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.
Donna Dagnesi-gonzalez
When I decided to become a Coach, I thought I was going to focus on being a Health Coach. Although certified in both Health and Life, my passion (and specialty) became Life and Relationship Coaching. I chose this based on my own struggles through two failed marriages. I experienced an array of emotions, depression, self-doubt, loss of self-worth, anger and pain. It was a long and painful road of life’s struggles to find my way back; to begin the healing. There were no life coaches back then to help me regain the parts of me that I felt I lost with each failed marriage. Read more>>
Billy Pinckney
I used to play youth baseball and know firsthand the pressures and challenges that come with the game. The stress I put on myself, combined with external expectations, often led to anxiety on the field and even made me consider quitting. However, my perspective changed when I worked as a batboy for a professional baseball team. The players there showed me that these feelings were normal and shared strategies to handle failure and adversity. Their guidance not only helped me build confidence but also taught me valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. Read more>>
Daynie Rain
I began Love Letters over 3 years ago in the midst of a really dark and lonely part of my life. At the time, I was spending every day at a park up the road from my house because it felt like the only place that I could truly “get away”. I’d sit on a big rock by the water and read and write and think. One day on the way home, I drove past a mailbox lying in the road, I stopped to grab it and it was from that point on that “Love Letters Mailbox” began. I brought the box to my favorite park the next time I went and attached it to one of the trees on the windy- root- covered path that led to the ocean shore. I filled the box with pens and a notebook and wrote an entry on the very first page that let future visitors know that this was a forum for them to share their hopes and dreams, their secrets, their sadness, their joys, or hopefully-to write a love letter to someone near or far… Read more>>
Tanya Glessner
I learned that when you ask God for something, you better be prepared to receive it. God blessed me with a lengthy prison sentence instead of a death sentence. I grew up in Kansas City, Kansas in a home filled with chaos. Home was an ever-changing address with the only constant being my parents fighting. My dad enjoyed his plethora of drugs, and my mom enjoyed pushing his buttons and being the victim. They finally decided to call it quits when I was 11 years old, but not before finding out that he wasn’t my biological father. Read more>>
Misty Renee
The story behind Skin + Halo comes from my personal experiences. I often found myself excited for a facial or self-care treatment, only to leave feeling disappointed because the experience was more clinical than relaxing. I realized there was a gap in the industry for a space where women could not only see noticeable results but also truly unwind. That’s why I created Skin + Halo—a luxurious, private studio offering effective skincare and head spa treatments in a serene, calming environment. My mission is to provide a sanctuary where women can indulge in self-care, leaving both their skin and spirit rejuvenated. Read more>>
Luke Abad
As a creative, I believe that we are all chasing an intrinsic motivation that is manifested through our work. I started sports videography about 6 years ago and have been going ever since. I stood on the principle of bridging the gap between art and sports, though as my work has matured, so has the vision. I have now pivoted my mindset to create work that lasts and is applicable to every demographic. As we know, this is not an easy task. I think there is beauty in creating work that is visually captivating to the general public. By branching out from my distinct style, I am able to not stop at the first solution and can breakthrough to that next level of thinking. This is where the best ideas come from. Read more>>
Lisa Radlovacki
Our mission is to make weddings more affordable. Being an experienced high end wedding planner I know how wedding costs can get out of hand. I also understand that not all couples can afford this. My goal is to create a more affordable market so all stylish couples can have a gorgeous wedding without breaking the bank. While we have a long way to go, we are starting our mission with brining more affordable wedding planning to the USA. Read more>>
Diana Ekins
The Story Behind the Mission of Positiviseeds Positiviseeds began as a simple idea between two moms, Diana Ekins and Lindsey Rowles, who shared a passion for personal growth and the power of visualization. Both had experienced firsthand the transformative impact of vision boards in their own lives. For years, they used these tools to stay focused on their goals, overcome challenges, and build the futures they dreamed of. However, their vision extended beyond individual success. Read more>>
Naina Jain
Brand Founder information/Story – Marigoldbub began when I was looking for a rash solution for my 6 month old daughter in October of 2020. The solutions offered to me, such as steroids and topical creams, didn’t take into consideration the sensitiveness of a baby’s skin and I was extremely worried about the side-effects (Covid epidemic didn’t help with that either). I went back to my roots of being raised on principles of Ayurveda, and thought what would my grand father do, he was an ayurvedic practioner and I grew up going to nature before anything else. I found myself making oil for her infused with Ayurvedic herbs that I could trust – this was the birth of Calming Baby Massage Oil. Read more>>
Natesia Turner
