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.

Isis Mesa-Rubin

The mission behind The Intuitive Womb holds deep personal meaning to me. As a woman who has gone through the birth portal, I understand firsthand the significance of feeling heard, supported, and respected during this process. Becoming a mother ignited a strong desire within me to stand alongside and serve women, supporting them in embracing and harnessing the incredible power of birth and womanhood. Read more>>

Ella Sophie

My mission as a photographer is to create images that empower women. While I photograph a wide range of subjects, my guiding principles are consistent throughout. Often my clients are women owned businesses. I am able to create images for them that truly resonate with their customers. Read more>>

Alex Lobos

Ever since I was little I wanted to teach, but growing up my natural artistic abilities formed the majority of my identity. My artistry was always acknowledged by my peers, instructors and mentors. It wasn’t difficult for me to figure out I wanted to purse something creative, however I also love education. My mission as a business owner spawned from a natural evolution of all the things I’m passionate about. Read more>>

Sarah Shell

I’m an ex-fashion designer. A dentist. An inventor. A founder of a successful CPG company. But most importantly, I’m a mom. And I’m writing this because I had one simple mission: to make my home safer for my child. Once I accomplished that, I set out to make your homes safer for your children. Read more>>

Matt Dulaney

My mission, as I feel any good mission should be, is simple. People. People have and will always be the subject I am most passionate about, but simultaneously the most challenging subject to truly capture with essence of. For me it always comes down to the question of “how do you distill a lifetime of experience into a single frame?” Read more>>

 Sofie Martinez

At Oasis Studio, our mission is not just to provide customers with luxurious and sustainable candles, but also to redefine the way people perceive candles by promoting safety, natural ingredients, and an elegant aesthetic. Read more>>

Ben Vasquez

Our mission is to inspire as many people we com in contact with to be the best versions of themselves. We want to teach everyone one that if your are RELENTLESS in every aspect of your life and are willing to put in the hard work you will succeed in anything in your life. Our mission is so important to me cause when i was growing up not a lot of people believed in me to succeed. Read more>>

Auston Cook

My mission and my brands mission is to encourage and inspire the world to live life, specifically to the fullest! Often times we get so caught up in the daily 9 to 5 or any other “system” that society tells us that we should be doing, that we forget to live a little… We come right out of high school and are immediately thrown into this world and are told to get a job, start getting ready for college or move out and get married? Now depending on the path you want to take in life is 100% up to YOU and these things are a bad thing at all. But sometimes we forget to live! Read more>>

Joey Carbone

My name is Joey Carbone, and I started the MP Mini Library Mission in 2019. My wife had asked for me to build a mini library for our front yard, and I needed some roofing shingles. I decided to ask our local Neighbor page on Facebook and was amazed at the amount of responses that I received. Everyone was willing to donate some shingles! Read more>>

Sharee Murphy

I created Simply Sue, as a 501c3, recognized non profit, to better underserve the Petersburg, VA area. I was working in location that received multiple applicants from that area and was displeased with the results of what I was attracting. I started to do a little digging. I researched the area, interviewed some of the local community and found that most people in the area were without hope. This all happened at the beginning of the pandemic. I also lost my grandmother. Her name was Mattie Sue. Combine grief, with a professional necessity and desire to teach and along came Simply Sue. Read more>>

Sterling Jr

Black Cards Of History is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of black history and culture through trivia. With a passion for writing, they strive to provide informative and educational experiences, highlighting the narratives and contributions of African Americans. Through carefully crafted trivia questions and interactive sessions, they engage audiences, fostering a love for learning and encouraging dialogue. Read more>>

Justin Rissmiller

The story behind my mission is similar to what I expressed with you guys when last working with you guys before, so it could be familiar to some already, however it all has everything to do with my mission as an individual and business owner these days and what I have been trying to accomplish and so on. Just wanted to highlight that before moving along here, in case my story sounds familiar maybe? But anyways to begin now……. Read more>>

Peter Ernest Rork MD

The mission at Dog Is My CoPilot is to transport dogs (and some cats) from high risk environments to areas and organizations that will never put down an otherwise healthy and adoptable animal. Read more>>

Leslie Paetschow

The mission of The Watering Bowl: to think and love like a dog – in the moment and unconditionally. The story behind the mission: College graduation happened, and into the corporate scene I go. Four years later, I move to Austin and have to re-evaluate my skills and value for a new company. I knew corporate was no longer for me – I’m too honest and don’t value spending emotional energy on political games. Read more>>

Trey Kauffman

When I first began my entrepreneurial journey, I was lost. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing and that became abundantly clear after I took on two partners only months into quitting my job and going full-time with my venture. Read more>>

Sherry Strickland Martin

All along my journey as a professional artist I thought my mission was simply to make a living doing what I loved and what I was gifted to do. It was at age 43 I realized my purpose should be focused on serving others, as I wrongly felt my mission only served myself. I did not understand at the time how doing artwork was actually serving others in the way I expected God wanted us/me to serve and glorify Him. Read more>>

