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.

Leila Rader

My mission to bring consciousness to beauty emerged from a pivotal moment in my life. I once felt overwhelmed by the pressure to enact large-scale change, convinced that only grand gestures mattered. However, during a quiet period of reflection, I began to see that beauty thrives in the everyday. Simple actions—like thoughtfully arranging a room, consciously choosing my clothing, or engaging in meaningful conversations—revealed the power of small, intentional choices. This realization inspired me not only to embrace beauty in my own life but also to guide others in recognizing and cultivating it within theirs. Read more>>

Ruijia Wang

I think being a minority woman in an industry that predominantly consists of white male is the primary motivation behind my story. It is why I try so hard to accomplish what I have done so far. Since I was a little girl, all I ever wanted to do was to tell story and it has became my mission to provide a voice for those who are voiceless. I believe in building a business that can not only provide an opportunity for people to be heard but also can create a profitable business that would help me to provide more opportunities to tell different stories from different artist. That is what my mission is about.. Read more>>

Kylie Sandberg

Hello Kylie Creating For a Cure LLC was founded in January 2020 right before COVID-19 lockdown began. This business was dedicated to honor my dad, a now 7 year cancer survivor. As a six-year-old kid, my biggest dream was to open up my own bakery, selling cupcakes, candies, cookies, donuts, and anything sweet. When Covid began I had so much free time that I decided to found my own business selling homemade sugar cookies where all of the proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society supports patients research and education surrounding cancer. The money I made went directly to my relay for life team, which was a part of my high school, Grafton high school in Yorktown, Virginia by March 2021 I raised a little over $10,000 and donate it directly to my relay for life team. Read more>>

Sami Garrett

Our mission is to help support mothers through all chapters of motherhood because we believe if you can help support the moms, they can show up as their best selves and raise the next generation with more intention, clarity, and emotional resilience. We can help change the world if we can help support the moms. This all stemmed from years of researching parenting and child psychology/development and then my own postpartum journey suffering from postpartum rage. I wanted a place were moms could come together and be raw and real knowing there was no judgement; a place where they could heal their nervous system and in turn help their children develop regulated nervous systems; a place where we could laugh, cry, question, grow, all the things, together and learn from and support each other; a place where we could find resources during very specific times of motherhood, like pregnancy, postpartum, dealing with a difficult diagnosis, etc; a place that gives moms the tools they need to feel good, have fun, and make the best decisions for their families.  Read more>>

Tamron Little

Life often throws unforeseen challenges our way. As the saying goes, “Life be lifing”. For me, that challenge came in the form of a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis. This rare and aggressive cancer, usually associated with asbestos exposure, dramatically changed my life when I was just 21. In that pivotal moment, I faced not only the physical obstacles of this life-altering illness but also the emotional and mental weight of being a young mother with cancer. However, amidst this struggle, I discovered a mission that transformed my life and instilled a profound sense of purpose. This diagnosis, while devastating, ignited a passion within me to become an advocate for others facing similar battles. I began educating myself about the disease, connecting with support groups, and sharing my story to raise awareness.  Read more>>

Matt Plechan

Our Mission: Preserving Architectural Integrity At our company, we are driven by a passion for preserving masonry and maintaining the structural integrity of buildings for generations to come. Our mission goes beyond just providing a product; it’s about safeguarding the rich architectural history that defines our communities. Many modern buildings lack the quality and craftsmanship of earlier eras. For instance, in Jacksonville, you can find remarkable structures from the early 1900s that have stood the test of time. However, every time latex acrylic paint and/or elastomeric coatings are applied, they diminish the lifespan of these buildings. Unfortunately, much of the original brick is no longer available, and improper painting accelerates the deterioration of these historic gems. Read more>>

Virginia Burroughs

Redemption Ranch is a non-profit in Kern County and our mission is to build animal-assisted trauma therapy programs and a service dog program to serve military, first responder, and civilian trauma survivors using rescued Pit-Bull type dogs and mustang horses. Our ultimate goal is a facility where all of our animals are housed and from which we can run our animal therapy programs. Redemption Ranch is inspired by my faith and my love for animals. It is the result of rededicating myself to my faith 8 years ago and being open to God’s path for my life rather than my own. As a result, in 2019, Redemption Ranch was born. On the animal side of things, I had fallen in love with Pit Bull type dogs after adopting two of my own and since they are some of the most abused and mistreated dogs, not to mention they have the highest euthanasia rates in shelters, it was a no-brainer that they would be the dogs we rescued to use in our programs. Mustang horses are another animal I have a passion for, as my first horse was a mustang. They are also in need of a purpose, and thus were my choice of equine for our equine therapy program. Read more>>

