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.

Dr. Michele Liles

My mission is to create a platform for local fashion enthusiasts of all ages to showcase their talent while also learning and growing in the industry as a whole. The story behind this mission began with my daughter, Aminah Rose, who was BORN with a desire to contribute to the fashion industry. From dressing up, posing, and learning to sew and designing, she knew that she wanted to be a part of this industry. At age 5, Aminah requested a sewing machine for Christmas and began taking sewing lessons with her grandmother. At age 7, her Dad and I gifted her a clothing boutique and began preparing her for the runway. It was then that I realized 2 things: People don’t take kid models seriously, unless you make them, and the opportunity to showcase talent in this industry was missing, locally. That was the drive behind the mission. Read more>>

Ariel Brinkley

Mentally A Badass was born out of our (Justine Rodes and I) deeply personal journey. For me, when I first started school, I experienced anxiety for the first time. It wasn’t something I had a name for at the time and I went undiagnosed throughout much of my life. People around me dismissed it as shyness, reassuring me that I’d “grow out of it.” But the reality was much more than that. No one showed me how to navigate the overwhelming feelings I faced and those feelings only grew. Read more>>

Vanessa Campos

The mission to empower women entrepreneurs and small business owners to share their expertise through content and books stems from a deeply personal place. As a seasoned marketing strategist and publishing expert, I’ve seen firsthand how many brilliant women struggle to make their voices heard in the very male-dominated industry of publishing business books. Too often, their incredible achievements and unique insights remain untold, not because they lack the ability but because they lack the platform or guidance. Read more>>

Sherianna Boyle

My mission is to get this world feeling again. I believe that the root to long, lasting positive changes is feeling. All feelings matter, even the ones that make us feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or ashamed. Each one counts, has value and can help you move toward what you are aiming for. The key is to learn how to process them fully without reacting to them. Read more>>

Clinton Cohen Iii

My mission is simple but powerful: to empower entrepreneurs to build stunning websites, grow their brands, and reclaim their health, one step at a time. This mission is deeply personal, rooted in my own journey of balancing entrepreneurship, health, and family. Read more>>

Yisong(rocky) Jiang

As an automotive exterior designer, I’ve always been passionate about creating cars that turn heads and make people feel something. To me, a car isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it’s a statement, an experience, and sometimes even a dream come true. Growing up, I was fascinated by the blend of art and engineering in car design, and now I get to bring that same magic to life. I love the challenge of balancing bold, beautiful designs with functionality and sustainability, knowing that every project has the potential to shape the future of mobility. Read more>>

Jesse Zuretti

When I first started composing music full time, I made a promise to myself that I’d leave the industries I make music for better places (musically) than when I found them. It’s not an easy task because the quality of music right now is so exceptionally high, and only getting better as each day goes by. But, that’s what makes this mission worth it — the challenge to acknowledge how good music is so I continue to evolve, grow, learn, and strengthen my skill sets. I think a lack of this thought is often the genesis of a self-created obstacle that will eventually rise to block a music composer’s full potential. Accepting that in this very moment you may not be doing your best to evolve, and that the effort you put forth to contribute to the evolution of your artform — this is a piece of the code necessary to successfully build towards leaving your industry a better place than when you found it. At least this is my personal philosophy that I live by and focus on in my journey on my mission. Read more>>

Liv Seidel

My mission as a cosmetic tattoo artist here in Austin, TX is to create a safe, inclusive space where every client feels seen, valued, and empowered to embrace their fullest self-expression. For me, this work is deeply personal. As a trans non-binary individual with a background in mental health counseling, I’ve experienced firsthand how affirming spaces—or the lack thereof—can shape our sense of identity and confidence. Read more>>

Thomas Uli

At Vanguard, our mission is to build a community of resilient individuals who embody strength, leadership, and growth. This mission is deeply personal to me and stems from my experiences navigating the challenges of team sports, professional careers, and the everyday adversities that shape character. Through these experiences, I developed a profound appreciation for the value of hard work, perseverance, and the transformative power of a supportive community. Read more>>