Kristina Harris

We are a custom gifts and apparel business. We support the importance of a life. Sophia & Jesse baby company believes that a life is important from the time of conception to the very last breath. Read more>>

TeAsia Williams

My mission at Shots By TeA is very simple. Affordability! I like to keep all my different packages at a low and very affordable price. I love photography so much that I’m willing to do it almost free. I want to capture beautiful timeless moments that people will cherish forever. I remember when I was in high school and I wanted a professional shoot but it was so expensive that I just couldn’t afford it and from that day on I knew I wanted to help people like me who wanted professional photos they just don’t have a professional budget. Read more>>

Preston Brown

The mission has always been focused around Love. I really wanted to use talents to spotlight situations that I am personally passionate about. Being able to work locally with kids and donate time has truly been a blessing. It’s very important that we pass the torch to the next generation and that’s been a reality for me. Read more>>

Ahmad Samu’el

What motivates me to build an empire is to give back to artists in the form of – for the lack of a better term – cheat codes. I want to equip them with the tools that they need in order to assist them in securing a coveted position at the summits of a competitive industry,” explained Ahmad. Read more>>

Gerardo Macias

DHR’s mission is to be a leading provider of executive search, leadership consulting, and emerging leader search solutions globally. With expertise in various industries and functional areas, DHR connects clients with customized talent advisory services and builds creative partnerships to meet their specific needs, fostering a client and candidate community, creating forums for learning and engagement in key industry topics. Read more>>

Dre Nuzum

Playing off the archery theme, A.I.M. (Ambition, Inspiration, Motivation) is an Online Fitness & Life coaching program, geared towards YOU and your goals. In 2018, I got hit head-on by a car, which left me fighting for my life with over 30 injuries including a shattered leg in 7 pieces, then I was AIMing to walk again and I soon developed a mindset to help keep me focused, motivated, and eager to hit my target. Read more>>

Lyndsey Ellis

Show-Me Stories, LLC was created out of a vision to help other creative thinkers and writers get their stories out into the world. It took me 12 years to finish and publish my debut novel, Bone Broth (Hidden Timber Books, 2021). While I had the formal education, the idea(s), and the will to explore the craft of writing, I didn’t always feel I had the confidence or the tools to sustain my vision as an author and communications professional. Read more>>

Kamdin Montagne

Prior Waste is a clothing brand and the fashion industry makes up for so much waste on our planet, so one of the main goals behind my brand is to create clothing in a more sustainable way. People throw out so much clothing all the time whether it’s because their pieces are damaged or just not wanted anymore and a lot of the time it’s the latter. For Prior Waste I go to thrift stores and donation centers and source those unwanted and damaged clothes and rework them into a brand new one of one piece that someone will want in their closet again. Read more>>

Cyn Marie Bastos

As an Executive Wellness Coach, I’m passionate about the intersection of personal and professional freedom. Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked with people from all dimensions of diversity only to find the same root cause of people’s suffering. As a first-generation immigrant, I was raised to chase the American dream and build generational wealth for my family. I barely had a childhood and worked tirelessly to prove to my parents that I appreciated their sacrifice for me coming to this country. Read more>>

Ryan Chite

Growing up, spending time with friends and family was and remains very important to me. My Mother is one of 15, and so that meant growing up getting to know a lot of other people. Sometimes it would be hard finding ways to get to know those people and that’s where games came long. Read more>>

DeAndre Moore

I birthed Morris + Wade to fill the void of people not having access to culturally relevant all natural body care solutions, especially for folks of color. All of our formulations aid in moisturizing and soothing dry, aged, or inflamed skin with ingredients that are straight from the earth. Our mission is to revitalize the connection between nature and the health of our bodies by designing products, curating experiences, and building infrastructure that bridges black culture into whats naturally us. Read more>>

Ketron Wise

My son was diagnosed with psoriasis and eczema in 2000. For year’s we used steroids, topical creams, light therapy, and injections to manage his skin and in 2008, we decided to switch to a holistic, natural approach to managing his skin. I began researching and creating products to help manage his skin. In 2009, koche was born. Read more>>

Nicole White

I think the most common thought behind why someone would own a mobile bar would be to, “bring the party,” but my goal is much more complex than that. I started my business with the goal of creating memories, meaningful interactions, building genuine connections, and combating what I believe to be a “social isolation epidemic.” I want to bring people together on a deeper, more intimate level. Read more>>

Andrea Puron

Libra Bellydance is a Latina-owned organization that provides a creative, safe, and inclusive space for individuals to explore their passion for dance while fostering personal growth, teamwork, and community through creative expression and performance opportunities. Read more>>

Stacey Flood

My mission is simple. I wanted to create systems and processes to make my clients spaces functional and efficient for them. By doing this, it gives them peace of mind and reduces unnecessary stress. I am a big believer in mental health and minimal chaos. As a former educator, this practice came naturally. I love to teach ways to organize and plan out systems. Ultimately, the goal is to create a lifestyle that is easy to manage and transferable. Read more>>

