We’ve always tried to ask the questions that matter but that are too awkward for people to ask their friends, family and coworkers without seeming dramatic. One of those questions is about mission and purpose – when’s the last time you asked a friend what their mission was? Too often we don’t talk about our own missions and don’t ask those close to us about theirs with the result being that our missions remain secret. Are you just a doctor or are you a doctor who wants to be there for patients in the way you wished your father’s doctor had been? People have incredible and meaningful missions, and we hope our conversations asking folks about their mission can inspire more such conversations in your life.

Rachel Dunn

Hi, I’m Rachel from Perfectly Imperfect, a natural light photographer originally from Alaska and now based in Virginia. I’m also a proud mom to three amazing boys. I’ve been capturing stories through my lens since June of 2016—eight years of chasing light, emotion, and real, unfiltered moments. Read more>>

Caylee Stefanek

Logos Interiors is an interior design firm that serves high end clientelle with interior and exterior construction plans and full service furnishings. After working for many talented designers, architects, and builders, we have earned a thorough understanding of this industry, and developed a vision for our place in it. Read more>>

Christopher Powell

At The Coder School, our mission is to empower kids to become creators of technology, not just consumers. We believe coding is more than a technical skill — it’s a new literacy, a way to express creativity, solve real-world problems, and build confidence.

What makes this mission meaningful to me personally is how much it ties into my own journey. I didn’t grow up with access to tech programs. I had to teach myself, piece things together, and constantly fight the feeling that I was “late to the game.” Now, with over 15 years of experience in cloud engineering and tech leadership, I see how different things could have been if I’d had early exposure. Read more>>

Dev Fisher

My mission began with a deep understanding of what it means to navigate youth without a map—especially when your identity doesn’t fit neatly into the categories the world expects. As a non-binary person, I’ve experienced the ache of invisibility, the power of validation, and the urgent need for affirming spaces. I know firsthand how critical it is for young people—especially those questioning or exploring their identity—to feel seen, heard, and supported by the people in their lives. Read more>>

Josh Hodgins

I started making television in 1997. Shortly after I became homeless (not related). The only thing that kept me going was the art. I went all in and started to work full time in the industry. I worked steady for 23 years before I finally took a break. What I learned while working is that the industry is insufferable. I hated the games, politics, attitudes. I found myself falling in to all of it and hated who I had become. I decided to leave and it took years for me to start making movies again. Now I focus on making cool stories with cool people and I don’t worry about money at all. If I don’t like what you or your movie stand for, I’m not in. Period. Because of that, I have found a great group of people and have had the privilege of working with them and they also have re-inspired me and my passion for film. Read more>>

Victoria Makinde

At Hello Wellness, our mission is to make wellness simple, accessible, and transformative—especially for those who’ve ever felt overlooked, frustrated, or hopeless about their health.

But that mission didn’t come from a textbook. It came from my life.

My childhood included a lot of hospital visits with my mom. When I was younger, I didn’t always understand what was going on—I just knew I was scared. I remember the bright lights of emergency rooms, the long waits, the smell of antiseptic, and the way my heart would race when I saw her in a hospital bed. I felt helpless and worried, but also fiercely protective. Read more>>

Eriq Johnson

As the founder of MCTG — Marketing Creativity Team Global (aka Make Creative Things Go), my mission is to tell stories that challenge surface-level thinking and inspire deeper reflection — both in front of the camera and behind it. I’m passionate about creating visuals that move people, but just as importantly, I’m dedicated to shifting how opportunity flows in the creative industry. Read more>>

Julieta Hughes

I’ve known I was an artist since the age of three, when I stayed home becuase I got chickenpox, started drawing, and knew I found my calling in life. I also learned that many aspiring artists give up on their dream too soon because of a plethora of reasons, from thinking they don’t have natural talent, they fall in the comparison trap (rampant in this digital era), not getting support from their family, etc. That’s why, when the idea of the Facemapper tool first came up, I knew its mission would go beyond being a helpful tool. It could be an aid to aspiring artists to continue their journey and encourage them. Read more>>

