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?

Megan Hamm

The mission behind my business, The Sassarita is to help people feel confident and sassy in what they wear everyday. At a young age I loved playing dress up and would often be found designing my own outfits for my Barbie’s. As time wondered on, a new passion for helping people grew. I found myself helping friends and family members choose outfits for various occasions in their lives. Renting out my own clothes was a frequent occurrence. I chose a career in teaching but would spend my free time shopping for my sisters and friends, never thinking I could reach a wider range of clients. Read more>>

JuNene K

Muhimu may look like it’s a bit difficult to pronounce (moo-hee-moo). It means essential in Swahili. Essential things needed for life are food, water, air, sleep and shelter but it’s our responsibility as individuals to use those things wisely. My company Muhimu Oils simply translates as Essential Oils. The reason behind this was 2 fold. I wanted to introduce the approach of saying something another way which translated for me into doing things another way. Read more>>

Jennifer Cronjé

Our mission is to help grow the sport of pickleball rooted in community and inclusivity. The sentiment that the world of sports and fitness are exclusively for young, fit, wealthy & able-bodied people is false. Pickleball is a recreational sport that transcends that notion. Pickleball is for everybody – no matter what that body is. Read more>>

Frank Vomero

Our mission is to provide an open space for people to explore and master their highest potential. We offer a space for people to come work hard and recover gracefully. The conscious combination of mindfulness and fitness is the perfect balance to the polarizing lives we all live. Offering indoor cycling as our masculine power-driven workout and group sound bath meditations which offer a more feminine approach to rest and recover, CYCLE SEVEN covers the full spectrum of wellness, Read more>>

Stephanie Garrison

The Balance Culture is a women’s fitness studio that offers group classes in yoga, pilates, barre, bootycamp, strength training, endurance training, HIIT and stretch. We are a place to empower women mentally, physically and emotionally. We believe every community of women is a community of strength. When you walk through the threshold of our doors you feel a sense of worth, empowerment, safety, power and purpose. Our goal is more than the physical, it is to equip women mentally, emotionally and physically to be the best woman they can be! We are strong, we are beautiful, we are capable, we are enough, we are limitless! The world needs who we were created to be! Read more>>

Ashia Amavè

When I quit my job, I thought I was quitting to model but what I was really doing was taking a 7-year course in how to get back to myself & unlearn everything I thought I was supposed to be doing. Even in modeling, I still had an employee mindset, looking to be told what to do, what was best for me & work for the company that paid me the most. It wasn’t until 2 years ago that it dawned on me that modeling was actually my first experience with entrepreneurship, not the company I have now. There are so many creatives who are having a similar experience as mine. Although they work a creative and freelance job, they have a corporate mindset & approach to it. Read more>>

Riji Raja

When my husband and I were homeless for 2 years until 2019, we had to navigate through depression and anxiety on our own as we couldn’t afford a therapist or a life coach. Hence, as a DIY, we would declare customized-to-our-situation affirmations and follow through with actions that would help uplift us mentally and emotionally. This positive mindset is also how we were able to transition out of homelessness, and ever since then, I had always wanted to use my story to make a difference for the underserved and disadvantaged young adults facing homelessness and mental health issues. In 2020, after we were laid off due to COVID-19, I founded Affirmation Darling, a social impact stationery & wellness brand. Read more>>

Madison Stringfellow

Based in: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA As a professional photographer, my mission is to create value in individual lives, brands, and businesses. With Madison Stringfellow Portraits LLC, I take you through a full boutique experience with the end product being your custom luxury artwork. I am with you from the consultation to the placement of your artwork in your home, serving you through this entire experience! When I started my portrait business several years ago, it was a drive-thru photo session experience. “Here’s your digital gallery. Goodbye, friends! Good luck creating things with your photos!” Read more>>

Veronica N. Chapman

I am the author of children’s books, “I Know I Can!” and “King Khalid is PROUD.” I published my first children’s book in 2015 to address the dearth of children’s books with Black representation. Often my customers would ask me how they could find other Black children’s books. Unfortunately, the authors I knew didn’t have a platform where I could direct them. After receiving this question multiple times, I launched the Black Baby Books Instagram account. Read more>>

Dana Zigler

Zigler Hair Designs is definitely classified as a mission driven company. Driven by the simplicity of uplifting and strengthening the beauty in everyone. We are all so different- and that is what makes us beautiful! The mission is to empower each individual by strengthening one’s confidence to overcome whatever life throws our way. Read more>>