Maria Finch

The story behind my mission to keep my own business is simply because I suffer I suffer with pcos and infertility. With pcos being a big factor of my life it came with insecurities being a plus size girl. I lacked self confidence. Being a spray tan artist I want to make sure all body sizes feel comfortable and never feel the way I did. A spray tan boosts confidence so much I never felt more beautiful in a safe glow. And I strive to make others no matter the size feel just as confident and beautiful as I have. Spray tans are the secret to a huge confidence boost. Read more>>

Rebecca Gade Sawicki

My path into the travel industry is unique. Like many people, I took time during the pandemic to re-evaluate my career — I wanted to find a way to align it with my ethics in hopes of making this world a little kinder and greener. So, I started looking for a job with a vegan or environmental company, but I struggled to find a job that was a good fit. Read more>>

Juwan Rohan

This innovative project aims to address the pressing need for increased financial literacy among individuals and communities worldwide. By combining the power of knowledge with the accessibility of financial literacy tools such as books, games, apps, and events, our initiative seeks to empower individuals with the skills and resources necessary to make informed financial decisions, ultimately fostering economic stability and prosperity. Read more>>

Delight Dzansi

As the CEO of alkeBULANPrints, our mission to address the lack of knowledge, access, and jobs in the African and African American and African Immigrant communities is deeply personal to me. Growing up, I witnessed the beauty and richness of African culture being underrepresented and misunderstood. I felt a strong desire to bridge the gap and showcase the stories, history, and artistry of African prints through fashion. Read more>>

Moment of Creation Studio

The mission of Moment of Creation Studio is passion, creativity, and dedication. All three of us have a undeniable passion for video production and it shows on even before the day of production. As soon as we are booked we are instantly thinking of how can this be better than the last. We are always trying to push the boundaries of our creativity to elevate each production. Read more>>

Pat Kramer

I realized my love for reading and writing when I was quite young and from the age of eight, I began writing in a diary (and then a journal) recording my thoughts and impressions of the world. During junior high, I served in my first editorial role on my junior high school’s yearbook. By the time I was in high school, I knew I wanted to write for a living. Read more>>

Chenee’ Joseph

Our nonprofit organization was founded in 1980 by Dr. Coretta Scott King, Christine King Farris, and John Cox. Our primary mission is to preserve the Old Fourth Ward district’s rich history while ensuring affordable housing availability for its residents. This mission is deeply meaningful to us, as it enables us to improve the lives of countless people while celebrating the area’s historical significance. Read more>>

Laura Templin

LT swimwear started as a project to build a better suit for myself. For the first time in my adult life, I actually had to go swimsuit shopping and it was a terrible experience. As so many women have told me over the years but had never actually experienced it for myself. I was a life-long swimmer and always found confidence in my training and racing suits – because the sport gave me purpose, strength and self-confidence. Read more>>

Big Business

Clear Vision is a company that has 4 main components: Content Creation, Community Involvement and Outreach, Clothing and Apparel, and Celebration of Arts (Film, Painting, Photography, Music, and More). We involve ourselves in the community to encourage CLEAR VISION. Clear stands for C- CONNECTED L- LEARNING, E-EXPLORING, A- AWARE, AND R- REFLECTIVE. Read more>>

Rosemary Onyeka

I’ve always wanted to create a safe space for black women all around the world and that’s why I created the channel ‘That black style’ and also created merch for the channel meant specifically for black women because I feel like we needed something to call our own Read more>>

Annie Nguyen

City Fruit started when our founder Gail Savina saw the enormous amount of fruit growing in neighbor’s yards in Seattle while many others were suffering food insecurity. Food banks rarely have the resources to invest in higher priced, perishable foods, and donated foods are often shelf-stable. Gail led volunteers to knock door-to-door and ask those with fruit trees if they could harvest any excess fruit to share with food banks. Read more>>

Anna Dean

My Mother was an artist. She died when I was eight years old. My earliest memories were sitting on the shag carpet floor in our basement, watching her draw. She had a big sheet of paper, and I watched as she drew a curve, and then another line – with just a few simple marks, she created a bunny that was so full of life… he could almost leap off the page. To me, that was magic. I wanted to make magic like that. I guess you could say I have spent my entire life chasing that bunny. Read more>>

Black Girl, Brown Girl Books

Appreciate you joining us today. Risk-taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken. Thank you for having us. We’re honored to be here today to share our story of risk-taking, or better yet, betting on ourselves. For us, our work began with risk-taking. Our work is challenging a literary system that makes white characters the center of children’s books and our mission is to intentionally change that narrative for our Black and Brown children. Read more>>

Alexandra Bassett

My company’s mission is to promote compassionate methods of dog training that nurture the human and animal bond. I used to volunteer at animal shelters and saw a lot of dogs get looked over or returned to the shelter because they had behavioral problems. My goal is to help dog guardians learn positive methods of training and rehabilitating their dogs and to help dogs stay in their forever homes! Read more>>