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.

Francis Wintour

Growing up, I quickly understood the power of film and storytelling. Passing down stories and examining them is inherently human. the stories we tell are the fabric of our culture and who we are. Suppose you can relate to the story of an animated singing lion, who doesn’t want to be king out of shame and guilt and later saves the day. you can relate to anything. I want to do that with my films, poetry, and photographs. Tell a real story that may sound fantastical but in a way, you have lived it or want to. Read more>>

Nickee Blendz

The mission of The Legazy Experience is to build a legacy worth following. At first glance, many might notice what seems like a misspelling of the word “legacy,” but the truth is that the name holds a deeper meaning. The “Z” represents the first letter of my daughter’s name, symbolizing my ultimate inspiration and purpose. As I strive to create a brand and deliver a quality experience for my guests, I also aim to embody resilience, hard work, and determination—values I want to pass down to my daughter as an enduring example. Read more>>

Danielle Elaine Aka Ladye Laine

Property of Ink mag is a Tattoo magazine bringing the public a collective of the Ink Lifestyle! We believe in Ink Therapy and the positive impact tattoos have in people’s lives! Property of Ink is to live and breathe the tattoo community as a collective whole! As the owner of POI mag I personally have used tattoos as a form of therapy for positive mental health including self acceptance, covering what I deem to be flaws on my body, and a huge endorphin release which relieves stress and calms my anxiety! Tattoos can cover painful scars such as physical or mental scars, ink also decreases stress, and is a huge creative outlet for self expression which is so important in today’s world! Read more>>

Kateryna Noha

In a world where society often imposes beauty standards, many women feel pressured to meet others’ expectations. The mission of Noha Lingerie is to change this. I firmly believe that there are no universal standards of beauty. Every woman is unique, and her true beauty lies in her individuality. Noha Lingerie is more than just lingerie. It’s a way to help women discover their inner strength, embrace themselves, and see their own beauty without filters or stereotypes. Our clients often share how Noha Lingerie has transformed their perception of themselves. They begin to feel more feminine, confident, and fall in love with themselves all over again. Many even say these changes have impacted their relationships—partners notice the difference, showing more attention, affection, and love. Read more>>

Melissa Fisher

At SHE, we focus on empowering individuals to heal through spiritual connection, self-discovery, and practical tools that inspire transformation. Our offerings include tiered packages, personalized healing sessions, and intuitive services like dream interpretation and subconscious healing. Each is designed to meet people where they are on their path, whether they’re exploring spirituality for the first time or diving deeper into their self-mastery. Read more>>

Tamara Jonelle

The mission behind Tamara Jonelle Photography is to make comfortable options for clients. Also opportunities to capture priceless memories and moments. We thrive to make sure customers have a satisfied experience and quality photos of them and their loves ones. Read more>>

Brianna Curtin

B-Side is a Full Service Interior Design Studio. Pretty self-explanatory, right? Not exactly… in my experience it’s actually more confusing and too open ended. There’s also the question of, “am I looking for a designer or a decorator and what exactly is the difference?” Our mission as a Full Service Interior Designer is the clarify the difference, bring your design ideas to life while fulfilling your needs and guiding you through the process with ease and enjoyment. Read more>>

Daniel Stark

There’s a child in every one of us and yet, most of us have lost touch with that sense of wonder and play. PaperMade exists to spark joy and imagination, fostering creativity and play for everyone—whether you’re a kid or just a big kid. We also believe that every child deserves a toy. It doesn’t need to be an expensive one or the trending toy of the moment, either. PaperMade makes toys that punch out, fold up and turn into 3D objects and characters meant to play and display—and a piece of paper that’s been printed and cut—is accessible to everyone. Read more>>

Completely Booked Pr Bailey & Danielle

Personalized marketing, promotions and services for independently published authors. After joining the vast growing social media book community known as Booktok & Bookstagram. We quickly realized that the authors and books we loved to read and talk about on our platforms didn’t always get the biggest exposure and they weren’t able to always reach the readers who would enjoy their stories. We decided to use our voices and platforms as well as our love of reading to help self-published authors market their work. Read more>>

Zachary Bryant

At Apartment Insiders, my mission is to take the stress and overwhelm out of finding the perfect apartment and make it an enjoyable, empowering experience. This mission is deeply personal to me because I know how challenging it can be to find housing that truly fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. There are so many options out there, but not all of them are a realistic fit—whether due to approval requirements, location, or personal preferences. I love being able to simplify that process for my clients, helping them find a home where they can truly thrive. Read more>>

