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?

Laura Wolff

I got into photography in high school and loved the creative aspect of it – showing people what I saw through the viewfinder. I learned on film and when I transitioned to digital, that is when I found my passion. I played softball at Virginia Tech, so being an Art major wasn’t feasible. Photography was just a portion of the art department among sculpting, drawing, film, and other subjects. Taking those projects on buses and planes for softball trips wasn’t going to work out so I majored in Communications with a concentration in Multimedia Journalism. This allowed me to use all my electives to take photography courses. Read more>>

Murlonda Janelle

I have four nephews and while they were not against reading it was difficult to find books that they could relate to. Most books for young boys centered around animals, toys or super hero’s. While those books are fine I thought it was important that they read books with characters that looked like them everyday. So I created the “Playing With Angels” series focused on teaching them life lessons through sports and used them, my nephews, as the main characters. Once I started vending at book events I noticed there were others who loved having a book that they could share with that special boy in their lives. Read more>>

La Toya James

My Name is La Toya James, and I am owner/operator of “SweeTee Nyammings”, a Caribbean Food Truck, serving dishes native to the Islands of St. Croix, Us Virgin Islands (my birthplace) and Antigua (the birthplace of my parents and where I grew up atan early age). “SweeTee” is a nickname that was given to me by friends and “Nyammings” is a Caribbean dialect for eat or food. Read more>>

Hannah Staib

Since starting Indulge In Art, I have been blessed with a multitude of opportunities. I am very lucky to say that I am a proud vendor at the Charleston City Market and have done multiple pop ups and markets in the surrounding areas in Charleston. Since then I have met so many incredible vendors which have turned into friendships that I cherish this day. I found that there were so many small businesses that emerged out of covid ( Indulge being one of them), but not enough markets out there for businesses to get their foot in the door. Read more>>

Zentavia White

I started Zen Esthetics because I’ve always had a passion for beauty. Although makeup was my first love, skincare quickly grabbed my interest when I accidentally landed in school for skin care instead of makeup. I saw how women were affected by dark spots, wrinkles, acne etc and how makeup became a quick fix and a mask all at once. From there I was determined to start a business that would help Women gain confidence naturally. My mission is to prioritize skincare and use makeup as an option, not a necessity. Read more>>

Carla/Romi Zuñiga/Imbelli

Romi and I started our podcast out of an EFF IT moment we are both going through. We both need change and do something that is more impactful than what we have been doing. At first, she and I were going to do beauty tutorials together (she’s a makeup artist and I am a hairdresser). But, that just didn’t call to our hearts. So, we just started talking about this mental shift we were both having and started wondering if there were other moms out there that have gone through the same thing and thought, “Wouldn’t be nice to hear from other moms going through the same thing? And that’s how we thought of our podcast. Read more>>

Chi-Chi Emezie

When it comes to my brand’s mission, it is simply “Bridging the gap of providing high quality products, at an affordable price.” The beauty industry at times can be really expensive when it comes to makeup and skincare. There are many individual’s out there who would like to try high quality beauty products, but may not have the resources to do so. I took note of the following and wanted to create a beauty line that has the prices of drugstore but provided exceptional quality like high end. Read more>>

Emily Westenberegr

My mission is to build a fashion brand that empowers people, not only the clients but also individuals working within the business. My promise is to be transparent in my process of making and selling goods and always be personable to my clientele to make sure they know they are heard and getting the help they need to feel their best selves. Fashion is a tool and should also be fun. As a leader, I promise to lead with compassion and honesty. I want to give those that I am leading the opportunity to be creative, learn, and grow. Read more>>

Chad Bourquin

I grew up dreaming of playing music professionally. It’s all I thought about. I practiced 2-7 hours a day. Then one day while having the college discussion with my parents, I remember the statement, you can’t do that, you need a back up plan. I didn’t agree with that, and made a decision to go for it. However, after five years of touring full time, a key member left the group I was in and instead of doubling down on my music path, I begin to think that maybe a “backup” plan” was in order. Read more>>

Catherine Gross

For over half of my life, I’ve created jewelry with the idea no other person would own the exact same piece. My passion for jewelry making came at an early age, along with a fondness of “rocks”, which manifested into a hefty collection of handmade earrings and gemstones. Read more>>

Leslie Lovell

Often life presents opportunities that were not on your radar. It seems to happen when you put things out in the universe and are open to answers or suggestions. I believe that is what has led my journey in life and certainly to open Roots Up Gallery. Read more>>

