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.

Joshua Mendez

I wrote this with the Prompt : What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Give us the backstory so we can fully appreciate the context, circumstances and what you must have felt like at the moment and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you.

– But that prompt disappeared in the dropdown menu. Does this still work?

In 2010 the house I was renting with my friends and family to produce music, was struck as collateral damage from the 2008 housing crisis, and although we had been paying our rent, the owner, unknown to us, was falling further and further behind on their mortgage. Read more>>

Fushia Skinner

Mooncrest Estate Sales was born out of a need for change and a love for finding hidden treasures. I wanted to build something for myself that also serves my community. The mission is simple: Estate sales are more than clearing out a house – they’re about turning the page on a loved one’s story, a family’s chapter, and embracing what comes next. It’s about community and providing a helpful service. Figuring out what to do with everything when the time comes is tough. That’s what drives me – the chance to bring order to a messy situation and help people move forward. Read more>>

Gabrielle Neal Friedman

My mission is to help women, but really anyone who needs it, reconnect with themselves, build authentic, unshakeable confidence, identify & accept their self-worth, & let go of trauma, hurt, limiting beliefs, & insecurities that holds them back so that they can become boundary setting badasses who cut people off when needed, play big, date & prioritize themselves, & go for all their dreams. Read more>>

Ron Dimabuyu

My professional journey wasn’t linear—it was a winding path through real estate, electronics, and customer service. But these experiences were stepping stones to my true calling in influencer management.

During the early days of social media, I discovered a unique talent: authentically connecting brands with emerging creators. While others saw transactions, I saw potential. My goal wasn’t just to broker deals but to cultivate meaningful, long-term partnerships that empowered young entrepreneurs. Read more>>

Richard E. Pelzer Ii

Greetings, esteemed audience. I stand before you today not merely as a visionary leader but as a storyteller, a chronicler of the HarlemCLX journey, a tale woven with threads of passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to our community.

Our mission at HarlemCLX is not merely to celebrate the rich tapestry of Harlem’s culture but to actively amplify its voices, catalyze its growth, and empower its creative spirit. We believe that art is not merely a form of expression but a catalyst for change, a force that can unite, inspire, and heal. Read more>>

Stefanie Rouse

Our mission is deeply personal—it’s born out of heartbreak, redemption, and a calling to help others find hope and healing in their relationships. A pivotal moment in my life came on Valentine’s Day in 2009, when my world was shattered. Three months before my wedding day, my fiancé ended our engagement. The pain was excruciating. I had spent so much of my life trying to find my worth in relationships, seeking validation and love from men, only to end up with heartbreak after heartbreak. Read more>>

Mmabatho Montse

I am Mmabatho Montse, a social entrepreneur, scholar, and visionary committed to reimagining the economic, social, and spiritual frameworks that shape our interconnected world. As a radical innovator of an old/new worldview, I challenge entrenched systems of injustice—legal yet profoundly inequitable—that continue to perpetuate the economic dispossession of South Africa’s majority and BIPOC communities globally. My mission is to uplift alternative economic models rooted in community, reciprocity, and care, championing regenerative and cooperative systems over the extraction and exploitation that define capitalism. This vision is aligned with the growing global recognition that our current economic system is not only unsustainable but actively harmful. Read more>>

Danara Cavalieri

At Essenza Amalfitana, our mission is deeply rooted in our personal stories as immigrants. We bring together the rich cultural experiences of Franco, an Italian; Danara, a Venezuelan with Italian grandparents; and Ana Maria, a Spaniard with strong Italian ties. Our journey is a testament to the love and traditions passed down through generations. Read more>>

Murid Amini

At MOOV, our mission is at the heart of everything we do: to give communities a better choice for moving around. This mission is deeply personal to us and stems from experiences that directly shaped our perspective on the rideshare industry. Read more>>

Cara Nemchek

At CARA: Confidence Around Reading Anxiety, we’re on a mission to change the emotional experience of learning –
one moment, one child, one family at a time.

