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?

Josh Mitchell

My filmmaker journey started many moons ago when I made a zombie action film called “Roid Rage” in Boston and traveled out to the Sundance Film Festival to promote it. I learned how to navigate the festival circuit and network with the most powerful players in Hollywood. Read more>>

Lisa Carrington Firmin

My mission is to educate and assist people and organizations to be the best they can be. Specifically, my mission post the military is to share my expertise and experience to help others. To do this, I use my own experiences as a leader (in peace time and in combat), as a sexual assault survivor and as someone who suffers from PTSD, drawing from my time in the military, higher education and as an Entrepeneur and writer. Read more>>

Beny Rabuchin

My mission as a mortgage strategist is deeply personal and shaped by my family’s experiences in real estate as well as the lessons I learned from the 2008 financial crisis. Growing up, I saw my parents lose a home they built, a stark lesson in the unpredictability of the housing market. Read more>>

Amy Kavanaugh

Candified: Weaving a Tapestry of Joy Through Candy Introduction: The Birth of a Dream Candified’s inception is a tale of resilience, dreams, and the universal language of candy. Co-founders Amy Kavanaugh Mason and Jackie Sorkin aka The Candy Queen brought together their diverse experiences to create a company that transcends the typical candy store. Read more>>

Mark Hunter

In the sales world, it’s more than just a job for me; it’s a way of life. At The Sales Hunter, my mission is clear: to help others unlock their full potential. While my resume might highlight my expertise in business development, what truly matters is the connections I forge. Engaging with people daily is not just a task but an honor. Read more>>

Jessica Sullivan

At Sulley & Co., I believe in the enduring power of meaningful connections. My mission is to create lasting expressions of memories, and milestones through the artistry of permanent jewelry. I understand that life’s most precious moments deserve to be cherished forever. With meticulous craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, I strive to transform timeless pieces that become an integral part of one’s journey. Read more>>

Joshua Estrada

Thank you for the opportunity to share! Let’s begin with this… I began break dancing in 6th grade, I was always a rambunctious kid jumping off the walls and climbing trees so learning this high intensity style of dance fit right into my evolving persona. As I became 20 years of age, I decided that I wanted to take this dance more seriously and trained relentlessly with my first dance crew, Ruckus. Read more>>

Veronica Tierra

Ok, so, to begin… My name is Veronica Tierra. I’m a singer, actress, founder and creative director of Tierra & Friends. I grew up in a family of artists in Medellin, Colombia, and at the age of 4, I decided to sing and perform for the rest of my life, whatever that meant at the time (haha). Read more>>

Chandra Jones

Growing up in a family immersed in alternative medicine, I initially veered towards mainstream allopathic practices as I became independent. However, a personal health crisis prompted a rediscovery of herbalism’s significance. After navigating the challenges of Western medicine, I experienced the transformative power of hands-on bodywork during massage therapy sessions, inspiring my journey to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Read more>>

Amber Jordan

I lead a women’s organization with a mission to cultivate a world where women thrive, break barriers, and reach their fullest potential. The inspiration behind this mission underscores the power of unity among women – recognizing that when we stand together, support one another, we can achieve remarkable progress. Read more>>

Sheyla Jordan

“Dedicated to delivering the best natural experience, by providing fresh organic ingredients that enhance our customers way of living. Striving to combine health and knowledge to our community as well as sharing our vibrant cultural background.” Read more>>

Danaya Wattanapan

When I was six, almost seven, I immigrated to America with my family from Thailand. We took very little with us when we came here. One day a school project required us to bring baby photos to class, I was always disappointed I didn’t have any. This happened multiple times during my childhood. Though I was young, I recognized that my family was different, special. Read more>>

Jessica Black

We didn’t know what we were getting into when starting Peachy Playtown. We started quite literally out of a shed with a hand-me-down enclosed trailer from one of our dad’s. We were two mama’s with a dream and a wish, nothing could stop us! Both of us, Jess and Jenn are co-owners of Peachy Playtown Playspace & Studio in Perry, GA. Read more>>

Kimberly Phinney

I founded TheWayBack2Ourselves.com out of personal tragedy: Born out of personal tragedy and triumph, The Way Back to Ourselves is a passion project that started in 2021 and officially launched in August of 2022. Today, it is a beauty from ashes kind of story. And it’s our purpose to help you on your way back to who you were always called to be. Read more>>

Sarah Browne

Highwater Farms is owned by married couple Anthony (Tony) and Sarah Browne. Our mission is to provide clean, healthy produce to its community. In the end of 2013, about a week after their wedding, Sarah was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She also experienced seizures as a result of the tumor. Read more>>

Odessa Esco

When you have experiences and identity outside of the “ruling” class you being to feel like an outsider. You stop sharing earnestly as you are repeatedly misunderstood, undervalued, or dismissed. Eventually you may stop communicating all together. Read more>>

Amanda Cohen

Our mission is to provide free equipment and or training to dogs with fear and aggression cases. Many people adopted animals during the pandemic, and most dogs since the pandemic haven’t had the chance to properly socialize, and be around other dogs. This has caused a spike in dog owners returning their furry friends to the shelter, causing shelters to fill to capacity, and having to send out dogs to be put down because they can’t care for them. Read more>>

Carla Medina-Milson

Having a strong and affirmed “why” is an important foundational component to any business, but especially so, as a small business owner. Since founding Iris Designs back in May of 2020 (the infamous and tumultuous pandemic year) having a “why” was just as important as generating leads and converting clients. Read more>>

Anna Papa

Helping women to improve and enjoy their marriage is incredibly important to me. I am one of them, and in 18 years of my marriage, I’ve personally experienced many ups and downs. I can fully relate to and understand what my clients go through. Read more>>

