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.

Shikyra York

At BulletBae Cosmetics, we are passionate about empowering individuals and helping them feel confident in their own skin. Our journey began in 2013 when I, Shikyra, had a vision to create a brand that would give people the feeling of being untouchable. Starting off as a clothing brand, BulletBae was designed to instill confidence and inclusivity in every individual who wore our merchandise. In early 2022, I found myself at a crossroads. The pressure of transitioning from childhood to adulthood weighed heavily on me, and I realized I had to rebuild and rediscover who I was. I wanted to create something of my own—an empire that couldn’t be taken away, no matter what life threw at me. I had everything ripped away and was forced to start over, but this challenge became my motivation to commit fully to Bulletbae and its mission. Read more>>

Amber Janae

I have always believed in living and creating from a place of authenticity. My journey into lifestyle styling and branding has been deeply personal and rooted in my own desire to live a life that feels true to who I am. Along the way, I discovered the power of intentional living and how much our surroundings and how we show up in the world can shape our well-being. This personal discovery became the foundation for my mission at Dvn Oasis. What started as a passion for turning my ordinary world into a peaceful, inspiring sanctuary has grown into a calling to help others embrace their own unique path. For me, it’s never been about teaching or following a formula; it’s about finding what feels right for each of us. At the heart of my brand, Dvn Oasis, is the mission to empower women, particularly women of color, to live authentically and intentionally. Through Dvn Oasis, I aim to connect with individuals who are ready to design their own version of a fulfilling life. My mission is to empower everyone I work with to reconnect with themselves, embrace their individuality, and create lives and brands that reflect their unique essence. This is about living with intention, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. The mission is deeply meaningful to me because it’s rooted in my own journey of breaking free from societal expectations and stepping into a life that feels true to who I am. I know firsthand the challenges of self-repression and the joy that comes from rediscovering your voice and creating something that feels real and uplifting. Read more>>

Matt Johnson

Per the NCAA, only 2% of collegiate football athletes make it to the NFL, and about 80% of professional athletes experience financial difficulties when they retire. The opportunity for prolonged football success is seemingly slim, yet that is still the dream of many. I shared that dream but ultimately found another path before me. In a grey space after my fifth season of college football, I was offered a couple of full-time, corporate opportunities. One was inaccessible to me due to location, and the other was pulled from my grasp. Having abruptly concluded my football career with one remaining semester of school, I realized that I needed to pivot and was provided the opportunity to start a business. After months of ideating on what to do, I thought it pertinent to structure this business in a way that enables me to tell stories in a professional setting. As such, I immersed myself in content creation. Creating for brands like CBS’ Survivor, Beyond Meat, Lemon Perfect, etc. Read more>>

Lisa Morey

Colorado has a history of earthen construction that dates back to the 1800’s. In regions that offered little lumber, settlers built with local sand, clay and water. From Bent’s Old Fort built in the 1830’s to the Territorial Adobe buildings common in Southern Colorado to the Pueblo revival building in Jefferson County known as The Fort built in 1962, adobe is not just a computer software program to Coloradans! The need for a vast quantity of new buildings in Colorado to address the increase in population and quality of living standards is at times in conflict with the need for tackling climate change and curtailing energy demands. One way to address these disparate priorities is to move toward a more circular economy by using low-carbon construction materials, alternative technologies and practices. Read more>>

Naleighna Kai

As a woman who was adopted by her biological mother, (yes, you read that right), and whose father and uncle did not respect her right to say no; I put my pain on the page, and the page became my passion and now that passion is my purpose. Writing was, and still is, my journey to healing and the books I pen have the focus of helping others to heal. Read more>>