Holly Watson

At Beltline Biking, our journey began as an urban e-bike commuter store, but it quickly evolved into something bigger. In just six months, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with countless e-bike riders—our friends, family, and customers. One common concern united them all: the challenge of finding secure and safe parking for their e-bikes. This shared pain point inspired us to pivot our mission toward creating a transformative solution. We’re now focused on building a network of smart, secure docking hubs for e-bikes and scooters. Our mission is to offer riders more than just convenience; it’s about protecting their peace of mind while protecting their bikes. Read more>>

Colin And Julie Crawford

Magnolia + Ember’s mission as adventure photographers is to create experiences for couples that can truly be felt. Our purpose stretches beyond wedding and elopement photography and revels in the realm of fully immersive moments that cultivate inspiration and connection. Our passion is found in crafting adventures in spaces that spark feelings of wonderment and breathlessness. We value the act of taking couples on a journey; guiding them to a new, sacred place; a place found through vulnerability, presence and intention. Read more>>

Milan Tisdale

The story behind Beauty in the Brand starts with my own journey as a young woman trying to navigate through business and entrepreneurship. Through the years, I have tried out several businesses, and one thing became clear; a strong and authentic brand is the heart of a successful business. Marketing is really the bridge between a company and its audience, and I realized that many women, more so those just starting, struggled to build that bridge. This was my ‘aha’ moment, the realization that sparked my mission. I was seeing so many incredible women with amazing ideas who didn’t have the tools, resources, or confidence to present their brands in a way that actually reflected their value. It wasn’t just about marketing strategy; it was about empowerment. I wanted to create a space where women could learn not only how to elevate their brands but also see the beauty and potential in what they were building. Read more>>

Kseniya Sovenko Mary Wolff

Kseniya: As two girls who live and breathe electronic music, we know how intimidating it can be to step into the nightlife scene to experience it live. This is especially true in a city like NYC, where you’re unsure of where to go, who to go with (maybe your friends don’t share your love for the same music—totally normal!), or what a club or venue will be like. So, you end up not going at all. You worry about safety and whether it’s okay to go alone, which can make the idea of raving or attending an electronic music show feel like a distant dream. For guys, it’s often a non-issue—they can just show up. But it’s not the same for women. Those uncertainties create a barrier, which is so unfair because women deserve to be on the dance floor (and feel safe there!) just as much as anyone else. Read more>>

Jamie Fyne

My Mission would be to fuels creativity and motivation for budding entrepreneurs in The Bahamas. Revealing captivating stories and uncovering local trendsetters, thereby forging community bonds and fostering entrepreneurial zeal, Networking & Collaborations Read more>>

Ian Honeyman

My mission is to lift people up emotionally, give them a new perspective, a break from their worries, and some fun. Give them energy, joy, understanding and compassion, through music and movies. I believe that when someone gives the gift of their attention, I need to pay that back by giving them something valuable. Entertainment by itself is very valuable, but I want to give people meaning – a little greater understanding about the world and their fellow human beings. A good feeling, positive endorphins, new connections in their mind. Read more>>

Matt Schroeder

Money can be one of the biggest sources of stress and anxiety, and I’ve experienced firsthand how overwhelming life can feel when those emotions take over. During college, I faced severe anxiety that threatened everything—my education, my relationship with my now-wife, and even my ability to get out of bed some days. Counseling and therapy helped me overcome those challenges, completely changing not only my life but its entire trajectory. That transformation is why I’m so passionate about financial coaching today. My mission is to do for my clients what coaching did for me: provide guidance, support, and tools to change the trajectory of their financial lives. Read more>>

Brady O’rourke

The core of my mission is providing a work environment that my employees are happy to be in. Originally, I thought that translated to remote work. Social Link was fully remote from 2008 to 2020. It wasn’t until after COVID that we decided to embrace the hybrid model. Truly, there’s nothing like brainstorming something amazing in a room together. Sure, there’s shared creativity that can be achieved virtually, but sometimes ideas roll out best when the browser windows are closed. Trust is essential for a team to work well with one another; it’s also a necessary component of the upbeat environment I’ve worked hard to create. Closeness encourages that trust, and is key to the collaboration that great ideas demand. Read more>>

Elayna Spratley

At INFOLD Studios, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to cultivate resilience, create harmony, and spark sustainable transformation. This mission is deeply personal because it stems from my journey of navigating the highs and lows of corporate life and discovering a path toward balance, collaboration, and meaningful change. In 2016, just one year into my role at IBM, I began experiencing debilitating migraines and anxiety. The long hours and relentless demands of the corporate world had taken a toll on my mental, emotional, and physical health. While important, I felt overwhelmed, and my work started to feel like it lacked focus and purpose. That fall, I turned to mindfulness to reclaim my energy and presence. At the same time, I leaned deeper into design thinking, a human-centered problem-solving approach I had been practicing professionally with teams at IBM. Read more>>