Samantha Buck

I grew up knowing I was more sensitive than other people, but for most of my life, I tried to push it down. As the only girl of eight grandchildren, with a grandfather who was loving but believed in very traditional gender roles, I found myself believing that sensitivity was “weak”. So for years, I was determined to prove to the world that I wasn’t sensitive, and that being a woman wouldn’t stop me from doing what I wanted. I resisted many things that are considered feminine and chose jobs that were physically challenging and male-dominated. Read more>>

BEDDRU

My business is art-fed. Therefore, creativity is unquestionably the societal value I support through my company mission.. When I look at the model society aks us to conform, “the” values to achieve, I mean those ones we are really supposed to focus on, power and success appear to be on top of the list. Are they really essential? I do not think so. Curiosity, creativity and compassion are, for me, way more important. Through my art, I try to represent societal motifs to reduce gaps related to gender, race, and time. Read more>>

Brittney Williams

My mission is to provide premium marketing, branding and design services to small businesses and startups needing to take their businesses to the next level and stand out amongst the crowd. The story behind my mission comes from my years in corporate, where I both worked and managed various marketing departments during those years. I had the pleasure to work on some great accounts for big/well-known brands who had mass budgets to get great marketing for their brand, services, and products. Read more>>

Ivy McNeil

The Dragon Boat Club at ASU is an organization represented by a wide ethnic variety of people that share a common interest. The club offers both competitive and leisure forms of dragon boat racing and is committed to promoting physical and emotional well-being. The team strives to enhance a cross-cultural understanding and awareness of Asian and Asian-American culture while encouraging a passion for the sport. Read more>>

Annie Grijalva

Creators Who Hustle We are an experiential educational platform designed for emerging creatives in the world of likes. Through our experience in the world of influencer marketing, we have noticed that our community of creator’s makes a simple and circular transition path that includes becoming a freelancer, founder and funder. Although there is no strict order of these roles (and they’re often done simultaneously nowadays) Read more>>

Malika Davis

My story is a story I hope can inspire others for many years to come. Growing up I was in and out of trouble & as I became a adult I started to be in and out of jail. While in jail I met me mentor who saved my life, then later inspired me to change my life. His name is Carl Hicks. Carl was an ex addict & drug dealer. After turning his life around he had dedicated the rest of his life to his community. Which led him to become a volunteer at the jail I was currently being hold at , at that time. Read more>>

Richard Burnett Jr

My mission is to be more than a well-crafted watch, it’s to continue to create a lifestyle built on the principle of succeeding beyond measure and breaking through limitations, in style. It is extremely meaningful to me because the birth of R. Burnett Brand happened abruptly. I was fired from my position a week after incorporating my business. That took a toll on me and was at my lowest. It was a choice between sinking in sorrow or swimming for glory when God decided to subtract distractions from his life for optimal focus on His plans. Read more>>

Alexis Cee

As a child, I enjoyed experiences where worlds met. I was always intrigued by television shows’ crossover episodes and different forms of parody. I’ve always felt that those creations brought people with contrasting interests, ages, ethnicities, etc., together. Whether my work is visual, sound, or touch, I strive to do the same with my work. Read more>>

Lacey Salas

The official mission of Oil of Pearls is, “Self-care is an act of self-love. This truth can have an impact on how we view ourselves both inside and out. Our mission and journey will empower others to find the true meaning of self-love.” Something that I’ve always said and will continue to say is, “The journey always leads back to you.” With everything that is being thrown at us daily, in an overstimulated world, it’s important to know yourself and choose yourself first. The person who taught me this was my Mother. Read more>>

Gamesia Tate

The main mission of my brand is to not only inspire others who look like me, but to help give them the confidence to take that leap of faith and take on their dreams. This is meaningful to me because being a black woman, we have to work a little harder for our accomplishments. “Society” can be very cruel at times on top of the continued racism that we face on a daily basis. I want to show that we can still thrive amongst all the negativity as long as you stay focused, stay positive, and be consistent. Read more>>

Brooke Westlake

WOMEN IN CANNABIS EXPO MISSION STATEMENT Providing a place for women to come together to network to their fullest potential in the cannabis industry. Let’s connect, inspire and learn together. Brooke led a successful 20-year professional career in healthcare in both the public and private sector. The last 10 years of her healthcare career included business development/management, leadership, client retention, regulation, compliance, contract creation, negotiations, new product development, implementation, marketing, social media, and spokesperson/ambassador. Read more>>

