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.

David Mullins

LiftGateMe was built with a simple but important mission: to make liftgate parts and full liftgates easier to find, access, and order, so businesses and repair professionals can keep moving without unnecessary downtime. The liftgate industry has long been dominated by traditional, offline methods of sourcing parts, which can be slow, frustrating, and inefficient. We saw an opportunity to bring liftgate parts and new liftgates into the digital age—while still maintaining the personalized, knowledgeable service that small businesses and repair professionals need. Read more>>

Christian Baldauf

My mission is to help others find balance between order and chaos, a concept deeply personal to me as an artist. Too much order stifles creativity, while too much chaos creates confusion. I believe the right balance drives both growth and fulfillment. Through art and technology, I provide solutions that unlock creativity. What sets me apart is my ability to merge artistic expression with practical design, helping others embrace both structure and spontaneity to reach their full creative potential. Read more>>

Andre St.george

My mission is one I like to say I modeled after the old adage “Pay It Forward”. At an early age I was mentored by someone that played a very integral role in my life. I found myself in the midst of a situation where the wrong choice could have altered my life dramatically. Being a victim of bullying lead me to take things into my hands and figured bringing a knife to school was my only option. Read more>>

David Fields

At LegacyNightsMusicGroup, LLC, we are dedicated to crafting timeless soundscapes that resonate with both the present and the future. As a forward-thinking record production company, we strive to amplify artists’ voices by providing them with the tools, resources, and creative freedom needed to shape their legacies. We believe in nurturing innovation, fostering collaboration, and producing music that leaves a lasting impact on the world. Our mission is to cultivate a space where passion meets purpose, and every note we create reflects the rich stories and experiences of our artists. Read more>>

Susan Hopper

I have always been an avid reader and love the written word. I enjoy reading and love helping others connect with books.
The clearer and more understandable someone is, the easier their message is to read and understand. I find great satisfaction in editing because I’m able to help others find their clearest voices to reach others with their words. Read more>>

Brandon Thomas

We’re Guilt Free Pastries! We’re Guilt Free because 99% of everything we make is gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, paleo, keto, natural and artificial flavor free, gum-free, dairy-free, soy-free and made with organic and local ingredients.

Why are we so passionate about what we do? Because we believe that everyone should have access to yummy sweets that aren’t going to extremely damage their bodies by containing toxins and chemicals that aren’t originally meant to be in our bodies. Also, we love the creativity that comes with creating pastries that are made from ingredients that only come from the Earth and making them taste even BETTER than those chemical desserts that you find in stores and certain large chain spots. Read more>>

Ediva Zanker

Creating a trauma informed boxing modality is not something I knew I was going to do. It was something that I decided to pursue after experiencing trauma myself. About 3.5 years ago I found myself in an unstable relationship with someone who ended up being violent. One of the scariest and most proud moments in my life was when I called the police when my ex-boyfriend attacked me. From that day, I went through a long healing process with EMDR therapy to help with the PTSD. But I knew that I would need many methods of healing besides just therapy. I turned to boxing as an outlet to help me process the trauma and move through it in my body. When I realized just how cathartic it could be for me, I knew I wanted to give that feeling to as many people as possible. I decided that I could help other survivors of assault or DV move through their pain as well. Read more>>

Skitnb

My mission, in short, is to provide more in-depth knowledge of ski areas to help people like me have a better experience on the mountain. I like to describe these places through video tutorials. Some of these tutorials are raw and unedited, while others are stylized montages that people can relax and enjoy. There are many skiing videos out there, but I strive to document and detail lesser-known places by providing both informational and entertaining video guides. Read more>>

Anna Popkov

The mission of The Book of Boos and Boo Boos is to make dating more thoughtful and intentional, starting with the most important relationship—your relationship with yourself.

After a series of dead-end dates, I found myself asking, Is this it? Why can’t I make a connection stick? Despite having warm, lasting relationships with family and friends, romantic love felt out of reach. That disconnect led me to a deeper realization: dating isn’t just about finding the right person; it’s about understanding who you are, what you need, and why you’re seeking connection in the first place. Read more>>

Hannah Desousa

Seven years ago, I was completely new to dog training and honestly, I had a lot to learn. At the time, I had a German Shepherd named Murphy who was full of energy but had a condition called Megaesophagus, which unfortunately went undiagnosed for much of her life despite constant vet visits. This condition meant she was always severely underweight no matter how much I fed her, and I had to find ways to keep her mentally stimulated without overexerting her physically. Read more>>

Erin Thompson

I almost didn’t start a business. Despite feeling called to, we’re a military family that moves frequently. Why would I start a service-based business only to have to pick up and move it every few years? That sounded hard.

