Everyday we meet business owners, professionals, artists and creatives. Photographers, florists, realtors and more. They might come from different backgrounds, work in different industries, have varying personalities, and have vastly different income and educational profiles, but the one thing we’ve seen over and over again is that most people have a unique and special reason for why they do what they do. From a realtor helping families afford the first home he always wished for as a kid to a photographer using her skills to give a voice and face to victims who feel voiceless, we have been blown away by what happens when you just ask people a simple question – why do you do what you do?

Capriel Phinney

At OC Next Generation, Inc., we are dedicated to empowering the youth of our community by providing them with essential knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure field from the moment they graduate high school. We believe that a strong foundation in infrastructure is vital for the growth and development of our society, and we strive to equip young minds with the skills, insights, and opportunities needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and collaborative projects, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders who will build and sustain the infrastructure of tomorrow. Together, we are committed to fostering a brighter future for our youth and our communities. Read more>>

Anthony Raphael Escoboza

My mission evolved from understanding the power of connection — between communities, between markets, between ideas that rarely meet. I’ve learned that sometimes, the most impactful work isn’t loud; it’s strategic. My role is often just creating the conditions for things to align — growth, truth, and opportunity. Read more>>

Nina Pinidi

My mission is to serve the military community with haircare products for textured hair. This goal came from my time on active duty-I was in the Navy for 17 years. During my time in, it was always challenging to find haircare products for my hair texture. On deployment, we waited on care packages from family and friends with hair products. Wherever I moved within the US, we could only find beauty supply stores far from base, at times in what the Navy calls “restricted areas” (neighborhoods that could be dangerous). The store on base did not have the products I needed either. I promised myself to make life easier for servicemembers after me and bring the products where they are. Read more>>

Travis Anglin

As the owner and operator of a men’s suit store in a time where even the slightest amount of effort in a man’s wardrobe seems to be an antiquated philosophy, I take it as my mission and responsibility to increase men’s self-esteem by teaching them old school ways of dressing and acting like a gentleman. I believe this helps the man as well as those whom he influences. Read more>>

Elaine Achtzehn

For much of my life, I made career a primary focus. I worked long hours, surrounded by a lengthy commute. Marrying later in life, I opted for a destination wedding, feeling it was much more efficient than a wedding and honeymoon. Being away from work did not make too much sense to me at the time. Read more>>

Jason Bayless

A Radical Guide is a mission-driven organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit created from a deeply personal need to confront systemic violence and support those already building alternatives. Our mission is to connect, amplify, and unite liberation movements by preserving their histories, amplifying their present struggles, and fostering spaces for education, dialogue, and collective action. We support grassroots efforts to advance justice, autonomy, and collective liberation through educational resources, events, financial solidarity, and connection-building. Read more>>

Deanna Kay

My mission for my business is to guide people back to their exalted selves through the pathway of the nervous system. Peak performance crumbles when a person is living from a place of chronic stress, exhaustion, fatigue and irritability. These symptoms arise when the nervous system has been dysregulated or imbalanced for too long. I have had my own experience of burnout and having a nervous system that was caught in a state of fight or flight to the point that it made me physically and mentally sick. Read more>>

Emily Green

When I gave my TEDx Talk, The Weaponization of Love, my world changed. I realized that my voice mattered. Others, like me, had overcome toxic relationships and clawed their way out and up to create amazing lives.

I have a calling to not just tell the triumphant stories of survivors of dark love, but to support them through connections, resources, and the power of community. Read more>>

Luke Lawal

At HBCU Buzz, our mission is deeply personal to me. I started this platform because I saw a gap—HBCUs weren’t getting the visibility, recognition, or resources they deserved. As an HBCU graduate from Bowie State University, I know firsthand the power of these institutions. They don’t just educate; they uplift, empower, and create opportunities for Black students in ways that mainstream institutions often overlook. Read more>>

Jessica Lopez

In America, we believe innocent until proven guilty, yet when you cage someone against a dollar amount, they can’t pay, you are treating them as though they’ve already been convicted.

