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.

Oscar Starr

Thank you for your interest in my mission! My mission is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the desire to make a positive impact on others. As an author and entrepreneur, I aim to inspire and empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. The story behind my mission began with my own journey of self-discovery and overcoming adversity. Through my writing, such as “The GameChanger Perspective” and “Broken Relationships: Confronting Emotional Neglect in the Marriage,” I share insights and strategies that have helped me and others navigate difficult situations. My mission is meaningful to me because I have seen firsthand the transformative power of self-awareness, resilience, and personal development. Read more>>

John Moody

At Water Bridge Aquamation, our mission stems from my 15 years as a mortician and funeral home manager. I’ve seen families increasingly seek natural and sustainable ways to honor their loved ones, which inspired me to extend these options to pets. Pets are beloved family members, yet they often lack the same caring aftercare choices. I recognized a clear need for environmentally friendly options for our furry friends. Our mission is about honoring the bond we share with our pets and ensuring they receive the dignity and care we provide to our human family members. Read more>>

Angel Townsend

Fort Bend Fierce Volleyball Club was born from a deep passion to teach, inspire, and help young athletes realize their potential, both on and off the volleyball court. At its core, our mission is to foster character development while improving volleyball skills, reinforcing discipline, determination, and commitment. By providing a safe and supportive environment, we aim to inspire athletes to channel their energy into personal growth and achievement, embodying the values of F.I.E.R.C.E. This mission is especially close to my heart because it honors my niece, whose fierce and bright spirit continues to impact those around her. Through this business, her legacy lives on, reminding everyone of the power of being fearless, intense, energetic, resilient, courageous, and putting effort in all that you do. Read more>>

Stephanie Fu

“I never thought a pile of toys could cause so much stress. But there I was—six months after my second child was born—surrounded by clutter, noise, and chaos. Something had to change.”  Six months after my second child was born, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of toys cluttering our small Brooklyn apartment and overstimulated by the constant noise. I noticed that this visual and auditory clutter was affecting my older child, who became increasingly distracted and frazzled. Realizing something needed to change, we decided to embrace minimalist living. Read more>>

Dr. Carolyn Colleen

My mission is deeply personal, rooted in my own journey of overcoming adversity and transforming my life. I’ve experienced firsthand the power of resilience, clarity, and support in navigating challenges, and I’m passionate about helping others unlock their potential and achieve breakthroughs. Through my FIERCE methodology, I empower individuals and organizations to not only succeed but thrive, living purpose-driven lives. This mission is meaningful to me because I believe in the ripple effect of positive impact—by helping others find their strength, I contribute to creating lasting, meaningful change. Read more>>

Angelique Barbara

Holistic Animal Studies: The mission of Holistic Animal Studies is deeply rooted in a passion for promoting natural and holistic methods to improve the well-being of animals. Founded by Dr. Angel, Holistic Animal Studies was created to share her expertise in alternative therapies that enhance animal health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Dr. Angel recognized that many conventional treatments for animals were often limited or overly invasive, leading her to explore alternative solutions like massage, acupressure, and energy work. Read more>>

Tian Philson

I talk a lot about what it feels like to look in the mirror, and not recognize the woman staring back at you. That conversation comes from a very tender place in my heart, and a very real experience for me. The LSF Mission is focused on helping people live their most authentic and fulfilling lives. At the end of the day, that’s the end goal. We just happen to do that through coaching and yoga services. If you know what it feels like to feel disconnected from the very essence of who you are, then you know how painful it is. Read more>>

Luke Dancy

As someone who has dedicated over 30 years to the art of magic, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the industry from many angles. From performing captivating tricks on stage to engaging with fellow magicians at conventions, my passion for magic has only deepened over the years. Today, I am proud to own a magic shop that curates and sells only the finest, handpicked magic tricks and supplies to magicians around the world. My goal is to provide high-quality products that inspire creativity and enhance performances. Each item in the shop is chosen with care, reflecting the artistry and innovation that magic represents. Read more>>

Eduard Monteagudo

The origin of Cocoon Flex Spaces goes all the way back to my final thesis at design school in Barcelona. The thesis was: How can we use the existing infrastructure of our cities to produce win-win scenarios for all parties involved? In doing this, it would involve maximizing the community and building potential to make them more equal, and provide easier access to design, culture, and of course, nature. As is the case with most things, the dream of Cocoon had to be put on hold for a period of time, while I established myself and got a good amount of work experience. I worked for 10 years for design studios, a few of which were in New York City, and in 2017, I felt that it was time to revisit my idea and bring it to life. Read more>>

Jennifer Stano

Original Self’s story is deeply personal to me. It all began with my own experience in 2019 when I decided to undergo explant surgery after years of struggling with health concerns related to breast implants. This decision opened my eyes to the lack of products that support women during and after such life-changing procedures. I realized that many women, like me, were left without options that prioritize both health and confidence. Read more>>