My mission is to create children’s books that promote representation and confidence because every child deserves to see themselves reflected positively in the stories they read, helping them feel seen, valued, and empowered to embrace their uniqueness. I often use my own personal experiences in my stories to help promote confidence in children by incorporating diverse characters who face challenges and overcome them with resilience, courage, and self-acceptance. By sharing my own experiences, and triumphs through these characters, i show children that it’s okay to be themselves, to embrace their strengths and flaws, and to believe in their own potential to achieve greatness. Mt stories serve as a mirror for their own experiences and a beacon of hope that encourages them tp embrace who they are and be proud of their unique identities. Read more>>
Micki Berthelot Morency
As a Haitian immigrant woman who has lived in America for many decades, I understand the hardships and recognize the obstacles immigrants must overcome to find their voices in the midst of the challenges of assimilation. My mission is to use my words as a writer to educate, advocate, and empower my readers to find a community. Communities support, nurture and help us grow beyond their boundaries. Read more>>
Evonne Glenn
This mission is deeply meaningful to me because it is rooted in both personal experience and a calling from God. The vision for this organization came to me many years ago, but I didn’t know how to bring it to life. However, I was surrounded by powerful women of God, and through the Holy Spirit, I felt God speak to me, revealing my gift as a “feeder.” At first, I didn’t fully understand what being a “feeder” meant, but I came to realize that my passion for cooking and feeding people is how I express love, a gift passed down to me by my grandmother. Read more>>
Kristy Flynn
Our resources are not infinite and we need to preserve this place we call home for the next generations. After all, we are just stewards of this place we call home. In a world that has become mass produced with cheaply made items that won’t stand the test of time, I want to be able to provide people with better options. Options that will help preserve the planet by reusing and upcycling existing furniture and decor items to fit modern lifestyles. This helps to reduce waste in our landfills each year and the need to harvest new resources. Read more>>
Logan Cannon
My mission can be summarized in one word—minimalism. It’s undeniable that Americans are overwhelmed by choices in every market from health insurance to condiments to clothing. I’ve found that by limiting my available options, I’m able to simplify my day-to-day, and my mind is more at ease. It’s a bit easier to live in the moment and it’s provided me with sustained happiness. I simply applied this principle to apparel and created a brand that men can trust for style direction and performance needs. However, dressing minimally is more complex than one might initially think (including myself). Read more>>
Raysa Veras
Rouge Hoops: A Business Born from Love Hello, I’m Raysa Veras, and I’d like to share the story of Rouge Hoops, a business
born from love. Since I was a child, I have always loved accessories. Although my professional background is in social work, I decided to take classes to learn how to create the accessories I had always imagined and wanted to give to my friends. Rouge Hoops emerged during a very special and emotional time in my life. In 2017, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. During those difficult times, I spent many hours at the hospital in New York with him. Read more>>
Valeria Martinez
Our journey began with a vision to create a space where individuals could experience profound transformation and growth while feeling supported and nurtured by a community of like-minded souls. We see our facilitators as heart-felt companions, walking alongside people as they navigate the ebbs and flows of life’s journey. In a fast-paced and often disconnected world, we recognize the rare value of patience, compassion, and genuine human connection. These qualities are the pillars of our mission, guiding us in every aspect of our work. Read more>>
Whit Randall
When I was pregnant, I struggled to find quality products I actually wanted in my home. The patterns were wrong and the colors didn’t fit. The ones I did like were too expensive to justify their purchase based on the short time they would be used. I was rapidly becoming aware of the big carbon footprint left by these tiny baby feet. I wanted things that were multifunctional and could grow with my family. I wanted to offset that outsized carbon footprint by using only recycled materials. My mission is to create quality products from recycled textiles that seamlessly blend into my customers’ esthetic. Juice Box Jungle is multifunctional and stylish so my customers feel that parenthood complements their lifestyle. Juice Box Jungle is committed to weaving a sustainable legacy for modern families. Read more>>
Matt Brenn
Stewards of Our Craft Compared to other societies around the world, the craft of American furniture making is a very young one. Still growing, still figuring out its unique styles, and still very much learning its value systems. The furniture industry is one of the largest consumer markets in the United States at $244 billion, and is expected to skyrocket to $295 billion by 2028. But with everything that’s out there–from ‘fast furniture’ stores like IKEA and Rooms-to-Go, to DIY Youtube channels and HGTV shows, navigating one of America’s fastest growing cultural trends can be a daunting task at times. This is especially true in a post-Covid era, where the image of home is nearer and dearer to most of us than ever before. Read more>>
Courtney Mance
