Read more>>

Karen Ortiz Salguero

My mission is to help others while following my own natural life path, when it comes to K.O.Healing my biggest mission is bringing peace and healing to the individual , helping them regain their own power and own magic back into their lives. Read more>>

Alysha L Ellis

Mas LaRae which means More Light- “The mission of Mas LaRae is to provide a dynamic multimedia platform for diverse storytelling [to produce a pure message] that illuminates more light, more love, and more life by uniting and amplifying voices to foster purposeful connections for our generation.” Read more>>

Jessica Stoeckeler

When I first ventured into direct sales almost a decade ago, I never imagined it would become such a big part of my life today. Over the years, I’ve picked up a ton of knowledge about digital marketing, direct sales strategies, social media, wellness practices, and personal growth. Read more>>

Marsalis Pendleton

Maddys Kitchen is named after my biggest blessing, “My Daughter.” She motivates me to be the best version of myself because before her, I was in a dark place. Read more>>

Ryan Stopera

PF Cafe offers the Northrup King Building artists and guests vibrant, nutritious, and artistically inspired dishes from international cuisines with vegan and gluten-free options, coffee, Thai tea, smoothies, and pastries. Read more>>

Mek Rollerson

Byrth Perinatal Services was created to educate birthing families about the birth space, so they can advocate for receiving quality care and have a desirable birth experience. Read more>>

Ebony Bailey

Uniting Lives Through Artistic Expression The Art Synapse stands as a beacon of artistic connection, dedicated to crafting and curating art that speaks universally, touching individuals across all societal segments. Read more>>

Nasra Corbel

At Métamorphose New York, our mission is rooted in the desire to simplify the process of bringing beauty into everyday life. We believe that beauty should be accessible, effective, and aligned with our modern lifestyle and values. Read more>>

Jami Barajas

My mission behind the chair as a hairstylist is to uplift my community by bring out confidence and self love out of everyone I meet. Of course I love co-creating styles and perfectly tailored looks for my guests. Read more>>

Joy Spencer

When it rains it pours. That was my 2014. I quit my job. I went through a breakup. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. But something else profound happened that year. Read more>>

Grace Christopher

The mission of my small business is to flood the streets of the United States with African Prints. When I moved from Nigeria to the US some years ago, one of the things I found myself missing was the colorful and vibrant looks that was a staple in a typical gathering of people. Read more>>

Sheila Noël

I don’t talk about this enough but my mission was always to give back to my community. I’m Haitian and my mission is to showcase Haiti in small ways I can and to also help continue the works of my parents in their communities with environmental education. Read more>>

Raymell Bentley

My mission is born from a lifetime of experiences, shaped by overcoming profound challenges. Known for guiding thousands towards releasing emotional shackles from past trauma, I illuminate the path to self-empowerment. Read more>>

I’Lasha James

During covid, is when it all began for me. I worked overnight at the hospital at this time. While working, I attended Houston Community College, I also picked up a class to become certified in mental health first aid for the youth. Read more>>

Tracy Wilkerson

Recycled Works has 2 missions: recycle/reuse/repurpose and touchable artwork. Here are the storie RECYCLE/REUSE/REPURPOSE: My artwork is made using recycled materials and found objects. Read more>>

Reginald Gant

I am the Founder of Serve4Men which is an organization that offers personal and professional development specifically tailored towards men. Read more>>

Kimberly Benoit

I have a tremendous passion for helping leaders reclaim control of what they own and can do when in a toxic or dysfunctional workplace. This, in part, came from a realization that in the past, even if I didn’t think or intend to, I was part of the problem. Read more>>

Dylan Nierstedt

Elated is a monthly magazine publication featuring artists from around the world. The mission behind Elated Magazine is to showcase and support those artists. Read more>>

Noah Sorin

Growing up on an organic vegetable farm in northern Vermont, I always felt a strong connection to the natural world. I spent the majority of my childhood outside, engaging in activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and gardening, and these experiences gave me a deep sense of appreciation for nature. Read more>>

Jarod Farina

At the core of our mission is a simple yet powerful idea: to bring the elegance of fine dining to the cannabis community. It all started about eight years ago when my wife and I realized the potential to merge our love for great food with the emerging cannabis industry. Read more>>

Anissa Rochester

Beauty Within started as a local TV program focused on fashion to promote diversity and inclusion before all these other brands. The TV show, and the magazine blog focus on Beauty, Fashion, Red Carpet events, and Music bits, Beauty Within magazine has seamlessly mixed beauty and invigoration with lifestyle and inspiration. Read more>>

Miles Woodworth

After graduating college with a BFA in Film and Digital Video, I returned to my hometown and began writing screenplays in the hopes that I would sell them. Read more>>

Matt McLear

My brother was diagnosed with cancer and while he was fighting the disease and getting treatments I would try to stop by and kill time with him. We would often watch Price Is Right. Read more>>

Nathan Young

At the heart of How to Be Second is a story not just about defining a role but about understanding and embracing a profound aspect of identity. Read more>>

Ashley Bigbee

The mission behind my business Bigbee Visuals is to capture the essence of every moment, that way there’s a story and actual meaning to the images. Read more>>

Nichelle Cook

If my mission in life had to be summed up in one phrase it would simply be “to ensure access to excellence.” I believe that when we tell children that they can be anything they want, it should actually be true. Read more>>

Ornell Williams

The story behind my mission is that I was living in Washington DC my whole life until I decided to take a leap of faith and take my talents to Atlanta, Georgia. Read more>>

Lori Ulrich

I wrote Turning the Corner to honor my late son. I’d say I’m a lyric poet. My poetry is a collection of elegies, which reflect upon death and mourning. I write to process my own grief. Read more>>

Jonna Kelleher

When we opened The Cottage, my mission was to give that cozy home feeling to our customers. My parents passed away when I was in my teens, resulting in me living with a friend and then bouncing from home to home till I moved to the city. Read more>>

LaTanya Oliver

My mission is to create a safe ,fun and budget friendly place in my community where families can celebrate special occasions. Read more>>