Cash Daniels

I grew up close to the banks of the Tennessee River. I have always loved water, the winding rivers and the vast ocean. I have spent so many days kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming in the waters close to my home.
Ever since I can remember, I had a fascination with animals and wildlife, but specifically aquatic ecosystems. I have amazing parents who always allowed me to pursue my interests and learn new things. I remember watching nature documentaries with my family constantly. Read more>>

Monique Autumn Carter

IYKYK Collective was created to help connect people and build genuine relationships through deep conversations and different experiences all over New York. My co-founder Darius and I felt a gap in other networking events we’ve attended with older Gen-Z and Millennial audiences- one where younger people weren’t the target, the authenticity in connections were lacking and the conversations were nothing substantial beyond connecting via social media. We wanted to create something different and fun, something to connect us IRL again. Read more>>

Greg Boucher

I used to draw a lot as a child. My grandfather would always tell me that he wanted to see me do more with my art. After my father died, I needed a way to process some of that grief, so I started working on a superhero story. I inserted some of my own experiences into the narrative. That original story was absolute junk, but I kept on writing, and with every new story, I added some other aspect of my life that I wanted to talk about. I missed the mark on giving the world my art, but I’m giving it my writing, and I think grandpa would approve. Read more>>

Astrid Matthias

My mission is simple, but it comes from a deep place in my heart: I want to help families have more time to enjoy their hobbies and spend quality time together. In today’s world, we’re all rushing—juggling work, school, chores, and responsibilities. It’s easy to lose the little moments that matter most. Through my company, I hope to give families the chance to slow down, breathe, and truly enjoy their homes and their lives. Read more>>

Linda Reyes

As a woman and small business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate a world that often asks us to shrink ourselves. Whether it’s in business, beauty standards, or everyday life, we’re constantly balancing expectations, responsibilities, and dreams. It’s not easy—and that’s exactly why my mission is so personal to me. Read more>>

Shannon D’Souza

At L.A. Bollywood Entertainment, our mission is to share the beauty, energy, and richness of South Asian dance with the world—through bold, vibrant performances that honor Bollywood, Indian folk and classical traditions, and the diverse stories behind them. As a women-owned company, this mission is rooted in passion, pride, and purpose. Read more>>

Eva

A self-defined concept that evolved from the evolution of my skills and Professional Curriculum In relationship with The 16 years of practice of running my business, building relationships and Sustaining a community.

The combination of artistic and managerial roles, which I’ve honed over the years, has been instrumental in shaping my approach to Holistic Hairdressing. These roles have allowed me to understand and navigate the longevity aspects of interpersonal, transactional, and social dynamics. They’ve also supported my interest in merging my knowledge and skills in Art History, Image, psychology, anthropology, Yoga Philosophy, and coaching, creating a unique blend that I bring to my hairdressing practice.  Read more>>

Kara Kelly

At Naturalist, our mission is simple: Let nature in. We are a Biophilic Design Studio specializing in the design, fabrication, and installation of preserved moss feature walls for commercial spaces. But our mission goes far beyond aesthetics, it’s rooted in the belief that the human desire to connect with nature is universal and essential to our well-being. Read more>>

Nathaniel Chambers

So this business was originally started as a way for small businesses and high school athletes to get their name on the cover. As the newspaper industry is seemingly dying, our original founder wanted to fill the void there and help people who otherwise would not have been in the newspaper get the proper coverage they deserve. Read more>>

Lindsey Mazza

I was born with a physical disability called Holt Oram Syndrome, affecting my upper limbs and heart. I became a lawyer in a profession that was full of barriers and built a multi-city firm from the ground up. My Dad had the same physical disability as me and was a also a lawyer and became a Judge. Our lives were paralleled. I spent my life not talking about my disability despite the fact that it was visible. It didn’t seem to serve me so I kept quiet and this is what I believed was keeping me safe. Read more>>

Tanisha Carter

Flavors of Change was born at the intersection of survival, surrender, and soul food. I’ve spent the last 9 years cooking from my kitchen, not just feeding people, but healing them—sometimes with nothing but faith, fresh greens, and grit. I lost everything three times and watched God restore me every single time. And through it all, food was the constant. It was how I expressed love, how I connected with people, how I found my way back to myself. Read more>>

