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.

Chris MacLeod

I grew up in northern California where local and fresh food have always been a relatively common staple in my life. When I first started working at a bakery, which was also the beginning of my personal baking experience as well, I realized that I didn’t know what wheat was beyond a sack of flour. I didn’t put much thought into it – the quality of the flour, the freshness, or where it came from. It was just an ingredient, scooped out of a brown sack and into the mixing bowl. This was the first big food disconnect I realized for myself, and that most likely, a disconnect for most people, too. Read more>>

Shonika Sky” Stovall”

My name is Shonika Stovall, best known as Sky. I was born and raised in the small town of Monroe, GA. I am an upcoming Fashion Designer striving to make an impact in the fashion industry. I’ve always loved coordinating colors, patterns, and prints since I was a little girl. Playing dress up with my dolls was one of my favorite activities. My mom dressed me very stylish head to toe, and when I got older she allowed me the freedom to have my own style. I never wanted to fit in. I remember the first time I wore heels was in the 7th grade. Gosh I remember the outfit so vividly. Both of my parents were into fashion back in their day. Read more>>

Alexis Kemp

My Sister’s Scrub is an all natural skincare company that was created to not only provide high quality natural skincare, but to also emphasize the importance of sisterhood as well as self-care. When thinking of the name of My Sister’s Scrub, I instantly thought about those close to me within my friendship circle as well as my older sisters. I took the time to create products with the different ingredients and scents being inspired by my bestfriend, whom I refer to as a sister, and my siblings hence the possession in “Sister’s”. Read more>>

Ernest Ricks

Our mission is to shine a light on best stories in sports. As of late those stories have shine a light on historically black colleges and universities of HBCUs. Last December, our group wanted to cover the Celebration Bowl. The Celebration Bowl is the first bowl game of the college football bowl season. It pits the champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) vs the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Read more>>

Michaela Thomas

Newsymom was founded in 2016 with an ambitious goal to change the world. We believe that we can make lasting, resilient changes through parents and mentors across our communities. What job is more impactful than raising the next generation of leaders? But, even the most ambitious goals require the smallest of details. We decided to embark on our journey by starting with education, information, and connection. By keeping our mothers informed about resources and services in their communities; ensuring they are aware of activities and networking opportunities, and reminding them as often as needed that they are not alone; we truly can change the world one mom at a time. Read more>>

Summer Knoop

Our mission when we were first conceptualizing Cafe Mamo was to create a place that we both wanted to work at and could utilize the skills we’ve learned from our time spent in different parts of the hospitality industry. We have always wanted a small restaurant, Cafe Mamo has 28 seats, that feels very well thought out and executed. From there we knew we wanted to offer a small, tailored menu focusing on Local West Michigan seasonality. The amazing farming in the area has made it very easy to have a dynamic menu that shifts every week to highlight what our farmers are up to. Read more>>

Kristin Knox

For over 20 years I have worked in the media & public relations industry. I started out as “The Fly Girl KV”, an on-air personality and member of the Bad Boys & Fly Girls weekly night time radio show on Arkansas’s number one station for Hip Hop & R&B, Power 92.3FM. During my 10-year tenure with the company I interviewed numerous celebrities, hosted sold out concerts, and served as the Urban Promotions Director, but the thing that gave me the most joy was connecting with the community. Read more>>

Dominique Smith

I started Christian James in 2020. But the vision was given to me in 2019 when I was on Vacation in the DR. My wife (girlfriend at that time) & I just finished having fun doing excursions. We were on our way back to the resort and it was so many beautiful sites. Something hit me like “Are you tired of this mediocre lifestyle? Seeing the world once a year. Working just to pay bills & waiting for tax season to do anything.” Read more>>

Adam Wayne

Mission statement, two words come two to mind, Manifest & Destiny. What started as me taking walks into the woods to get away during a low point in my life, turned into a pure photography journey. No matter what your circumstances are you can change your destiny threw perspective change and positive thinking. Read more>>

