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.

Jennifer Waters

At 7 Figure Dojo, our mission is to help service-driven businesses grow sustainably—without losing the heart of why they started in the first place. We specialize in helping founders who want to make an impact through what they offer: whether that’s martial arts, tutoring, fitness, or any other business built on real relationships and real results. Read more>>

Sharif Gordon

At So Chosen, our mission is to remind people that they were born with purpose and that they are chosen. This mission comes from my own life experiences growing up in New Jersey, where I often felt overlooked and questioned my worth. But through every challenge, I held onto one belief: if I woke up today, I still have purpose. Read more>>

Nicole

High Performance, Clean, Cruelty Free, Non-Chemical,
Non-Toxic, Reef Safe, SPF 50, Made in the USA

Our brand prides itself on connecting wellness with beauty by using the
purest, pharmaceutical grade ingredients that contain
NO dyes, oils, talc, fragrance, or parabens.

Our products are ideal for all skin tones and types, especially sensitive
and acne prone. Read more>>

Giánni Lynette

At The OMGi Salon, our mission is simple: to create a space where beauty is protected, nurtured, and thriving—not just on the surface, but from the inside out. This mission goes beyond styling hair; it’s about education, empowerment, and transformation.

For me, this work is personal. Growing up in a salon, I witnessed the deep connection between self-care and confidence—how a great hair appointment could shift someone’s entire energy. But as I deepened my knowledge in trichology, I saw how many people were silently struggling with hair loss, scalp issues, and misinformation about hair health. Many didn’t know where to turn for answers. That’s when I knew my purpose wasn’t just to style hair, but to educate and empower my clients with the knowledge to truly care for their hair and scalp. Read more>>

Melissa Shillingford

The mission behind Make Ideas Work is simple but powerful:
To help mission-driven people and organizations work smarter, not harder so that they can reclaim their time, and thrive—so they can do more of what matters, with more ease and less burnout.

This mission is deeply personal to me because it comes from my own lived experience. Read more>>

Aurora

The story behind Bloom Wild is deeply personal and rooted in my lifelong passion for books, community, and nature. I’ve always believed that access to diverse stories isn’t just about reading—it’s about empowerment, connection, and transformation.

Now, with Bloom Wild, I’m taking that mission on the road—literally. Bloom Wild is a mobile bookstore and native plant shop that brings banned books, BIPOC literature, and California native plants directly to communities. Why? Because stories and ecosystems are being erased. Books that challenge and inspire are being banned, and native landscapes that sustain biodiversity are disappearing. Read more>>

Edwin Owusu

Hip-Hop For Flood Relief (HHFFR) is an artist-led initiative that harnesses the power of hip-hop to address environmental justice, community resilience, and cultural empowerment.

Born out of urgent climate challenges and social inequities, HHFFR brings together artists, activists, and community members to raise awareness, provide resources, and inspire action through music, storytelling, and education. Read more>>

Tracye Robinson

As a Transformational Wellness Expert and Speaker, when people ask me about the story behind my mission, it’s impossible not to reflect on the journey that has shaped me—the one that has been marked by both struggle and incredible strength. Nearly two decades ago, I was faced with a breast cancer diagnosis that turned my world upside down. But from that moment, I didn’t just want to survive. I wanted to thrive. And even more than that, I wanted to help others do the same. That’s when my mission began—a mission born from personal hardship but aimed at something much greater: empowering others to find their strength, their health, and their healing. Read more>>

Shaquille Veldboom

Our vision is to create a SolarPunk future—a world where technology and nature work in harmony to improve quality of life for everyone. We believe in a future that is not only efficient and sustainable, but also joyful, abundant, and beautifully designed.