Madness Maddi

My mission as an artist is to create music that resonates deeply with people, offering an emotional outlet and a sense of connection that reminds them they’re never alone. I write and perform from a place of raw vulnerability, often exploring the emotions and experiences society conditions us to suppress, such as grief, trauma, healing, self-discovery, and transformation. Read more>>

Lindell Forsythe

The mission behind Paperboie Trucking is personal. I started out as a driver, and I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and the grind that come with trying to build something from the ground up. That’s why Paperboie isn’t just a trucking company, we’re a company rooted in purpose. Our mission is to deliver excellence in freight while creating opportunities for people who’ve been overlooked, counted out, or are simply looking for a second chance. Read more>>

Katie Doughty

The seedling of Team Kind Humans was planted the day I was sobbing in the kitchen after receiving a text message from a neighbor. Her six-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. My own daughter, Alice, was seven, so this diagnosis hit close to home. When I found out the child needed a stem cell transplant, but no one in her family was a match, I made it my mission to help her find one. Along with other mamas in the neighborhood, we began organizing a Be The Match (now called National Marrow Donor Program) swab event to try to get more candidates on the list of potential matches. Read more>>

Erin Stennett

My mission is to make the world a better place. I want to serve everyone, and help people to travel, see the world, learn about other people, places, cultures, religions, etc. I think by doing this, we can help to grow empathy for other people who are different than us, and hopefully we can make the world a better, kinder, more loving place for all people. I would like to share more about this. Read more>>

Andrea Cunningham

At A.M. Shantelle, we know that being petite isn’t just about height – it’s about navigating a world where finding clothes that fit isn’t easy. I mean, how many times have you or your petite bestie tried on something “off the rack” and been like, “This would be perfect if I didn’t need to take it to the tailor?” Yeah, too many times. Read more>>

Gabriella Nova

My mission as a tattoo artist is to provide my clients with a meaningful experience, so their tattoos are not just artworks on their skin but vessels of connection. From the time and the intention I put into their designs, to the time I spend with them, creating a relaxing and hopefully uplifting environment.. I hope to create for them something that goes beyond their expectations. This is important to me because I personally believe the most learning and growing comes from life experiences, and the ones that help you grow the most are the painful ones… learning how to overcome those will transform your life, just as a tattoo transforms your body. Read more>>

Yoseph Assefa

At Leafy Bike, our mission is to make everyday mobility simple, clean, and accessible. We believe electric bikes aren’t just a trend they’re a practical solution to real-world transportation problems. Cities are growing more congested, transportation costs are rising, and people are looking for smarter, more flexible ways to move. Leafy Bike was built to meet that moment. We design electric bikes that are easy to use, affordable to operate, and built for both individuals and shared fleets. From commuters to tourists to delivery riders, we’re focused on solving transportation challenges in a way that’s efficient, scalable, and sustainable. Read more>>

Carol Crowe

The primary goal of The Status Crowe is to create delicious treats using locally sourced and produced ingredients. My husband has been a small business owner for over 25 years, and I have seen firsthand the impact and importance of supporting small family businesses. Not only am I sourcing higher quality and fresher ingredients, I am also building community with growers and producers and supporting families like ours. Read more>>

Flore Lenoir

Starting my own business came as a natural next step in my journey. I come from a family of doctors and initially pursued studies in psychology for 4 years, driven by a deep curiosity for human behavior and a desire to support others. But along the way, I realized that my true passion lay elsewhere: in creation and design. Read more>>

Warren Ganues

The story behind my mission isn’t just professional — it’s deeply personal. I didn’t wake up one day and decide I wanted to be a Financial Advisor, a mentor, or a speaker. Those roles were born out of a deeper call: to stand in the gap for people who were never given the tools to succeed — spiritually, financially, or emotionally. Read more>>

Jason Brohard

 

riven to make functional mushroom supplements accessible to everyone, not just those with disposable income.
This mission took root when I saw how many people could benefit from these natural wellness solutions but were priced out of the market. The healing power of mushrooms shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be available to anyone seeking better health outcomes through natural means. Read more>>

Lindsey G.