Ayissi Nyemba

Our mission is deeply personal and rooted in a commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical sourcing. Growing up in a family of cocoa farmers, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Cameroon. This inspired me to create a business model that not only delivers premium cocoa products but also uplifts the communities that produce them. By ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices, we aim to transform the livelihoods of farmers and contribute to the economic development of their regions. This mission is meaningful to me because it reflects a lifelong dedication to creating positive change. It’s about redefining transparency in the chocolate industry and fostering a future where everyone involved in the production process benefits. Read more>>

Aamir Williams

Smoking Classics is set to make its mark as the newest and most exciting destination for cannabis enthusiasts. Our first location will be located on Elizabeth Avenue in Newark, NJ. This groundbreaking cannabis dispensary promises to redefine the way Newark experiences cannabis. With over 26,000 square feet of meticulously designed space, Smoking Classics is poised to become a cornerstone of the Newark community, offering an innovative, immersive, and educational space. Read more>>

Marcia Lebeau

The mission of The Write Space is to provide a beautiful, distraction-free space for writers to be productive in the company of other writers. A simple focus, but one that came out of a complex need I had for myself as a writer. I had only been writing poetry for a handful of years when I had children, left my career in advertising and my world completely shifted. I knew I was going to have to figure out a new place and time to write in my home to get anything done. I found a space in my house just for writing, away from the rest of the family. I would write early in the morning or late at night, but it felt so isolating. And every time I came downstairs for a snack, I was distracted by dishes or laundry or a “quick” email to answer. Even after the kids became school-aged. Read more>>

Christie Abel

My mission is to share the love of God through my candles. Not only does my design inspiration come from the Bible. But I receive downloads and direction supernaturally through the Holy Spirit. My focus is also to create my candles with God given components only. Like all natural beeswax and essential oil. I work hard to avoid anything synthetic. Upon starting this business it has taught me that God does care and want to be involved in the little things in our lives if we allow him in. Even down to the candles we use. My mission is simple; create beautiful air detoxifying candles that radiate the glory of God. While also truly loving and caring for my customers. Praying for them and giving back to those in need. Read more>>

Samantha Espinoza

At Bad Granny Botanicals, our mission is to empower new and emerging plant parents by demystifying plant care. Why? Because we weren’t always confident plant parents ourselves. In fact, we’ve killed more houseplants than we’d like to admit. Overwatering, underwatering, choosing plants that didn’t match our spaces or routines, pests, diseases, growing our collections too quickly—you name it, we’ve been there. Through trial, error, and a whole lot of research, we finally figured out how to choose, nurture, and grow plants with confidence. While we were thrilled to crack the plant care code, one thing was clear: it shouldn’t have been so hard in the first place. Read more>>

Oge Ajibe

Oge Ajibe is more than a business to me; it’s really a part of who I am. It’s a reflection of my journey, my struggles, and my belief that fashion has the power to transform how we see ourselves and the world around us. Growing up, I didn’t always feel confident. I struggled with finding clothes that fit me, let alone ones that made me feel beautiful or seen. I often felt like I didn’t belong, and it left a lasting mark. But over time, I discovered something: clothes could be more than just something you put on—they could be a way to express yourself, a way to feel powerful, and a way to celebrate who you are. Read more>>

Jen Spincic

My mission with these maps is all about creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and joy in the community. Growing up, some of my favorite memories were the simplest—driving around to see holiday lights or spotting over-the-top decorations. Those experiences weren’t just fun; they brought my family together, got us outside, and connected us to something bigger than our own day-to-day lives. Read more>>

Nadjee Jocelyn

My mission as a wardrobe stylist and producer is rooted in fostering creative expression and empowering the voices of underrepresented designers in the fashion industry. Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of styling for events like New York Fashion Week, but I’ve also witnessed how challenging it is for emerging designers—especially those from the Boston community—to break into these spaces. This realization inspired me to create Dawn Showings, a series of intimate presentations that provide local fashion designers a platform to showcase their work in a professional environment. The name “Dawn” represents a new beginning—a fresh start for creatives to share their vision and gain the recognition they deserve. Read more>>