This vision was born out of frustration with the dominant narratives around the future—stories full of scarcity, control, and environmental collapse. A surprising spark came from a Galbani Yogurt commercial, where life was shown as effortlessly abundant: sun-drenched landscapes, fresh food, and human connection. It made us ask—why can’t the future look like that? Why shouldn’t technology serve people and the planet, rather than extract from them? Read more>>

Michael A Jordan

In 2004, the tragic and senseless murder of Bernard “Buddy” Jordan in Bridgeport, CT, sparked an outpouring of grief and unity within the community. To honor his memory, annual gatherings began at Newfield Park in Bridgeport, celebrating his life and fostering a sense of togetherness. Over time, these events evolved into a nonprofit organization, The Buddy Jordan Foundation, dedicated to making a difference. Now, 21 years later, the organization works within the school system during afterschool hours, offering mentoring programs, yoga meditation sessions, and violence interruption initiatives to support and uplift the community. This mission is a testament to the enduring impact of Buddy Jordan’s legacy. Read more>>

Maila Noor

It’s been a journey to explore, embrace and connect my mission to everything I do and create. I remember back in 2021 when I felt called to connect to my inner world and really understand why I am who I am, the beliefs I carry, the experiences I’ve attracted and the big purpose I’m meant to live out during this human experience. I’ve always been someone who wanted to know beyond the unknown and that belief alone led me to believe that all the answers I need are within me. The more I silenced the outer noise, the more I began to live in alignment with my purpose and my purpose, mission and vision all led me back to my heart and my community. Read more>>

Vivian Torres

Lit Vibes was born during the pandemic, at a time when I was in a really dark place. Candle making became my light—literally and emotionally. It gave me something to look forward to, a peaceful escape where I could tap into my creativity, mix scents, design labels, and share something handmade with the people I love.

That’s why our mission is to bring light to your darkness. Because that’s exactly what candle making did for me—and now, I get to pass that light on to others. Read more>>

Isabella Ferrara

I’ve always had a deep passion for reading, and as I read, I often find myself subconsciously envisioning the characters’ physical appearances. This natural inclination to design looks for each character has evolved into a key part of my work in the film industry. I love delving into the characters’ personalities through makeup, prosthetics, or hairstyles and translating that understanding into their visual representation on screen. When I transitioned into the film world, reading scripts allowed me to bring these ideas to life. I now focus on creating looks that authentically reflect the character’s depiction in the screenplay, drawing from their backstory and emotional journey. I work closely with the director to ensure that each design aligns with the character’s narrative and overall vision for the project. Read more>>

Jazzabel And Brandon Gonzalez

Our mission is to help people capture and celebrate the most important moments in their lives through fun and interactive photobooth experiences. We started this business because we have always been passionate about photography and the way it can preserve memories. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of fancy technology, but the photos we took with family and friends were priceless. We wanted to create a business that offered people a chance to make those memories together in a fun, unique way. It’s not just about the photos, it’s about creating an experience that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of connection for everyone involved. Read more>>

Kwanisha Carson

I would have never imagined as a 11 year old braiding my older brother’s hair that it would start the beginning of my hair ventures in the beauty industry. At just 11 years old I became a hair braider and perfected the craft so by the time I enrolled in the Cosmetology program at my high school I had a part-time clientele. I graduated high school with my cosmetology license and an established clientele. Read more>>

Spencer Nelson

At Spenceless Designz, the mission has always been bigger than just design, it’s about giving underdog energy the spotlight it deserves.

I didn’t start this business to chase trends or go corporate. I started it because I wanted people like me, scrappy creatives, offbeat visionaries, overlooked voices, to have work that looked as legit as their ideas felt. Read more>>

Lydia Smith

My mission as both a yoga instructor and a photographer is to be a safe and accesssible space for folks to express themselves and reaffirm their own power and beauty. When I started photographing boudoir, I loved seeing folks grow within a session. See them dive into their own vulnerability and then come out loving themselves more fully. That further expanded when I decided to do yoga teacher training. Learning about body and breath, how to move safely and love ourselves deeply and how easily intertwined these two passions could become. Read more>>

Sheila Fluker

After my second tour in Iraq, I faced one of the toughest battles of my life—recovering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My military career came to an unexpected end due to a medical discharge, and I struggled to find my purpose outside of service. In my search for healing, I came across a balloon certification course in Florida. I didn’t take the class with the intention of starting a business; I simply needed therapy, something to bring me peace. Read more>>

Rosario

At Maritur DMC, our mission is clear: when a corporate incentive program selects Mexico, we take on the responsibility of showcasing our country with excellence, authenticity, and heart. As a second-generation, women-owned company, this is more than business—it’s our purpose.