Alyssia Leach

In December 2022, I first got the idea to create conversation cards with the goal of bringing people together. Over the next two years, I hosted small dinner parties as a way to provide a safe space for people to engage in meaningful, deep conversations. But by 2024, I realized that wasn’t enough. While these dinners were valuable, I saw that people needed more than a nice evening—they needed real community. They were searching for spaces where they could connect, belong, and build lasting relationships. On April 27, 2024, I took a step forward and invited a small group of young adults to a Nerf gun arcade. The event was a huge success, not because of the number of attendees but because of the overwhelming response: 1) People loved it, 2) They needed wholesome, engaging activities for the weekends, and 3) They craved more of it. Read more>>

Breck Pribyl

My journey started when I adopted Stewie, a tripaw rescue pup, in 2021. Through the years we have immersed ourselves in the dog-minded community of the Tampa Bay area, have created so many wonderful friendships, and have been a part of many inspiring events that give back to community. Stewie has been such an inspiration to me and he has taught me so much about patience, resilience, and never giving up, despite what setbacks may seem like roadblocks. I wanted to do something to honor him. I decided in early 2024 to host an adoption event called Plenty Of Paws, and to my surprise, raised nearly $5,000, which was given back to the five local rescues participating, and six pups were adopted. My heart was full and I decided the next day to make it official, continue to give back, and started the non-profit immediately. Read more>>

Kristina Scott

Founded in 2023, my company is dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive space for female divers through innovative and thoughtfully designed scuba dive logbooks. After I became a certified diver, I was on a mission to find the perfect logbook, one that matched my personality. After I exhausted the local dive shops and the internet, it was clear that this was probably a common issue for women, like me. Recognizing a gap in the market for logbooks that embrace femininity and cater specifically to women divers, I set out to address this challenge with passion and creativity. My mission is to inspire and empower women around the globe, making it clear that scuba diving is a welcoming adventure for everyone. Read more>>

Alicia Schroeder

My mission is to create one-of-a-kind trips that are truly worth using your precious PTO. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, it’s meaningful to me to craft experiences that are not only memorable but also impactful. I believe that every trip, no matter how big or small, should leave a lasting impression—full of moments you’ll cherish for a lifetime. By taking the stress of planning off your plate, I aim to give you the opportunity to simply enjoy the adventure and make the most of your time away. Read more>>

Jessica Hernandez

My content creation mission stems from my deeply personal journey as a mom of two autistic girls, one of whom has been diagnosed with level 3 autism. The emotional challenges I’ve faced as a family have fueled my desire to share my day-to-day life as a stay-at-home mom. By showcasing the reality of raising children on the spectrum, I’m not only bringing awareness to autism but also providing support, inspiration, and relatable content to other families navigating similar experiences. My mission is to create a space where others can feel seen, heard, and less alone in their journey. Read more>>

Valheria Sanchez

Our mission at Hazelnut Production Agency and Studio 124 is rooted in the idea of collaboration and community among creatives. When I first started as a freelancer, I quickly realized how difficult it can be to navigate the industry without a support network. The journey can feel isolating, especially when you’re just starting out and lack access to resources or mentorship. That experience inspired me to build a space where creatives could come together, collaborate, and grow. Read more>>

Hannah Talbert

My mission as a photographer is all about capturing moments that truly matter. It’s not just about pretty pictures – it’s about preserving real, authentic memories that tell your story. Whether it’s a quiet glance, a burst of laughter, or the love shared between family members, I want to capture what makes your life special. This means a lot to me because I’ve always believed that photos aren’t just snapshots; they’re time capsules. I want to help people hold on to the moments that make life meaningful, so they can be shared and remembered for generations. Why do I do this? Because I know how quickly life moves, and I love being able to freeze those moments that show who we really are. That’s what drives me. I’m not just here to take photos—I’m here to help you hold onto the memories that matter most. Read more>>

Raven Waits

I had been seeing lots of videos surfacing on social media of customized cases referred to as ‘junk cases’, so seeing all those videos made me want one for myself, I researched and found it would be more cost effective to make my own. I ordered some charms to start off with and I got with one of my friends and we made our own phone cases. I had fun doing and I wanted to do more! So days later, I made a case for my iPad and I posted them on my social media, I really didn’t think anyone would be interested, but a lot of my friends have ordered cases from me. Amidst all this I was let go from my main job so I started to make more cases as a result and I have been making them ever since. Read more>>

Josh Madonick

It’s no secret that healthcare in America is broken. The country is sicker than it’s ever been, with people becoming more obese, more diseased, and more disabled year after year. America is doing its best to help its population, but has largely focused on reactive care. Medications, treatments, and other sources of care are guided at the masses who are already unhealthy. As a result, those who are trying to avoid this fate are given almost no resources at all. Rather than working to make sure these individuals live a long, healthful life, they’re told that they are “healthy”, “normal”, and don’t need to worry. Read more>>