Kara Long

When I was little, verbal storytelling was really important in my family. Both of my parents read to me every night. My dad and my Aunt Pat, both teachers and writers, told me stories and encouraged me to write. My dad and I would sit out on our front porch during thunderstorms, and he’d teach me about the relationship of thunder and lightning and make up stories about two young girls my age who went on these adventures and camping trips. I had a happy, vibrant childhood. Read more>>

Bernai Brown-Holman

After being frustrated for years with how my body felt and looked, I did a deep dive into fitness by doing a bodybuilding competition. The experience completely altered my entire lifestyle from what I ate to the way I moved and understoo dmy body! Read more>>

Kanoshia

To assist people on their journeys toward health and wellness, I created my small business. Ora Cosmetics is my hand extended in peace to assist my customers in fully reuniting with their bodies, minds, and souls! I suffered from severe hair loss in 2017 as a result of PCOS. The prevalent illness known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) alters how a woman’s ovaries function. As a professional cosmetologist, I have observed numerous instances of general hair loss, alopecia, and stress shedding. Read more>>

Xander Wynn

“Your time is limited, so do not waste it living someone else’s life. Do not be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.” – Steve Jobs. This quote accurately depicts parts of my life and the struggles I have run into along the way. Read more>>

Sierra Mays

Black Roses is a salon where we provide an exceptional experience. Customer service is our top priority. When we think of black roses we think of something that is dead and no longer of value. At Black Roses Salon my mission is to revitalize and give life to every customer I meet by giving them an amazing hairstyle which promotes confidence. We also have a great retail line of Satin Bonnets, Wigs, Growth oil and so much more.. Read more>>

Caitlin Miller

I launched my freelance editorial business earlier in 2022 because, as an indie author, I’ve realized how difficult it can be to find an editor who can work within your limited budget. Publishing is expensive, and it takes time to earn your money back before you begin to make a profit. I really felt a strong call to start my editing business and to be that editor that people can find who offers affordable services and does professional quality work. Read more>>

Jacquara Graham

For someone who has suffered from anxiety and still struggles with, I found that lighting candles has helped relaxed my mind and calmed my spirit. My love for candles and the affect they have on me initiated the conversation to start the business. I hope to reach those who have the same love and appreciation for candles as I do. Read more>>

Danaee Schrock

Charmed. has been a dream of mine for years now. I wants Charmed. to be a quaint, charismatic and friendly neighborhood restaurant that is known for its exceptional service, full-flavored food, and welcoming vibe. At Charmed. everything is ruled by taste, and the goal is to make extraordinary food that tastes good from start to finish. Read more>>

Connie Weller

Many moons ago I created a personal mantra, inhale goodness, exhale kindness. I found myself getting sucked into a negativity wormhole between social media and a very stressful corporate job. I knew there was a lot of good around me and if I just focused on that, it would benefit me and my family. My family and I began doing random acts of kindness and posting them on social media. Read more>>

Alina Alam

I think food is a great way to connect and creates a common bond. I want connect to people through my food content. Read more>>

Dr. Tavara Johnson

My desire has always been to equip individuals. As I’ve evolved over the years, so has my area of interest but my mission has remained the same, which is to equip others. I’m currently training, coaching and equipping leaders (new, aspiring, emerging as well as current supervisors and managers) in organizations. Looking throughout the scope of leadership, Read more>>

Ashley Blain

ZenLuxCo is a company who advocates for women to prioritize themselves more. We are big on selfcare and pampering for women and girls of all ages and walks of life, and sell a variety of products, host spa day events, and have our own wellness series. The overall mission of my business is to promote women empowerment and provide practical solutions to ultimately help women and girls be their best selves and present their best foot forward. Read more>>

Melanie Kizine

The story behind my mission is simple. I want to be to others who I didn’t have during my journey as Mom of a child with a diagnosis. Read more>>

Sherry Lopez

When I started this boutique with casual chick and premium athleisurewear, my mission was to carefully curate quality styles that will appeal to the fashion needs of my clients. To provide them with comfortable, flattering styles that will make them feel as beautiful as they look. Read more>>

Roxanne Dixon

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Louisiana and I was forced to evacuate with my then 12-year-old daughter to another location. Since we had never visited Atlanta, we decided to travel here because in our minds we thought we would be returning to New Orleans in a few days. Unbeknownst to us, the levies broke and what should have been a few days away from home turned into 17 years in a new environment with no family, no friends, no home, and no way of sustaining life. BUT GOD! Read more>>