We believe that learning is meant to feel good. That’s why we, as educators, prioritize a child’s emotional experience. Because we understand that how a child feels – moment to moment – determines whether or not they’re available to learn. My methodology, the CARA method, was born out of the fact that the brain can’t learn when it’s in a state of stress. Read more>>

Brandon Mclean

Our mission at Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. is to empower young men within the community with the skills and knowledge needed to become responsible and self-sufficient individuals. Our vision is to provide a future where every young man has the opportunity to learn essential life skills and grow into a confident and capable individual through mentorships, guidance, and workshops. The mission of Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. is important because the next generation of young men often faces unique challenges and is sometimes overlooked in our communities. As an advocate for these underdogs, I am passionate about standing in their corner and reminding them that they have someone who believes in their potential. Read more>>

India Lombardi-bello

This year, I started a new podcast called The Animator’s Friend, where I invite animators at all stages and phases of their careers to engage with a light-hearted questionnaire to aid in us getting to know them as people outside the context of their work. I’ve been very lucky to attend many film festivals, artist talks, and panel discussions over the course of my career, but began to notice that whenever animators were invited to speak, the angle was always career and industry-focused with little to no interest in the person behind the art. For other artists like painters, actors, writers, and musicians, there’s a lot more public intrigue around their personal lives, and I felt animators deserved the same! Read more>>

Kerri Gerke

We believe that every cat should have a warm place to sleep at night, which is why we started this rescue. We are located in Mount Vernon, Illinois where a major problem has been taking place. There are colonies of cats out on the streets because people have been dumping cats. We want to help find homes for these cats and ensure that these problems don’t occur again. It’s our hope that one day we can control the population enough to where we won’t see strays all over our community. Read more>>

Ruchi Agrawal

At Paisley Affair, our mission is deeply rooted in empowerment—empowering women to embrace their individuality, and empowering artisans to preserve their craft. This mission is more than a business goal; it’s a personal journey inspired by the stories I’ve witnessed and lived. Read more>>

Natasha Sanchez

My mission is to keep the art of traditional beadwork and crafts alive. I like to incorporate folkloric images in my art that are connected to the indigenous cosmovision of my culture, the concept of what we call Sumak Kawsay (the good life). By continuing to create intricately handmade crafts, we can bolster our abilities to remain a self-sufficient peoples, connected in reciprocity with nature. Read more>>

Rosemary Vonbelle

After my first fire design got unveiled during my friends art show and later got on local news I get to hear from young women how my performance inspired them in different ways.

Women of color told me how uplifting it was to feel represented on stage. Young college students expressed how watching a fire skirt made them feel like they could go after their own dreams that once seemed impossible! Read more>>

Xavier Briggs

At Briggs Realty, our mission is to empower families and individuals in South Jersey to achieve their dreams of homeownership and financial freedom. Real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about people, their stories, and the lasting impact a home can have on their lives.

This mission is significant to me because I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of finding the right home. Growing up in Pleasantville, NJ, I saw how having a stable and supportive environment could uplift families and create growth opportunities. As a realtor and a community member, I’m passionate about being part of that process for others. Read more>>

Olivia Smith

From my years at Good Morning America, ABC News, CNN and 60 Minutes, I saw how powerful storytelling could amplify voices, shape perceptions and create meaningful connections. However, I also witnessed experts and entrepreneurs struggle to communicate their message effectively to the press. They had the knowledge and passion but at times lacked the confidence and strategy to navigate media successfully. That’s when I realized I could help. Read more>>

Parin Chanana. The Co-founder, My Partner, Is Mihir Kakarala.

The idea for Plates to Purpose came to us when I was shadowing my dad, who is a restaurant manager. Over the summer when I was shadowing my dad, I was shocked to see how much perfectly fine, safe-to-eat food got thrown out at the end of every day simply because it couldn’t be served at the restaurant the next day. This experience really stuck with me, and I started thinking about ways to make a difference and to solve this large amount of food waste. I partnered with Mihir Kakarala and a few other high school friends to create a nonprofit. Mihir was participating in an entrepreneurship competition, and we used the opportunity to formally launch this idea of redistributing perfectly fine, safe to eat food that normally gets thrown out by businesses, to local food pantries and homeless shelters. Read more>>

Cindy Bush

When people ask me what made me want to start Simply Shift LLC, often times I get a strange look when i tell them “It was my calling” until they hear my full story. A few years back I helped a man named Mare get off the streets from being homeless. This was the same man who had tried to help me with a flat tire a few years prior to him becoming homeless. I strongly believe God was hitting me in the face to help him out the day I was driving and saw Mare with his bike and a “disabled/homeless” sign at the bus stop. I had to stop by and find out what happened and how l could help the same sweet soul that tried to help me a few years back. Read more>>