Dominique Markowicz

The story behind starting With God really began with an unexpected encounter with the presence of God that totally transformed my life. God completely revealed Himself to me this year and I realized I needed to do more than just live my faith—I wanted to share it, and in a way that would resonate with a generation so lost. With God is a brand that lets people proudly wear their faith while starting conversations and maybe even introducing someone to God for the first time, the whole goal is to make Jesus cool again. I wanted to go beyond just making Christian clothing; I wanted to build a movement of people who are unashamed of their faith and look good while doing it! It’s about creating a space where people can express their love for God without it feeling outdated or boring. It’s a passion that’s really personal to me because God changed my life and how I view everything, and I want to help Him transform others’ lives too. Read more>>

Wendy Paskow

The connection between humans and dwellings are profound, There exist many connotations regarding the concept of a home, including of security, identity, ritual and socialization, varied definitions and residents may associate their home with meanings, emotions, experiences and relationships. house should be a Home, where there harmony and peace. Since it can be said that humans are generally creatures of habit, the state of a person’s home has been known to physiologically influence their behavior, emotions, and overall mental health. Read more>>

Customland La Halsey & Geeg

Our mission is rooted in a passion for timeless style and a commitment to sustainability. We draw inspiration from nostalgia while also embracing the creativity that comes from using unexpected materials. We love to take what’s available—whether it’s leftover fabrics, vintage finds, or even items from clothing swaps—and transform them into unique pieces that tell their own stories. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do; we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves through fashion, which is why we focus on larger sizes that are often overlooked. In a world where trends can dominate, we aim to encourage individuals to embrace their personal style and take fashion risks that reflect their unique experiences. Read more>>

Walter Cueva

At Teslys, our mission goes beyond just car sharing. We’re also dedicated to helping people who are struggling with the financial burden of auto loans, particularly Tesla owners who may be at risk of defaulting. We understand that owning a Tesla is a significant investment, and when financial pressures arise, it can be tough to keep up with payments. That’s where Teslys steps in. By renting out their Teslas through our platform, owners can avoid defaulting on their loans while making money every two weeks. Instead of worrying about payments, owners can earn passive income by sharing their cars with people who need them. This not only eases the financial stress for the owner but also contributes to the growing community of electric vehicle users. Read more>>

Maria Consuelo Quevedo

My name is Maria Consuelo, meaning “Chosen by God to give relief.” When I was a little girl, I did not love my name at all, which has changed through the years. My journey began with the profound lessons of the losses of my three babies, Bruno, Mateo, and Camila, which have transformed me on three pillars of my life: Body, Mind, and Soul. My transformation includes a mental journey (mindset shift with “three years without shopping”), a spiritual awakening (connecting with the soul after Mateo’s passing), and a physical transformation (losing 30 pounds and overcoming insulin resistance after Camila’s loss). The main purpose of the business is to guide people to regain trust in themselves, help them reconnect with their deeper selves, and find balance in the three most important aspects of life: their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. We can choose to see life in two ways: through pain or through relief, and on that point, my name has the whole sense at this time. Read more>>

Glendon Hyde

When I was young the commercial with the Native American standing above a freeway, surrounded by litter, created a recurring nightmare of drowning in garbage. I never understood the desire for new, more, better, modern. The marketing of these ideas has created a human who does not buy new anything, and chooses second hand products in all forms. I than began to apply this to my art. Why buy new canvas, supplies, to express myself? So I don’t. I rely on donations from friends mostly, and have focused on using what is offered by my community, to express my artistic vision. Read more>>

Rika Iino

Arriving in the American South in the 90s with barely a word of English, I quickly learned the sting of exclusion. As a young teen, I endured bullying, which I finding refuge in drawing and music. My Japanese mother, a piano teacher, introduced me to music at the age of three, and to this day I truly consider it my frist language. At 13, my first American music teacher gave me the chance to play in front of other kids. The bullying stopped, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope. Music had empowered me to show up as my whole self and find my voice in a foreign world. As an adult, I’ve realized that hope alone isn’t enough to create true belonging. Belonging is a journey—a series of intentional acts rooted in love that shape our identity and future. Maya Angelou’s words resonate deeply with me: “You are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.” For me, the greatest reward has been the chance to build my company SOZO and its community. Read more>>

Cass Schulz

I’ve always loved design and I love to entertain. When I helped style my son and daughter in law’s wedding, I knew I had found my passion and thus launched Crushed Velvet Rentals. There is so much waste in events and I felt we could curate older tablescapes, furniture and decor without sacrificing style, quite the opposite. There is nothing more satisfying than being a part of my clients’ biggest celebrations and seeing their faces when their eyes light up. And working with my son? That’s just the cherry on top of it all. Read more>>