But, I couldn’t shake the joy I felt with a camera in hand or the voice in my head telling me to give it a try, so I went for it. And sure enough, after running my business for just a year in Albuquerque, NM, our family got orders to Washington DC. Read more>>

Meg King

My passion is coaching and consulting women entrepreneurs and business owners because there was once a time when I felt “held hostage” by my life and my business…

It started in grade school when I was told by my teacher that I was stupid. It wasn’t until later in life that I found out that I am dyslexic. But how do you undo all the years of stories and baggage? Not easily, not alone, and with great tools. Read more>>

Lillie Warren

My mission as a content creator is to show up for the people that look like me, black folks especially. There are so many talents I have, and of course they have dedicated spaces in the world for those said talents. However, the world has not been very kind to people that look like me, and it goes even further: the online world has anonymity. I’m self taught in nearly everything I do, and people find that hard to believe. I’m a realism artist, I’m a full-time streamer, I’m a vocalist who mixes and masters who own music, I’m a cosplayer, and much more. Read more>>

Jamie Marshall

In a world that seems to celebrate nonstop hustle over genuine well-being, The Love U Collective was born from a deeply personal need to reconnect with ourselves. Both Olivia and I arrived at this mission through our own, very different journeys. For Olivia, the challenge began when she became a new mom—suddenly juggling work, baby, and the endless demands of life. In the midst of chaos and overwhelming responsibilities, she discovered that a simple, mindful self-care routine was her lifeline back to balance and joy. I, too, reached a crossroads after spending over a decade climbing the corporate ladder. One day, I looked up from the relentless grind and realized that the dream I had been chasing wasn’t filling the emptiness inside me. In that moment, I turned inward, setting aside time before and after work to reconnect with my own needs and passions—a practice that gradually led me to the world of wellness and energy work. Read more>>

Sebastian Bencsik

Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to start my own business—I just never imagined it would happen at 21. I had a few small business ventures growing up; I sold stick insects in elementary school and sold candy in middle school. In high school, I helped my dad extract and sell honey from bee hives. Read more>>

Shamecca Freeman

Getting my hair done has always been a source of joy and confidence. But when I went natural in 7th grade and eventually did the “big chop,” that confidence disappeared. I had to learn how to care for my natural hair and, in doing so, also rebuild my self-esteem. I know firsthand how much a woman’s relationship with her hair can affect how she feels about herself. Read more>>

Ana Tafur

My entire life, I’ve felt that the conventional path wasn’t meant for me. I never saw myself following the standardized steps laid out for me—I always sensed that there was something deeper, something calling me to explore the big questions of life. However, duty and expectations led me to pursue a career, work in different industries, and become a successful marketer. Yet, no matter how much I achieved, I always carried the same emptiness—the feeling that I wasn’t truly connecting with people in the profound way I longed for. Read more>>

Tammy Adcock

At Adcock Coaching LLC, we believe that no safe parent should have to navigate the difficult journey of protecting their child alone. Our mission is deeply personal—born from my own experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse. The path was isolating and overwhelming, and I understand firsthand the emotional and legal challenges that come with fighting to safeguard children. Read more>>

Jairo Urcuyo

Our mission is to affect esports in a postive way. Throughout the esports and video game industry there is this narrative that playing video games is bad, lazy, and it does not help you in other careers. When its the complete opposite. We not only house some of the best talent in the world in esports, but also help educate what esports means. Read more>>

Kristopher Timmons

At EPD Sports International, our mission is to empower athletes by providing them with the tools, exposure, and opportunities they need to succeed at the highest levels of competition. We aim to connect talent with opportunity, not just in basketball, but across the sports industry as a whole. Our flagship event, the Top 40 Invitational, is a perfect example of this vision in action—bringing together the brightest rising stars with top-tier coaches, scouts, and trainers who can help shape their futures. Read more>>

