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?
Maray McChesney
Several years ago, my partner, Matt and I were growing a spring herb garden in our San Antonio Beacon Hill-area front yard and wanted a botanical cocktail to enjoy in the late afternoons. Gin & tonics seemed like a good fit, but most commercially produced tonic waters contained high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, which would make me sick. So Matt decided to research how to make a traditional tonic syrup, the old fashioned way, with real cinchona bark imported from South America. After that, making tonic syrups had become a hobby for Matt. Read more>>
letizia Rossi
We plan events, we married couples, yet, that’s not all we do. We build venues, We give a chance to every couple or guest to have a forever memory. We tried to accommodate every budget. We give to the community by giving a wedding away to dying brides, planning fundraisers, building landscaping with dying plants, or giving jobs
We always believed being owners, managers, or operational managers is the perfect opportunity to serve others. We love people and give a chance to young men and woman to develop a trade, make something of themself learn independence and confidence to let them know that they got the world in their hands. Read more>>
Chanel Green
I grew up in a family that was dedicated to human outreach. I was taught to feed to hungry, give clothes to the homeless, read to those younger than me, and pray over everyone in-between. These values made my heart big and my dreams even bigger. Read more>>
Tony Cho
The values of giving back, community service, and environmental activism are ingrained in my blood. I grew up in an intentional interfaith community that was started by my grandmother along the St. Sebastian River. As part of my upbringing, helping others and seeing how people could negatively impact nature is something that inspired how I live now. Read more>>
Ryan Schachtner
After befriending a number of professional athletes we began brainstorm ideas on how to make the world better and help people break generational curses they were in. We identified money empowerment and helping people see their true value in an effort to have them chase their dreams were the two topics we could impact. We wanted to work with athletes from high school, college and the pros and we wanted to leverage the new college athletics name, image and likeness rules. And we are doing just that! Read more>>
Tom Bender
As a songwriter my vision and mission is to write songs that are relatable in areas of life that are sometimes hard to have a conversion about. Through the songs my hope is that a connection can be made to the lyrics, which then allows for the possibility for hope and healing to begin. For me personally music has always been an outlet and passion of mine, especially in the area of song writing. The songs I write are heavily influenced and inspired by the last 20 years I have spent as a life coach, mentoring, and counseling. Read more>>
Ashley Carrier
My biggest accomplishment is taking an idea and bringing it to light. Since the day I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I’ve always wanted to be in a field where I would be able to help underserved families in communities win. As a single parent and an African American woman, my parents nor the school system have never equipped me with the financial literacy needed to build a business or build generational wealth. Now being a parent I’ve decided to shift the narrative and be the informational source for my family as well as other families to create opportunities they never thought were attainable. Helping to build strong families for years to come. Read more>>
Melinda Harkley
I enjoy providing photography to individuals and families to help them capture special moments (such as birthdays, maternity sessions, the birth of children, graduations, holidays, etc) and preserve their family memories. Also, I enjoy weddings and being a part of the couple’s special day. As their photographer, I get to know the couples and they get to know me during their engagement session. I become an active participant in planning their special day by connecting with the wedding planners/coordinators and other vendors. Together, we all have the responsibility to ensure the couples’ wedding day is perfect and memorable. Read more>>
Constance Bolton
Purchasing my first home as a Single Mother was one of the best accomplishments of my life. Being a homeowner has opened up so many doors for me…..literally! I purchased my first home and after 2yrs my home increased in value from $278,000 to $499,000!!! That was amazing. I decided to do a cashout refinance which allowed me to some upgrades to my primary home and use the rest to start investing! I then continued that cycle with other properties and now I’m now in the game! I’m a Real Estate investor and I teach others how to leverage and start investing also. Read more>>
Teesha Borum
My mission is simple. I want others to recognize their divinity and not dim their light for others. “Bigger”, by Beyoncé comes to mind…”If you feel insignificant, you better think again. Better wake up because you’re part of something way bigger…Not just a speck in The Universe. Not just some words in a bible verse. YOU are the living word. You’re part of something way bigger.” Read more>>
Ashley Bovan
Lets start by saying exactly what my mission is. My mission is to make sure I’m providing ethical, moral and honest service at an affordable price. The goal is to provide high quality credit repair service that keeps education and communication at the forefront. Growing up, financial literacy wasn’t taught to me. I didn’t know the importance of credit, savings, or money management. Read more>>
Humza Khan
