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.

Valerie Wildes

Fields of Green is a women’s wear clothing brand that currently sells all one-of-a-kind pieces that are all handmade. The patterns are garments are all made by hand which makes it a really unique and creative design process for me. Working strictly with organic materials has always been an important component behind the brand because of their health benefits and the hope is that these garments will be passed down as heirlooms to someone the wearer loves and wants to protect. As Fields of Green grows, I would like to extend the brand by making collections overseas so I can make higher quantities in a wider range of sizing. The fashion industry can be a very dark place so it was really important to me from the beginning to start a clothing brand that worked exclusively with fair-trade factories. Read more>>

Quin Cody

I’ll never forget the first time I wandered through the more inclusive areas of LA and San Francisco. It was 2016, and I had never seen a place where people could simply be. There was no double-take when a gothic girl walked by, no sideways glances as a non-binary person greeted customers at a local café. People held hands freely, love felt visible, and authenticity was everywhere. I remember thinking, Why can’t the world look more like this? And why wasn’t anyone creating spaces where it could? Read more>>

Mikala Zytniowski

Our family has built this dream of sharing the beauty that is our Privetely Owned 20 acre estate with the neighbors of our community! To offer unmatched & breath taking views surrounding all of life’s events! To continue growing, building and offering more with each season. Read more>>

Sheila Michelle Foye

My mission is deeply rooted in my own journey of transformation. As a trailblazer and mentor, I’ve faced the challenges of navigating the business world as a mission-driven CEO. That’s why my mission is to empower other leaders—especially those in underserved and overlooked communities—to thrive in their industries by moving away from DIY strategies and embracing intentional growth through client identification, lead generation, and effective team management. This mission is meaningful to me because I’ve lived it. I know the frustration of having a vision but lacking the resources, support, or guidance to bring it to life. My passion comes from wanting to break down those barriers for others. By equipping mission-driven entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies to succeed, I’m helping to build a legacy of businesses that are impactful, resilient, and rooted in purpose. For me, it’s about more than just business—it’s about helping leaders make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. Read more>>

Brian David Roberts

At 12 years old I determined that I was to be an architect. I read The Fountainhead, I practiced drawing in perspectives, even trained myself to write in all-caps like architects did. I practiced drawing houses and buildings for fun, imagining how people would work, live and move within them. In high school I latched onto architectural drafting and drawing courses. Even choosing to give up half my school day for an intensive off-site course: Home Building Construction, where myself and seven other like-minded kids worked with an instructor to build a home from raw land to sale. That was crucial for me…to know how a building was constructed helped with design & possibility dramatically. I charged into college excited to be in the last phase before launching a career…and was sorely disenchanted with what architecture really is. Read more>>

Vanessa Bedoya

The Story Behind Choice MD: A Mission to Transform Healthcare Accessibility At Choice MD, our mission is simple yet profound: to help our users achieve better health by providing seamless access to the healthcare resources they need. But this mission isn’t just about solving logistical problems. It’s deeply personal. For me, the journey that inspired Choice MD began over two decades ago when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in my early twenties. Navigating the healthcare system while managing a chronic illness taught me countless lessons. From finding the right doctors to obtaining the necessary support, the process was often overwhelming and riddled with inefficiencies. These challenges inspired me to create Choice MD, a platform designed to help others avoid the pitfalls I experienced. Today, our website connects Miami-Dade residents to over 50 trusted nonprofit partners from The Children’s Trust to American Heart Association, including doctors, dentists, assisted living facilities, schools for children with special needs, and organizations offering ongoing support. Read more>>

Justine Rodes

The mission behind my mental health brand stems from the pain I endured growing up as a bullied child. I often felt isolated and hated by everyone around me, which left a lasting mark on my sense of self. On top of that, the stigma surrounding mental health made it even harder to feel understood or supported. With a deep desire to change that narrative, I decided to study psychology, aiming to become a therapist. However, as I navigated my own mental health struggles, I realized I wasn’t in a place to help others in the way I had envisioned. My career path took a different turn when I was accepted into the Disney College Program. The supportive community I found there played a significant role in improving my mental health Read more>>