Brechel Londro

My mission is to empower women and men with the love of Zumba that will provide accessible fitness with out strain and sacrifice just the pure joy of a party In 2016 I was told by doctors I would be place on medicine for Anxiety and HighBlood Pressure in mid 30’s of age I was shock Thought I was fine just kept alot of headaches always tired and in need of rest So I decided to set new goals and try new things where I found the love for zumba while attending zumba classes Not only did Zumba help me to lose weight, tone my muscles it also lower the risk of heart disease, reduce my blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and it boost good cholesterol as well
Just by having fun Read more>>

Amanda Greene

Helping others to DeClutter, Deep clean and Organize their space creates a starting point. Some many people suffer from depression, bondage, daily life events, my help shows them that theirs light at the end of their tunnel. Our homes are our peace, relaxation place, and sanity, there’s no better feeling then to utilize your space, cleaniness and free of clutter. Read more>>

Delia LaJeunesse

I started Subvert Art Consulting, in short, because the art world has failed. My name is Delia, my company sets out to help clients find art for their homes that they truly resonate with, and facilitate a culture of new art collectors who are engaged and empowered to do it differently. I have loved art since I was a young child, but struggled to really get art, to feel comfortable with art up until a few years ago. I had to come face to face with my own discomforts and fears around speaking about art, interpreting art and employing art as a resource in my daily life. I developed methods and practices for myself, which I now teach to clients, to overcome these hangups, and get to where I am today. Read more>>

Princess Heath

Behind every business is a reason, and behind every mission is a story, My brand started when I realized my mom was suffering from thinning hair, and I knew was my mom loves her hair and she would love to keep it. So before her medical diagnosis came about I was working on the oil. I had to do my research and process of elimination. Once the oil was created it was to late her diagnosis came in, so my mom cut off all her hair and decided to rock a bald head, So instead of me scrapping the idea I started using the oil on my kids hair, Read more>>

Alycia Moreno

I founded Grace Rising with the conviction that every person, business, and organization possesses their own exceptional grace that can be captured and shared in a way that elevates and communicates their unique persona and message. The idea originated from my passion for producing editorial-style visuals that evoke emotions in the viewer. Drawing on my experience in sales and marketing, along with a thorough comprehension of harnessing social platforms for ultimate success, Grace Rising has evolved into a media enterprise devoted to supporting our clients in achieving their objectives and triumphing in their respective fields. Read more>>

 

Queen Thomas

I started Queen’s Beauty Services LLC (QBS) in 2019 as an outlet for Black people to trust with skincare services and products. I, personally, experienced ingrown hair and blackhead outbreaks and those were the main focus of the business starting out. My mission was to start open conversations about ingrown hair and blackheads, dig into the stress, embarrassment & stereotypes about ingrown hairs and blackheads and lastly, to provide solutions and products to help cure those skin impurities. QBS partnered with other Black Owned businesses to source out body butters, skin scrubs, etc. I wanted to create a product and space for brown skin to thrive. Read more>>

Amanda Desena

Many, if not all, photographers will say that each individual photo is capable of telling a story. For me personally, the entire mission behind my work is to showcase how a concert can make people feel so connected to one another. Prior to becoming a photographer, I was a dedicated fan that attended many concerts across different cities and states. While doing so, I realized how important it was to have photos and videos to remember the event by. It was important that I could remember a time where I felt as though I truly fit in with those who had a similar liking. This is ultimately what caused me to pursue concert photography. Read more>>

Sujata Singh

I am an accountant by profession. 5 years ago, having been a stay at home parent for 10+ years and thinking that I wanted to get back into workforce, I started looking at different job options available. Nothing really appealed to me. As luck would have it, when I was having drinks with my husband one evening, an out of town person at the bar asked us if we knew of a good Indian restaurant in town. He traveled here often for work, but found the Indian food scene to be lacking. I jokingly said “well, my kitchen of course”. Read more>>

Chrishauna DiShel

Lockdowns were tough for everyone. My lockdown happened in Paris. Just to give you a bit of a insight as to who I am; at the time i was 34 yr old ambivert with high ambition. I have at one time or another made money doing anything I wanted to do. I have been an actress, painter, model; singer, photographer, film maker, and makeup artist. At the time, after years of back and forth between Los Angeles, Vegas, and Paris I had just received my Visa to live in Paris as an artist October of 2019; So, March 2020, I was still trying to get my footing in a country of which I don’t fluently speak the langage and we went into Lockdown which threw a wrench in my very ambitious plans. Read more>>