Greg Kapitan

Hello my name is Greg G Kapitan of iSmart Payments. Dual pricing is a big thing to me as many customers have seen gas stations offer it, but have no idea how to implement it. We offer a dual pricing as a strategy to provide flexibility and transparency for businesses and their customers when it comes to payment processing. Dual pricing allows merchants to offer two price points: one for card payments (with the card processing fees included) and another for cash payments (with no card processing fees). This approach gives consumers the choice of how they want to pay, while encouraging cash transactions that are less expensive for businesses. Read more>>

Sarah Martin

At Cashmere Luxe Home, we believe luxury should be both beautiful and intentional. Rooted in Christ’s love, our mission is to create refined, non-toxic candles, perfumes, and body products that elevate everyday living. Inspired by nature and the art of fragrance, we curate complex, sophisticated scents designed to transform spaces and evoke cherished memories. With a commitment to clean ingredients and timeless elegance, we invite you to slow down, embrace the beauty around you, and indulge in moments of true luxury. Read more>>

Amanda Christensen

Valley Views is a story telling podcast based out of Las Vegas, telling my real-life perspective of hospitality, family and local city insight. As a 15-year hospitality vet, I feel there is very little out there informing listeners on what to do when they relocate here and what skills you may need to stay relevant, safe, and informed. Often Podcasts interview celebrities or high profiled guests, but on Valley Views I’m seeking small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs who want to create a unique “Valley View”. Every episode I shed light and create a profile on who they are and what they are doing to make this a more valuable and beneficial city for years to come. As a mother of 2 small children and a wife, I also discuss topics of safety, schools, and key tips of what makes this a family friendly city, over all the other leading cities in the US. Having a platform for anyone to share a voice is the key to my future success. Read more>>

Kelsie Coleman

I am a self-published author whose mission is simply to use the gift God has given me to uplift others, express myself, lift my voice in hopes that others don’t feel alone, and do it all in love. As I child, I was quieter, observant, and less likely to speak up first to share my thoughts on things unless we were close. So, writing became my safe place where I could say anything without judgment. When I turned 24 years old, I was challenged to trust God, trust my gift, and share it with the world. It is my aim that if I share with others that it is okay to be nervous and do it anyway it encourages them not to let fear or uncertainty keep them stagnate. Read more>>

Ice Venkatesh

I am a freshman at The Village High School, Houston and the founder of Lemonade with Ice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls through education. My journey began with a simple yet powerful realization: many girls around the world do not have the opportunity to attend school, primarily due to financial constraints. Read more>>

Luminescence Goh

My motivation as an author originates from a lifelong fascination with the fragile balance between humans and the environment, resilience, and our interwoven obligations. Growing up, I saw firsthand how cultural wisdom, environmental stewardship, and personal growth intertwine in learning studies books at university, such as ‘Theories of Globalization’ by Axford, Barrie, ‘Ethics and Social Responsibility’ by Kurt Mosser, and ‘Essentials of Environmental Science’ by Dorsner, Kamala. My interest in mythology and philosophy prompted me to investigate how ancient wisdom may help us navigate current difficulties ranging from climate change to personal tragedy. Read more>>

Zach Venkus

Matt Venkus and I are brothers, and our close relationship has given us a unique perspective on what it means to run a family business. We’re fortunate to have built InFocus on the solid foundation of trust, which we believe is the key to making it work. While it’s true that mixing family and business can be risky, especially when money is involved, our bond has always been one of mutual respect and unwavering support. We’ve both seen firsthand how greed can tear relationships apart, but we’ve also witnessed how family can come together to build something extraordinary. Read more>>

Monique Pitt

Gyallivant is a women-led wellness brand created for Black women and WOC, with a mission rooted in community, play, and holistic well-being. At its core, Gyallivant is about reimagining wellness as something joyful, accessible, and culturally affirming—moving beyond the rigid, mainstream definitions of self-care to create spaces where Black women & women of colour can fully embrace their wellness journeys. Read more>>

