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.

Avivit Fisher

Back in 2015, the apartment building where I lived with my family burned down to the ground. We lost all of our possessions and our little Jack Russel, Cleo. Trying to cope, I found myself looking for a therapist. Naturally, I started my search on Google. I typed “How to overcome a house fire”. What I found was a lot of information about insurance claims but virtually NOTHING on overcoming a house fire emotionally. Read more>>

Nikki Rausch

Despite having achieved great success in my sales career, I felt that something was still missing from it. With this realization came the courage to leave everything behind and embark on a quest to find out what really mattered to me. My entrepreneurial journey began when I started attending women-only networking events. What followed were life-changing encounters with ambitious female entrepreneurs who had found their “thing” while chasing after their dreams. Read more>>

Tia Clark

I am a Charleston; SC native that grew up with no relationship with the water that surrounded me. One day of getting access and having one of the most memorable days of my life crabbing and fishing with a cousin has changed everything about my life. My love for what I do has propelled me into a world of stewardship and conservation. Read more>>

Chelsea Airola

I was working in a corporate marketing job and was so unhappy. I felt like there had to be more than just working for someone else your entire life. I finally discovered that people were starting their own side hustles doing social media – which was what I was already doing. I thought that I could serve more people, make more impact, and work with people who I wanted to work with if I went off on my own. Read more>>

Jarod Farina

A mission to bring the fine dining element to cannabis industry. I have always shared a love for both great food and cannabis, but it wasn’t until about 8 years ago that I realized how these two would become fused together into a niche business. My wife and I travel the world and love to visit top restaurants all around, we consider this our research. Read more>>

Juhara Kirby

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and 2019. I tried to encourage her to make healthier food choices. She was very reluctant and stubborn at that time, but that didn’t stop me for wanted to learn more about health and wellness. In my research, I stumbled across juicing. While juicing for a friend, I created a menu, I put the menu on my Instagram story, and JudyMakesJuices blossomed. Read more>>

Nick Sciubba

I created Wise River after working in apparel for some of the world’s largest companies for nearly 10 years. As I became closer to supply chain practices, I was pretty disheartened to learn how wasteful and polluting the industry was altogether. Everything was focused on achieving the lowest possible cost and the fastest possible production, which clearly comes at the expense of the environment along with everyone who has a hand in making your products. Read more>>

Artesanias Claudia

We’ve always had a spark to create something and have it grow into a way that helps our family. We inspire each other and find new ways to move forward together from the things that life throws our way. Our mission started with the love we have for Mexico, its people, its story and culture, and all the colors it gives. We try to show that through the pieces and items we bring from Mexico, the hard work, the stories it tells, and through vibrant colors. Read more>>

Rasha Robbins

I have always been into makeup. It started as a hobby and eventually turned into a passion. In 2019, I was laid off from my job and fell into a depression and was suicidal. I was not sure where I would I end up. I started reading the Bible more, journaling, and watching sermons. Eventually, I launched MakeupRashaC. Honestly, launching a business was never in my plans, but we all know GOD has a way to remind us who’s actually in charge. Read more>>

Koko Hayashi

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to the United States 6 years ago at the age of 37. Since then, I have been dedicated to introducing beauty and health practices from Japan, including Face Yoga, which is a natural way to regain a youthful appearance. I have worked with celebrity clients such as Kim Kardashian and have appeared on national TV shows such as Good Morning America, Fox, and CBS. Read more>>

Milinda Hernandez

Hola, friends! My name is Milinda and I am the founder of the magical all hemp-derived canna-company, Turquoise Mountains! Turquoise Mountains is a Latina-Owned CBD company based in Austin, Texas. Our mission is to destigmatize cannabis for BIPOC and Latinas breaking generational cycles. We find joy in educating, uplifting & providing affordable options for the communities we serve. Founded on Latinx, Chicanx & Indigenous values, & lots of self-love, Read more>>

Tierra Shelton

The beauty industry is a suppose to be a safe place for the human nature. I wanted to create a non judgmental space for women and men while they receive services within in my business. I am also a huge advocate for mental health awareness so why not mix the two together? Some people do not have a confidante or a close friend to talk to, or let alone have a place where they can decompress. Read more>>

Ashley Vedder

There is a story behind my mission, and it has to do with my husband who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 38. This was a big shock to him and our family. He grew up as an athlete and enjoying life to the fullest. He was the former Cal Berkeley Quarterback and went on to play football in the Canadian League. He ended his athletic career early but stayed very active. Read more>>

Wulan Del Valle

Jakarta Munch was born from the story of an Indonesian immigrant in the US. After facing difficulties finding jobs, Wulan Del Valle’s experiences working at restaurants shaped her passion for the culinary industry. She created Jakarta Munch in 2019, introduced Indonesia through its cuisine, and created jobs for Indonesians in the US. Read more>>

Adam Nicholson

I started San Util with the goal of providing space to create, design, and love people. For years I have pondered the reason I am where I am, and I ended with my personal mission to make peoples lives better around me. Read more>>