The story behind our mission is to create a space for dancers where they can find people like themselves and have the space to try new things without feeling the pressure of competition. As a professional dancer I’ve grown up in the industry of dance for a long time, I’ve been to a lot of dance studios and the truth about the dance world is it’s very competitive. It’s hard to find a class you can feel free to let go in, and try completely new things without feeling like your being watched or compared to. Read more>>
jasmine stallworth
Beautimuse By Jazz came to life During Covid 2020. i had just given birth to my son and in the fresh off a high from getting married. during my time of living in Atlanta it was hard finding a stylist to service me 1. when my appointment was set and 2. not canceling or disappearing. i struggled a lot with keeping my self and realized a lot of women felt the same as me. in October 2020 i decided to take doing hair seriously and perfect my craft. i wanted to service women similar to me. mothers, students, hard workers who in the list of there busy schedules took the time to treat them selves without hurting there pockets. Read more>>
Jeff & Crystal Bryant
When we decided to start a travel and food website, it was an easy leap from an earlier food blog. Our passion for exploring makes this feel more like fun than a job. Picking our niche was a little trickier, until we decided to just stick to our own version of travel. We both like to support locally-owned businesses whether we are in a small town or big city. This turned into our tagline “Visit like a local”. Read more>>
Anthony Wolfe
When I was growing up, I loved music. In college, I began writing music and I ended up majoring in music business. However, I wasn’t able to find a job in the music industry and life took me in another path. I worked in retail management and currently in education. After going through a divorce, I sought to find my passion in music again. As I began going to various songwriter nights around Nashville, I was inspired by the perseverance of those chasing their dreams. Read more>>
Kwamboka Kariuki
I visited Kenya back in April of 2019 and saw a friend’s business almost going out of business. She’s so talented and had always made all of my outfits. To help her, I started taking orders from friends and family. Being a CPA, I started to think of ways turning this into a business could be mutually beneficial. And that was the start of Kwamboka the business. Seeing her business start to blossom again due to the partnership, we started partnering with a few more vendors from Kenya. Read more>>
Kaitlyn Stout
When I was living in Brooklyn, NY in 2019, I was reflecting on some of my personal strengths because I knew I wanted to start my own business. I wanted to make sure that I was starting something that would be helpful to people in need. Funny enough, I came up with a very short list of things I was good at and called some friends and family for some ideas. After coming up short, I sat down and turned to see my planner, something I couldn’t live or function without. I wondered if there was any type of business where I could help people become more organized. One quick Google search later and the idea of Life In Order Inc was born. Read more>>
Zandrowicz Zandrowicz
I have always, even as a little girl envisioned being the owner of my own company. I am not sure if it stemmed from watching soap opera;s with my grandmother, but there was something about walking into my own office and sitting at my desk to run things I found most intriguing. Read more>>
Tarris Batiste
The legalization of cannabis has seen a spike in recent years and luckily for me it coincides with my personal story and is the subject of my first, original book called “Don’t Let it Smoke You.” This being my first book I wanted to tell my story while addressing the “weed wave” that is already taking over the world. The book is divided into two parts. Part One tells of my childhood, how I started smoking, and my sports career. Part Two is the science and health facts of the cannabis industry, the future of legalization, and a system to improve. Read more>>
Kasey DellaPenna
In 2016, I graduated from business school with an idea that I was going to find a role in corporate America, work 9-5 my entire career, and travel as much as I could during my small vacation periods. In 2018, after 2 years of this and some awful experiences working for a large corporate company, I quickly realized my passion for travel was more than just a hobby I could fit into 2 weeks a year and decided to try backpacking for the first time. Read more>>
Auyanna McBride
We teach beginner gardeners how to start, grow, and maintain a beautiful and flourishing garden. Previously, I was just sharing videos on YouTube and Instagram around our home and garden but once COVID hit I saw alot of people panic. The food shelves were empty and at that time no one really knew what to do or what to expect. During this time I saw a dramatic increase on people starting gardens but many got frustrated which contributed to more stress once their garden was not doing what was expected. Read more>>
TANISHA MACKIN
The story behind my mission started when I lost my husband on our one year wedding anniversary to gun violence. He was a victim of a mass shooting in Buffalo, NY in 2010. His death led me to start writing books and encouraging others to share their stories through writing while healing. This has been my mission for many years and my company has helped many people share their testimonies with the world. Read more>>
David Robinson
I started DIGNITY × WORTH apparel in September 2020 to affirm the God-given inherent dignity and worth of humanity, both male and female, and to generate meaningful Christ-centered conversation. The events from 2012 – 2020 concerning Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others reminded me of the historic racialized injustices against African Americans in America. Unfortunately, particular segments of the church have been on the wrong side of history and generally still are hesitant to address this issue, but there are some that are bravely addressing it. Read more>>