Much like other folks, I discovered my love of reading as a child. It really all started by reading with my mom – she got me my library card at the age of four, and everything took off from there. I grew up with tons of cult favorites – the Hunger Games, Twilight, etc., and while I really cherish those memories, those books were overwhelmingly white and straight. When I returned to reading some 10+ years later as an adult, the mainstream books l0oked the same – they were still overwhelmingly straight and white. I knew that wasn’t the reading journey I wanted to keep myself on, so I started reading more intentionally – and I cannot stress how much of a difference centering Black voices did for me as a Black woman. Read more>>

Joe & Hannah French

We both grew up camping and we loved it! It was a chance to get away from the craziness of everyday life, spend time being in nature and connect with our families. We started camping together early on in our relationship and realized that it was important to both of us. One thing that we noticed is that tent camping seemed to be gradually reducing because of RVs, tiny homes, cabins and hotels. While those options can be great, there’s no better way to unplug and be immersed in nature than to go camping and to sleep outside. We’ve made it our mission to keep that art alive and thriving. Read more>>

Laurel Pell

My mission is to provide cute apparel and gifts featuring the Finger Lakes and small farms at a fair price. Sure we can go on Amazon and order a glass or mug for a teacher gift or Mother’s Day, we don’t think twice about buying the cutest holiday sweatshirt from a social media ad so why not try to buy it from a small business? I’m able to select apparel that is comfortable and stylish, press designs using a heat press and sell right here locally or online. I’ve found people love to support local small businesses instead of buying from a big box store, where you don’t know the quality of the item you’re getting. Read more>>

Dylan Trigg

I started Triggered Media Co. because I wanted to tell stories that make a difference.

Before launching my own company, I worked at a marketing agency, producing content for clients across industries. The work was fast-paced and results-driven, but I often felt disconnected from the impact of what I was creating. I found myself fueling campaigns for brands that didn’t align with who I was—or who I wanted to be. Read more>>

Emily Perez

At Latinas in Beauty, our mission to cultivate equity and increase representation for Latina professionals and Latina-owned brands in the beauty industry.

As a Latina professional in the beauty industry, I founded the organization as I witness the disparities Latina women were facing in the industry and saw the opportunity to build community to unite the collective, elevate our voices, and provide our community with access to the resources they need to achieve their professional and entrepreneurial goals. Read more>>

Jorli

On the surface, I run four very different businesses, yet they all share a unifying thread: to support people to do what they love.

The idea is to follow the joy and the rest will take care of itself.

For my coworking space, this mission is quite literal. I provide a beautiful, peaceful environment for my customers to work out of — free of distractions, headaches and piles of laundry.

As as intuition coach, I teach my clients to tap into their bodies’ wisdom and listen to their inner voices to figure out which direction to go and to follow it through with aligned action. Read more>>

Jenn Espinosa-Goswami

Weightless was once a health seminar company. The idea was that our physical weight can hold us down and keep us from pursuing our dreams. That’s why my logo includes an image of an anchor with balloons attached to it. There’s a struggle between feeling “heavy” and celebrating our accomplishments. Read more>>

Lisa Trotman M.A.

Sisterhood Of Destiny, Inc. was created in 2004 and moved into the Community Space in South Jamaica in 2012., a non -profit organization dedicated to empowering women and families to pursue their purpose and fulfill their Destiny. In fulfilling the mission, Sisterhood Of Destiny, Inc. provides the South Jamaica Community with many services. Providing a safe Community Space to those in need, the organizations current roster of programs includes an Annual Back To School Book Bag and School Supplies Distribution. Read more>>

Megan Holly

The word mission for me reads and feels more like a promise. To myself, to my community, to my clients, and even my loved ones. I live and create in my life and business on a promise to leave the world a better place, first and foremost. I challenge myself often to check in with what value I bring to those I support. Are my offers accessible and helpful? Do they create safety and support? Are they expansive and inclusive? Read more>>

Kalista Kang

The mission behind Woolybuds is to incorporate sustainable, conscious sourcing into a more niche genre of jewelry design. By that, I mean sourcing locally and through small businesses/gem faires, upcycling, and through supporting the right online businesses (traceability and transparency). To add another layer of this, I also want to contribute to a cultural shift within more “unique” jewelry in that it can also be long-wear (good design) and high-quality (durable). Too often are more complex and niche forms of jewelry are discarded for their microtrends or poor craftsmanship. Read more>>

Anthony Garcia-Muñoz

I think every artist has dreamed of having a space that they can call their own, where they can experiment and create.

