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.

Zita Szasz

I am very passionate about meeting new people and taking photos of them. Not only people who work for the entertainment industry, but all sorts of exciting people who I wouldn’t meet otherwise.  Read more>>

Safiya-Mae Lewis and Monique Proctor

Our mission is to be a go-to trusted resource for women entering motherhood by providing them with a blueprint for what a pre & postpartum, healthy lifestyle should look like. Read more>>

Andy Salinas

We began our journey like many businesses do. Scared, confused and trying to do more than we probably should. We thought our paths where in many different industries before we committed to branding and media for the faces of brands and businesses. Read more>>

Jean-Pierre Rueda

Writing poetry that reflects my immigrant experience in the United States is deeply meaningful to me. My poetry serves as a personal exploration of cultural identity, adaptation, and the journey of finding my place in a new country.  Read more>>

Janna Salokangas

Mia has one clear and powerful goal: To Empower One Million Women with AI skilling Opportunities by 2030. Why? Because we know the incredible potential women have when equipped with AI skills. Read more>>

Sonali Karmarkar

Soieli is a NYC based hand-painted hair accessories brand born out of the desire to make hair accessories that rival jewelry, with all pieces individually crafted as wearable art. Read more>>

Dr. Danyel Nicole Black

Crown Me Foundation is a non-profit community service organization founded in 2020 by Danyel Nicole Black. She envisioned an organization whose purpose is to provide support to girls and women locally, nationally, and internationally through established programs and outreach events. Read more>>

Gil & Renee Beavers

Bridging the Gap: Gil & Renée’s Mission to Guide Singles Towards Fulfilling Relationships For over three decades, Gil and Renée Beavers have shared a love story that began in the heart of Detroit.  Read more>>

Kate Kipfer

I grew up with parents that valued documenting life. My mom was the family photographer and my dad was the king of home videos. Neither one of them did it professionally, but it felt like in any big (or little!) moment of our lives, there was always a camera out. Read more>>

Michael Tayo

The Story Behind The Ghetto Flower’s Mission: Transforming Culture, Empowering People, Shaping the Future The Genesis of The Ghetto Flower Read more>>

Jessica Erickson

Creating images that make the world a more interesting place. Read more>>

Priya Osuri

Priya, CEO and founder of Anar Gourmet Foods credits her entrepreneurial journey to her difficult immigrant experience. For many decades after immigrating from India in her early teens, she immersed herself in the American culture as she struggled to fit in. Read more>>

Alvin Brown

Our Mission is to use martial arts as a vehicle to create leverage in every area of life! Martial Arts has become a very significant part of the American culture. Read more>>

Bob Waun

We are music fans! Musicians bring good vibes and joy to people and the communities they live in. Irvine, Kentucky is a special historic downtown and symbolic of America. Read more>>

Amanda McGerald

As a salon owner, my mission is to revolutionize outdated industry norms. With 17 years of experience as a stylist working across various salons, I set out on a journey to redefine business practices and cultivate an optimal work environment for hair professionals. Read more>>

Bricine Brown

Everything I’ve done thus far all started with God Family, Craft. What that means for me is to always stick to start and where I derived from. Coming from the Southeastern parts of United States everything revolves around God, your family, and everything you’re good at. Read more>>

Nikki Hai

The world needs more kind and compassionate people. I get to wake up everyday doing what I love. I get to build genuine relationships within my community I truly care about. Read more>>

Shawn Ho-Hing-King

Since 2005, Talented Teen Club (TTC) has served South Florida, particularly Palm Beach County. It is a non-profit organization helping at-risk youth build self-esteem and discover their talents. Read more>>

Magdaliz Gonzalez

My mission is to provide mompreneurs (a mom who is a business owner) with virtual assistance and personalized solutions to reclaim balance in business and life. Read more>>

Bryan Ward

Bryan is a devoted father to his two sons, Blake and Brett. He cherished every moment spent with them, cherishing the laughter, the hugs, and the bedtime stories. Read more>>

Cristina Link

I was adopted from Guatemala and raised in Montclair New Jersey by two moms. As an adopted person who’s heritage is rooted in another country, I struggled with many feelings that I couldn’t express in my younger years. Read more>>

Matha Vang

Chanior Posh Paws’ mission is to create products and services to support pet owners in living healthy lifestyles. This mission stems from my personal experience as a dog owner. Read more>>

Alexia Ferrari

On a hot August afternoon, after commuting the daily 3+ hours home from work, I rested my swollen pregnant feet, feeling exhausted and uncertain. Read more>>

Saeed Ebrahim

To create amazing women’s apparel at an affordable price giving every woman the option to feel comfortable and confident in what they wear Read more>>

Hali Holt

The Grind Coffee House has become more than a place with excellent coffee & service. We strive to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all, whether it be as a patron, member of the local community, or as an employee. Read more>>

Beverly Armento

As a child, I sought refuge from an abusive, dysfunctional home in school and church. There I was Strong Beverly, for I was encouraged and empowered by the many teachers who believed me to be capable and creative even though I was a poor kid from the projects who sported bruises and worn clothing.  Read more>>

Donna Budica

My mission with TEN2 MEDIA stems from a blend of personal passion and professional experience that shaped my journey. As a first-generation Iranian-Italian growing up in Philadelphia, it was expected that I would follow a far more traditional career path. Read more>>

Mark Ervin

At GreenGro Biologicals, our mission is to empower gardeners to nurture the soil using ancient methods and modern science so their plants can thrive. Read more>>

Teddy Jasper

Shadow Tequila’s mission is all about resilience, discovery, and community, and it means the world to me because it mirrors my own journey and the spirit of our brand. Read more>>

Scott Lieberman

People deserve to feel free. But too many people feel like workers without passion. They feel locked into a job they don’t enjoy. They feel restricted by rules.  Read more>>

Shivali Bennion

A study in 2022 found that 39% of UK agencies employ no people from underrepresented ethnic groups. More recently, another study announced that only 7% of creatives come from working class backgrounds. Read more>>

Farrah Hodgson

In 2011 I had a tumor on my spine, I found out after I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, child #5. The Pain was unbearable to the point where as a single mother, I couldn’t take care of my kids. Read more>>

Nick Fruend

“At The Little Bevo, we deeply believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to celebrate their special moments, no matter who they are or whom they love, while keeping the experience affordable for everyday people. Read more>>

Weegi Wizers

My mission statement is to encourage love in broken spirits, believe it or not I used to be a dark tormented person. Back in 2014, I was battling a crippling depression and chronic insomnia. Read more>>

Martika Jackson

Hi, my name is Martika Jackson, and I’d love to share the heartfelt story behind IdealBiz Solutions. As the founder and a dedicated mother of two, IdealBiz Solutions has grown from my personal journey of entrepreneurial struggle and triumph. Read more>>

Jerica Love

My mission to provide and embody a love-based lifestyle is deeply personal and meaningful to me. It stems from my childhood experiences and the impact of my parents’ divorce. Read more>>