Karen Eastwood

ESPO Hub is the all-in-one marketplace for the event industry, connecting event professionals with the resources they need. Our mission is to simplify event planning and hiring across the nation. By providing direct access to local talent, vendors, suppliers, and staff, ESPO Hub empowers event planners and producers to source all their needs from their communities. This ensures opportunities for local businesses and professionals, keeping people employed and money circulating within the community. Read more>>

Jeff St. Andre

At City Brew Tours Austin, our mission is to be the leading curator of craft beer experiences for visitors, locals, and the community as both an ambassador and an advocate for the brewing industry. But for us, this mission is more than just about organizing great tours—it’s about connecting people to the heart of local craft beer. Craft beer represents creativity, craftsmanship, and community, and being an advocate for this industry means we’re standing behind the passionate, hardworking people who bring it to life. We are front-line ambassadors for these local businesses, helping people understand not only the art, history, and science that go into each brew, but also the stories of the people and places behind them. Read more>>

Colleen Higgins

At Colleen Higgins Studio, my mission is to help people preserve cherished memories of their loved ones by creating unique, handcrafted keepsakes from their clothing. This mission is deeply personal to me because it began with the loss of my grandmother. After she passed away, I found it difficult to let go of her clothes, which still held her scent and the memories of moments we shared. I wanted a way to keep a piece of her with me in a tangible form, something I could hold onto during difficult times. Read more>>

Wotsa Koutoglo

I’m originally from Togo, West Africa, and I’ve spent over 20 years working in various industries with a focus in business product development, operations, and supply chain management. Four years ago, I lost my dear cousin, which was a devastating experience. Before his passing, he told me I had the gift of intentional giving—whether through time, knowledge, or resources—and that I should share it with the world. At first, I laughed because I’m not someone who enjoys self-promotion or selling, but he was serious. A few days after that conversation, he passed away, and through prayer and reflection, I felt called to create Lantsa Gifts. It became my way of honoring his words and using that gift to help others give with purpose. The core mission of Lantsa Gifts is to help people give with purpose. Read more>>

Christa Gonzalez

The mission of Corazon by Christa Gonzalez and Empowered Vibes888 is deeply personal. It’s driven by a desire to help others find harmony, which I discovered from my transformational journey. My whole life I have been inspired by music and saw firsthand how creativity could uplift the spirit. This influence, combined with my practices in mindset shifts, yoga, meditation, music therapy, and energy work, led me to realize that beauty is not just skin deep it radiates from the inside when the mind, body, and spirit are aligned. Read more>>

Solia Sam

My brand’s mission is deeply personal, born from my own experiences of growing up in Iran, where women are treated as second-class citizens. Fashion was, and still is, illegal in Iran, so even as a child, the idea of becoming a fashion designer seemed impossible. But it was during my early teens when I first caught a glimpse of the fashion world—through an illegal satellite channel—that the seed of my dream was planted. At the time, I didn’t even know what fashion truly encompassed, but I knew that it was a form of art, and I was captivated. Read more>>

Danielle Mcmillan

At THE RLMG, our mission is to build a global community that elevates and supports artists through collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. We believe in the power of music and creativity to connect people, crossing boundaries and fostering a sense of unity. Our goal is to create a space where artists from all genres and backgrounds feel heard, understood, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry. Read more>>

Louis Bustamante

My mission statement is simple, “You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you” – John Wooden. Although Wooden is the author of the quote, that is not who I attribute it to. In college I knew everyone, probably because I never studied. I met a lot of amazing people, but Travis was special. We quickly became best buds, always joking around and playing pranks on each other. If you needed somewhere to sleep, his couch was always open. If it was life or death and you needed someone to answer the phone, he would answer. If you needed help moving, he would find someone with a truck and a few other guys to show up to help. He was one of those guys who always found a way. You do not find many friends like him in your life. Read more>>

Melissa Martinez

The Birth of Krypt Aesthetics In the shadows of the beauty industry, where conformity often reigns, I saw a void. A void that craved individuality, self-expression, and empowerment. As a Gothic Esthetician, I knew I had to create a sanctuary where the misunderstood and marginalized could find solace. Growing up, I struggled to find my place in the world. I was the outsider, the misfit, the one who dared to be different. But in the darkness, I found my strength. I discovered the beauty of the unconventional, the allure of the unknown. Read more>>

Andrew Rudd

As a realtor, my mission is to help bring people’s home-vision into reality. I work with those looking to buy for the first-time, those looking to buy their dream home, and investors looking to find financial freedom. The story behind this mission is our own passion. My wife and I got married about two years ago and since then we have been seeking to build our dreams and leave a legacy to our children and grandchildren. We have big dreams of owning land with animals and a big home to show hospitality. We want to build something great with the resources that God has given us. Moreover, we also want to bless others. Read more>>

