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?

Morgan Bock

Ever since I was little, I always felt like an outsider, I never really felt like there was a place I belonged. I want to create a space where people felt like they could be themselves without feeling judged. We all need a space where we can be our creative, weird, beautiful selves. Read more>>

Peter & Lucy Perez

Sometimes I would like the story of my mission to be more commercial, but in this case it is not. The truth is that before everything made sense to me I just wanted to take different photos. That’s all. One day in a photo reveal I will prepare the slideshow to present the photos to the client, there are two more girls and the client. They all began to scream with emotion when they saw the photos and she began to cry, gave me a hug and said thank you. Read more>>

Katie Jackman

Recently we walked through yet another loss. Our third loss since starting a family. But loosing our son Crew at 16 weeks has changed our hearts and mission towards our small business. Creating keepsakes to honor those who walk through pregnancy and infant loss has been an honor. We feel the same sadness, we have experienced the similar pain. We strive to create memorable items that can impart a bit of joy or peace to each parent who has to walk through the devastating journey of grief. Our items are handmade, handcrafted, uniquely designed. Read more>>

Diana Vasquez

When I started my journey of facilitating sound healing I found it really difficult to find places in Jacksonville that I could host my group events. I also found a lack of places that offered alternative modalities such as: group meditations, cacao ceremonies, sound healing with reiki and such. Jacksonville was over all lacking in the alternative modalities, I really felt called to created a welcoming space that allowed facilitators to come share their magic AS well as exposing our community to new alternative experiences. Read more>>

Emily Blackford.

I got married in July of 2018 shortly after graduating college. I was entering a phase of my life where everything was changing and, to be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I graduated with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in journalism and I knew I wanted to do something creative. I had loved photography from a young age which grew to taking a photography class in college and pursuing a career that involved photography was always tucked in the back of my mind. It was a little dream that was all mine that I had not shared with anyone. Read more>>

Travis Corley

My mission has always been to help independent artists achieve their goals without financially crippling them. I started out in the music industry hosting a podcast called “Agitate the Airwaves.” Our goal was to shine a light on underground, independent artists, their music and their stories alongside more established artists. during that time, we were being pressured by our network to charge local artists for interviews, but we stood strong and to this day have never charged for an interview, no matter what opportunity was attached to it. Read more>>

Quanesha Anderson.

The mission of She Still Persisted is, “to heal and empower women by eradicating poverty, improving mental health, and boosting self-esteem through community outreach, educational programs, and mentorship”. Founded at a time in my life where I was healing from my childhood traumas, being forced out of a business partnership, grieving from the untimely death of a dear friend who lost her life to suicide and fighting childhood cancer with my five-year-old son. Read more>>

Andrew Fleckenstein

At Aerodef Productions, we are driven by our passion to help couples in love document one of the biggest days in their lives. We’ve coined the tagline, “Making Life Unforgettable” and it really boils down to just cementing a hand crafted wedding film onto video. A wedding day itself flies by really fast and there are so many moments big and small that a couple may not remember or get to experience first hand on their day. Read more>>

Elizabeth Brkich.

Heavens to Betsy, an award-winning family-owned specialty preserves company in Winter Park, Florida, recently celebrated its ninth anniversary of “spreading the love”. Founded in the fourth quarter of 2011, Heavens to Betsy looks back over the past ten years and has many more plans for its eleventh year of operations. Read more>>

Maranda Morgan

As a young girl I always dreamed of having my own magazine. I always had subscriptions to all the top magazines. I loved reading the articles, seeing the new fashion and of course the boy band posters were a plus! As I got older I continued to have a interest in creativity, photography and sharing someone’s amazing story. Years later in 2016 I created PINK GANG Magazine. My mission is to uplift and congratulate hard working “good people” in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Maria Carter

I started cooking & baking because of my grandmother. I have always been in the kitchen since a little girl. I was diagnosed with cancer almost 9 years ago, my grandmother passed almost 3 years ago and I just had surgery 1 month ago. The reason I started my business was to help people like me who didn’t have a lot of money that the dispensaries want. My passion for cooking comes from within, I think it was passed from my grandmother because I’m really the only one that will get in the kitchen like her. Read more>>

Charyl Williams

Adorn With Charyl is an online jewelry boutique offering boldness and beauty to sweeten your style on Zoom or in any room. The mission of Adorn With Charyl is to help others embrace courage and embrace the opportunity to celebrate their own individuality, strength, and beauty, substantially transforming life as they know it. Read more>>

Brigette Ivy.