Dante Lee
TriumphVictory Limitsnone is a clothing brand that was created in 2016 with the desire to bring people of all races, shapes, and sizes together as one with the realization that we are all created equal. A TriumphVictory is when you have been at a low point in your life and manage to stand on top and become victorious over the situation. Limitsnone is a mental note that no matter how low you are, you have the ability to do anything and everything to get to the top. There are simply no limits to achieving greatness. TriumphVictory is more than just an apparel line. It’s a way of life to be applied to your everyday grind. Read more>>
Hannah Wentworth
For all the years I have been working in photography, I have always felt a call to work with individuals, their points of view, and the desire to be more. I have always felt that need in myself and found that using photography helped me process my own outlook. One day, I was scrolling through Instagram. You know that moment you realize you have been scrolling through for a little too long. Yes, I was there. Well in that same instance, It hit me. Most–if not all–the influencers that I followed used photographers for their posts. This can be hard to spot most times. Read more>>
Donterio Smith
Modern Man Styling, LLC was derived from the concept of offering styling services and fashion education to the modern day person. All too often individuals think that style and fashion are solely about labels and this is far from the truth. We are all individuals and our style contributes significantly to who we are as people. Style speaks for us when we have no words. Read more>>
Angela Byrnes
I first fell in love with picnics while in Prague in 2018. My boyfriend and I picked up a takeaway picnic basket with charcuterie, champagne, and a blanket from a small restaurant and took it to the banks of the Vltava River. We sprawled out alongside the river and enjoyed the delicious food, bubbles, and each other’s company for hours. We spent the whole afternoon talking and laughing until it turned dark. It’s one of my favorite memories together. Read more>>
Leigh Cort
The Hospitality Industry has nurtured me, educated me, comforted and healed me. But mostly, it has encouraged and challenged me to share its riches that nothing else could equal…FRIENDS and associates in the Womens Food Alliance! Beginning the journey as Party Director at the NY C’s distinguished Trump Tower during the 1980s, producing and promoted galas for the international ‘Rich & Famous’ ~ I also became the ‘Party Doctor’ ~ writing and starring on TV for Nabisco & Lifetime TV. Then under the watchful eye of Vincent Sardi, I hosted the show-business crowd in Manhattan at Sardi’s Restaurant. Read more>>
Deantoine Nelson
Plain Clothed Millionaires is a unisex apparel brand desirous to encourage “Interaction With A Purpose” by designing affordable luxury apparel that is “Merchandise With A Message.” We strive to create an appeal through fashion that we never know exactly who we’re interacting with simply by outward appearance, so make each interaction an “Interaction With A Purpose”. What we mean when we say interaction with a purpose is that we hope that not only the sleek designs of our apparel interests those who support us but by those who do support us they are agreeing that they too are forward thinkers, entrepreneurs, or entrepreneurs in the making as well as they believe that they too are just a few deposits away from being a literal Plain Clothed Millionaire. When individuals stop and ask them where did you get that shirt, shorts, hat, shoes, etc. from, our supporters will proudly say Plain Clothed Millionaires, Read more>>
Lisa Scott
LS 100 Percent You is giving you the confidence to fully express your individuality is what we are about; we’ve got all that you need to invent a style that’s all yours. We look out for clothing items that are designed to bring glamour to the most memorable moments of your life, making everyday as extraordinary as you are. Read more>>
Tyana Tibby
In March 2020, Mr. Chris Jackson, my entrepreneurship teacher gave the class an assignment to tackle a global issue. I chose Global Education and decided to raise funds for UNICEF. I hosted a bake sale at a school basketball game that raised $196. I donated these funds to UNICEF. I was planning on donating books to local schools but then the pandemic started and school was out for the rest of the year. Read more>>
Courtlin Murphy
I was in a legal situation back in 2016 that changed EVERYTHING!! Living as a black man in America with 3 serious felony charges was not easy. I experienced getting declined and rejected more times than I can remember, before the charges, that was unheard of for me. After learning how to deal with rejection and being humbled, I was blessed with a job that I was under qualified for at a music school. Read more>>
Beverly BJ” Council”
I started You & Five-O, LLC due to the increased or rather more visible shootings of Black bodies by law enforcement (LE). As member first of the African American community and as someone who worked in and still loves the noble profession of LE I wanted to do something to help the Black community and LE in navigating their interactions and working towards understanding and respecting each other’s perspective in the policing of the many diverse communities across this country. The ability to do that is by understanding each other, which includes at a minimum we are all open to at least hearing each other. Read more>>
Crystal DaCruz