We are the bridge between global organizations and the soul of Mexico. Our role goes beyond logistics; we craft experiences that immerse guests in the richness of our culture, the warmth of our people, and the extraordinary beauty of our destinations. But our impact doesn’t stop there. Every program we design fuels the local economy—creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and empowering artisans, chefs, and performers whose craft defines Mexico’s identity. Read more>>

Mel Stutzman

Having personally worked in nearly every role within Amish furniture workshops, I’m a firm believer in the exceptional character of Amish woodworking, especially in a world dominated by fast furniture. Without online businesses, most Americans wouldn’t have access to this level of quality, nor would skilled Amish craftspeople be able to reach broader audiences. Read more>>

Stephen Bienko

At 42U, our mission is to educate, develop, and brand student-athletes, not just for success on the field, but for impact far beyond it. Our work is rooted in a deep belief that an athlete’s identity should never be confined to stats, wins, or even the jersey they wear. Who they are as a person, how they think, lead, and contribute to the world is their true brand. Read more>>

Jenny Vang

Food has always been a passion of mine. I’ve always enjoyed baking and sharing what I bake. And if I couldn’t share it with you personally then I felt like I could at least share my recipe with you, so that you can make it at home. But then it wasn’t just sharing the recipes it was actually explaining and teaching how to make these recipes because not everyone knows how to bake. Which is how my blog came to be. It’s because I believed that everyone should at least know how to make chocolate chip cookies and enjoy it at midnight if they want to. Read more>>

Kion Glover

The entertainment/fashion industry may appear exciting from the outside looking in – the likes on social media, the fashion, parties, meeting famous people, traveling etc… However, those in it know this is an incredibly small portion of what the entertainment/fashion industry actually is. My hope today is to give an insider look of what it looks like when the cameras are turned off. I’ve modeled particularly my whole life. From church fashion shows to school fashion shows to commercial castings, I am no stranger to being in front of the camera. Yet, at such a young age I was protected and shielded from the dangers of this industry until my mother could no longer protect me. I started modeling professionally back in 2018. Read more>>

LaTonya Whitehead

“At a very young age, I was thrust into a world of pain—facing molestation, abuse, low self-esteem, and even homelessness. These experiences left me feeling invisible and unworthy, trapped in the belief that my existence held no value. For years, I wrestled with despair, even contemplating ending my life.
But in the midst of my darkest moments, I encountered God. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He revealed Himself to me as a healer and restorer. As I drew closer to Him, I began to see that my story mattered. My trials were not random; they were part of a greater purpose. I came to understand that I was chosen for something bigger than myself. Read more>>

Mary Tabor

My mission is to connect through the “word”: spoken and written. My full life began as a teacher and that work led to the writing of literary fiction, memoir, a novel and essays. Both, the writing and the teaching have connected me to others in ways I never would have thought possible. To be a bit trite, “pass it on” is my mantra. I’ll explain. Read more>>

Jordan Harrington Jones

I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and creating content, but I struggled to find my niche. I knew I wanted to do something impactful, something that would make a real difference in my city. Detroit is often portrayed in a negative light, but I’ve always seen the beauty, resilience, and talent here. I wanted to change the narrative and focus on uplifting stories. As I continued posting positive content, I started paying more attention to the experiences people have with local businesses. I realized that while we have amazing entrepreneurs and talent, customer service was often lacking. I saw how that impacted businesses—customers weren’t returning, and businesses were struggling to grow. Read more>>

Fallon Goodson

The mission behind In Ceremony Productions is to create bold, meaningful, and unforgettable storytelling that celebrates diverse voices—especially those of women—while building and uplifting the Louisiana film industry. We are committed to producing high-quality films with emotional depth, visual impact, and cultural relevance. Through intentional collaboration, local hiring, and powerful narratives, we aim to elevate Southern story tellers to global audiences and grow a sustainable creative economy in our home state and beyond. Read more>>

LaToya Mbayu

The story of ‘SIME’ [C-MEH] begins with a young girl from Mamfe, Cameroon, who dared to dream big. With only an elementary school education, she became a self-taught entrepreneur, blending her natural business acumen with her extraordinary cookery skills to provide for her growing family. Read more>>