Emelda “e” Juanita De Coteau

We live in a culture which glorifies individualism, but none of us is completely independent of other human beings; we are all, in some way, connected, and community matters – especially when you, or someone you love, belongs to a marginalized group. Years ago, I wrote a poem, Wounds Become Wings, uplifting the journey from isolation on this neurodivergent parenting journey to realizing even in the midst of challenges, we carry seeds of courage, resilience, hope and light within us; what is often perceived as a barrier – an autism diagnosis – can become a bridge to deeper empathy, compassion and understanding. Read more>>

Imani Foster

I spent my senior year in college theorizing about Black girlhood. As a Black girl, raised in a Black city, I had always accepted my experience at face value–things are this way because they’re supposed to be this way. I had given in to so many stereotypes, tropes, misconceptions, microaggressions, and other negativity aimed at ME because of my Black girlhood. I’d been berated about bad attitudes, warned against appearing “ghetto” lest I never make it anywhere, ignored and overlooked even as I excelled, made fun of for my hair texture and the fact that I “talked white.” And it wasn’t just white folx I felt this experience with! Read more>>

Mohammed Ojarigi

As a creative my job is to not only reflect the times but come with solutions to that plague our communities in a negative matter . At OJARIGI ENTERPRISES LLC / www.ojarigi.art we produce work that transcends the screen or theatrical stage, our work creates social change to each community it inhabits. Currently our Guardin Roots Experience program in conjunction with The SHARE Program is making waves. This is a program which helps develop urban gardens in food desert communities. This program also helps those coming home from incarceration and combats recidivism. Read more>>

Davanh Phayarath

Our mission goes beyond simply selling hot sauces. It’s about gaining recognition for a people and culture that have long been overlooked. Establishing Lao Sriracha as a household brand represents an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage and unique traditions of Laos, a small landlocked nation often mistaken for its neighbours. Despite its distinct history and culture, Laos is frequently perceived as underrepresented and impoverished. To this day, no globally recognized sauces or foods bear the Lao name. By elevating Lao Sriracha, we aim to share the story of a culture too often left in the shadows. Read more>>

Taylor Hall

Our mission is the empower people through authentic expression of self. We encourage that through our carefully curated collection of authentic preloved designer handbags. Not only are these bags getting a second life, they offer people the courage to be themselves and embody the confidence the designer intended. Wearing designer isn’t just about status. It’s about detail. People appreciate details because it is in the details that you communicate, you find art, you find your self expression, your identity. Fashion allows you to highlight parts of your identity and personality without words. Read more>>

Nicole Angai-galindo

The Gifted Bipolar Writer v I know my mission statement now. I certainly did not when I started my business. I lived many years with untreated bipolar II disorder. Mental illness runs in my family; my father is bipolar I. I have other relatives with schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. At the end of 2020, I suffered the worst and last bipolar episode in my life. I can confidently say “last” because I am under psychiatric care. The combination of medication that I was started on all those years ago has stayed the same. I think of it as my “morning vitamins!” Read more>>

Cassie Briggs

I grew up in a small, country town in upstate NY where the primary career opportunities were working at one of the three prisons or one of the countless wineries. Fortunately for me, my high school biology teacher saw my potential and encouraged me to consider college and eventually teaching. So off I went, out of my small town to pursue a bigger dream—to become a university biology professor. It was complete tunnel vision all the way through the next 11 years of schooling—no pauses, no second-guessing, just gas pedal to the floor. I even graduated from my doctoral program a year early to accept my dream job as a teaching professor at Michigan State University (MSU). Read more>>

Secret Sister

The whole deal is about making music fun and inspired. Every decision is based around inspiring the artist and helping them progress quickly in their journey. That includes having interesting microphones to sing into, curating the plan of the day to be unique and fun, using analog equipment like tape machines / typewriters, and more. We aim for every artist / band to leave feeling creatively energized and inspired and proud of their ability to tap into their most authentic self. We also intentionally try to make sure we’re not chasing the industry norms and copying other successful acts, we always try to find a way to make a new and valuable artistic contributions. Read more>>

Devares&shenika Roberts

This is a faith-based film production company specializing in creating inspiring and impactful content. We offer a comprehensive range of services including narrative films, television shows, short films, feature films, commercials, music videos and more. ​Our mission is to entertain, educate, and uplift audiences through storytelling that reflects Christian values. At the heart of Good Fruit Films is a commitment to spreading positivity and inspiration. Their mission is to create content that not only entertains but also challenges and encourages. As Philippians 4:8 reminds us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Read more>>