Robyn Slusky

Ever since I was a kid, I have had a passion for rescue and helping animals. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work with animals for a living; but it wasn’t until after graduating college and getting a job at a local rescue, that I realized my desire to get into the world of training and behavior. Read more>>

Vincent Peterson

Story behind the mission…Born and raised in New York, all of my life, all I knew was the importance of working hard and having a good work ethic. Growing up as part of the lower middle class, life wasn’t easy. My upbringing was rough as my family constantly moved from place to place. We didn’t have everything but yet we had enough to have a decent livelihood. Although I’ve been working since the age of 14, basketball was always my passion. At 18 years of age, I decided to take basketball serious and by the age of 22 I played semi- professional basketball. Read more>>

Wendy Colonna

I really resonate with this quote by Bono, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” I’m passionate about the powerful ways in which music brings people together. Whether it’s globetrotting on tour, releasing original music, writing for ads or coaching creatives, I’m committed to building bridges of meaning and connection between artists and audiences. Read more>>

Monique Knox

As a retired Registered Nurse, I’ve always wanted to become an entrepreneur, but I didn’t know what to focus on specifically. BellaWear by Monique Leray was created due to a need for lightweight comfort in a strapless slip, a way to feel sexy and to provide great coverage with any dress. I’ve always had a love for comfortable sleepwear and loungewear, so when I had the idea to create the BellaWear strapless slip, I decided to incorporate all three garment types into a business; therefore, Monique Leray Apparel was born. Read more>>

Kim Johnson

Seven years ago I found myself in a dark place and so unhappy with myself and my life. I was so tired of allowing my traumas to define me and weigh me down. I was ready for a change. I became curious about crystals and the healing properties that so many people claimed they held. I bought my first Rose Quartz crystal and started practicing self love. Shortly after I began to meditate and use positive affirmations to really change my mind set. I started healing those traumas. Read more>>

Sara Sniderman

I believe that pictures have the unique ability to freeze time, allowing us to stop and appreciate the special moments in our lives. My goal is that my pictures allow you to look back for years to come and, even for a moment, remember what it feels like to be in this season of your family’s life. Read more>>

Mike Strawbridge

The story behind my mission is find what you love to do and it will never be to late to love what you do. I never thought I would go down this route if being a personal trainer or helping others. The day I knew I could help people change their habits, ways of eating, and losing weight was the day I became passionate about being personal trainer. I didn’t know I had a guess for inspiring people to do better verbally, physically, and emotionally! This mission has changed me from being just an ordinary trainer. I want to help as many people as I can. The part I need is for them to want it as bad as I want it for them. Read more>>

Callista Gifford-DeHart

Fashion is a constant revolving door. Each season there is something different for individuals to stand out. Magazines and other fashion-oriented blogs always have a “hot” or “not” list of what you should buy to look fabulous, and many times the same stores are highlighting designs many people cannot afford or the quality may not be there. Additionally, most of these types of garments are mass-produced and the waste of what isn’t sold can negatively affect our environment. Read more>>

Michael Sean Diaz Morales

My mission is to work with all the people who come to our company (Dimelo Sean) in an excellent way, giving the maximum to take our clients to the next level. Giving the opportunity to all those people who are marked by mistreatment from other places. Places where they’ve been told they can’t accomplish anything they want to do. Where their money has been stolen by others and they do not do the job correctly. Where they are marginalized without knowing that there really is talent in each one of us. Read more>>

 

TRACEY HUGUNIN

Growing up I watched my father provide for our family by owning his own businesses. My father worked as a handy-man, piano tuner, a cabinet builder, and he would buy and flip houses. My father was the strongest man I have ever known. I admired his work ethic. He worked hard to make quality furniture and beautiful homes. He loved the instant reward of building with his hands or remodeling a home that had been neglected. I am the middle child of 5 children, and we all learned his trade from him. We all value quality craftsmanship and a beautiful home. Read more>>