Madison Gartside

The Story Behind Our Mission At All Aboard Animal Rescue is a 501c3 non – profit organization, our mission is to address the global pet overpopulation crisis through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. This mission is deeply personal to me, rooted in my experiences growing up with a passion for animal welfare. Inspired by advocates like Steve Irwin, I always felt a strong urge to spread compassion and make a difference in the lives of animals. A pivotal moment in my journey occurred when I found a deceased dog on the side of the road. Discovering that this dog had belonged to a local humane society ignited my determination to get involved. I started volunteering at adoption events, where I witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking realities many animals face. Seeing those who weren’t adopted return to the shelter week after week solidified my commitment to being their voice. Read more>>

Marianna Jamadi

After the passing of her parents in 2017 and 2018, Marianna searched for more meaningful ways to grieve and honor her parents. Her work as a travel photographer has taken her to places where she witnessed other cultures processing death in ways she yearned for. With both of her parents cremated, she failed to find an urn that was as beautiful as her parents’ spirits. Her experiences with loss have inspired her to create KUNOKAIKU. She hopes that these vessels serve as more than an urn and can aide in rituals to honor those we miss. REMEMBERING THROUGH RITUAL KUNOKAIKU is inspired by the rhythms of the earth and the materials and colors that exist in the natural world. By creating thoughtful objects that can harmoniously be incorporated into the home, KUNOKAIKU aims to bridge the gap between loss and life. Ultimately, we hope these pieces serve as a tangible opportunity to honor loved ones that are missed, every day. Read more>>

Alexander Hume

The main motivator for my business was my experience as an artist dealing with music engineers and mentors who didn’t excel in communication or in some cases, engineering itself. I’ve spent nearly half of my life educating myself about audio and have always strived to refine my intuition and skills over time. I also want to provide audio engineering services, education, and professional consulting to fellow queer artists, as well as other marginalized groups – facilitating a comfortable and productive environment for all walks of life. I’m extremely passionate about supporting/promoting my clients and I love to assist artists in self development, as well as achieving their goals. Read more>>

Albert Pernsley Iii

Crown Me Fit’s mission is rooted in the belief “where limits don’t exist.” The inspiration for our mission emerged during a transformative period in my life. At just 21, I was charged with first-degree murder, facing the daunting prospect of a life sentence for defending myself. After being convicted of third-degree murder, I was sentenced to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for 8 1/2 to 20 years. It was then that I realized I had to transcend the barriers set before me. Throughout my most challenging and darkest moments, I discovered my true self through fitness. I pride myself on being able to uniquely develop a training program for all individuals even those who may believe they are “limited.” I show them they can rise above any barrier set in their way. Read more>>

Jessica Mcmurray

The vision behind Fox Contracting Services is to bring a service to the community that will allow them to trust expansion in their area. So often our State laws are not up to par with the economic growth in the area. For example I reside in Coeur d’ Alene, ID and anyone can have an idea for a business register for their business online and in an instant be a “handyman” or “general contractor”. The laws are not fit to help those in the community recognize how easy it is to be taken advantage of. I took my ability to investigate and vet the best contractors in the community and refer them to home-property owners. I background check, look at their business registrations, and make sure they have the proper general liability insurance. This creates a safe haven for networking and helping those in the community. Being a single mom in the area it gives me comfort knowing who I can trust with a skilled trade.  Read more>>

David Rangel

When we started the pandemic was in full effect and it was difficult to find basic foods like, pasta, rice, etc. We started selling pasta out of our home daily. As we got an opportunity to expand, our mindset stayed the same. We wanted to make affordable Italian style food. For the most part, at least in this area, Italian food is very expensive. Just about every place you go you pay at least double of what we charge. For example, $50 at our spot goes along way. Most people who order are surprised by the pricing. That’s our mission, our goal, to make affordable and great food for people. Don’t get me wrong, when you order our food you’re getting the bang for your buck. We strive to offer fresh ingredients, great food with affordable elevation. We have a different special every week so that we can keep customers coming. It’s important to have great food that you can afford. Read more>>

Michelle Erica

MMMoore Twins & Co. was born from my journey as a single Black mother navigating the world of Autism after my daughter’s diagnosis at age 3. I faced countless challenges, from understanding her unique needs to finding spaces where she truly belonged. However, upon learning about her love for drawing and art I decided to provide her the necessary tools and allow her to draw what she was imagining. From this I decided to work on opening The Artism Studio—a place where children with special needs can express themselves freely through art, be celebrated for who they are, and find a community that understands their journey. Our mission is to provide a safe, sensory-friendly environment where every child, especially those like my daughter, can explore their creativity, grow in confidence, and feel seen for something creative. Read more>>