Amanda Foster

I graduated magna cum laude from Sacramento State University with a BA in interior Architecture, minor in Graphic Design and AA in Fine Arts from Napa Valley. I did amazing internships with the right firms downtown in both interiors and graphics where I learned more about marketing and web design. Since high school I always loved doing freelance on the side. Making CD covers or logos for friends which turned into poster designers, business cards and even Apps to websites. Read more>>

Nikquan Lewis

As a Relationship and Sex Therapist, Speaker and Consultant, my mission is to advance the world’s knowledge of sexual health and assist people with having healthy relationships and great intimacy. I do this by working with singles, couples, groups and corporations to create unified experiences that allow them to connect with others in a deeper and intentional way. Read more>>

Vidabeth Bensen

The first time I pulled a squeegee across a screen I was hooked. I was always interested in making multiples. My college classes in printmakingdud not include Silk Screen Printing as it was considered a commercial process. I started making screen prints in college for my acting friends who asked me to make posters for their plays. Silk Screen Printing seemed to be the simplest and least expressive printmaking technique I could teach myself. Read more>>

Catalina Rodriguez

Alive Design LLC that specializes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, with a focus on transforming homes and businesses. The firm was founded in 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a response to the increased need for home transformation due to stay-at-home orders and remote work arrangements. The founder of Alive Design saw a need for design services that could help people transform their homes into comfortable and functional spaces that would support their new way of life. Read more>>

Deion Collins

My business, ‘I am” Loungewear, mission started with my therapy background. As a Therapist, I work with a lot of children and teens who deal with a lot of interpersonal, confidence and self-identity issues. I also struggled with these same things as a child and teen. Once I got in my early 20’s I was lost. Instead of being and embracing who I truly am I wore a mask and made myself the person every one wanted me to be or already saw me as. That is why I connect so deeply with the statement words on my tees. I hand pick and research every statement I put on my shirts. Read more>>

Pearl-Catherine Tita

I have been writing poetry since I was 11-years-old. I wasn’t really the best at expressing myself verbally. However, if you handed me a pencil and paper, I would convey every emotion I had ever felt about a particular situation on that paper. As I got older, I told myself that one day I would write a book. I had planned to have that book completed by 18-years-old, but life didn’t quite go as I planned. Ten years later, I would finally embark on a literary journey that I hoped would end with my very own published book that I could finally hold in my hands…and it did. Read more>>

Susan Salzman

When I pivoted from being the CEO and founder of my 7-figure, global lifestyle brand, I did not have a clear plan or path as to “what’s next.” Coupled with the death of my father, my mentor, and rock, I went dark. And that darkness stayed and manifested into a loss of identity. Loss and grief on so many levels. Everyone around me, my clients, my accounts, friends, and family kept reminding me how badass I was, not only for creating what I had created but for who I was and how I helped people. Read more>>

Jenni Urban

Caught in a cycle of chronic burnout, health issues and failed diets, I felt mentally and physically unwell. It wasn’t until I began being mindful of my habits, meditating and practicing yoga that I slowly started to notice improvement in my well-being. The reduction in stress with my meditation practice improved the health issues I was having. The practice of being present even for just one minute in my morning energized my day ahead. The yoga practice I was growing helped my physical health, but even more so my mental health and connection to self. Read more>>

Tim Paulman

I used to joke that my hot sauce brand should probably be considered “outsider art”. I’m not a trained chef. With the exception of a two-month stint of serving chicken tenders at a cafeteria job in college, I had never really worked in a commercial kitchen. I was as “outsider” as “outsider” could get. My proper training was in technology. I have an BS in computer science and an MS in “New Media”. But after spending 20 years in the tech world, I had grown hopelessly disillusioned with the industry. When I entered the workforce in the mid 90s, the internet was just beginning to be utilized by the general populace. Read more>>

Yvonne Heimann

My mission is deeply personal to me, as it stems from my own journey as an entrepreneur and caretaker. When my husband Pete lost his battle with cancer in 2014, it was that devastating experience that changed the course of my life forever. It was during this time that I came to realize just how precious our time is, and how important it is to use it wisely. As I navigated my way through grief and the complexities of running two companies, I knew that I needed to find a way to make the most of every moment. Read more>>