Amy Elliott

My background is actually church ministry, which would seemingly have nothing to do with a coffee/gift shop. But the heartbeat of all I do really is a deep love for people. In my long span of working in churches, the one consistent thing I noticed is that a lot of people are hurting. They long for connection, for someone to notice them, slow down for them. The more I observed this, the more I felt a pull to actually leave full-time ministry in order to get out into the world, in order to have more interactions with people who feel a little lost. Read more>>

Sidney Briley Jr

My Mission as a photographer is provide joy to all my clients. I love to be a fly on the wall and hag in the background unseen, capturing those heartfelt moments for families and friends to look back on for years to come. When I do portrait photography my goal is to simply help the client se how wonderful they are. Whether its a headshot for a business, family photo or custom birthday pictures. The client is the star!! Its not about the money for me, but capturing “Timeless Images and Endless Creation” Read more>>

Angela Fairhurst

Our mission at Geri-Gadgets® is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful to me. It’s rooted in my experience as a daughter watching my mother battle Lewy Body Dementia. This journey transformed me from a successful TV producer into an advocate and innovator in dementia care. Witnessing my mother’s struggle was heart-wrenching. I saw her cognitive abilities decline, leaving her with seemingly nothing to do but diminish quicker. The lack of suitable engagement tools in the market was glaring, and it became my mission to fill this void. Read more>>

Leslea Wahl

My writing career is focused on drawing people to Christ through entertaining stories. I primarily write teen fiction full of adventure, mystery, humor, innocent romance, and faith. My stories are meant to entertain while providing good, moral content. I also review faith-based books for all members of the family. These reviews can be found on my website – LesleaWahl.com, and on my Instagram page @MinistryThruMystery. I am also the co-founder of CatholicTeenBooks.com. Read more>>

Susan Ly

Photography isn’t just a profession for me—it’s a way to celebrate life’s quiet magic. Growing up in a big family, I learned the value of unposed, in-between moments: laughter in the kitchen, a quiet glance, or a spontaneous hug. These moments linger in our hearts far longer than the milestone photos. My dad sparked my love for photography. With his trusty Kodak, he captured life as it unfolded, jotting notes beside each photo to preserve the memory. These little time capsules taught me that the fleeting moments often hold the most meaning. As a wedding photographer, I bring this philosophy to my work. While the big moments—the vows, the first dance—are unforgettable, it’s the quiet glances, shared laughs, and tearful smiles that truly tell your story. My goal is to give you not just beautiful images but a vivid connection to the love and joy of your day. These are the moments that matter most. Read more>>

Paul Bestolarides

The cinematic medium serves as a beacon of creativity, a window into the depths of human existence. In an industry defined by constant evolution, truly impactful stories remain rare, yet they possess the power to shift perspectives in profound ways. As a storyteller, my mission is to blend entertainment with art-house cinema, igniting transformation and encouraging bold, unconventional viewpoints. By exploring the multifaceted nature of perspective, we strive to enlighten and inspire our audience. Read more>>

Logan Boswell

The mission of Logan’s Prints goes beyond just selling images; it’s about creating a platform that encourages self-expression and preserves authentic stories. Growing up, I discovered the power of photography as a tool to capture fleeting moments and emotions that might otherwise be forgotten. This isn’t just a business—it’s a movement that helps people see their beauty and individuality, allowing them to share their narratives with the world. Read more>>

Andrew Dibonge

Elite Home Designs’ primary mission is to give everyone who uses our wall paneling services the opportunity to enhance and beautify their homes. Life can be challenging, and we aim to provide our clients with an oasis and cozy sanctuary through our elevated wall paneling solutions. Our journey began in 2018 when I sought to renovate my home. It started with simple projects like painting, changing floor and ceiling moldings, and updating light switches and doorknobs. These initial changes ultimately led to the establishment of our company. As I realized I couldn’t afford the services of most general contractors, I embarked on a DIY journey. Friends and family noticed my efforts and encouraged me, recognizing that what began as simple home updates revealed my talent for creating unique wall panels. Before long, I found myself crafting wall panels and building an online presence alongside other creators and enthusiasts in the interior design and wall paneling community. Read more>>

Joyce Kim

The story behind K-talk’s mission is rooted in a vision to make Korean language and culture accessible, enjoyable, and relevant for everyone. As the world embraced Korean culture, from K-pop to K-dramas, we recognized a gap—there was no dedicated, modern space where people could truly immerse themselves in learning the language and understanding the culture behind it. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that is both vibrant and innovative, designed to inspire students of all ages to embrace learning. At K-talk, we believe that language is best learned not only through structured lessons but through conversation, culture, and shared experiences. That’s why we set out to create a modern space where students can come to enjoy and engage with the language in a fresh, dynamic way—where classes go beyond textbooks to include cultural experiences, interactive activities, and a community-driven atmosphere. Read more>>