Rachel Sobel

I created my social media accounts, purely as a hobby, after going through a divorce and becoming a single mother. While I have always been an open book with my girlfriends, Instagram provided a whole new level of connection opportunities. As a writer, I started to share bits and pieces of my life on my account. From there, my personal essays were finding homes on popular sites like PopSugar, HuffPost, Today Show Parents and others. Read more>>

Alyssa Miller

I believe in families and strong families are built around the table. I saw picky eating being the main thing interrupting families being able to connect at the table. Instead of walking away from meals feeling connected and bonded families were feeling discouraged, frustrated, scared or worried and even angry. Picky eating doesn’t have to pull families apart and that is why I do what I do, to help families use meal times as a place of connection and peace instead of battles. Read more>>

Shamika Milliner

Your Vegan Chef’s goal is to inspire and nurture the community with flavorful, vibrant, and creative plant based options! We provide not only the vegan version of your favorite foods, but also nutritious meal prep, as well as catering. All meals are soy free and gluten-free. We are happy to continue to provide exquisite cuisines. Read more>>

Cassandra Kirk

The story behind my mission began in my childhood. One of my favorite characters, Maeve Merritt, once said, “I’ve always been too prone to solve problems with my fists.” For me, however, it wasn’t my fists… I’ve been too prone to solve problems for others with my mouth. In my youth, whenever I experienced someone being bullied or ostracized, I was well prepared to step into the fray, defending them with my words. Read more>>

Danny Reed

Family Game Knight started out originally as a sole proprietorship in 2020 called “Reedesign” with help from the New River Gorge Regional Development authority I (Danny) was able to obtain enough funding to waterproof my basement and purchase 4 small 3D printers to use as a starting point for this small business. Using Etsy as a platform to sell my products and services I started printing small knick knacks and offering graphic design services. Read more>>

Zack Anselm

Therr is a mobile app that connects local businesses with socialites in the local community. It also offers geospatial branding services to help local businesses improve their customer experience. Therr for Business is an extension of this service that provides local businesses with location-based marketing tools and data-driven insights to help them better understand and connect with their customers. Read more>>

Tiffany Lindsey

Over a decade I had worked in various educational settings, a non-profit organization and behavioral health. My last place of employment at a middle school helped me to realize even more how much there is a need for what I do now. As an educational assistant, a lot of the students in my class would come to me and talk about anything. Some of those things were school related and some of those things weren’t. Read more>>

Alli Kelley

The mission of Longbourn Farm has always been to help individuals making food feel confident in the kitchen and comfortable in the grocery store. I became really passionate about helping consumers understand farming and farming practices during my undergraduate and graduate degree, both focused in Ag, and that is the backbone of my business. Read more>>

De’Myah Unique

My brand tells a story tells of a young girl who lacked vision, who was buried under low self-esteem and was looked over. She had no idea of who she was or what her place was in the world. She began to copy what she saw around her but none of it fit. She sought approval from others and that didn’t work either. This is when the young girl met her creator. Read more>>

Allison Klein

I fell in love with capturing tiny moments when I was a little girl. My mom and dad recorded everything in our childhood with our 90’s camcorder. Some days were big, like Christmas or our first trip to Disneyland, but some days were the in-between, like playing in the yard sprinklers, or reading stories to each other before bed. As an adult, I have realized how much these memories now mean to me and how much I know they mean to other people. They are moments we can never get back, that show the best of us, even if we didn’t realize it in the moment. Read more>>

Zabreon Wright

Zabreon Y Wright Hairstylist|Entrepreneur|Self-Care Coach My name is Zabreon Wright I am the founder of BecomingHer a women empowerment organization I started in 2022. I’ve created this movement because as women we all come from different backgrounds different stories. I enjoy helping women embrace their true selves through self-love,healing and self-care techniques. Read more>>

Jersey Mic

My name is Micheal Watkins. I was born in Trenton, New Jersey then later in life, moved and was raised in Atlanta, GA. Ever since I was young, I’ve felt a strong passion for the art of Hip-Hop and its culture. When I was about 6-7, I remember hearing a song titled; ‘I Can’ by NAS. Once I heard that song, there was something in me that clicked. NAS has always been my utmost favorite lyricist of all time and I dream of the day to be signed to his label, ‘Mass Appeal’. Read more>>

Sammy-Jo Rocco

Known for our bold statement jewelry that brings out your inner confidence, our mission is to inspire everyone to celebrate their individuality. From one of a kind statement jewelry to my small batch collections, I’m most proud of how our jewelry makes people feel. Our customers select the jewelry that they identify with most, knowing they are one of the few to ever own it. The ability to customize each piece is liberating and an act of self expression that we’re passionate about offering to every individual. Read more>>

Nono

The story of my mission is pretty simple. I grew up the oldest in the household, wanting to be very successful and a role model for my younger siblings, cousins/community to look up to music as always been therapeutic and something I was good at. Once I found out, I was good enough to make money at it. It was a wrap.No pun intended. Read more>>