Ashley Harding

My journey began in 2007, I watched Good Morning America as I prepared for work, and the hosts introduced Geoffrey Canada and the Harlem Children’s Zone. I was mesmerized. His passion and conviction enthralled me. I believed in his evidence that Black and Hispanic children in urban and underserved communities could excel academically when given the same rigorous education and wrap-around support as children in wealthier white neighborhoods. Read more>>

Kinsey Hotchkiss

I’ve been so fortunate to create a life of adventuring and exploring, and I truly hope that my artwork, which is a reflection of the places I’ve been and love so much, I truly hope that my artwork and designs can encourage people to get out an explore more! There is soo much to see, and so many wonderful people in the world, I really believe everyone can benefit so much by seeing new places and meeting new faces. Moto of Kinsey H. Designs, get out and explore more :) Read more>>

Jasmine Swimmer

Soft and Butter started out as a way to answer the call for people with skin issues who navigate everyday life with flare ups. Creating a natural alternative changed the course of our skincare brand. Educating our community on Indigenous plants and herbs that could nourish and repair skin with no chemicals. Our story to empower Indigenous rural communities who farm and harvest and working together to create a beautiful brand and share in economic prosperity was a win win for us. Read more>>

Anita Armstrong

As the “black sheep” or “odd ball” of my family I always felt out of place and left out. Growing up I was not interested in what my peers were doing. I did not have a plan for college, let alone a plan for life. I went through the motion of what my mother expected me to do. I knew sitting stagnant would push me into a place of despair that I might not be able to wrestle free from. So, I moved aimlessly towards what seemed right. I was always a responsible helper. I am happiest when I am helping others reach new levels in their journey. Read more>>

Latifah Hameen Hameen

My story is one I had not intended on writing. I was in and out of abusive relationships for the majority of my adult life.. I was raised in a household where abuse wasn’t talked about at all. I was living with an abuser, my father toward my mother. I wasn’t directly abused but indirectly. It affected me just like I was being abused. It wasn’t until many years later that I realized what abuse was. I know it was something that didn’t feel good nor did it seem right with my soul, but I just went along with it because it was all I knew at that time. Read more>>

Rismia Johnson

From an early age, I have always had an interest in entrepreneurship, my community and engaging with others to accomplish set goals. I come from a family where we utilized our gifts and talents to create multiple streams of income. I was raised by my grandmother. She taught me how creating small businesses provides services for others as well as affording me an opportunity to gain extra cash. She also taught me to be a leader not a follower and as a leader to be positive in my engagements with others. It’s important to treat people how you want to be treated. Read more>>

Cliff Washington

Initially, the idea was to create a collective of creatives and entrepreneurs of color. But when my partner backed out, I took the collective name and turned it into a consultancy to help companies trying to do good in the world scale their brands. Read more>>

Jennifer Cerretti

Hive & Forge was created for one purpose only. To give the opportunity for small businesses and folks beginning their craft to offer their work to the community. Our shop as a support system to help members grow their brand and have better representation. This dream began within the walls of a place called Mill No. 5 in Lowell, MA where I met my business partner Rachel Chandler. We began our connection as neighboring shops within the 4th floor streetscape in the restored textile mill housing small businesses and so much more. Read more>>

Monika Thornton-Lawrence

Powerful Beginnings was a vision derived from wanting women to have an example and the ability to thrive in life after trauma and after leaving an abusive relationship. I shared my story of abuse on social media in 2014 and received an outpouring of support and stories of other women going through similar relationships while feeling alone. As a survivor of Domestic Violence, you lose so much of yourself in the process of trying to leave the relationship so having proper resources that help individuals navigate the next steps in their life will provide a renewed focus on self-love and personal goals. Read more>>

Vivian Le

I am currently a full-time student, and besides being a student I am trying my best to create content on my social media platforms. I have a passion for fashion! Dressing up to go out is one of my favorite things to do, so why not record or post photos on my Instagram or TikTok. Watching “GRWMs” or regular aesthetic are my go to when it comes to scrolling on social media. I do a lot of story telling on my TikTok while doing my makeup or getting ready to go somewhere. Read more>>