Shaquera Robinson

At Shaquera’s Story Domestic Violence Consulting and Coaching, Inc., we are a small business committed to disrupting the cycle of intimate partner violence (IPV) across all sectors. We do this by connecting survivors and their families with immediate and long-term support to prevent re-victimization. We are a BIPOC-led organization and we take great pride in our ability to offer culturally appropriate services and programming. All of our service providers have lived experience and/or identify as secondary survivors of IPV and/or substance use (SUD). We are a group of individuals who have dedicated years of service and volunteered commitments in spaces that enhance our abilities to uplift the voices of members of our communities and provide equity and a sense of belonging for individuals who continue to strive towards a life free from trauma. Read more>>

Valentina Ramirez-raudsepp

Cocktail Gals from an overview perspective is a simple concept. To come together, meet new gals, and enjoy curated cocktails. However, from my personal and professional experiences, I wanted to make sure we made a further impact. My first job out of college allowed me to work for the Properties Department at Yale University. This department solemnly focuses on continuing to enrich the downtown areas alongside the city of New Haven, Connecticut. During my time in this role, I was able to learn the ins and outs of small business owners. From operations, to opening doors, and making sure business thrived even during down periods. Read more>>

Tiana Amani

As a young child in the 90s, it was very evident that not many people knew how to style natural curly hair. My mother would try her best to give me a cute hair do for school it wasn’t the fun cool styles my fellow peers were rocking and I felt out of place. So at the tender age of 9 i took ownership over my hair. Perms, braids, ponytails, you name it. Many of my peers would make fun of my hair and my aesthetic but I still stuck to my guns and continued styling my natural curls. During these young teen years I realized that my hair is beautiful and uncovering the true versatility of my curly textured hair and starting my love story with curls and braids.  Read more>>

David Freeman

I created OrchestraAuditions.com to solve the frustration I often faced as a musician—having to search multiple websites just to find open auditions. I wanted to build a centralized platform that simplifies the process and makes auditioning more accessible. One of the initiatives I’m most passionate about is a merit-based audition reimbursement program, which is currently in development. I know from personal experience how challenging it can be for musicians to come up with the funds needed for audition travel, fees, and other expenses. There were many times when I wished I had access to more financial support during my own auditioning journey. This future program is my way of helping alleviate that burden for musicians, allowing them to focus on their craft instead of their finances. Read more>>

Tiffany White

The mission of the Ted Rhodes Foundation is to preserve and honor the legacy of my grandfather golfing pioneer and golf trailblazer Theodore “Ted” Rhodes by empowering underprivileged youth through the game of golf. We strive to provide access, resources, and opportunities that foster life skills, discipline, career readiness, and community engagement. Through education and mentorship, we aim to inspire the next generation to achieve their full potential both on and off the course. Read more>>

Jameel Martin

Our mission at Couples Club Golf League is to bring couples together through the love of golf, creating opportunities for connection, community, and shared experiences both on and off the course. This mission holds personal significance because I’ve seen how golf has the power to strengthen relationships and build meaningful bonds. CCGL was inspired by the belief that couples deserve a fun and inclusive space to grow closer while engaging with a supportive and vibrant community. Read more>>

Shannon Sullivan

Soul Destiny Seven’s mission is deeply rooted in providing supportive, grounded spirituality practices and rituals. An avid gardener and proud plant parent, I have always felt a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment for the plants I have grown. Developing a relationship with plants is not unlike developing a relationship with another person or animal – you must learn to communicate with one another to create a healthy, symbiotic relationship. This brought me, quite literally, to the Language of Flowers, also known as floriography. Floriography allows us to communicate emotions, desires, and intentions through the symbolism of plants and flowers, which I have integrated into all the products I’ve designed. Read more>>

Kersten Davis & Ashley Boggs

At Pages of Glass, LLC, we are dedicated to celebrating the literary world by amplifying the voices of independent authors, supporting small bookstores, and uplifting creators of unique bookish merchandise. Our mission is to curate a space where readers and creators alike can connect, discover, and share the magic of storytelling. Through thoughtful partnerships and a commitment to quality, we aim to foster a community that values creativity, passion, and the joy of supporting small businesses in the literary world. Read more>>