I was worked in corporate America for over 15 years. I was absolutely miserable. It lead to me actually having to go to therapy for work-place induced anxiety. I knew that I couldn’t continue I was very unhappy from the moment I clocked in until my shift was over. The funniest part thinking back was how happy I was 1 minute after I would get off work . I prayed for a change .My prayers were answered. Read more>>

Ebony Thyme

Hello my name is Ebony Thyme. I am a full time Locum Tenen Nurse Practitioner also known as a Travel Nurse Practitioner. I am also a full time travel content creator. Life wasn’t always this way. I was raised by an immigrant father from Jamaica and lived in the south Bronx with my two brothers. My dad always stressed education as a key to success. Being a daughter of a immigrant father, I felt like I couldn’t let my dad down. Read more>>

Amber Fudge

There are so many reasons why I have a love for travel blogging. I started a travel blog called, “Amber Sandiego”, earlier this year that I am truly proud of. My love for travel began as a child because I was obsessed with geography. I’d constantly study maps (countries, states & capitals) and was so fascinated to know there was a bigger world out there. Not to mention, I wanted to be on the 90s PBS Kids tv show, “Carmen Sandiego”, growing up seeing that my family and friends can never locate me, hence fitting to my brand name. Read more>>

Ashlee Carroll.

When I started The Mantel, I knew that the main goal and mission for this business would be to make a connection with people and keep history alive. To spark a memory from one’s childhood, find that oddity that has been longed for, or take the anxiety out of decorating a home. A home is a sacred place and it should look and feel as such. That is why I started The Mantel, to make home decor more than just an object purchased but rather to tell a story and bring happiness and fulfillment in knowing that when you purchase from me you’re breathing life back into lost and forgotten treasures. Read more>>

Akenah Walker

The mission statement of Stormy Sweet Creations intends to serve lovers of sweets and treats, event planners, party throwers, and worldwide customers who enjoy decorative, delicious desserts. Stormy Sweet Creations is based on the beginnings of ancestorial recipes that were past down from generation to generation with hopes that my business will continue the passing of my family’s recipes and more. Read more>>

Jade Hughes

The mission and story behind Lip Ishhh Cosmetics goes back since my younger days. Growing up. I witnessed career oriented and fashionable women in my family wear the most beautiful makeup colors. Every cosmetics product they used with color. added an extra spunk to their look, and extra confidence. When I became of age to wear vibrant, bold, and unique colors associated with makeup. that’s when my love for cosmetics became evident. Read more>>

Anita Wilson

My husband was diagnosed with diverticulitis approximately eight years ago and gluten was one of his flare triggers. Needless to say, gluten-free product options back then were sparse especially for deserts! So I needed to learn how to cook and bake gluten-free. The first dessert that I was able to perfect was my gluten-free pecan pie bread pudding. I tweaked and changed a standard recipe to be gluten free. That began my gluten-free baking. Within the last three years, I have been able to bake gluten-free deserts where just about no one can tell the difference. If they can tell the difference, the favor pops so well they do not care if it’s glute-free! Read more>>

Samantha Davis-Croft

The story behind my mission (Women of Entrepreneurship LLC) is to continue to work to inspire all ages of women around the world in their personal and entrepreneurial lives. I stand with supporting women coming from all different races, backgrounds, regions, and cultures on their success journeys. Through our collaborative, innovative, and empowering network, we offer guidance, support, and instructions to both help their journeys exciting and fuel their love and passion for personal careers and business. Read more>>

Joyce Conley

I have always known I wanted to be an educator. As a little girl, I played school with my friends, I was a leader on my athletic teams, my parents were both educators. Once I became a teacher, I knew I wanted to have a greater impact. I needed to get out of my classroom and work with the adults in the building. That was the way I saw myself impacting more children. My journey into administration wasn’t exciting or compelling, it was a typical journey; work hard, feel disappointment, keep trying; get disappointed again. It was my first year as an assistant principal where I had to make a decision, stay or go. Read more>>

Raymond Li

Li’s Dim Sum was formulated by Chef Li in Miami, FL during a time were everything was closed due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. We had a great response from the community and eventually moved into a temporary pop up space which thrived for about 4 months gaining local news attention until I closed it. After closing, Chef Raymond Li went to open Tropezón on espanola way with Lost Boy & Co and after shaping the kitchen & menu at Kaori in brickell. Read more>>

Brittany Campbell.

My mission for Strengthening Transformations Inc. comes courtesy of the life that God gave to me and the trials and tribulations that came along with it. When I was seventeen I was blessed with the life changing responsibility of becoming the mother of my “Sonshine, ’’ Caleb. My life began that day, everything I have achieved and continue to accomplish is motivated by him. Being a teen mother opened my eyes to so many situations that women and girls like myself went through on a daily basis. Read more>>

Angela Frazier

Sisters in Public Health (SIPH) was established in 2017 as an association to promote self-care amongst women at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, Texas. The goal was to create a safe and empowering environment to talk about being a woman in leadership, self-care, breaking down barriers and overcoming life’s challenges. The ultimate goal at the time was to have this space for women on campus to come together to fellowship. SIPH still serves the same purpose – just bigger, we are now doing this nationwide. Read more>>

Tru Marshall

I always found it hard for people to listen and understand my plight. I wanted to create a platform for people like me, who didn’t have a place to talk about uncomfortable situations. I didn’t have a platform to voice my issues and struggles. TruTalk is just that! A place for individuals to talk about their experiences without judgement. A place to get motivation. For people to have a “voice wrapped in love”. Read more>>

Tessa Benziger.