Sophia Riley

I knew there was something more out there for me I was a dental assistant for 15 years but wasn’t fulfilled in my career. I knew I wanted something better for myself something that I strived for everyday to be a better person and still proved an income for my family. I have been told my whole life that I have a gift of transforming homes into Organized beautiful spaces. This last year I dived into my passion and the feeling of happiness in my life has been such a blessing. I guess you could say there’s no turning back. Read more>>

Lori Osborne

My mission is to follow my passion while serving small businesses and non-profits with high-quality, relationship-building, and income-generating websites. The story behind this mission is the story of my finding my passion through a brain tumor diagnosis in 2015. I had recently started a new job and found out I had a meningioma, the most common form of brain tumor that is benign 97% of the time. I also found out I had suffered a minor stroke one year prior. My tumor is benign, but could not be removed because it sits on my pituitary gland and has become part of my carotid artery. I did have surgery, Read more>>

Jasmine Godbolt

I created my company April 18, 2018 in my college dorm room my sophomore year of college I had a midlife crisis suddenly realizing that what I came to college to do I no longer have a desire to do that in life. The story behind my mission is very simple but has a need that is far bigger than me. My company is a social enterprise that prize her self in supporting nontraditional college students with the childcare to support them in getting their degree. I have the story of growing up with a single mom of two so see her have to put a hold on her education to focus on the family was a motivating force. Read more>>

Donna Morris

Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Becoming a mompreneur five years ago has pushed me to want to cultivate a community of moms who have dreams beyond their at-home roles to be seen, voices to be heard, and define their identity beyond motherhood. My vision is to help mompreneurs create magical brands by creating an authentic brand image strategy that women can connect with. Read more>>

Twanna Joyner Jones

At the Help Center NC , we envision a community where no one goes hungry f0r lack of access to nutritious food and other essentials . Our program design is to bring help and hope by meeting immediate emergency needs first of families facing hunger and hope by empowering families through our enrichment opportunities- creating a healthier and thriving community for all. Read more>>

ChimakwaNibawii Stone

The mission behind ChimakwaNibawii Arts is not only to provide for my family by creating and presenting artwork, is also to support other artists as well. I have a firm belief that support is just as important as representation. Growing up , there was not always a solid support for the artistic endeavors one would have. I was told by my guidance counselor to “pay attention in math class, because I would not make any money drawing pictures.” Yet here I am , making money drawing. Read more>>

Michelle Cozzaglio

I like to say the Oddities & Curiosities Expo is for lovers of the strange, unusual and bizarre. We strive to provide a safe place for anyone to come and discover new artists, meet new friends and be surrounded by an amazing community of like-minded people. We pride ourselves in being a completely “DIY” ran show from start to finish. We find so much joy in being able to provide a place where you can feel at home surrounded by others that share the same interests. Read more>>

Robin Burrill

If I had to drill down to one central value or “mission” behind what Rob and I do, it would be to create a “return on enjoyment” for the clients we work with. No home renovation or design refresh will recoup 100% of the money invested, which is why a total focus on return on investment isn’t realistic. Instead, for homeowners planning on staying in their homes for at least three to five years, it’s the enjoyment they get out of each space that I consider my mission. Read more>>

Shardé Curry

Many of my clients would request my services because they were dreading the occasion due to planning it. The big moments that should bring joy and excitement were overshadowed with stress. The story behind my mission is that I used to be just like my clients. I wasn’t present in the celebration because I was stuck hosting it. It was my experience as a mother of four that I no longer wanted my clients to miss memory making. It became my mission to ensure my clients were also guests at their event. They were serving cake, but eating it like everyone else. I give my clients the chance to truly enjoy the celebration! Read more>>

AVNI GANDHI

As a part of the Indian diaspora and now a mother of two, I’m constantly trying my best to keep our family connected with our Indian cultural roots. I truly believe that knowing who you are and being able to proudly express who you are is important to building a child’s sense of self-worth and that’s what fuels Bhaasha Basics. Our mission is to help both Indian and non-Indian families celebrate, experience and connect with the beautiful ancient culture of India in a modern way. Read more>>

Jeffrey Mascaro

Smile Mountian Guides is built on a vision of trust and caring for the team, and respect for climbing in the mountains. On the beautiful volcanic peaks of the Ecuadorean mountains and jagged cliffs of the Peruvian Andes, Jeff Mascaro, founder of Smile Mountain Guides, found both love and appreciation for the mountains- in the mountains. Those trips taught him many lessons about what perseverance means in pursuit of “success” and how passion fuels those lofty goals. Read more>>