My name is Crystal DaCruz, I’m a first-generation Cape Verdean American and a Providence, Rhode Island native. I’ve always had a passion for writing, cooking and my Cape Verdean culture. I started my blog as a creative outlet in 2019. About a year into starting my blog, I noticed that Cape Verdean recipes were seriously under-represented online and wanted to contribute to the space in an effort to document our culture’s traditions and teach people how to make the dishes that they grew up on. My mission is to bring Cape Verdean comfort food to the table and the overall food scene. Read more>>
Danny Walls
Our company was founded based on our own experience with team building in corporate environment. After experiencing events as participants and organizers there was no offering that was inclusive of everyone, actually fun, and truly achieved our idea of ” team building”. As a husband and wife team, our mission was to fix all of the issues that participants and organizer find when looking for team building events provider. Read more>>
Aa’Reyona Gumby
Above & Beyond Custom Designs started last year. It all started as just a hobby that soon transitioned into a business. It started with simply just Door Mats. And has since expanded to stovetop covers (noodle boards), aprons, apparel, and tumblers. Crafting has been therapeutic during the current uncertainty of the world. Bringing an abundance of peace and enjoyment. Read more>>
Alexea Burrell
Round about bio I’m a green circle certified stylist which means everything will be recycled! For example, Hair clippings will be made into stuffing for animal shelter dog beds! Also, The metal foils repurposed for bike and car parts, which is Only few ways! I specialize in vegan haircare, all curly hair textures, volume in length, manageability through anti frizz keratin treatments, pixie and razor techniques, healthy blonding, styling lessons, etc. Read more>>
Jarom Walz
Have you ever just sat and thought about what freedom really means to you? Is freedom being able to vote for whoever you want? Or being able to say whatever you want? Or when you think of freedom do you think of being able to go wherever you want, to be with whoever you want, and to see whatever you want. This is the kind of freedom we’ve tasted, and we thought it was important enough to share with as many people as we can. It’s such a liberating feeling to know that you have everything you need with you and you’re not tied to a certain place and time. It’s the feeling of looking at a highway sign and saying, “well, we’re already in Houston. Read more>>
Krista Large
Living Large is not only a play on my last name (Large), but it is a lifestyle. Living Large is slang for a very successful and wealthy person. Though we can certainly look at success from a monetary view, we can define the term in several ways because what makes someone successful is subjective to every person. Read more>>
Zachary Moore
I am not sure if this is supposed to be in first person or just a general insight, but here goes! I started a small blog channel with a friend in 2019 with the hope and vision of becoming a full time filmmaker. I turned 30 years old that year and decided it was time to change everything up and chase after what motivated me and scared me. I packed my bags and moved from Mississippi to Florida with three buddies on a hunch and a prayer. Read more>>
Miel and Curtis Herrera
In 2018 Curtis and Miel thought long and hard about how coffee and yerba mate, coming predominantly from Latin countries, are disconnected from their culture. We decided to open Café Corazón and give the bean a voice. After a years seach for a space, being turned down 10 times because everyone we spoke to thought a Latin coffeehouse was a joke, we finally found our space and a landlord who believed in our vision. Read more>>
Damion Alexander
Growing up, I always felt like you were a healthy person if you were eating from the 5 different food groups, regularly exercising and engaging in a healthy lifestyle. But later in life, I discovered there are several different factors that can alter this healthy equation. And some of these factors consist of major health issues, low income, lack of healthy food options, inadequate work-life balance, low self-esteem, depression, etc. And believe it or not, these factors tend to hold many people back from being healthy and staying healthy. Read more>>
Meaghan Walls
My journey with Assistology started with a vision. A vision about how to better meet the needs for unrestricted access to life’s activities for individuals and businesses in our community. I recognized that there was a lack of expertise available to provide the range of services that were needed. And there are a vast number and varied types of needs not being met. Read more>>
Will Roundtree
The story behind my mission is simple. Growing up I was told that we had to follow a system of going to school, getting good grade, find a good job and live happily ever after. I quickly found out that was not the path I wanted to choose for my life. I noticed even before I completed that cycle of “life” very few people who traveled that path had the things I wanted in life. It wasn’t just not having monetary things, they also lacked peace and stability. I looked at it like, you mean to tell me I have to go spend 100k to 200k and come out of school to make 30k to 50k, the numbers didn’t add up. Read more>>
Carnita Jones
In 2010, I started Nu Star Maker Performing Arts & Talent Management Inc. to work with and give back to performance arts creatives who were interested in participating in live performing arts experiences, management booking opportunities and artist training platforms in dance, music and acting. Most of my clients were looking for a program that enhanced their dance skills so, I developed the Mihi Movement Dance Training Method that focuses on dance technique, terminology and injury prevention. Read more>>