Randy Johnson

In 1999 when I prayed for God to use me, I never could have imagined the plan He had for the next 25 years – not just the plan for my life, but the ministry He would create through God’s Pit Crew. From the very beginning, God’s Pit Crew has been about serving people while fully leaning on God’s guidance. It was the suffering, displaced people of the deadly tornado in Oklahoma that first led our crew to respond and help, and now 25 years later, it’s people that keep driving our mission forward. Read more>>

Daria Poirier

When I was a little girl my parents taught me to be close to nature. I spent my summers in our family cottage, far away from the big city. The cottage was near to our local farms where we would get most of our provisions. My parents also had a beautiful garden where we were growing our own food. I planted trees and was taught how to care for them. Read more>>

Antea Amoroso

At the heart of my business is a simple yet meaningful mission: to create human connection through art. I believe in the power of personalization—not just as a way to make something beautiful, but as a way to transform everyday objects into cherished memories and frozen moments in time. Read more>>

Antonio Cuccinielli

Back when I was starting out as a real estate investor, real estate investing seemed extremely complex and difficult to understand.

It felt overwhelming and I didn’t know where to start. I was scared I was going to put my entire life savings into a property just to risk it all to not be sure if I would make a profit. Read more>>

Joi Riley

At J.R Candle Company, our mission is to illuminate lives through luxurious, eco-friendly candles that create beautiful experiences and foster connections. We are dedicated to crafting high-quality, handcrafted products that not only enhance the ambiance of any space but also promote sustainability and community empowerment. As a minority Black, woman-owned business, we strive to inspire and uplift our community, creating a positive impact with every candle we make. Read more>>

Ellen Smithey

It is rare to know from a young age exactly what one wanted to do with their life. Lucky for me, I have vivid memories of sitting down to dinner with my family at the age of seven and being asked by my father, “So, what do you want to do with your life?” It was ingrained in me to think about my future, how I would get to that future, and that no matter what it was I was planning for, that I would be su[ported in it. Even at such a young age, my immediate thought to that question would be to help people. I was a very sensitive, empathic, and emotional kid. I also loved art. Between any extracurriculars and school, you could find me drawing, painting, or crafting. Read more>>

Elisha Mabaje

Nigix Solutions was born from a vision: to bridge the gap between global opportunities and local talent in Africa. Founded by Temitope & Elisha, visionaries with deep roots in technology and an unwavering belief in the potential of the African continent, Nigix Solutions is more than a company—it’s a movement. Read more>>

Jake Gallagher

JGFilms LLC is built on the mission of storytelling that connects, inspires, and elevates. From the very beginning, I’ve been drawn to the power of film, not just as a way to capture moments, but as a way to tell stories that matter. Whether it’s a business showcasing their hard work, an athlete chasing their dream, or a couple celebrating their love, every story deserves to be told in a way that’s powerful and authentic. Read more>>

Karen Sgroi

My Mission is Redefine beauty through sustainability, exceptional customer service and a commitment to education. This is so important to me because I feel sustainability should be a huge part in everyone’s life. We as hairstylists make a lot of trash and we have to set an example for our clients and community to be sustainable , if everyone does their part we will get so much more out of our environment. Exceptional customer service is a huge part of what we offer. I feel the human touch and making people feel beautiful inside and out is a gift that our industry can give to others.People need to be seen and heard and cared for. There are not a lot of places you can go to get this uplifting feeling of joy and care. Read more>>

Kari Sorensen

My mission is personal because I’ve been where so many of my clients are—passionate, talented, and full of ideas, but held back by circumstances, outdated expectations, and a system that doesn’t always recognize the value of women, especially moms.

For years, I worked in education and later in an agency, always giving my all, only to be dismissed, overworked, and undervalued. I saw my talents go unrecognized and my growth stifled. When I finally stepped out on my own, everything changed. My voice mattered. My creativity had purpose. And most importantly, I realized I could help other women break free from those same limiting spaces and build something incredible for themselves. Read more>>

Stacey Szczepanski

Can you relate? Have you been on this search before? Are you on this search right now?