Stephanie Naida

My name is Stephanie Naida and I am a licensed facial specialist in Miami, FL and the founder and CEO of Skin Glow Miami LLC a luxury skincare boutique built to provide relaxing yet corrective skincare treatments to those who want to practice self care and want to feel confident in their own skin. Read more>>

Mrs. Sathya Callender-Wilson

The story behind my mission is I was once a victim of domestic violence. I with the help of God survived that relationship and after healing overcame and now thriving. I knew I wanted to help others to survive, overcome and thrive as I did so I found Scars of Survival Inc and Scars of Survival Magazine. Read more>>

Thomas Berry

I am a believer in the power of prayer. Years ago, I was extremely sick. Family, friends, and even strangers lifted me up to God in prayer as I went through many surgeries and treatments. Read more>>

Paula T Webb PhD

The mission of my approach is simple. Give people personal service, but more importantly, give them something of substance. Meaning, countless people today have a blog or trip on social media every day, espousing one- or two-liners. One- or two-liners that say nothing, except to get the people writing them more views. Read more>>

Anastasia Taras

Love Peace Organic is all about Creating a lifestyle of love. We’re passionate about curating clean, holistic skincare and wellness experiences that exemplify a lifestyle of love. Love of people, love of self, and love of our Earth. We believe that beauty and wellness should evoke and embody this love, in addition to nourishing our bodies from the inside out. Products that give you peace. Read more>>

Kayla Williams

Growing up as dancer and performer, it was always stressed to be “stage ready.” Unfortunately, that brought about many underlying insecurities. Dealing with sensitive skin and eczema growing up left me feeling hopeless when it came to my skin. No matter how many products I tried over-the-counter, I was always left with experiencing side effects. Read more>>

Armando Abascal

I’ve been a digital marketer for years. Well over a decade now. I’ve worked for multinational companies abroad, large established agencies and startup ones. I was there when Instagram was nothing more than food pictures and when Youtube was nothing more than videos of kids visiting the zoo. What I’m trying to say is, I’ve seen it all in my industry and I can confidently say social media agencies are one of the two most untrustworthy service industries in America. Read more>>

Maya Hyppolite-Williams

Morganna’s Alchemy’s 20-year adventure began at a dining room table. After years in the industry, Maya Hyppolite, our CEO, had just developed her first product, Break the Hourglass, and began selling it to friends and family. Break the Hourglass was an anti-aging formula that users swore diminished wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging. Users swore by it, calling it “magic”. Read more>>

Gayatri & Rajesh Bollapragada

Hi there! My husband is a tech engineer and I am a trained part-time educator who has served in Frisco ISD for a few years. We have always wanted to start a small business that helps and serves the community and families around us. The pandemic and the struggles it brought with it, strengthened our resolve that we need to diversify and try something new. Read more>>

Keisha Jordan

I grew up in a small, country town in Ontario, Canada. There were never many POC and so when I went to school I was the only non-white child in my class. This instantly made me a misfit. I was bullied from my very first day of school. Even my childhood best friend was subjected to intense bullying because she chose to hang out with me. Read more>>

Tina Guevara (Formerly Peterson)

In retrospect, The Zona Co. was founded a long time ago, I just didn’t quite realize it yet. Ever since I was a little girl, I was always in the lab trying to make my own “potions” for my family and myself. I would mix and create my own shampoos, soaps, and perfumes and would absolutely have a blast inventing my own little creations and sharing them with my family to make them smile. As it turned out… I would be doing the exact same thing, just 20 years later with spunky-named, clean-ingredient candles! Read more>>

Juan Ocampo

Always wanted to be an entrepreneur after I left the US Marines and found a way to do it using drones. With the accessibility of starting your own business more common now than ever before, it was a no brainer. Read more>>

Rosie Arias

I’m on a mission to keep the world warm one baby at a time. When the idea of creating Whimsical Charm came to mind I wanted to provide a line of baby blankets that were practical, washed up well, and were stylish for any occasion. I wanted the blanket to provide baby with comfort, warmth and style. I wanted this blanket to be the item that would bring peace to baby when wrapped in it. I wanted baby to feel as if they were receiving a hug from their parents when wrapped in one of our blankets. Read more>>

Dr. Marquisha Frost

Growing up, I watched my mother prioritize family, community, and her children. She was always giving, donating, showing up, and pouring into other people. As I got older, I recognized the impact this not only had on those that she served, but likewise on her, as a single mother of three young children. I likewise recognized how much I had in common with her as a young mother who was always giving, donating, showing up, and pouring into other people. Read more>>

Nikki Mack

Pretty Little Life Coaching LLC was founded in 2021 in response to the emotional stress and tough times lots of people were experiencing at the height of a global pandemic. We are 5 women from all walks of life with specialties in business mentoring, relationship coaching, spiritual coaching, mindfulness, family issues and women’s empowerment. Read more>>

David Gorden

My mission to show how far comics, comic books and graphic novels can go as an outlet of visual storytelling for creators. I believe that people don’t utilize comics enough when they want to envision an idea. I have recently moved into creating video comics which are comics that have minor motion elements to tell short stories. These stories exist in multiple genres from action and adventure to horror, to comedy and romance. Read more>>