When I had the opportunity to rent my own space I was thrilled since I could create worlds I’ve been dreaming of.

Along with it being a space for me, I want it to be a space for other artist who can’t afford their own space to come and create their worlds too. Read more>>

Unique Figueroa

At Becoming Unique Boutique, our mission to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being is deeply rooted in my personal journey. It was during my mid-40s that I realized I had been neglecting a crucial aspect of my life: self-care. Like many, I was caught up in the hustle of daily responsibilities and societal expectations, often sidelining my own needs. It was only when I embarked on an inward journey, exploring the world of wellness, that I began to understand the transformative power of self-care. Read more>>

Chinenye Durueke

I vividly remember sitting on a stool as a child while a skilled braider, gently parted my hair and wove intricate styles with care. Those hours were more than just hairstyling—they were moments of storytelling, and quiet empowerment. That stool became a place of confidence-building, where cultural pride and creativity bloomed one braid at a time. Read more>>

Anique Peppers

At Hibiscus Images, we believe that every person has a story worth telling—one that deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered. Our mission is to create more than just beautiful images; we aim to provide a space where our subjects feel safe to be vulnerable, to embrace their journeys, and to express their most authentic selves. Read more>>

Kristen Leahy

Aguamiel is an ever-evolving project based in the lush Etla Valley of Oaxaca that incorporates food and temazcal (ancestral sweat lodge) as tools, with the intention of creating harmony and healing for all of our relations. Aguamiel seeks to interweave and connect humans utilizing the universal languages of food, ceremony, dance, art, and connection with Mother Earth. Read more>>

Alli Powell

My mission with tie-dye goes beyond creating tie dye wearable art—it’s about self-expression, connection, and infusing the world with joy. For me, tie-dye is a way to express my emotions, but more importantly, it’s a tool to support others in doing the same. Like life, there are challenges when creating my tie-dye. Sometimes I feel lost or frustrated, but once I finish and see my art, it shows me what I’ve learned and reminds me to keep believing in myself. Like life, there are challenges when creating my tie-dye—sometimes I feel lost or frustrated. But once I finish and see my art, it shows me what I’ve learned and reminds me to keep believing in myself. And just as tie-dye has taught me resilience and self-trust, it’s important for me to help others navigate these challenges too, supporting them in their creative journey. Read more>>

Nicole Barrett

Travel has always been meaningful. I mean, people have been traveling and enjoying travel for their own reasons. However, in today’s age of social media, it often looks like we are traveling more to check things and places off our lists while wearing a flowing dress and a wide-brimmed hat. You know, for the ‘gram. Read more>>

Aurore Brassinne

Sitting in front of the rising sun, I watch as the sky turns from deep blue to soft pink and golden hues. The world feels still, untouched, pure. This moment, called aurore in French, is also my name. It’s as if my parents knew it would be my calling even before I was born. Just like the dawn, I’ve always been drawn to quiet beauty, to the elegance of nature, and to the feeling of renewal. Read more>>

Christina L. Woods

There are seasons in life where everything you’ve built starts to feel… off. Not broken. But not quite aligned either.

That’s where I was.

To the outside world, I was successful. I had spent decades building a strong career, leading teams, creating a beautiful life. But inside, something felt hollow. I didn’t feel unhappy—but I didn’t feel connected either. And that quiet disconnect started growing louder. Read more>>

Jacob Kirby

My cousin, Louie LoPresti, President and Owner of Advantage Medical Services (AMS) started AMS in 1999. AMS has been family owned and operated in Baltimore County since 1999, Advantage Medical Services offers high-quality Bruno stair glides, porch lifts and vehicle lifts to meet your mobility and accessibility needs. We serve the entire state of Maryland. We have been an approved contract of the VA and have served the needs of both veterans and non-veterans in the state of Maryland. AMS has employees that have worked at the company over 20 years and continue till this day. AMS takes pride in being locally owned and employing local veterans in our community. Read more>>