Here at the Lancaster Bail Fund, we provide direct service to people who are behind bars at the Lancaster County Prison because they cannot pay their bail. In this situation people experience disrupted medical care, loss of jobs, housing, personal property, and even custody of their children. At worst, pretrial incarceration is a death sentence. Outside of directly posting bail we advocate against harmful mass incarceration policy’s locally and are currently focused on reducing the impactful harm Lancaster Pa will do with building a new 400 million dollar county jail. Read more>>

Benny Gold

I launched Lawyer Stories on Instagram July 2017 as a passion project because I believe all lawyers have a story. As a licensed attorney (CT | ME | MA) when I talk to other lawyers, I often find myself not asking them about their cases, but rather asking about their inspirations and motivations along the way to becoming attorneys, and challenges they have encountered along their journey to the legal profession. My idea was to create an Instagram gallery of attorneys (and law students) and recount their stories in the form of a narrative, submitted personally by them. I started with five lawyers that I was friendly with and posted a story almost daily. I received direct messages from other lawyers wanting to share their journey, and I reached out to some as well. Read more>>

Angelica Enwesi-Imhoede

When I set out to do Everybody Loves Wine. My vision was simple place food, wine and piece of the world together and bring happiness and joy to someone. My mission was to also being more awareness to the wine industry to other women of color. I learned in doing research on my business only .05% of black women were in the wine industry and that was shocking to say the least. Even women in general make up only 18% and I knew going in most of peers would be men. Read more>>

Devin Adams

Born from the intersection of hustle and heritage, Deluxe Homme Company is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a lifestyle forged in ambition, individuality, and elevated expression. Founded by Devin Adams Sr., the mission of Deluxe Homme was ignited by a deep desire to redefine what it means to be a man of distinction in the modern world ,In a culture where image and influence often overshadow identity, Deluxe Homme was created to empower those who move differently—those who embrace streetwear not as a trend, but as a personal declaration of status, strength, and self-worth. The brand merges the raw grit of urban life with the polish of high fashion, offering a canvas where confidence meets luxury. Read more>>

Kelly Brask

My name is Kelly Brask, and I am the owner/founder of Kelly Brask Organizing, LLC in Chicago, where our mission is to encourage delight, well-being, and better relationships through organized spaces. This mission is deeply personal and stems from my own experiences with the transformative power of organization. When I was first crafting my company’s purpose, I struggled to articulate what truly drove me beyond the practical aspects of running a business. My husband reminded me of how much lighter, more relaxed, and happier I feel when my own space is organized—how it positively impacts my mood and mindset. Read more>>

Sr. Allison Regina Gliot

I’m part of a religious congregation of sisters called the Daughters of St. Paul. Our mission is to spread God’s love through the media, whether that is traditional media like books or radio, or newer forms of digital media like social media.
I was that kid in high school who only turned on my phone when I wanted to call someone. I had zero interest in social media, and I pretty much only used a computer for homework. So when I was in college and told my friend I was interested in becoming a Daughter of St. Paul, her response was, “The media nuns? YOU?” Read more>>

Shawn O’Connor

Nostalgia was conceptualized while Tom and I worked at another venue called Revolution. We wanted a place of our own, 90s themed, live music, and place where all like minded individuals could come and enjoy the atmosphere. We wanted to create a unique intimate space that fit the theme, photo ops, and interactive decor – all while being able to contribute to the local music community that has had an integral part of our lives since we were kids. Read more>>

Kelly Herron

At Valley Water Gardens our mission is to create beauty, tranquility and conversation. Customers at VWG often share how adding water to their landscape has given them a sense of peace. We feel when landscapes accentuate the sights and sounds of nature, people are encouraged to slow down, relax and have meaningful conversations. Growing up on our family farm, I was able to soak in the beauty of the outdoors on a daily basis. My husband and I also share a love for the outdoors. Often our family vacations are planned around sunshine and water. Read more>>

Marlo Darrington

For me, Da Bohemian Bazaar (DBB) is about more than just fashion — its mission is a movement rooted in self-expression, cultural appreciation, and an unforgettable personal shopping experience. We offer a range of high-quality mixed textiles to Brickell visitors and residents. We aim to service those who appreciate sustainable clothing at a price that doesn’t break the bank. We focus on micro-batch artistry – small runs of handmade, high-vibe goods crafted with care and creativity. Read more>>

Jennifer Jane Young

I spent most of my early adult years feeling really lost in this world. I was someone who had big feelings, an overflow of creativity, a heart that felt so much and visions that I couldn’t quite understand.

All of who I was never fit into the boxes that I saw most people fitting themselves into, whether that be a program they chose in college, a job or the traditional life path. I couldn’t see myself doing any of that, and when I tried, it felt awful. Read more>>

Kyle Matthew Jones

North Arrow Creative’s mission statement is: Regardless of race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, or alternative relationship structure – we believe that all love should be celebrated.