Aaron Cooper

Covid had a remarkable way of emphasizing the significance of human interaction. For millennia, wine has consistently fostered a sense of unity among people. We’ve all been guilty of making plans to meet up, only for them to fall through. Amidst the pandemic, as I began to take my interest in wine seriously, I found myself yearning to reconnect with many people. One day, a simple idea struck me: let’s gather for a single night to explore wines, savor delectable food, and embrace community. In the summer of 2022, TOAE began to take shape. It all started as a mere concept, with a dinner party of 26 people, and has since grown into massive engagements/dinners with over 50 people regularly. My intention was to create an environment that engages people, making them feel valued and appreciated. TOAE is a mission that has never been about me personally. It’s an idea born from the concept of community, conveyed through the medium of wine. If even a single person develops an interest in wine or feels the energy that TOAE brings, I’ll know that I’ve successfully achieved my initial objective. Read more>>

Xhilerate

We (Xhilerate), are a rock band out of Phoenix Arizona! This year in 2024 we made significant progress as a band playing all over the valley as well as venturing out of state performing in Los Angeles. Going into 2025 we look forward to putting out new music and playing new venues! Read more>>

Those Water Girls

As a Co-Founder of Those Water Girls, my role is deeply rooted in our mission to bring clean, eco-friendly water solutions to as many homes and businesses as possible. Our products are designed not only to improve health and wellness but also to support a sustainable lifestyle, offering alternatives to bottled water and harsh chemical cleaners. Read more>>

Ysabel Lonazco

The story behind my mission starts with my father who as an immigrant himself was sent by his parents as a child to another city seeking a better future for him. As a child, instead of playing outside, he would clean a house, serve others so he could continue his education. My father taught me the value of hard work, the value of service, the value of serving others, the value of education, and the value of family. Read more>>

Billelis .

My mission as an artist is to uncover the beauty within death and challenge the fears that often consume us. Through my work, I aim to explore the depths of loss, grief, and remembrance, not as something to avoid, but as something to sit with, to learn from, and to honor. Death is part of the cycle that defines all life. While it is tragic and harrowing, it also plants the seeds for something new. From death, life blooms. From death, memories and teachings are passed on, shaping how we live, love, and move forward. Those we have lost become immortal as their legacy lives on through us, their impact echoing in the way we show up in the world. Read more>>

Valencia Luna

Luna Unleashed is deeply meaningful to me because it’s rooted in my personal journey of transformation and growth. I know firsthand what it’s like to feel stuck, to lack confidence, and to face challenges that seem insurmountable. Through fitness, discipline, and the power of community, I discovered my strengths, unlocked my potential, and turned my passions into purpose-driven ventures. Now, I’m on a mission to help other women and girls do the same. Read more>>

Suzette Kelley

At the Blakeney Children Foundation, our mission is to provide compassionate support to children who have experienced the loss of a parent. By offering essential resources such as clothing, school supplies, mental health support, and holiday assistance, we aim to ease the burden on single parents and caregivers, ensuring they never have to choose between providing basic needs and creating cherished moments. Inspired by the memory of our founder’s son and the love for his daughter, we strive to honor the legacy of those we’ve lost while empowering families to thrive with hope, dignity, and stability Read more>>

Susan Johnson

My mission is to help break stigma of those living with mental illness and educate those who are not. I had trauma in the past as a woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. It kept creeping up and haunting me through dreams , songs and memories. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. It is a chemical imbalance in your brain which causes mood disorder. Mania is a part of having the illness. It is a feeling of euphoria, extreme highs that you never want to end. There are also devasting lows to the point of suicide. The problem is you can’t control your thoughts, moods, words or actions. Bipolar disorder is genetic. To escape from the past I began to write my healing story. I didn’t know where to begin so living in Vegas I went to a how to write a memoir workshop at the Gold Coast Casino. Read more>>