Olivia Leigh Nowak

My mission is rooted in a lifetime of experience, a deep sense of purpose, and a desire to create meaningful change. I’ve worked in the film industry since childhood, starting as an actor, but over 20 years, I witnessed and experienced the toxicity that often permeates this world. In my mid-20s, I decided to leave acting behind. With a camera in hand, I shifted my focus to telling stories that matter, beginning with documenting the lives of houseless and addicted individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside—a misunderstood and vibrant, loving community grappling with profound social and economic challenges. Read more>>

Vanity Scott

I am a 6x children’s book author that creates stories that focus on social emotional learning, self-discovery, and community. I own Emherge Press, my publishing company that I publish my books through as well as provide 1:1 consultations for aspiring children’s book authors. When I started my journey as a published author in 2020, I was turning my grief into purpose. I wrote my first book, A Girl and Her Grandpa, in dedication of my late grandfather. Since then, I have dedicated my journey to learning as much as I can about being an author and business owner. I have immersed myself in the social emotional learning world for children, and each of my children’s books have elements of it in each. I plan to continue this journey to help children identify, regulate, and celebrate their emotions through self-discovery and community. Read more>>

Eddie B

 Eddie B is an accomplished singer songwriter as well as the founder and senior pastor for Conviction for Christ Ministries. Our ministry started 32 years ago as a mission to reach those behind the prisons we have raised up 96 missionary’s and do prisons and churches all over the us o He has produced 50 CDs. o His release in 2015, “I’ve Forgiven Me” was # 1 in Canada on CRW o His release in 2017, “Grip of His Grace” was # 1 in Canada on CRW o His release, “Not Alone” was # 1 and went international on CRW o Eddie’s song, “Carry Me Home” charted at #21 CRW o He has charted on national radio at #7, #13, #18, and at #21 (which played for 8 weeks). o He is a 6-time singer, songwriter, and winner of New Mexico’s Mic-line awards and has been nominated 27 times. Read more>>

 

Rajiv Harry

Plant Bomb’s Mission is to be a bridge builder to connecting people to eating more quality Plant-Based Foods and inspiring them to live a healthier lifestyle. Read more>>

Diomark Diaz

Dream Inspire Obtain & DIOTALK PODCAST Show was born from a deep belief in the power of stories to ignite dreams, foster inspiration, and empower individuals to achieve their goals. Our mission is more than just broadcasting—it’s about building a community of dreamers who inspire one another to overcome challenges, embrace their passions, and turn their visions into reality. This mission is meaningful because it’s rooted in a personal commitment to uplift and connect people through storytelling. Everyone has a story worth sharing, and by providing a platform where entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries can share their journeys, we hope to create a ripple effect of inspiration. Dreamers inspire dreamers, and we believe that by showcasing diverse perspectives, struggles, and triumphs, we’re fostering a world where creativity and ambition thrive.  Read more>>

Alexandra Callen

I truly believe we all have something special deep within us that wants to be brought to life. I started my social media marketing company after spending years studying business/marketing in school, sharing my art online, making websites, building my social media and selling my upcycled jackets. I am a creative at heart and have always LOVED to hear others passion for why they do what they do. When they get the little twinkle in their eye or start talking about what they love doing, you can FEEL that.  What drove me to start Creative Callen after seeing many artists share that they couldn’t make sales due to the ‘algorithm’ and that it wasn’t reaching the right people. It really struck a nerve in me because there are so many ways to sell your work online and it’s not just through sharing JUST the product but pieces of you AND your work. You are a big part of the end product and the journey to get there. People want to make a connection to your product or service before actually buying from you. When we just share the product there is a lack of connection which drives people away from buying.  Read more>>

Lila Cantor

At Own Your Narrative Coaching, our mission is to empower young professionals to rewrite their career stories and reclaim their confidence after challenging experiences in the workplace. This mission is deeply personal to me because it’s rooted in my own journey. Throughout my career, I faced moments that shook my confidence—being laid off, missing out on an internal transfer, and navigating the aftermath of working with an inexperienced manager. Each of these experiences felt isolating and disorienting, and at times, I doubted my own abilities. What helped me move forward was a combination of self-reflection, intentional action, and the support of people who reminded me of my worth. These experiences taught me that setbacks don’t define us; how we respond to them does. I started Own Your Narrative Coaching to offer that same support to others who might feel stuck or disheartened in their careers. Read more>>