North Arrow exists to celebrate all forms of love and identity. Through inclusive storytelling and a deep curiosity about each client’s unique journey, we aim to capture what matters most — authentically and without judgment. Read more>>

Adency

Many of us feel called to create positive impact in the world and to share our unique wisdom and gifts. In today’s world, that requires being seen and heard by many eyes and ears. When it comes to following through on the mission in our heart, we often struggle with resistance in consistency, putting ourselves out there, and boldly claiming and sharing our unique purpose. Read more>>

Courtney Wilcox

Our main reason for starting this company was to help out other people and families with affordable cakes/sweets for any occasion. As a Stay at home mom to my 4 boys i understand more than anyone how expensive special events can get. In our option everyone should be able to gift their child or anyone a little bit of magic that’s not going to cost them a crazy amount of money. After searching long and hard one day for someone who could make a not so basic store cake for my son; I sat down with my now husband and said “I could easily do this”. Read more>>

Latika Vines

There was a time in my life when everything seemed to be going according to plan. I had a career, a growing family, and what looked like success on the outside. But after giving birth to my fourth child, I was hit with something I didn’t expect—postpartum depression. It crept in quietly at first: the exhaustion that never lifted, the moments of joy that felt hollow, the constant mental fog that clouded my purpose. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. I felt stuck, lost, and ashamed for not being the strong, put-together working mom I thought I was supposed to be (and the one I portrayed so eloquently). Read more>>

Benjamin/Jacob Colvin/Baumann

Our mission at Devil’s Foot has always been about more than making great soda — it’s about creating a more inclusive beverage culture and doing business in a way that gives back to the community that we love. Our group had been using homebrew equipment to test better cocktail mixer options for fun. And then when my wife and I were celebrating her pregnancy at a local brewery, we realized there just weren’t any thoughtful, non-alcoholic options for her and the idea of Devil’s Foot was born. We didn’t want to just fill a gap in the market — we wanted to create something crafted, Read more>>

Rogene Evans

At Cosmo Galore we believe and understand in the power of confidence through hair and beauty. That’s why we are committed to delivering superior quality products and providing our clients a first class customer experience that adds value and enhances the beauty of every individual.

Growing up in hair salons since the age of 5, I’ve seen first hand how impactful hair is to women and I understand the emotional connection women have to their hair and how it impacts our overall confidence. Read more>>

Macala Carroll

The mission behind my business is to bridge the gap between the traditional website design industry and those who often feel overwhelmed or shut out by it. Web design has long been a space dominated by men with impressive degrees and technical jargon, which can be incredibly intimidating for small business owners—especially women—who don’t see themselves represented. Read more>>

Christy Hobart

Shoo for Good, the company I founded in 2020 that creates cotton scarves and pants that repel mosquitoes and other bugs, wouldn’t have happened without a cause behind it. As the name suggests, doing good is an important component of the business. As a child, I travelled a lot with my family. We were somewhere in Morocco, when I was six years old, when my little sister and I met some local children who were just like us, in that they wanted to play, but so different, too. They weren’t wearing shoes and were kind of dusty. When my mother brought out a bag of hard candies for us, the kids went wild, scrambling to get as much of it as they could. Read more>>

David & Alicia Leingang

Our mission is, to make memories last through artful framing services. This is really the foundation of a custom framing business. Creating an experience and design that caters to what the customer is looking for, or to help them discover something about the item they are framing that they hadn’t noticed before through the many framing and color options we have at our fingertips. Read more>>

Rachel Fox

For over 20 years, I lived trapped in a loop I didn’t have language for—emotional overwhelm, identity loss, and a deep sense that something wasn’t right inside me. I was dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told to “just manage it.” But nothing worked—until I stopped chasing surface solutions and began listening to what my body and soul were trying to say. Read more>>

Taylor Foster

“Thank you for asking about the heart behind my business. My journey to creating Heaven On Main Street has been deeply personal and, in many ways, a direct response to my own experiences with self-perception and the pressure to conform.