Trevion Knight

Conilan is a skincare business whose mission is to help millions of men and women gain confidence back in their body so they are happy within and without. The reason I created Conilan is so that all different people in the world can have a sense of relief that when you use my products all of your insecurities that you have with your body will be pass you so that you can live a more happy and free life with no insecurities about your body because when I was younger I had insecurities about the acne Read more>>

Stacey Smith

My name is Stacey and I am a mother of 4 and a mom and Auntie to many. Received my BSW from Alvernia College (PA) & UMUG (MD). I’ve been a lover and grower of plants and food since I could do it. I was always the kid playing in the dirt. During my childhood and some of my adulthood afforded me the experiences of surviving through child molestation, sexual assault and domestic violence. Read more>>

Tarek Muhammad

My entire life I was the “funny kid”. Growing up and in school, I even won “funniest student “ in my high school . Telling jokes and entertaining people was always something I loved to do even though I was really an introvert. I never went to parties , or really did much with others but when I had any type of platform , I love to entertain. Read more>>

Rodrigo Fernandini

My mission is to spread the culture and gastronomy of peru to the world Read more>>

Dawn Higgins

My mission as a photographer has been to learn and grow and capture memories along the way. Read more>>

Andrea Moore

Hey there passion-infused readers… My name is Andrea Moore and the founder of Her Legacy Network. Her Legacy Network, more fondly known by friends as HLN, is an organization we began because I kept meeting women from varying cultures, demographics, and ages around the world that were passionate about doing great things, but then “life” would happen. Read more>>

COSE TDS

My primary mission is to inspire others through my life’s experiences. I have been able to overcome many obstacles in my life in which I know that as I continue to work towards my aspirations l can continue to be an example for others going through similar challenges . Read more>>

Candace Christian

The story behind your mission should always push you to keep going in those cloudy moments! Read more>>

Yaneth Gonzalez

“The mustard seed of Faith is Truth” God made us limitless. No one can hold you back from your dreams but you. Read more>>

JESSICA MOORE

The mission behind my story is to help others become financially stable ! Read more>>

Kowanda S

I am a serial entrepreneur ceo of a few businesses owner of Focused Transportation, Focused Transportation is based out of Atlanta Ga which is a transportation business the Services we offer is Freight Dispatching .Where we dispatch freight for truck drivers , also offer classes such as Freight Dispatch Training , box truck coaching , cargo van coaching & more . Read more>>

Tavon Brooks

My name is Tavon Brooks and I am a licensed realtor in the state of Missouri registered with Cowell Baker Realty Gundaker. Currently, I have practiced real estate consulting for about a year and a half. I was inspired to become a realtor by my partner at the time. She was a realtor and thought that I could become an excellent realtor. Prior to being a realtor, I was in the hospitality and music industry. I created SmoothLight Production LLC. Read more>>

Troy Bolden

Our dream started on a Louisiana working sugarcane plantation in the late 1970s. Our journey from two little boys running on a Sugarcane plantation transformed into two adult men running a successful Cajun seasoning operation is the result of an amazing story. After leaving the plantation in the early 80s, we move to a small community on the Cajun Coast called Glencoe. Read more>>

Octavia Burney

Octavia Burney is a creator from being an author writing poetry and children’s books to a burn survivor. At an earlier age I loved reading and writing when I wasn’t outside climbing trees with my brother. I believe reading allows your imagination to flourish and create ideas. As a lover of words and creativity I started my business Lilly Moní we do a variety of things from book drives, ghostwriting, sewing, embroidery and even designing. Read more>>

Danielle DiBlasi

The mission of Casa Figlia is to provide a beautiful and uniquely scented candle collection that highlights the beauty of my hometown, Baltimore, Maryland as well as other locations around the world. Casa Figlia candles contribute to overall wellness by doing more than just smelling fantastic – they are as gorgeous to look at as they are to smell, which adds to the decor and ambiance of your home. Many of our candles have accompanying playlists, which help enhance the vibe. Additionally, Casa Figlia candles are all non-toxic, contain no carcinogens or mutagens and bring no harmful ingredients into our homes. Read more>> 

OG Johnnymack

Around 2013 I was working with Lou Kang on being an independent artist then we decided to start a label called City Boi Entertainment which included some the hottest artist around town we had a mission to bring the city together knowing St. Louis is a small market we knew without a huge budget we needed a huge loyal support system with bringing multiple popular artists from different neighborhoods Read more>>