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.

Yellow Taylor

“In my Next Step Error” is more than just a phrase—it’s a mindset. It’s about embracing the missteps, the lessons, and the unexpected turns on the journey to success. Every stumble is a setup for something greater, every mistake is a lesson in disguise, and every so-called “error” is just part of the process of becoming the best version of myself. Read more>>

Our story comes from watching my mother, a single parent struggle to keep our car in good working order so we had transportation. I watched her save pennies to always make sure we had a good working car and sometimes ask for help in paying for repairs. I had decided at a young age that i would obtain the knowledge to help cut the cost of the repairs. not knowing at that time, I would fall in love with my work, and it became a lifelong goal of mine to help people who as struggling to make enough money for costly repairs to their cars to just get back and forth to work to provide for the families they love so much. Read more>>

Ryan Lugo And Alex Rojas

At IQ Dog Training, our mission is simple: to help dogs and their owners build a strong, lasting relationship through effective, real-world training. But the story behind our mission comes from firsthand experience seeing the gap in traditional dog training methods.

We noticed that many training programs rely heavily on treat bribery or generic techniques that don’t take into account a dog’s natural instincts, temperament, or the owner’s specific needs. We wanted to create something better—something that actually teaches dogs how to think, make better choices, and integrate into a family’s lifestyle seamlessly. Read more>>

Seles Pierce

At 25 years old, I decided it was time to turn my passion for snowmobiling, racing, and the tight-knit community of Pittsburg, New Hampshire into something bigger—something bold. That’s how Back Lake Outlaws LLC was born.

For me, snowmobiling isn’t just a winter pastime; it’s a way of life. Growing up surrounded by the hum of sled engines and the thrill of racing across frozen lakes, I knew early on this world was home. But as a young woman in a male-dominated sport and industry, I didn’t always see myself reflected in the spaces I loved most. That’s why I set out to create something different. A brand and event series that celebrates speed, skill, and the spirit of the North Country—welcoming everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from. Read more>>

Rico Padilla

I am a store owner for a shop called NIDO. Nido means nest in Spanish. The space is meant to invite artists of all sorts. To feel inspired, to do work, to connect with other artists, to connect in general and have a safe space to grow their wings in whatever that may be artistically. I think my mission moves towards the idea of humans wanting to feel safe in their environment. Of course this comes with financial and physical structures that give you safety, but humans need emotional and expressional safety. To have conversations that they feel safe in; to connect with individuals that see them for more than their occupation or race or even hobbies. Just as a human. I think we are needing this more than ever and my route to myself and others has been creating art for some time now. Read more>>

Natasha Pehrson

When I started Body Confidence, it wasn’t just about weight loss—it was about taking back control of my life. After having my third baby, I found myself in a cycle of extreme dieting, self-doubt, and feeling like my body was something I had to fight against. I was exhausted, frustrated, and stuck in the mindset that if I just lost weight, I’d finally feel confident. Read more>>

Kimberly Ely

At The Studio in Chester Springs, we strive to bring people together, to share meaningful experiences and promote inspiration.

It is my life’s passion to help others feel better about themselves, their lives, and the world around us. Through intentional, purpose-driven workshops and classes, this company welcomes people of all kinds to feel great in their skin. A commitment to wellness mindset affects everyone, whether someone takes a class with us or merely comes into contact with someone who has. We love being a part of that. Read more>>

Chantelle Bishop

It is clear that I have found the perfect niche that reflects my personality, but my business is not just about the handmade jewelry and pretty branding. The most important aspect of my business is my mission to spread the message of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. This well known bible verse gives strength and hope to move forward in any life circumstance. I want every woman who wears my jewelry to remember their true worth; that they are loved by Jesus Christ, and that they can overcome anything through HIm. Read more>>

Emily Gogol, PhD.

My husband and I moved to Oregon to start a Cannabis Research & Development farm – helping commercial growers, in hemp and rec marijuana, get access to quality genetics for their products. After a few years I started getting emails and phone calls from folks all over the country – they found our commercial website, and got in touch. They wanted to grow their own at home, and were having a terrible time getting good information and quality supplies. Folks from 20 to 70 were calling me, and wanted to grow at home for all sorts of reasons. While I was working on my PhD in SF, I founded a nonprofit that built two public parks, and i also managed community gardens – so really I am a gardener not a farmer! Read more>>

Onika Nicole Craven

Our mission is to serve the underserved within the community. We want to assure that everyone is awarded with the same opportunities as others who are more fortunate than others. Read more>>

Desiree Blount

The mission of Indigo Botanica is to extend mindful lifestyle practices that I have learned to others that may resonate. This all stems from my upbringing, which mirrored a lot of minority women, especially those who weren’t seen as normal due to societal standards. Growing up, I was extremely overweight, as well as having a lacking in mental & emotional health awareness and support. Through my own life experiences, I have been able to learn how to produce products and instill practices into my daily routines that made my overall mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health. My experience as a mother is also helping me to expand my services to help families and to also help to develop children from a young age. Read more>>

Adijatu Jalloh

My mission is to help bring African Fusion cuisine to the fine dining table. I want to connect people through food and culture. Because of my roots in africa and my deep connection to food I hope to strive to bring more awareness to African food. Read more>>

Madison Krigbaum

When I was 19, I boarded my first international flight to Rome for a semester abroad, completely unaware that those four months would change my life. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. That semester was a whirlwind of new experiences—but towards the end, I realized there were still places I wanted to see, and no one else left to travel with. So, for the first time, I set off alone. Read more>>

Elle Aiche

I’ve been passionate about art and design for as long as I can remember, but I never imagined it could become a professional path for me. My mom is also an artist, though she never pursued it seriously. In many ways, I feel like I’m carrying forward the dreams she once had. Read more>>

Genevieve Haldeman

In August 2024 I started a non profit, ‘Dancing for Memories’ as a tribute to my mom who is currently battling Alzheimer’s disease. She was diagnosed with the disease 5 years ago. Her father passed from Alzheimer’s and her sister is currently at the end stage of the disease. ‘Dancing for Memories’ is dedicated to empowering and supporting caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Why the name? Because my mom loves to dance. Even as her disease progressed, I could turn the music on and she’d start dancing. We then started dancing together and it was as if I had my mom back in those moments. Dancing with my mom are memories I will hold in my heart forever. Read more>>