Sarah Stepanek

On my feed I have a focus on small shop, second hand, and sustainability. I describe my style as a walking rainbow. I want to show people that it’s ok to wear what you want, re-wear it again and again, and have fun with your fashion. Read more>>

Kyhle Jamerson

“I decided to be the change I wanted to see. The goal is the change the mentality of women’s football in Houston, and give the city a team they can be proud of” -Kesha Smith Read more>>

Lynn Meyer

I never knew I would be destined to help women heal from trauma. My story starts at the incredibly young age of 1 and 1/2 years old. I give that age because I know the abuse begin when I was a toddler. I was sexually abused by my biological father and my mother knew about it because she prepared my body for him. This is the time most people drop their jaw because of disbelief, but this experience was a catalyst for me to become who I am today. Read more>>

Andraya Grangroth

When Bevan, founder of Ridge Patrol, first ventured out to hunt for spring turkey and winter waterfowl, she avoided being seen in the public in her hunting clothes. She felt unflattering in the man-cut clothing and would change at the truck before leaving the field. A vision of a women’s specific outdoor and hunting clothing line was born. “You deserve clothing that can keep up with you in the field, no matter what trail you take” Quickly became the mantra we would soon establish behind our brand. Read more>>

Patrick Farrell

For the longest time, I have want to be a part of a group of people. To feel connected, whole and like I’m part of something bigger than myself. A space where I could be part of something where we are working together to create positive changes in the world and appreciate the magic of the planet that we call our home. Also a space where we can lift each other up to build something that makes the world better each day and where we can leave a positive legacy. Read more>>

Patrina Wisdom

I am an alchemist. A perfect blend of upscale free spirit hippy and street smart, hip hop loving badass. I am a loyal, committed, high energy woman with a heart for service that is not afraid to lovingly kick your ass for your own good. I have established myself as an Abundance Activator, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, financial expert, educator, retreat host, podcaster, and over all Badass Bodacious Mom. I create sacred spaces to help women break the cycle of struggle, fear, and financial scarcity, and embody a life of pure abundance. Read more>>

Marzmade Tattoos

Thank you for having me, Marzmade Studios X Service and Ink are my babies which intertwine in the tattoo world. Marzmade Studios is my mobile tattoo studio that I built pre covid to continue to tattoo and travel. It started with an old church 40 ft school bus that sat for 20 years. I drove to pick it up and Installed new batteries and It started right up to a few years later we have a 2020 dodge ram converted to a tattoo studio. Read more>>

Alagae Smith

My name is Alagae Smith, I am currently 22 years old. I was born march 7, 2000 to an amazing mother by the name of Valerie Farquharson. I’m from Kingston, Jamaica. But migrated to the US and was raised in New York. I’m currently a freshman in college. and I am the proud owner of a small affordable skincare brand by the name of Poppy Manafe. I started poppy Manafe this year May 8, 2022. with the idea of changing how people love themselves. I wanted to get more people involved in self-care. Read more>>

Matthew Middleton

I was taught at a young age the importance of Hard work. I was taught the importance of taking pride in your work. My grandfather, a builder and navy veteran always said,” if you’re going to do something do it right or don’t do it at all.” I have carried that with me my entire life. I Always had a dream of being a successful entrepreneur as he was but due to a 20 year cycle of addiction. Going in and out of treatment centers and correctional facilities that dream was never reached. In 2019 I moved to Louisville Kentucky for treatment and got involved in a 12 step program of recovery and have remained sober since. Read more>>

Kewanta Brooks

I began my journey as a classroom teacher. I taught 5th grade in all subjects. Then 5th Science. One of my biggest challenges was finding educational, relevant, and engaging resources that were rigorous and met the unique needs of my students. So, like many great teachers, I had to create those resources myself. Then in 2017, I became a first-time mom. I wanted to expose my child, now children, to fun and kid-friendly characters that looked like them. I did not want them to shuffle through low-value kids’ content mindlessly. So, I found myself, once again, creating resources for my children. Read more>>