Dominique Murray

The mission of Make It Happen Sis! is to create an environment where every woman feels safe, valued and seen. We promote and support our members and their businesses because we know when one of us wins, we all win. We are a membership-based networking organization for aspiring to established female entrepreneurs of color. Read more>>

Angelique Beasley

I’m a Entrepreneur a Mom and a Wife ,I’m the owner of Vanitiez Shop and Spa “Home of The Soul Food Boss were I specialize in Beauty Fashion Food and Shoess!!!!! One stop shop for all your needs,Im also a Author of My first Autobiography” Crying is a Weakness”being a teen Mom I decided to get my Ged and go to hair school at 16 shortly after that I worked in local hair salons and shops in the Boston Massachusetts Area by 25 I had a brain stroke and had to learn how to walk again , Read more>>

Sara Hayes

As a lifelong runner and former collegiate athlete I’ve always struggled with my identity in sport. I wanted to be the best I could be but couldn’t get out of my own way. I was too hard on myself to reach my full potential. These struggles led me to years of, what I would come to realize was, disordered exercise and eating. During the pandemic I fell back in love with running but as a result of having more time on my hands, noticed that I was falling into an unhealthy pattern of over exercising. I’m enjoying it and it’s fun to push myself– what’s so wrong with that?? A whole lot. Read more>>

Dayna Donald

Passionate about sustainability, working with nature in a regenerative way and helping to feed and educate our community about where their food comes from and how it is grown! Read more>>

Sean Walcek

Mead is the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man and most people have never heard of it or tried it, Thousands of years ago, as people settled into agricultural based society wine and beer became more common as both were easier and cheaper to mass produce. However, in recent years Mead is enjoying a bit of a renaissance as people rediscover this wonderful beverage. Mead is made from fermented honey, is naturally gluten free, and can be made in many different styles. Our mission is to introduce people mead, specifically drier meads! Read more>>

Gish Warren

The concept for LURI was driven by our own personal experiences and the realization of a gap in the market for suitable clothing options for women going through the recovery process for a variety of procedures. As women and avid fashion-lovers we intimately relate to the frustrations and journey to self-acceptance and love of one’s own body. Fast-forward to Jan 2021 when a love for fashion and passion for helping others would collide. What started out as a casual day of two friends hanging out led to an exchange of ideas, a lightbulb moment and a pinky promise. Within months, those ideas took shape, a business partnership was formed and that promise was actualized in what we affectionately now call LURI. Read more>>

Artie Terra

As an introverted artist communication with humans is not my strong suit I would rather speak through art. I hope to inspire a new way of looking at the world around us through fun positive views of the body and equality instead of shameful ones. My mission is to bring a new way of thinking about our bodies and what self love means in the future. Read more>>

To’ni Wheeler

At One By One Mentoring, we are committed to building a society where every young person can easily realize their potential and achieve their goals. We believe that providing our mentees and members a nurturing environment is essential to their overall development. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and through personalized attention and guidance we are essentially providing them with all the resources they need to thrive as leaders in years to come. Read more>>

Michael Horn

When I found what I recognized as the most important information and evidence in all of science and human history, I knew I wanted to help bring it to the word. Read more>>

Wendy Wartenweiler

I am the Founder and Director of Adventures in Wellness and Recovery. I launched this agency with my superpowers which come from decades of lived experiences + 8 years of education to help save my life and others. I knew there had to be more evidence-based practices being underutilized and more fresh light approaches to helping individuals better address mental health, substance abuse or relationship challenges. My agency’s mission is to Inspire & empower others to live a more successful life with meaningful and satisfying relationships with self and others. Read more>>

Liz Palmer

Our mission is to create high-quality, luxurious soaps and bath products using sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. We are committed to reducing waste and minimizing our environmental impact, using recycled packaging and investing in sustainable production methods. We use ingredients from our farm such as raw honey, beeswax, and dried botanicals. We also believe that handmade soap is better for your skin than detergent bars sold in stores. Read more>>

Maćeo Ali

The story behind my mission is to build a platform, that allows independent talent to be given the opportunity in the music industry. I grew up listening to music that had meaning to inspire others to do well and self respect. I want to push out that same message in the world that is opposite of what we hear now. Continually, as a Director, I am producing a TV show called “TrappedIN” that will give insight on what most individuals in the urban community go through on a daily basis. Read more>>