Alexis Williams

The LGBTQ Fertility Fund (LFF) was founded to address a pressing need: equity and accessibility in family building for LGBTQ individuals and couples. Historically, our community has faced tremendous barriers to parenthood, from financial disparities to systemic exclusion in fertility services. Our mission stems directly from these lived experiences and the gaps we saw in support. For our founder, Alexis G. Williams—a Black, queer woman with PCOS—and her transgender partner, the journey to consider building a family was met with anxiety, isolation, and a lack of accessible resources. The realization that many in our community face similar, if not greater, challenges inspired Alexis to take action.  Read more>>

Leslie Brown

Diamond Daiquiris isn’t just a business; it’s a manifestation of resilience, community, and culture. Our mission is to bring a “Taste of the South in Every Sip” to our customers, combining authentic Louisiana flavors with a commitment to uplifting our community. Why is this meaningful? It stems from my life experiences. Growing up in Louisiana, I was surrounded by a vibrant culture of seafood boils, music, and daiquiris—a culture that brought people together. After serving 11 years in the US Navy and later surviving the Dayton, Ohio, mass shooting in 2019, I realized the importance of connection, joy, and building a legacy. That tragic event became my turning point, inspiring me to pursue my dream of entrepreneurship not just for financial gain, but to create something meaningful for others. Read more>>

Karla Clark

Pfortea was not intended to be just a tea company. It was also going to be an online community of like-minded women who were trying to figure out their lives in their 40’s. Prior to the pandemic, my boss brewed a pot of tea every morning at work. This helped ease the stress during the day. I created my own blends and brought them work. During quarantine, I created an ecommerce website and sold my tea. My ultimate goal is to own a tea shop that brings the community together. Read more>>

Manuela Yeboah

“Manney Got The Shot” (MGTS)” is a digital content creation company that specializes in content creation for weddings and events, as well as providing social media management to help clients grow their social media presence. MGTS was founded by Manuela (Manney) Yeboah in 2020 but didn’t fully come into fruition until 2023. I grew up in a family that documented everything—from first birthdays to kindergarten graduations, to ballet recitals in elementary school, to student government meetings in college, to study abroad experiences in Israel, and more. These life experiences inspired me to do the same for others through social media reels and TikTok videos. Read more>>

Cecilia Kander

The mission of Loved and Free Co. is to feature items that are handmade by artisans who are survivors of human trafficking that are paid fair wages. This ensures each person is paid fair and ethical wages during the manufacturing of goods and services. I’ve seen first hand the struggle of human trafficking survivors to find opportunities that will pay them fair and ethical wages for their time and hard work.  Read more>>

Bella Matasic

We’ve all heard the cliché: “Follow your dreams.” But how many times have we brushed it off as unrealistic or just another motivational quote? I get it. For years, I didn’t believe I could truly be an entrepreneur. I thought that there were certain “special” people who had it all figured out, while I was stuck on the sidelines. I believed the narrative that success was reserved for the lucky few. The dreams I had were buried under fear, self-doubt, comparison, and the belief that I wasn’t capable. Read more>>

Natalia Zambrano, Angelo Almeida

Before discussing our company mission, it’s essential to understand that it stems from our personal mission. We firmly believe in leaving a positive impact on the world. Having deeply connected with human needs, we feel a responsibility to contribute to improving everyone’s quality of life. Therefore, our company mission is based on enhancing the quality of life of our customers, promoting the well-being of our employees, and protecting the environment through the use of natural products. Additionally, we support organizations that protect vulnerable animals, contributing to a more just and sustainable future. Read more>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelley Samford

Our mission at Seaux Stitched by Kelley is to design thoughtful and enduring mementos for your little ones. From the moment I was pregnant with my son and walked into the first baby boutique, I was captivated by the charm of classic children’s clothing. Dressing a little one is a truly precious experience, particularly as those initial years are so fleeting. Whether celebrating your baby’s arrival, christenings, birthday festivities, or their first school day, the art of hand embroidery brings an extra layer of significance to these milestones. I am truly honored to play a part in these memories through each stitch I meticulously create. Read more>>