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.

Janice Lim

My brand, Where’s Janice, aims to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone to try something new and ambitious. So, how did this mission come about? I believe that travel has played a big role in shaping my dreams as I transitioned from college life into the working world. Read more>> 

Gillian Harris

At this time of what feels like a global attack and, at minimum, an attack in the U.S. on the rights of women, I am determined to keep Valet Of The Dolls, LLC open long enough to find a new owner who will not exploit it in any way. Read more>>

Stephanie Sterling

As a fatherless child myself, I understand what it feels like to feel a void most of your life. Trying to feel it with things or people that are not best for you. Read more>>

Johan Luque

The story behind Bargonomic’s mission is about my experience as a bartender for nearly 17 years . I noticed a common problem in bars and restaurants – they looked great but weren’t practical for working efficiently. Read more>>

Lynne O’Brien

When I was diagnosed with leukemia over ten years ago, I was told I was at higher risk for leukemia so I needed to stay out of the sun. But my favorite activities in life are in the sun and the water. Read more>>

Jackie Smola

During Covid my partner and I realized just how far our country has changed, and not for the better. It is rare to see people actually engage in productive, civil debate. Read more>>

Tavia Trulson

Oh, Beehave! Goods is more than just a business to me; it is the culmination of my life’s journey and my deep-seated passion for nature, sustainability, and healing. Read more>>

Ana Costa Reis

This is the story of Sambelina Atelier, a registered sole-proprietorship small business, owned by a woman, a spouse, a mother and an immigrant (myself) who makes beautifully handmade dolls that are out of ordinary, proudly celebrating the diverse world we live in. Read more>>

Clinton Cohen III

The inspiration for starting Upper Echelon Technologies came from my passion for technology, which began in 1992 when I was first introduced to a computer. Read more>>

Chris Michael

In a room meant to be a closet, was the genesis of Chris Michael, Men’s Stylist and Image Consultant. It was in the depths of brokenness, where the world saw meas broke, busted, and disgusted; that the divine intervention of the Lord found me. Read more>>

Alexia Jones

Our mission is to provide a safe space for people in recovery from substance abuse disorder and or mental health challenges to maintain their wellness through the arts so that they may reach their fullest potential Read more>>

Kylah McNeil

My mission is to help and inspire young girls to become more confident with themselves and in their bodies. You may be asking why…because I once was the unconfident girl who used to never believed in herself and used to talk bad about herself. Read more>>

Anna Bielientsova

I truly believe in the power of photography and have countless stories of how it has changed lives, including my own. Fifteen years ago, when I first picked up a camera, I never imagined how much it would impact me, nor did I anticipate that it would introduce me to so many incredible people and allow me to witness so many beautiful stories.  Read more>>

Aether Candace

The Mission: To provide a non-judgmental space for people to learn more about themselves and the world around them while helping them facilitate their own healing and evolution. Read more>>