Ayanna Anderson

Clarity by LNE is the evolution of Lael’s Natural Essentials, a brand born in 2020 from my personal journey to find natural, effective solutions for my and my daughter’s skin and hair challenges. Struggling with dry skin and eczema, I became deeply invested in understanding how natural ingredients could provide lasting solutions. This passion led me to pursue my esthetician license in 2022, allowing me to expand my knowledge and help others achieve healthier skin through consistency and holistic care. Read more>>

Rob Gutro

My mission is to educate people on what happens after we die and the choices we make that determine where we go in the afterlife. We have a choice of either being Earthbound as a ghost or crossing over as a spirit. I define them and explain how they exist and how they use energy to communicate. I am a Scientist by trade so the science of energy plays a main role in my explanations. I also teach people how to recognize signs from either loved ones in spirit or EarthBound ghosts. All of these things are based on my experiences and my ultimate mission is to bring understanding and comfort to those who lost loved ones. Read more>>

Chantel Kessler

Showcasing a way of life that is bred and nurtured into who you are today all through a design printed onto a shirt. Maybe that sounds a little dramatic but thats what we have strived to create over the last 4 years is a brand that is just that.

You may have noticed that we aren’t just throwing out ideas and designs that are for sale over most major graphic tees platforms. Instead we thoughtfully introduce new, relevant and relatable ideas to our followers and people that shop in person, at local vendor events. Read more>>

karl wiggins

Earlier in my life I never connected my professional life to needing to be in the mountains, I would climb, camp or just go on drives because I loved to be outside. I became a firefighter when I was 19 years old. As I got older in the fire service I realized I needed to be outside to help relieve stress, to get away from the stress of being a firefighter, but still not a mission not something id go around to others telling thatit will directly help you with what you see as a firefighter. Then I had a string of bad calls that really messed with my mind. They said I had PTSD, that not only had a rough few months, but that I never dealt with past calls I had been on. Read more>>

Valiha Jones

The Sapphire Sun was established in 2021 while lamenting over how gorgeous the elves were from Lord of The Rings. I wished there were some that looked like me, and thought it would be so fascinating to see each culture’s take on these wonderful, mythical creatures. So, I set out to make pieces of art that I could see all sorts of fantastical beings wearing, no matter what they look like. Read more>>

Hannah Ries

My page started shortly after the birth of my oldest son – I was deep in the grasp of postpartum depression and was quickly losing myself in new motherhood. I found a side of Instagram that had people who had never picked up power tools prior to starting their accounts teaching women like me to create. To build anything from a kids table to a massive basement overhaul. I was inspired. I fought to find myself and this platform is the culmination of that fight – and I hope whoever sees my page, can see my struggle and feel supported in theirs as well. Read more>>

Camila Dejesus

This past summer I launched my own publication, Ribbon Magazine, which is pop culture with a feminist twist! I was really inspired by the summer of <i>Barbie</i>, and women like Taylor Swift who seemed to acknowledge the awful aspects of being a woman, while still celebrating all the fun parts. I also was grappling with the grief of losing an old friend. In the months after their passing, I learned so much about them in the years I’d missed, I discovered that they were experimenting with their gender identity, and I wanted to create a safe environment where anyone who had ever experienced girlhood could feel welcome. A space where the girliest of girls could talk about the issues that mattered most to them. Or the most gender-nonconforming people could talk about something as silly as their favorite TV shows. Read more>>

Kelli Edwards

Do you remember your Saturday mornings as a child? Well, I loved watching nature shows on Saturday mornings. I would get so excited at the idea of diving in the ocean or camping in the “wilderness”. The only problem was, I never saw people who looked quite like me on these shows. I knew that I wanted to experience nature up close and personal, but being a little girl from Chicago, I just didn’t know how. Read more>>

Sam Goodwin

Uncertainty isn’t just inevitable—it’s a hidden opportunity waiting to be unlocked. In a world where disruption is the new normal, Winning Through Uncertainty equips leaders and organizations with the tools to adapt, innovate, and thrive under pressure. Sam Goodwin’s renowned keynotes inspire a transformative shift in mindset, empowering teams to face complexity with clarity, confidence, and bold action. When the unknown arises, Sam doesn’t just help you navigate it—he shows you how to win. Read more>>