When I moved to Phoenix to further my yoga career, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of yoga and wellness options available. Not a bad problem to have, but it was challenging to find what I needed without spending hours searching online or hopping from place to place. That’s when I realized there was a gap—a way to help people like me and those traveling here who heard about our diverse wellness scene but didn’t know where to start. Yoga in Phoenix emerged from this need to simplify access to quality yoga and wellness resources. Our platform consolidates local studios, events, retreats, and practitioners, making it easier for people to find and connect with the resources they need. Read more>>
Qi Rosa Zhang
At Queue Agency, our mission is deeply intertwined with my personal journey in the fashion industry. I began my career as a designer, working in various roles for both independent designers and renowned houses like Vera Wang and Moncler. This hands-on experience has given me a unique perspective on the industry, allowing me to fully understand the challenges and struggles that emerging talents face. I’ve been where they are—navigating the competitive landscape, striving to break through, and finding a voice amidst established giants. Read more>>
Erica Collins
The mission for EC3TRAVEL services are to provide direct access to the world’s greatest classroom: domestic and international travels. Traveling this world has turned into one of my most valuable educational resources and I see the value it affords others. I strive to provide curated travel experiences to private clients in a safe, structured, and customized manner. I get to share my expertise of having traveled to 22 countries and 37 United States. Every time I get the pleasure of traveling to a new destination, I am keen to know the customs, culture, food, and day-to-day lives of the locals. There is a way to do this in style or within a frugal budget, which, solely depends on my clients’ preferences. I am a utility consultant with a skillset to curate group, solo, corporate, and or couple’s trips. Everyone deserves to see what this world has to offer… Read more>>
Tieisha Lafayette Johnson
MISSION STATEMENT “Digitaltize is on a mission to empower moms women & individuals with tools for personal growth, fostering positivity and well-being. We believe in the transformative power of information and aim to inspire a brighter, happy, more hopeful world. It starts with YOU! I believe that people spend a lot of time being negative, mean, non productive. We all have bad days however it’s about how you handle them. Don’t dwell in the negative. Be positive. Be proactive. Be the Change you want to see in the world. Read more>>
Adrienne Hollings
Our mission is two fold. This business began as a way to keep our 103 acre, 4th generation, Off-Grid family farm alive and viable for future generations. In doing so we strive to create a space where folks can step away from the unrealistic pace and expectations of the modern world while stepping back into a world deeply rooted in the balance and simplicity of nature. We are working towards regenerative agriculture practices and unique, one of a kind experiences. An escape to find yourself where the world grows quiet enough to hear your soul speak, where food is medicine and presence is priority. A place to heal, rest, build and share friendship, love, food, and community. Read more>>
Shaylee Ungos
My mission is to spread the message “smile at the little things.” This motto means to appreciate ordinary life and create the reality that you desire. Shaping your mindset to seek out the positive things, no matter how small, really changes how you experience daily life. I struggled with my mental health as a student-athlete throughout high school and into my first year of college. There were many challenges I had to overcome in order to even get to the college level. Read more>>
Tara Lynn
My mission is to inspire people to embrace life’s authentic moments, to love themselves and others, and practice kindness and grace. Inspired by the love of a dog that saved my life, I capture and share stories that celebrate the simple pleasures, imperfect moments and the relationships that make life worth living. By celebrating the deep love we share with our families and pets, I aim to remind everyone that all living things deserve love and compassion. I believe that the more love we share, the safer our world will be for the most vulnerable among us – especially our pets and children. Read more>>
Shanique Lanier
The story behind my business is more complex, than baking homemade banana nut bread from scratch. I’ll break it down like this, If we don’t create a habit of celebrating life’s blessing or be willing to sacrifice our time for others, we’ll lose what’s left of humanity. My business’s slogan is “putting your occasion on a pedestal” although decor is my jam, I find beauty in the unthinkable. I listen to my customers during consultation and I’ve managed to create a unique process to help people organize their occasion, I call it the P.O.S.E. Method. During the pandemic I got engaged to the love of my life and while planning each intricate detail, it dawned on me how bridezillas , cancellations and even fights can occur. Read more>>
Nick Toso
Rolli is on a mission to elevate expert voices and bring reliable, high-quality media to the forefront for the public good. We’re driven by the urgent need to enhance representation, combat disinformation, and ensure that trustworthy information is accessible to everyone. As journalists and founders, we saw a critical gap: the historic reduction in newsroom resources, coupled with a faster news cycle, and the growth of disinformation and news deserts was leading to an erosion in public trust. In a landscape where the loudest voices can drown out the most credible ones, Rolli aims to level the playing field. We believe expertise, credibility and representation matters—diverse perspectives lead to richer, more informed public discourse and a more inclusive and equitable media ecosystem. Read more>>
Daniela Sastriques