Tiarrah Kent

The story behind the mission starts at the early age of 12 years old. In 1999, my mother passed away. She had no life insurance, she did not own her home, nor did she have a college savings plan set up for her six children. Fast forward to 2016, when I became a mother, I had no help, I did not own my home, and I had no idea where to start. Since having my daughter, I have been able to At A Better Day Academy, we bridge gaps of support for our families and their children. We offer educational services for infants to age 12 years old, something I did not have as a single mother. Also, our nonprofit organization, ForeverMom Legacy, provides services such as life insurance, childcare, first-time home buying opportunities, college-savings plans, and more. Read more>>

Michiko Yoshifuji

The mission of ROOTS Mindful Acupuncture is: To help people maintain a pain-free, healthy lifestyle and enhance their quality of life through mindful, holistic, and compassionate acupuncture services. Read more>>

Destiny Goss

Since my junior year of high school, I’ve carried a clear sense of purpose—a mission to show up in this world in a way that uplifts the marginalized, amplifies the underrepresented, and gives voice to the voiceless. While the full scope of that mission has evolved over time, the passion behind it has always been a driving force in my life. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, but as a creative at heart—someone deeply connected to music production, poetry, visual art, and theater—I found myself wrestling with how to merge my artistic expression with my desire to create meaningful change. How could I be both an activist and an artist? That was the question I grappled with throughout high school and into my early college years. Read more>>

Will Cunha

When we first started Oscar’s Coffee we knew it had to be both unique and part of the neighborhood. We spent weeks developing criteria about our location, how it would integrate with the community and not increase friction, and how it would best serve our neighbors and the business. We defined our values as: We’ll be a good neighbor, We’ll always nail the basics, and you’ll always matter. For us, these values embody our mission – to change our neighbor’s morning routine. Centered around the walkability and neighborly vibe of Eastport, Oscar’s was created to give our neighbors a place to meet each other, have a friendly destination for their morning walk, and generate new friendships based on a few shared common joys – dogs and good coffee. Read more>>

Ares Giovanni

I have in the past struggled tremendously with mental health and navigating through life. I realized one day that media had been a medium in my life and filled gaps that otherwise would have been filled by a community and proved me with an escape from the reality around me. In shaping me so much, I realized the amazing influence that our media has on us from social platforms to trending music and gifs. Somewhere down the line it saved my life, and I fell in love with my craft. If it could do that for me, it could do that for others. Read more>>

Mindy Smith

J B Herefords is a family run Cattle Ranch. We have been running Horned Hereford cattle for almost 100 years. Our mission is to continue the family heritage of running and operating this on this beautiful land in Northern Utah, as the 4th and 5th generation of ranchers. We love our Hereford cows and are finding ways to improve our Ranch and make it successful. We are currently selling beef to consumers, heifers, bulls, and steers, and even started selling beef tallow this year. We hope to continue our heritage into the next generation. Read more>>

Angela Jurgensen

Becoming a yoga instructor came at a time in my life when I needed it the most—a moment of deep reflection, uncertainty, and inner questioning. What, initially, began as a simple physical practice quickly evolved into something much greater: a journey of self-discovery, healing, and profound transformation. At that time, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with questions about my purpose and the deeper meaning of my path. I felt a pull toward something more, a desire to contribute beyond myself and serve others meaningfully. Read more>>

Sandra Mercuri

Sandra Mercuri Educational Consultants was born from a deep passion to serve multilingual learners in American public schools, as well as their families. I have always viewed education as the great equalizer—a belief that was solidified through my own life experiences and educational journey. It’s a belief that has shaped not only my life but also the lives of my children and the many teachers and students I’ve had the privilege to work with. Read more>>

Jennifer Dickerson

Heart & Sole Performing Arts, LLC was founded in 2018 by Ms. Jennifer D. Dickerson, initially as an after-school step team at Glen Avenue Elementary. The program began with a focus on promoting behavioral improvement and academic motivation among students. Since then, Heart & Sole has experienced tremendous growth, expanding to serve 8 schools across 4 counties and 2 states on the Eastern Shore. Read more>>

Yesenia Godoy

I started my business because as a first-generation Mexican immigrant, I know what it feels like to want financial security but not have a clear roadmap to get there. Growing up, I saw how people who worked hard still struggled with having enough money. I saw how that struggle prevented people from dreaming. It’s hard to dream when you are just surviving. I knew I wanted something different, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Read more>>

Zariah B

At Zariah’s Chic Apparel, our mission is to empower individuals to express their unique style and confidence through fashion while fostering a sense of community and self-love.