Walking Lightly grew out of my own frustration with plastic packaging. The more I was learning about the realities of recycling, the more I realized that recycling really needs to be a last resort. Pre-pandemic, I was able to get most of our groceries plastic-free, but I struggled with home and body goods. I didn’t want to manage a bunch of subscriptions (or weigh the carbon footprint of that), Read more>>

Danasha Simmons

Growing up I was the youngest of my siblings and the only girl. I was raised with a hustler mentality. My dad would always reiterate to us “You can’t be lazy. You can’t succeed like that.” til this day, I live by that. Very early on, I knew I wanted to have a business of my own. I’ve always been independent and found satisfaction in accomplising my own perosnal goals. Like the late Nipsey Hussle said, “I don’t want no help ain’t no fun in that.” In 2016 I graduated college with my degree, a year later I opened my first business” LoreneSzn”. Read more>>

Inez Ribustello

The Mission of TBC: Tarboro Brewing Company believes that creating exemplary craft beer and meaningful partnerships across the region will make us a national model for breweries in small, rural communities. We are invested in revitalizing Eastern North Carolina. Our team, our supporters and our neighbors drive our success. Read more>>

Alton Thacker.

While on a humanitarian trip to Mexico we had a box of little wood toys that were were handing out to children. Cheryl, Alton’s wife, watched a little girl inspect every part of the car and figure out how it worked. Then she put her finger in the window hole and hugged the car and smiled. She said, “Wow! Did you see that?” We need more toys. So we went to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Center and asked them what the need for toys was. They told us that there are over 500 million children in the world who have never had a toy. So we said we need to make toys and we did! Read more>>

Todd Taylor

I’ve been in sales, marketing, and video production for over 30 years and have watched the media landscape change tremendously. My business career started in North Hollywood, California, when I went to work in a retail, office products, xerox copy, and printing company right out of high school. By the time I was twenty-one, I’d become the vice president of that company. At age 23, my entrepreneurial journey began when I launched my first business. Although I was successful in servicing my clients and making a lot of money, I lacked the discipline and guidance to keep things going. Couple that with the fact that I was working and partying seven days a week it had become apparent that I couldn’t continue down this road if I wanted to make it to 25. So, I planned a one-year sabbatical and moved across the country to York, Pennsylvania, where I ended up staying for over 27 years. Read more>>

Maypop

Maypop was founded on a mission of mindful operations and community education. Through transparent business practices, eco-friendly partners, and passionate staff, Maypop is incorporating and instilling a deep love and understanding of social and environmental sustainability into its community. Read more>>

Megan Jewell

Our mission is to provide affordable houseplants to help alleviate the stress of a new plant parent or that plant you’ve always wanted, but weren’t sure you could handle the care just yet. Plants are supposed to be fun & be a stress reliever. By providing plants at an affordable cost I believe it helps take some of the potential pressure off. When I first started the houseplant hobby the price of houseplants were drastically lower & have steadily risen since it’s popularity during the height of COVID-19. Read more>>

KB Williams

When I was a kid, I had a detrimental streak of perfectionism that I didn’t realize was a problem. I adopted a bad habit of quitting things if I wasn’t immediately THE BEST at whatever the “thing” was. My siblings were both incredibly talented, with clear visions of what they wanted to do with their lives. All I had was a lot of pent-up frustration, as I was always seemingly misunderstood. Being adopted and one of the few black kids in an overwhelmingly white community was lonely and brought a lot of pressure I didn’t know what to do with. I didn’t have an outlet, so that frustration and hurt festered into a heavy depression and anxiety that I would carry with me into adulthood. Read more>>

Carrie Carter.

As a young child growing up in a small community, I invested time in the elderly population and enjoyed singing to them to encourage their hearts. I loved seeing their hearts glad and had a deep passion for our community as they were the foundation of faith, resilience, and love. As time progressed, so did my desire to serve. Read more>>

Gabi Odebode

I believe in inclusivity and representation. This how my mission started regarding the business that I co-founded. I realized at some point that African food specifically West African food was not represented in the main stream food industry compared to other cultural dishes. For this reason I made it my mission to get African food outside my community. I wanted to introduce people to African food. For this reason I started teaching different cooking classes in different areas in Ohio where I introduced people to certain African (West) cuisines. Read more>>

Iesha McCants-Butler

I began Business Women In Detroit Facebook group in Jan. of 2021 I wanted to create a safe space for women like myself who are mothers wives sisters grandmothers aunts and business women because we all wear many hats. We all can relate with each other on many different things in life that’s going on and on a daily basis. I wanted to be the vessel to connect and bring ladies together to help each other be of support and possibly collaborate and build together. Read more>>

Regina Lum

Growing up, I did dance, cheerleading and music. I loved doing all of these activities because it helped me gain confidence, build community, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. It taught me self-motivation, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. I feel like all these skills learned was a huge factor in helping me be successful in school and in life! I didn’t understand how and why these activities helped me in those ways then, I just knew it did! Read more>>