Emily Mingyue Li

In my role as a Production Designer, my work is meaningful as it involves translating a director’s vision into physical spaces that not only serve the story but also resonate on an emotional level. Each project I take on becomes an opportunity to explore character psychology through design. For example, when I worked on “LIKES,” a short film about a teenage Chinese girl named Chunxiao, my goal was to create a world that visually echoed her internal journey. Building a Chinese middle school set in Los Angeles, I focused on making it feel both familiar and slightly constricting, much like the pressures Chunxiao feels as she navigates adolescence. Her bedroom was a particularly personal design challenge. Read more>>

Shannon Mahedy

My mission is to foster a joyful, consensual, and safe photography experience— in order to let the spirit of each subject effortlessly shine through. People don’t normally associate portrait photography with being “mission-driven,” but I think creative work is most resonant when there’s a clear mission guiding it.  I think back to my younger years, and I remember a shy child who hated being asked to smile in photos. I would intentionally frown when an adult asked me to smile for a picture. I hated the forced, artificial nature of many posed photos. As a teen, I was self-conscious about my long nose and round face, and photos became stressful for a whole other set of reasons. Read more>>

Nikki Myers

When I started my journey as a Podcaster, I started with my voice. I wanted to unleash my inner voice on a positive level. Being a Podcaster has allowed me to find my voice and allow people to see me for who I am. It did not take long for me to realize my purpose was to help other people, shine the light on great people, and connect people to people so we all can win. I was finally walking in my purpose and experiencing freedom for the first time. My voice finally mattered to someone. My voice was finally being heard. My voice was changing the world. No more being silent, instead I was breaking the silence. The more I talked, the more my mission became obvious. After being a Podcaster for almost a year, I can finally say I am truly FREE. Read more>>

Irina Popa

Food photography is more than just taking pictures of delicious food. It’s about capturing the essence of dishes and telling a story through my photographs. As a food photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various restaurants and engage myself in different cuisines. One of the most meaningful aspects of food photography is the ability to evoke emotions and memories through visual representation. A well-composed photograph of a beautifully plated dish has the power to transport people to a specific moment in time or stir up nostalgic feelings. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work can bring out such strong reactions from viewers. Read more>>

Ian Hardy

As a recent college graduate from the University of California, Davis, I was excited to enter my career in education. I was admitted to UC Davis’s Graduate School program, where I planned to obtain my master’s in education as well as my teaching credential. Unfortunately, I withdrew from the program due to some financial uncertainties. I was not prepared for the student loans, so I decided to get to work and start saving for my graduate school tuition, and that was when Hardy’s Wash N Wax was born! Read more>>

Jeff Freeman

The Lumi dog harness started from humble beginnings with only 1 goal initially, to help my own dog who is going blind. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I ended up creating something that is beneficial for every dog owner in the world because it has so many unintended benefits. Lumi has become a movement and we have my dog Sloan to thank for it. Read more>>

Gerard Grogans

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was just a ten-year-old kid when my grandma approached me with an invitation that would change my life. “Hey bigshot,” she said, using the nickname she’d given me, “do you want to go to church with me this Sunday morning?” At first, I hesitated. Why Because every time my grandma went to church, she’d come back late at night. And so, as a young boy, I didn’t know the ins and outs of how black church worked, but I knew it seemed to take forever. Read more>>

Madeline Steitz

I am on a mission to help others enjoy the sweet things in life again. As a baker, I create cakes that everyone at the party can enjoy — vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free, delicious treats. I found that the hardest part of creating these recipes was the sweetener, and that the alternatives on the market today that are labeled as “healthy” are really just chemicals with clever marketing. Read more>>

Cedric Walker

Our mission here at New J Records is to bring the word of God the spirit of Jesus the Holy Ghost in today’s Hip Hop music. To not just save souls in the name of Jesus. But start a world wide revival to prepare Gods people to fight back with not just Gods word but show the power miracles from Gods word in clubs sport bars homes cars on radio pod cast all over the world. Read more>>

Meagan Ewing

Massage Therapy has been my passion since I graduated high school. I enrolled two weeks after I graduated high school and our first day, we gave each other a full sixty-minute massage and I haven’t looked back since. That day, I knew I was onto something bigger than myself. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I worked and am licensed in the salon world as a cosmetologist. I was a nail technician and massage therapist up until I learned a true passion of mine in 2019, which is Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction work. I was so excited to bring what I had learned in North Carolina home to Maryland and start helping as many people as possible. Knowing that many people suffer from TMJD and have no idea where to turn. Read more>>

Dewayne Whitfield

The story is simplistic to say the least. Biblical principles over wordly views everyday. Standing for those who can’t stand for themselves, being a voice to the unheard, holding those who are wrong accountable, and speaking truth to power no matter the consequences. One of my favorite verses and motto I use for my network is Galatians 4:16. Now I am your enemy because I tell you the truth!! Read more>>