The Story Behind the Mission
Fashion has always been more than just clothes for me—it’s a way to show the world who you are and how you feel about yourself. When I started Zariah’s Chic Apparel, I wanted to create more than just a brand—I wanted to inspire a movement rooted in self-love. Read more>>

Annie De Leon

At DeLeon Creative, we believe that every brand has a unique story waiting to be told. Our mission is to help businesses define and own their identity—boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.

Growing up in a culture of “sameness”, I felt the need to find my own voice—to trust my gut, embrace authenticity, and shape my own path. It was a journey of self-discovery, clarity, and intentional action. Read more>>

Emily Everett

When I started in real estate a decade ago, I had spent the previous decade in non-profit management. Talk about a conversation starter for friends, family, and colleagues. They all wanted to know how I made the decision to leave my job in helping people to sales. And the answer was clear to me from the start; I was helping people in a new way. Taking the trust I had earned through years in the non-profit world and transferring it to helping homebuyers or investors navigate the home buying process for the first time or walking sellers through the steps of selling their home successfully. Real estate has never been about sales for me and I’ve kept that organic approach throughout my career. Read more>>

Jen Munson

Tin Roof Candle Co. was born out of a personal experience during my own challenge with covid pneumonia. During that period, I discovered the powerful healing properties of scent and the importance of creating a peaceful, comforting space to escape from the chaos of the world. The simple act of lighting a candle became a source of comfort, a reminder of self-care, and a way to nurture my mental well-being. Read more>>

Cinnamon “smee” Mckinley

My mission in life has always been to spread Joy and Love – I have always wanted to make others happy – I’ve been a People Pleaser since childhood. It wasn’t until I reached my 40s, however, that I realized Love of Self was the highest calling. Just like most women, I struggled with loving myself for years. I was too busy being of service to others to pay any mind to myself, to take care of myself, let alone to cherish myself the way we all deserve to be cherished. Read more>>

Maria Manautou

Pittsburgh Latino Magazine connects, celebrates, and empowers the Latino community in Western Pennsylvania by showcasing its positive impact across the region. From driving innovation in business and entrepreneurship to enriching the arts and strengthening education, Latinos are shaping the future of Pittsburgh and its surrounding counties in meaningful ways. Read more>>

Lydia Clarkin

My mission is to create honest art that allows its listener to feel emotion and question the deep topics of eternity and faith. During the pandemic, I was looking for music that spoke deeper to the challenges of life and also had a unique indie sound. I was stuck at home for months at time, separated from friends and family, and constantly being bombarded with band news. During that time the mainstream love songs were hard to connect with, so I decided to try creating music.  Read more>>

Lakeydra Houston

For me, survival was not just about enduring the darkest moments—it was about finding a way to ensure others never felt as alone as I once did. My journey began with profound pain, but it led me to a life of purpose, advocating for those who are often unseen and unheard. Read more>>

Anna Laura Sommer

At Sommer Media and Shine Studio, my mission is to create space—both literally and figuratively—for women and entrepreneurs to show up boldly, be seen, and own their stories.

This mission is deeply personal. I built my business from the ground up, starting with a $200 camera and a relentless belief that I could create something meaningful. But this journey has been shaped just as much by faith and challenges as it has by success. Read more>>

Tyler Stiscak

I’m going to answer two questions: my thoughts on working in a family business and how I started my own business.

My name is Tyler, and I am the owner of CS Elements Travel, as well as the Vice President of Operations at Horses Landscaping & Garden Center Inc., a business owned by my father. I grew up working with him from a young age—spending summers on job sites, weekends at farmers’ markets, and working trade shows. From ages 19 to 35, I worked full-time for the company, starting as a laborer and working my way up to project supervisor and eventually VP of Operations. Read more>>

Marie O’hare-vuong, Linda Burley, And Karen Gabby

We’re beyond excited to work together! As three close-knit sisters, we share an unbreakable bond that has grown stronger since childhood. Our parents instilled in us the importance of family, always encouraging us to support one another and to keep God at the center of our lives.
With our shared values, we’ve built a remarkable level of trust and loyalty amongst ourselves. We truly believe that this vibrant sisterly connection, along with our unwavering trust and similar principles, drives our family business to incredible heights. Read more>>