Mission: At Sra. Dani Classroom, my mission is to make learning Spanish fun, engaging, and accessible for children and their families. I believe that through interactive experiences, like coloring books, games, and stories, kids can immerse themselves in the language while enjoying the process. Our goal is to empower parents, even those who may not be fluent, to introduce Spanish to their children in a natural and joyful way. Read more>>
Brittany Hepworth
At Artisan ABQ, our mission is to empower and inspire creativity within our community by providing a welcoming space for artists of all levels. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we are deeply committed to continuing the legacy of supporting local artists that began in 1975. We believe in the transformative power of art to help individuals discover their unique identity and voice. Our Albuquerque store, with its diverse range of art supplies for every budget, and our downstairs gallery, which hosts classes and demos, are dedicated to fostering artistic expression and promoting mental well-being. We are proud to be a cornerstone of the local art community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and share their creative potential. Read more>>
Alexandria Ware
At Culture Creations Inc., our mission is deeply personal and transformative. Founded by Alexandria Ware, a former foster youth, our organization is dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of young people in foster care, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds. Alexandria’s experiences within the foster care system have inspired her commitment to creating a nurturing environment that addresses the unique needs of these youth and celebrates their potential. Our mission is guided by three core pillars: Empowerment, Community, and Joy. Read more>>
Samantha Guy
Story Behind the Mission: 1. Personal Connection to the Cause: The founders of First Sip Studios have personal ties to the mission. One founder’s (Dennis Guy) experience with the tragic loss of a family member to violence and having relatives who have been in and out of the prison system highlight the critical need for opportunities that provide positive direction. This personal history fuels a deep-seated commitment to preventing others from experiencing similar fates. The belief is that if individuals have access to positive, constructive paths—like learning digital marketing skills or storytelling—they are less likely to fall into patterns of crime or recidivism. Read more>>
Kimberly Bruch
Hopscotch San Diego was started in 2007 to expose young children to art, music, and movement activities while also learning fundamental “preschool” concepts (ABCs, 123s, and such). Initially working with the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Council in North Clairemont to re-establish the Tiny Tots program there in 2007, we also started offering classes at the Carmel Valley Community Center in September 2011 and have been focused on the latter site for several years since I live just across the bridge in Del Mar Heights. Read more>>
Monica Kornblum
At Language Lions, our mission is to improve children’s communication by finding their strengths & empowering their development. I grew up always wanting to help others, but especially children. I knew that I would become a teacher/educator of some kind and fell in love with Speech Pathology after watching my brother go through therapy for his /R/ sound. I saw firsthand how having a communication impairment can affect a child’s self-esteem. I also saw how much confidence a child can have from mastering his/her goals. At Language Lions, I feel that I truly live out my mission every single day by helping children so that they can reach their full potential and succeed! Read more>>
Hannah Cho
My mission was to create lashes that actually fit, and beauty tools that really worked for Asian eyes. From a young age, I had an interest in beauty and fashion. But growing up here in America, there was no one who looked like me that I could look up to. The lack of representation is a common experience for many Asians. When I discovered YouTube in my early twenties, that’s where I found a community of other Asian females looking for beauty products that worked for us. I’ve spent over a decade in the beauty industry, searching for eyelashes that properly fit my unique Asian eyes, were high-quality, and provided the long-term value I was looking for. Read more>>
Fabienne Claude
The story behind my mission is to get people to understand the power of the body and spirit in coexistence, or in other words, in balance. Applying healthy choices both physically and spiritually is my main focus. Eat right, stay active, and keep your spirit activated with positive and conscious approaches. My company introduces holistic companies, programs, initiatives, events, and wellness activities to assure the bigger purpose, self love. Read more>>
Steven Rehrig
Bibe all started from an experience I had at a club in Miami. I was meeting some friends who went to the University of Miami for a weekend. We rarely get to see each other because we go to different colleges, so we were eager to reconnect and have a good time. We ended up going to a large club, which was quite different from what I was used to in my small town. The place was packed with hundreds of people, and the first thing I noticed was how crowded the bar was. Read more>>
Marissa Ayala
I am a writer, researcher, and visual artist, living in Austin, Texas. I lead The East Austin Writing Project, which is a literary arts community that I’ve developed over the course of five years, and it’s based on the practice of writing as a collaborative act. My mission with this community, which has over 2k members, is to provide free and/or affordable arts programming for local residents and creatives and establish pathways for local artists to earn equitable wages. Read more>>