Sydney Nagy

I have always loved skincare. The ritual of it is so relaxing. I wear eye masks every morning, and I regularly mask. My routine is simple, but it is consistent. It is one of my daily forms of self-care. When my daughter was two, she started taking an interest in my skincare routine. She wanted to wear eye masks and sheet masks with me. Read more>>

Bridget Green

I started Milagro Collective in 2018 as a solution to a big problem – our spiteful, adopted bulldog who likes to have “accidents” in every room and rug possible. We were cycling through machine-made rugs every few months, and when I began searching for quality, handmade rugs, the options were way out of our budget. Read more>>

Ashleigh Ann Wood

I’m an actress and an acting coach with a mission to do inspiring films and inspire the next generation of actors. I believe we are in a pivotal point in history and we should be choosing to bring love and light to this world in any way we can. As artists we can use our voices to better this world and that’s what I aim to do. Read more>>

Julie Rose

I want to break the boundaries on Braiding in America. I want to let all the women that have hair loss be able to feel like they can get hair replacement and to get braids and look as beautiful as they see all the other women on IG or TikTok. Read more>>

Felipe Levy

My mission is to show people that it’s possible to start a business with limited resources, and begin small with what you have at the moment. The most important thing is to study a lot and take your idea seriously. This is important to me because I’ve always wanted to start a business, have my own venture, be my own boss, but I was very afraid. Read more>>

Kayla Williams

My mission is to help people get connected with their spirituality by providing them with various tools to assist them on their journey. For many years I struggled with my mental health, and In addition to seeking therapy, I started to explore spiritual and holistic methods and tools to cope with my anxiety and depression. Read more>>

Aisha Pasha-Evans

ATC HairCare is a hair product line that target those with curly and textured hair to provide regrowth solutions, replenish dry hair, prevent from hair loss, and help maintain healthy hair. There are so many products in the market that causes cancer and other underlying illnesses when used on the hair and causes toxins when sprayed in the air. Read more>>

Jenny Fjelseth

At Burnt October, I create 100% natural soy wax candles. Since the beginning, I have had the mission to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Burnt October candles are meant to be home decor, not something that gets tossed away after you are done enjoying your candle. Read more>>

Crystal Aryitey

As far back as I can remember, I’ve seen my parents serving our community. Since my dad was in the Military, I didn’t grow up around my biological extended family, but my parents taught me that blood didn’t make a family; love did, and I was always surrounded by love. Read more>>

Liz Hernandez

I’m a Mexican American Emmy-nominated television personality, journalist, Morning Show Radio Host on Los Angeles’ 94.7 The Wave and creator of WORDAFUL. My career has been built on words. I firmly believe that our power lies in the stories we tell ourselves and others. Read more>>

Chelby Rogers

Chelby Rogers Interior Designs began in April 2022. Founder Chelby Rogers discovered her creative passion to design, and stage homes from watching her parents remodel homes as a adolescent. As she progressed in life while attaining her Social Work degree from Kennesaw State University not only did her understanding of helping others become her purpose but also her avenue to be creative in service to others. Read more>>

Florence Fasan

I am the founder of the Miss Elegance Georgia Pageant & The Intentional Woman Award. My inspiration for founding these initiatives stemmed from my profound belief in the power of recognizing, celebrating, and nurturing the potential of women and young ladies. Read more>>

Teria Johnon

Growing up Sundays was always the focal point of family, food & fun. It was something about getting all of our family together under one roof and serving food. To be honest no matter what went on within the family once we came together to eat it was like everything was okay. There was always laughter at the dinner table. We sat together as a family, said grace, ate, and was very merry. My grandmother was the component that made it possible. Read more>>

Ishmael Hall

Eden Juice & Smoothie Bar was birthed out of a desire to improve the health and wellness of my community. Born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY I was surrounded by fast food and junk food. From the local bodegas with all your favorite cakes, chips, cookies, and juices for $0.25 to the chicken spots and Chinese restaurants where you could get four chicken wings and fries for $2.50. Remember to pile on the ketchup, hot sauce, and BBQ sauce. Read more>>

Jera Wang

Narval Films is a Los Angeles-based Asian American production company specializing in domestic and international production and distribution of feature films, shorts, documentaries, and television series. Within and beyond their productions, Narval has formed a broad network of professionals and talent. Read more>>

Cheri Basak Anne Elliott

Sideshow Gallery is a one-of-a kind curiosity shop & art gallery located on Western Ave in Chicago. When you enter the doors of our store you will find antiques, oddities, metaphysical items, gifts & all things strange & unusual. We are obsessed with the occult so you will find many things relating to magic, like crystals & candles. Read more>>

Mari DeJesus

For me, Live.Luxe.Lav is more than just a candle business. It’s a mission to create a supportive community for people on their personal path to healing. I believe that everyone deserves a safe and nurturing environment to receive the support they need, and that’s what I aim to provide. Read more>>

Alexis Gray

My nail salon is a Christian based salon and I focus on natural nail work and love doing nail art. I decided to put God first even in my career and that is when Faith Through Fingers Natural Nail Salon was created! My mission is for my clients to come in and hear a word of God. I will never ‘force’ my faith, my hope is just that someone will hear something positive during their service time! Read more>>

Vivienne Tran

Our goal is trying to reduce plastic waste by serving our boba tea in glass bottles in stead of plastic cups. Customers can bring back our bottles to refill at discount price. Beside, customer can also use our bottles for canning, decorating, serving different type or beverages to guess at home. Read more>>

Thea Touchton

Sueñito Media’s mission is to tell hilarious and interesting stories in film with diverse cast and crew behind the scenes. We prioritize our cast and crew’s mental health and make mental health content in order to reduce the stigma and give resources so people across the globe can take action for their mental health. Read more>>