Well, my worldly search for love ended up leaving me abused-emotionally, mentally, and even physically-broken, beaten down, and feeling so lonely. Soon after I discovered that I was catfished I heard God speak clearly to me for the very first time. He said, “Stacey, you’re going to write a book someday for others to feel less alone.” Read more>>

Melody Hu

At Sweet Diplomacy, our mission is to create inclusive, gluten-free, and special diet-friendly baked goods that bring people together, regardless of dietary restrictions. This mission is deeply personal to me, having lived in 12 cities across 4 countries on 3 continents and traveled to over 30 countries, I’ve experienced the power of food as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers. However, I noticed that individuals with dietary restrictions often felt excluded from communal dining experiences. This realization inspired me to establish Sweet Diplomacy, a bakery dedicated to inclusivity and culinary innovation. Read more>>

Ryan & Thang Zeisig/cao

In 2023, we created Sapa Spa and Wellness, with the mission of establishing a sanctuary in the city where you can escape the hustle and bustle of their busy lives, detox, and recharge their energy. Our goal is for our clients to leave feeling rejuvenated, healthier, and ready to return to their daily routines with renewed energy and a brighter outlook. We believe that this positive energy can then ripple out to the community. One of the main reasons for launching the wellness spa is our commitment to fostering inner well-being, helping people feel happy and revitalized from the inside out. A healthy and joyful core ensures that, regardless of age or appearance, you will radiate happiness and a beautiful glow. Read more>>

Modupé Congleton

When I was exiting the last company I worked for, I began to think about ownership. About legacy. And I found my light in realizing the impact of continuing to carry the torch forward in a way that makes others in my community proudly say, “she represents us well.” Read more>>

Gabriella Rose Fiederlein

My name is Gabriella Rose Fiederlein, owner and founder of BeautifyMe by Gabriella Rose and it is a pleasure to connect with you. With nine years of experience as a Makeup Artist, I hold licenses in both Cosmetology and Aesthetics, and additional certifications in Microblading and Lashes for New York State. Makeup and skincare are not just my profession but my passion. I strive to reach new heights as an artist, infusing my work with creativity. My aim is to develop a distinctive style that sets my work apart and leaves a memorable impression, whether it’s playful, romantic, or glamorous until I can create my own line that not only people can relate to, but is a perfect skincare and makeup line to work with anyone and everyone’s skin type. Every face is a canvas and has a story. Read more>>

Dj Steel Wheel

It is meaningful to me as a DJ that those who experience my sets leave with a deeper appreciation for not only the music, but also an appreciation for the craft of curating a vibe for an event. Whenever I am asked to DJ an event, I put great care into thinking about what it is my client desires to be presented to the audience musically, as well as how can I use my creativity, knowledge of people and love of the music to create a space where people feel free to connect with others emotionally through a shared experience. Read more>>

Jules Ferdowsi

When my relationship with my son’s father abruptly ended, I found myself standing at the intersection of heartbreak and resilience. Overnight, I became a single mother, navigating a world that suddenly felt much lonelier.

At first, I turned to writing. The Mommy Archives began as a personal blog—a space where I could be honest about the beauty and chaos of motherhood. I wrote about the sleepless nights, the moments of doubt, and the quiet victories that made it all worthwhile. But despite pouring my heart onto the page, something was still missing. Read more>>

Becca Homen

My ultimate mission is to help impact-driven businesses by crafting intentional, strategy-led designs that capture their vision and drive real results—with purpose. I’m also passionate about empowering women—to help them build confidence, show up authentically, and grow the businesses they’ve worked so hard to create. Read more>>

Sowania Germain

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMHC) professional, my mission is to support mothers navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, especially those with a history of trauma. My passion for this work stems from my own journey as a mother of three, having experienced a traumatic birth and a high-risk pregnancy that led to both my newborn and me being hospitalized for months. I understand firsthand the emotional toll this takes on mothers and families, which is why I am committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. In my practice, I also work with couples, helping them strengthen their relationships as they navigate the challenges of parenthood and healing together. Read more>>

Maria Kamila Severiche

Growing up in Colombia, South America, I was surrounded by art, talent, creativity, resourcefulness and people that put passion into everything they did; modern technology, big machines, or standardization, were not common practices, and even though processes were not the most efficient, quality was undeniable. The magic that our artisans create has been the representation of history, culture, and traditions, all in the shape of apparel, furniture, home décor, and more. Read more>>

Mollie Ficocello

At 3 Farm Daughters, our mission has always been clear: bring better food to the table by staying true to our roots. Growing up on a farm, we saw firsthand how much care goes into growing wheat, and we wanted to create pasta that reflects that same quality and transparency. Traditional pasta often sacrifices nutrition for convenience by layering in unneeded enhancers or additives, and we knew there had to be a better way. So we set out to make a product that was not only delicious but also naturally high in fiber and protein—without additives or over-processing. Our mission is to reconnect people with real food, and we’re proud to be a brand that prioritizes quality, family, and wholesome nutrition in every bite. Read more>>

Ben Wolfe

At Wolfe Tennis Performance, my mission is simple: help tennis players level up their game by focusing on what truly moves the needle—mental strength, fitness, and overall health.