Carmen King Brown

I am Carmen King Brown. I’ve been in sales most of my life. However, I was selling tangible products, like skin care, and eventually furniture. About a year ago, I locked arms with my Stepfather who is a 40 year retired financial advisor. Our mission has been to educate and inform our loved ones and those they love about financial services. As a Co-founder of “The Empower Group” I get to help people protect their wealth and assets, by helping them get ready for possible health issues, retirement, and one day death. Our team does this by helping everyone we can, get into the right financial products. Read more>>

Wes Brewer

I am a creator of BBQ Fusion Food. I strive to create the most unique food while still incorporating my BBQ roots. Read more>>

Jason & Brigitte Shamy

Hi, My name is Brigitte. I am a modest clothing desinger. My mission has changed over the years, but has evolved into my favorite thing ever… Make Women’s Lives Better. I have always loved to wear clothing that made me feel cute and comfortable, but my way of dressing wasn’t traditionally modest. Fast forward to my early twenties I joined The Church and found myself on a mission now to still dress cute and comfy without compromising being modest. Read more>>

Sequoia Watson

The story behind my mission goes deeper within. September of 2020 I received the most heartbreaking news a person could ever endure. A person I was so deeply in love with for a year failed to tell me about a illness he had and to make matters worse I had to find out the information from his dad. I found out I had HIV! The moment I heard the news i felt like my life was over and my world had been shut down. Never once did I feel the need to give up on life but I did give up on my craft. Read more>>

Jalesa Green

The idea of a girls mentoring group came from me being an adolescent and needing a mentor to help me navigate all of the different issues that comes with growing up and trying to find out who I am. I struggled with my confidence level, self-esteem, friendship, peer pressure etc and just wanted that listening ear other than my mom in which she was amazing, but to also to provide techniques to help me through those years who was not my parent. I was in a program “My life As a Girl” as a freshmen in high school, but after being in the program for a few months and completing it there were no other mentoring programs for girls who struggled secretly like me. Read more>>

Joanne Sanders

The story behind my mission is the importance of reading a physical book. Online reading is good but there is such a connection that my children have had and still have when it comes to them reading and holding a physical books to read. My children. are my inspiration they have always encouraged me. Their love and support has encourage my writing and inspired me to become a children’s author. I would be lost without them. Read more>>

Rhonda Aaron

Sister Friends United Inc was started and became incorporated in the State of Arkansas in October 2007. Founder, Rhonda Aaron was blessed with a God given vision to create opportunities for minority women to feel appreciated and noticed and simply embrace being a woman. Rhonda worked for over a decade for corporate America and realized that it was difficult to truly embrace who you are and climb the ladder. The question became where can you go to simply “be you” so she created this organization as way to create a space where minority women felt unapologetic in embracing their whole person without limitations. The mission of the organization is ”to empower women to better serve the community”. Read more>>

Tshunna Fields

I’m a model from Montgomery, AL. I started my modeling journey in 2015 as a plus size model with the eagerness to be on America’s next top model with Tyra Banks. I was introduced to my first fashion show by a classmate January 1 of 2015 at the time I was very insecure is self conscious But I decided to take a chance and do something that I had never done before. I started off as a runway model, and then eventually went into commercial and print. I got so much confidence by modeling that eventually I lost 90 pounds and became a publish model in 2017. Read more>>

Breanna Kleeschulte

Light Up Cottleville brings family-fun and the spirit of giving together with the sights and sounds of the season through holiday inspired, community based events. Read more>>

Rosie Nowicki

Starting my own business had always been a dream of mine, but that dream always wound up on the back burner amidst the chaos of jobs, multiple moves, and being a military wife and mom of 5. When I left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally found the time to get back into some old hobbies. This led me to start up a shop on Etsy, but eventually I felt like I had outgrown the platform and decided to create my own website. What started as masking jewelry has turned into candles, bookmarks, stickers, and more. Read more>>

Tony Mantor

I was asked to do a song and video for Autism Awareness and acceptance. This song is about positivity and never giving up on your dreams. The video has autistic people transitioning into the workplace, Read more>>