Maddison & Caleb Carter

The story of how our company started, starts with why we met! Caleb and I took our first date to learn photography and to practice with my Nikon D3200. We took an adventure and drove a jeep to the top of a mountain to capture the sunset together. From that moment on we were inseparable. Before we both met, we had rediscovered our long forgotten passion of the creating. We both loved taking photos and that passion soon became another trip across the United States! Caleb was an over-the-road truck driver and together we journeyed across new states into amazing new landscapes! Read more>>

Bill Eddins

I’m a professional musician. My job is to fly around the world and wave my arms in front of orchestras, and weirdly enough people pay me to do that. Then COVID hit and I found myself without work for the first time, so I ended up Doordashing. Smack dab in the middle of that I found myself in my third set of riots. I had done Miami, ’89, L.A., ’92, and suddenly the George Floyd riots in Minneapolis. Read more>>

Nate Fleming

Music has always been at the center of my life, a constant source of joy and inspiration. For as long as I can remember, every significant moment in my life has been accompanied by a song. Whether it was “Right Above It” by Lil Wayne and Drake playing during my high school graduation, “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars during my college breakup, or “Heaven” by DJ Sammy, the first EDM track I ever heard that sparked my love for dance music. Music has always been there. Read more>>

Mark Shevetone

I’m a Las Vegas-based artist that brings the ordinary to life through vibrant, thought-provoking art. My original paintings and prints blend humor, rich color, and texture, encouraging viewers to find beauty in the unexpected. With a focus on human experiences, I use color as a universal language to evoke emotion and reflection. Read more>>

Lawain Howell

My business is not just about trading—it’s about a mindset of relentless progression and consistency in winning. What truly sets me apart is my commitment to remaining in the green, achieving an impressive success rate that few can match. Every day, I focus on improving, adapting, and refining my strategies so that I can continue to grow and help others do the same. Read more>>

Zack Tarbet

I was in the Army for 9 years and served as in infantryman. During my time in service I used my VA loan twice to buy a home. Never was there any formal education on how service members can use this benefit. Sure, there is plenty of information on the GI Bill but when it came to the VA loan there was little to none offered.  Read more>>

Kellina Powell

Behind Kellina’s Empowerment Inc. lies a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. Losing my hearing at the age of four shaped my journey in ways I never imagined. I faced countless challenges, from learning to navigate a world built for hearing people to finding my voice in spaces that often silenced me. But I refused to let obstacles define my story. Kellina’s Empowerment Inc. was born from a deep desire to show young adults with disabilities that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their potential is limitless. My mission is to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and empower others to rise above their circumstances. This is more than a business—it’s a movement to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Read more>>

Kris Jones

When I was 7, a neighborhood friend came over to play. I think she assumed we’d play dolls or watch a little Mister Rogers — normal kid stuff. But I had other plans. I talked her into making a trifold vacation brochure. We pulled out my mom’s stack of National Geographic magazines and cut out photos of exotic cheetahs, jungles, and beaches, collaged them onto paper, folded it into three perfect panels, and voila! Looking back, it makes perfect sense. I’ve always been a visual storyteller. Read more>>

Kashie Mckinnon

My mission stems from a deeply personal place—one rooted in faith, identity, and the desire to create spaces where people, especially women of color, feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. Growing up, I often found that traditional stationery and book-related products lacked representation of diverse voices and cultures. As someone who values creativity, connection, and faith, I felt called to bridge that gap. Read more>>

Kelsey Daniels

I am a Christian author and speaker who delights in sharing my story of transformation. My message centers on the power of identity and the importance of cultivating strong beliefs in a world that is eager to define who you are. As a college athlete, I battled depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and an eating disorder. It was during this time that I was groomed by an older man, which later led to my exploitation. Read more>>

Brandon Hill

At Liminal Reboot Fitness, my mission is to help Top level professionals reclaim their health, strength, and confidence, even with demanding schedules. I provide personalized fitness coaching, simple nutrition plans, and real accountability that fits into your life. Read more>>