Erika Kendrick-Johnson

Publishing Prep is deeply rooted in my personal mission: to empower others to find their voice, share their stories, and build resilience through the power of storytelling. My journey to this mission began in college, during a time when I was battling significant mental health challenges. Writing became my lifeline—it saved me by giving me a purpose, a voice, and a way to process my experiences. That transformational power of storytelling is what drives me to help others realize their dreams of becoming published authors. Read more>>

Edie Pagliasotti

My mission is to write middle grade books for kids ages 9-12 to help them navigate the often-difficult circumstances that surround them. I believe the “coming of age” story is one of the most important an author of children’s literature can write. My passion is Ancient Egypt – it’s pharaohs, gods, myths, life-style/customs, history, artifacts, etc. I’m not an archaeologist or an Egyptologist, but I would have loved to have chosen one of those careers. My stories are filled with “real stuff” about Ancient Egypt so that kids can walk away with some knowledge of this extraordinary culture. My career has always been as an Executive Assistant to upper management. I have always been writing but never knew that writing stories was what I really wanted to do. In London, I helped my flatmate write ad copy for J. Read more>>

ANA ROCHA

Hello! I’m Ana Rocha, the founder of the Book and Sip Club, a global movement redefining what it means to be part of a book club. With chapters in over 30+ cities around the world, the Book and Sip Club combines my love for literature with my passion for creating spaces where people can come together, connect, and thrive. Read more>>

Ashla Estrada

My mission is deeply personal and also profoundly communal. It began with my own journey to heal and transform, but over time, I realized that my purpose goes beyond individual empowerment—it’s about contributing to a broader vision for change. I am committed to dismantling the systemic oppression that impacts so many and creating pathways for healing, justice, and compassion that serve the whole community. Read more>>

Katie Crouch

My mission is to help women business owners be heard in the clearest and most confident voices so their businesses can thrive.

As a marketing strategist and website copywriter, I realized early on that women face unique challenges in promoting their businesses in a patriarchal society. For one thing, we’ve all endured a lifetime of being marketed <i>to</i>–with ads that leave us feeling less-than, unworthy, and not good enough. The misogynist messaging in our culture also makes sure that women are kept “in their place,” aka taking care of their kids, partner, parents–not centering their own career and sense of fulfillment. Read more>>

Samuel Snelling

Urban Testament was born from a desire to create clothing that reflects faith, strength, and purpose—something deeper than just fabric and designs. As someone who has always looked for ways to express my faith and values, I found that the options were often limited to traditional or generic designs that didn’t capture the bold, unique expression I envisioned. I wanted Urban Testament to be a brand that empowers people to wear their beliefs proudly, in a style that feels authentic and modern. Read more>>

Angela Wild

In 1992, I was an angry teen whose parents uprooted from suburban Orange County to a rural town with an unscrupulous name near Sacramento. Newly moved in and getting used to my surroundings, our neighbor recommended that we explore the beautiful Yuba River, and a particularly popular swim spot frequented by locals. That weekend, we trekked out to a beautiful section of the Yuba, flanked by pillowy soft sand on the shore, and gently weathered rocks to climb, hike and jump off into the refreshing river. All afternoon, we swam, bathed in the sun and explored the popular spot. Read more>>

John Gatti

Our mission is to provide high-level mobile detailing services to all consumers. The 3 pillars of SudsWagon are exceptional customer service, achieving quality results, and absolute transparency. There are many different levels of detailers in our country. Some produce mediocre results for a low price, some produce mid-to-high level results for a premium price. At SudsWagon, we aim to deliver undeniably incredible results at a fair price. We don’t want to get your money and run. We want to build lasting relationships from people you can trust with your car care needs. We expect every customer to be a life-long customer, simply from the work we do, the openness we embody, and the pride that we share with our customers. Read more>>

Sam Cook

Everyone has a sphere of influence from which we can affect positive changes in the world. A person who is paying attention to the world around them, and the people that inhabit it, will try to make a difference, be it personal or professional. Read more>>

Taye Dove

My mission now is all about me and realizing my own self worth. In my past I put more energy and value in everyone else around me that I lost myself. I’m now fully focused on all of my goals and I manifest daily. Read more>>