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?

Thuy Pham

I’ve always struggled with self esteem issues growing up. Eyebrows was my main struggle. I think I went through several different eras from the time I was 14-28. I’d watch my oldest sister draw hers in everyday and I thought she was so good at it. I knew that brows really make your face. Read more>>

Lisa Reyes

I’d always been a person with a project, tinkering with something, figuring things out, but reflected on the fact the using my creative mind was something that brought me the most joy and as I was reaching 40 I realized I wasn’t doing that as much anymore. I have worked in the dental industry for over 20 years (which I love) and during this time I’ve live by the motto that “the smile is the sunshine of our soul”. Read more>>

Missy Araujo

The Houston Element Podcast was formed to give a platform to local artist and professionals from Houston, TX to share and promote their art and/or profession. The reason why I chose to start this podcast is to make a stage for those who did not have one. I am an underdog. I have always been an underdog. It does not bother me to be an underdog, Read more>>

Angie Soul

From the age of 11, I knew that I loved writing. However, although I loved writing, the thought of sharing my writing petrified me. It wasn’t until I experienced the loss of my first child due to a missed miscarriage, that I decided to connect with others through my writing. It was completely out of my comfort zone but one of the best decisions I have ever made. Read more>>

Haley Wilkins

The Wilder Dogs was created to provide high quality and all natural snacks and treats for the Colorado dog. We love our dogs like family, which is why you can find us brewery hopping and booking reservations on outdoor patios. We wanted to be able to provide our dogs with delicious and nutrient-dense snacks for dogs between meals, after hikes and as treats on long days exploring all that Colorado has to offer. Read more>>

William Karstens

Street photography was something I was interested in before I knew that street photography had history. In my well travel, yet myopic view of the world, the only thing that existed was the post card like images of grand cityscapes, terrific horizon shots and a neon nightlife. What was missing, to me, was the rush and the push of every day life. Read more>>

annette whittenberger

I am a mother to two young adult children, a military spouse of 24+ yrs and an army retired combat veteran. I share my story of living with mental health struggles and choosing a path that will help my self-healing journey along with others. I am a serial entrepreneur passionate about ending the stigma and suicide prevention. Read more>>

Rose Showstead

As a plus-size, 5’11” black and white woman, who grew up in the 90s, with very little to no representation in main stream media. I want to be the representation I didn’t see growing up. I want young she’s/he’s/they/thems or none of the above, who may not fit into societal norms, to be able to look at my content and know that they can love themselves and celebrate that love, no matter what size, shape, color or gender they are! Read more>>

Mia Rodriguez The Underground Miami

It all started in April of 2022, right when we were placed under quarantine because of the fast-spreading pandemic. I was at home reminiscing about the local concerts I attended pre-covid, missing the rush of feelings I get from live music. It really got me thinking about how I could continue to support all of these incredible musicians from home while we were all in lockdown. Read more>>

Tasheena Salmon

The mission behind my company The Simple Pleasures Candle Co. is to provide the simple pleasures to the home through aromatherapy. Our home is our sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Our entire mood and energy shift when we smell something amazing. I want to provide that relaxing feeling through all my products. Read more>>

Charlie Seith

I think it all started back when I went to school at Temple University in Philadelphia. I was an extreme introvert, so starting completely new at a school left me frightened. I struggled a lot with my mental health my freshman year. At that time, creating became my only outlet. It became a sort of therapy for me. Whether it was through graphic design, photography, or writing, the story behind those pieces allowed me to express myself. Read more>>

Nakesha Maddox

My mission is help women lay down their faulty thinking habits to take hold of their God given identity. By removing their “stinking” thinking and stepping into an abundance mindset; see themselves the way God see’s them. Owning their identity and power. The story behind my mission is due to really finding who I was in God. Read more>>

Victoria Ngo Border

It all started after years of standing around and chit-chatting with friends after yoga classes, and if we ever wanted to actually hang out for longer, there always had to be a discussion on where to go, and then we’d have to get in our cars and drive to wherever was decided. The concept of Vinya, the first ever yoga studio and wine bar, came to us 6 years ago…pretty sure it was one of those shower “aha” moments. Read more>>

Tiffany Hill

My mission is to live a life of purpose with no fear. In doing this, being able to educate through beauty, fashion, health and wellness. The story behind the mission started as a child having two big dreams. One to be a Fashion Designer living in NYC and the other to be a 1st grade teacher. Two completely different ends of the spectrum but I wanted both. Read more>>

Sydni Soularie

Indys Paradise is an all natural skin care line that focuses on reaching consumers in the beauty industry. The purpose of the business is to one, accumulate generational wealth for my family, but to also empower women and men to feel comfortable in their skin, and to encourage everyone that God made them beautiful and unique. Read more>>

Alexander Orozco

To tell you the truth, I wasn’t even looking for Thehoodfoodie, he found me (Alexander Orozco) and I believe that it all stems from loosing both my parents right after graduating high school, I had barely graduated, feeling like a lost soul between the age of my 20’s & 30’s, a time that I feel I needed guidance, but had to survive with the little that I had. Read more>>

Sonny Weathersby

Everybody needs a coach. I didn’t get the opportunity to have one until later in my life, but I learned so much from him. I learned how to listen. I learned how to take orders, and I learned how to follow instructions from someone who had my best interest at heart – lessons that this generation needs. Kids need someone who will hold them accountable, be that person who sees the bigger picture, and provide reinforcement towards the ultimate goal. Read more>>

Joy Kauf

I felt I had a connection to spirit my whole life. In my early 20s, I just finished watching the movie Out on a Limb with Shirley MacLaine and saw channeling for the first time in that movie; I never had something speak to my heart and soul like channeling. Read more>>

TEY BOOGIE

My whole reasoning behind making music came from a personal situation that I was going through back in Richmond, VA that I wanted to change but my biggest mistake came from just up and leaving for Houston without a real plan set. It took me a good 2 years to even drop my first project and even then I still had a lot to learn about the business, I look back now 10 years later on the brink of releasing my 8th album and just look at my growth, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the patience it took for me to get here. Read more>>

Rachel Medina

Being a single mom has its challenges. Being a single mom commuting day in and day out for a dead end job means prioritizing something that makes us miserable over those we love most. And in 2015, I was doing just that. Until I took a leap of faith that began with one simple decision to stop commuting and figure out how to earn a living from home. Read more>>

Sierra Skipper

As a young girl, I always knew that I wanted to do something impactful. I wanted to change how the world viewed a young black woman who was raised by a single parent & her grandparents. Over the years, I’ve owned multiple businesses. I’ve always been active in my community whether it was church events, outreach or philanthropy. Read more>>

Trenovia Kitchen

Hello an welcome to what brought me here today. You asked what’s the story behind my mission well here goes. This journey has not far been easy , there were many obstacles in the way that I have had to go through , there were roadblock & an also times I wanted to just quit . Read more>>

Dr Derrick T Peterson

The story behind my mission or what I like to say is ” What motivates me to do what I do?” I’m motivated by my love for God and my ability to change the world of design and business one Super CEO at a time.. Read more>>

Roby Fitzhenry

I’ve always loved the business side of design. Though I started out as a trained graphic designer, I quickly grew to become fascinated with everything related to building a brand. Developing names, telling stories, creating strategies, just figuring out what each company needs to succeed. When Covid-19 hit, I was just on the other side of downsizing the company, refocusing what we’re up to, and transitioning from Houston to Austin. Read more>>