Growing up as a redhead in Miami, I often felt like I stood out – not in a good way! – often feeling like an anomaly. Despite Miami’s diverse culture, its dominant visual style was in contrast with me. Read more>>

Barbara Caison

My mission as a children’s book author and educational content creator is to inspire a love for language, culture, and exploration. Learning a new language isn’t just about words—it’s about opening doors to new perspectives, fostering deeper connections, and creating a sense of belonging. Read more>>

Jay Harris

Champion Defense was founded by active-duty veterans Jay and Phylicia Harris. With over thirty years of Military service and firearm training experience, our goal is to provide the best firearm training and knowledge available to our students. Our NRA Certified Instructors are trained in multiple firearm disciplines to reach the needs of every student. Read more>>

Xilan Fang

My name is Xilan Fang and I’m a game music composer and sound designer. I started playing video games since I was very young because of the influence of my parents. I remember when I was 7, my father registered an account for me in a online game which he was playing. That allowed me to explore the amazing virtual world and planted a seed for my future fantasy of the video game world. As a game composer and sound designer, my mission is to create audio experiences that don’t just support gameplay, but become part of the player’s emotional journey. Read more>>

Tiana Dorcely

As a biracial woman, I’ve had my fair share of experiences not knowing where I belong, where I stand, etc. I’ve been labeled based off what I look like far before having the chance to share who I am as a person. My salon, Styled Hair Co. is for everyone to feel celebrated for who and what they are, and regardless of such. Read more>>

Teresa Holmes

For a long time, I struggled to use my voice effectively, and as a result, I endured significant suffering. Growing up, I was taught that speaking up was not my place as a female. I faced many challenges during my teenage and adult years, and initially, sharing my experiences felt overwhelming. However, as I gradually began to open up and share my story, I discovered that it not only facilitated my own healing but also resonated with others. This realization ignited a passion for storytelling, leading me to create a safe space where others could learn about the power of storytelling and share their own narratives. Read more>>

Lexy Halloran

The Chronic Chronicles was born from a very personal place; years of navigating life with endometriosis, PCOS, and chronic symptoms that often felt invisible and misunderstood. After countless doctor visits, missed diagnoses, and moments of isolation, I realized how many others were also walking this path alone. That’s when I decided to create something I wish I had: a science-backed, validating space where people with chronic conditions could feel seen, heard, and empowered. Read more>>

Shireen & JD Qadri & Walsh

At moji masala ®, our mission is to make authentic Indian home cooking accessible to everyone while inspiring people to cook more from scratch, eat healthier, and bring their families together around the dinner table. We believe Indian food can be healthy, nutritious, delicious, and free from processed ingredients—all while being incredibly easy to cook. Read more>>

Uzuri Malaika

It’s 2025, and too many people still don’t have access to a full thriving quality of life.
This reality burdens me deeply. . . because I know it doesn’t have to be this way.

When things are not clear, who does it really affect?

Every inaccessible entrance, lack of ramps, every confusing system, every dismissive glance from a service provider, these aren’t abstract issues to me. They are mine and other peoples reality. I know that real change starts when those most affected lead the way. Thats a heavy responsibility. Many of us have compassion, strength, and insight that give us a unique perspective and drive to advocate for transformation that is both practical and just. But many are tired. Read more>>

Mauricio Cabas

My architecture is a service that transforms lives by creating spaces that inspire, connect, and promote well-being.”

Always try that the client feels completely identified with the design, convinced that their investment will transform their life. I don’t just design houses but creates life experiences. I experience deep satisfaction knowing that my work positively impacts people and their surroundings. Read more>>

Robin Tomamichel

As a hairstylist and salon owner, my mission is rooted in more than just creating beautiful styles — it’s about helping people fall in love with their hair again. I know what it feels like to be addicted to weave, to hide behind it, and to believe it was the only way to feel confident. That experience is what drives me to educate, inspire, and empower my clients to see their natural hair as beautiful, strong, and worthy of care. Read more>>

Asani Lewis

Article 3 isn’t just about design—it’s about creating legacy. And legacy isn’t just what’s seen; it’s what’s felt. It’s the impact a design leaves long after the moment has passed—the way it speaks without words, the way it connects people to a vision. Every piece I craft is purpose-driven, designed to stand the test of time and serve as a statement, not just a decoration. My mission is to create work that carries meaning, translating a message with depth, clarity, and impact. Read more>>

Taylor

I introduce my business and myself as a “Queer Elopement and Wedding Photographer” with a lot of intentionality. I want the couples I serve to know that they are safe with me. I will do everything I can to capture their story and their day and make sure they are surrounded with love and support. It also serves to ensure that I work with the people who I want to surround myself with. Gay, queer, allies, and loved ones are all welcome in front of lens. I want to find joy and love and happiness and broadcast that to the world. What is more impactful than love in a world of uncertainty (or worse.) Read more>>