I didn’t take the traditional route to becoming a 5.0 self-taught player. I didn’t grow up in an academy or take expensive private lessons. Instead, I focused on what most players ignore—building a resilient mindset, training my body to stay strong and injury-free, and taking full ownership of my development. That journey wasn’t just about tennis; it transformed my life. Read more>>

Lisette Solares

I’m Liz Solares, 40 years old, and my path into the world of books has been an adventure of self-discovery. A few years ago, while searching for a moment of disconnection from my daily routine, I found that making bracelets brought me peace and sparked my creativity. That sense of well-being led me to explore other practices like meditation and yoga, but it wasn’t until I found the missing piece: the @30Libros reading club. Read more>>

Melissa Robin

My journey toward creating a mission grounded in healing, embodiment, and photography was born out of my own struggles with self-acceptance, body image, and mental health. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider, especially when it came to my identity. I faced deep struggles with body and gender dysmorphia, and at times, the weight of mental illness felt like a shadow that I couldn’t escape. Read more>>

Janice Lott

The story behind my mission began in childhood. I was always drawn to the art of dressing. As I stepped into the corporate world, I became even more aware of how clothing influenced the way people perceived and responded to me. The level of professionalism I embodied in my attire impacted my presentations, my confidence, and even the way I carried myself. Read more>>

Tyler Kidd

Aside from being a Full Time Influencer, I am also a Full Time Business Owner of The Get Well Soon Brand since 2023! It honestly feels crazy to say that, as we head into our second year of dedicating our space to the wellness of others.

The Get Well Soon Brand, also known as GWS, wasn’t founded randomly. At the age of 23, after years of dark depression and self hatred, I completely changed my life. I went from being a miserable, angry woman who couldn’t tell you what she wanted from life to a now 25 year old, successful entrepreneur making 6 figures. And sharing how I did that and teaching others to heal and love themselves is the mission behind everything I do, including GWS. Read more>>

Giselle Hauser

My company starts and ends with LOVE! It has always been my mission to never miss the opportunity to show others that I genuinely cared about them and I wanted to see them be the best version of themselves. As I look back and I reflect, all I ever wanted as a child was to genuinely know what it felt like and what it meant to be loved unconditionally. Read more>>

Mariella Comparelli

Bilancia Spa & Wellness was born from a deeply personal journey—one of struggle, discovery, and transformation. As I navigated the challenges of menopause, I found myself not just frustrated, but silenced. Menopause was a forbidden fruit, a topic whispered about in hushed tones, if at all. It carried a terrible stigma—one that made women feel as if they were no longer of value, no longer feminine, no longer beautiful. Read more>>

Dead Mall Walking

Malls across the US (and beyond) are shuttering at an unprecedented rate. Dead malls are a time capsule of what our culture used to look like in the ’90s and ’00s, filled with countless stories from those of us who grew up spending our time in them. Probably way too much of our time! Read more>>

Peter Caruso

We honor tradition while embracing innovation, always finding new ways to bring our bold flavors into modern dining. Through collaborations with chefs, restaurants, and retailers, we extend the Caruso legacy, ensuring that every bite reflects our commitment to family, customers, and exceptional quality.

Our mission is simple: to share the flavors we love, elevate everyday meals, and bring people together—one jar at a time. Read more>>

Kim Langley

I may not be mission driven in the traditional understanding of that term. A business, any business, at the basic level is about making money. I wanted a business that would make money for me but would also provide a market for quality wool from small producers. I also wanted to use woolen mills in the Midwest. My goal was to focus on Fibershed (broadly defined as a days drive from my location). My mission is to source local wool and have it processed locally. The product, a high quality yarn, is sold at fiber festivals in the Midwest. Money spent in the community, supports the growth of the community. That is my mission. I see the sheep, I prep the wool. Read more>>