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?

Sam Parvin

Parvin Music’s Mission: We help consumer brands make a positive difference through the music they use in their communications, while doing away with the “starving artist”. Read more>>

Qiana Coachman-Strickland

The mission of the Female DJ Association is deeply rooted in personal experiences that have highlighted the need for change in the music industry. Read more>>

Alyssa Azcarate

Teatro Café was created with love and passion. When creating this brand, I was intentful that I wanted it to be true to my Mexican heritage roots and an extension of my childhood cultural upbringing. Read more>>

Djara Hampton

OUR VISION We opened the yoni steaming spa called Kundalini Pearls because we wanted a space where ancient healing meets modern wellness. Read more>>

Karen Hunter McLaughlin

It feels weird to call art mission-driven, but it is. Every artist’s statement is a mission statement in a way. My specific “mission” has changed over the years, but the overall arch has always been about creating an experience for the viewer. Read more>>

Cicely Carr

I grew up in the church, I was there almost every day. It was more of a routine than a relationship. I learned about God, there was a foundation, but I didn’t take it personally. Read more>>

Kelsey Moreira

Hey there! Our mission at Doughp isn’t just a tagline; it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. See, my journey with Doughp from a huge turning point in my life. Read more>>

Brian Jarvis

In 2012, I created a band/concept. The Midnight City. I saw the rise of DJ culture in Charleston. I was seeing the same 4 piece bands with one lead singer, playing the same sets. Read more>>

Gauthami Vemula-Queijo

When we founded color me SAFE LLC in 2012, our goal was to empower and educate families and communities in matters of child welfare—especially in advocating, consulting, and helping families navigate the complex system of Child Protective Services (CPS). Read more>>

Amma Gatty

In 2002, I migrated to the United States, fresh out of college, to experience “the American dream.” That dream quickly became a challenge when I realized to fit into the American culture; Read more>>

Shane Nelson

Reify Solutions has a core mission of enhancing organizations’ abilities to serve diverse communities through data, design, and collaboration. Read more>>

Shanell Brown

As a licensed cosmetologist, my journey has been driven by a profound mission: to empower individuals through enhancing their appearance and boosting their confidence. Read more>>

Meridith Alexander

On Feb 19th, 2016, my youngest daughter was literally crushed by a falling boulder in Colombia, South America. That meant that I got “the call” to hop onto a plane right in the middle of a Friday afternoon during my busy season. Read more>>

Da’twan Luckie

The mission of my business is to inspire people to make health and fitness a priority in their lives. 70% of America is overweight according to CDC standards. That is a REAL problem. Read more>>

Arnold Pinel

Once upon a time, in a world where theft was a common concern and cherished valuables often went missing without a trace, there lived a group of individuals determined to make a difference. Read more>>

KIM JANNA

Something that resonates for me in any business I’m involved in is the aspect of community Community building is and should be at the core of everything that we do, without community we have nothing Read more>>

Steven Smalls

The story behind my mission is deeply rooted in my personal experiences across various roles within the entertainment industry. As an artist, poet, dancer, photographer, promoter, DJ, and even security personnel at my own events, Read more>>

Ciara Broomfield

Mental wellness seems to be a trend lately. While I’m glad it’s starting to be discussed more, we need more people speaking about it. Read more>>

Jenn Thatcher

The Mission of ZEBRA is to create a company that is truly transparent. “Ingredients that are Black and White” just like a ZEBRA. Read more>>

Maria Haycraft

ArtLink ignites passion and cultivates character through creativity, fostering a sense of community through art. Our low-cost or free programs are made possible by generous donations and fundraising efforts. Read more>>

Maria Mendoza

As an Immigration Form Preparer and business owner, my mission is to help immigrants navigate the complex immigration process and assist them with their immigration paperwork in a professional, Read more>>

Sarah Ziesler

The Mission behind Shine, ShEO! is all about helping Women who are on a mission to thrive in every area of their life. I believe this mission was instilled in me from a very young age, as both of my parents are Small Business Owners. Read more>>

Sabia Wade

I own Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings, and For the Village Inc, as well as my brand, The Black Doula. My mission with all of these is to build bridges for a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable world through… Read more>>

Jyothsna Alichetty

At JoKitchen LLC, I understand that people here have left their homes and families for job opportunities, and often miss the flavors and comforts of their native land. Read more>>

Joseph Karasek

In May of 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 2b testicular cancer. The past year I have had three major surgeries consisting of an Orchiectomy, PC – RPLND, a lateral neck dissection, and 3 intense rounds of chemotherapy. Read more>>

Mya Carroll

RM Carroll & Associates Global Consulting mission is to provide businesses with the unique mentorship and advanced infrastructure they need to begin thriving within their community and become leaders within their industry. Read more>>

Erica Meltzer

In the mid-2000s, I was a twenty-something working at an administrative job and tutoring on the side. Most of my students attended Manhattan private schools, and although the kids were generally great, Read more>>

Gladys West

As a non-English speaking immigrant who at the age of fourteen, came to the United States after being required to flee Nicaragua due to a civil war, Read more>>

Melanie Grandoit

The mission for my business was birthed out of my own experience of wanting to figure out what my dreams, goals, and passions in life were. Read more>>

Meshelle Howard

Mission: Helping small women and minority-owned businesses connect to contracting opportunities. I have always been raised around the faith of giving and helping others. Read more>>

Siddarth Nandyala

STEM IT was born out of a simple realization by its CEO, Siddarth Nandyala, at the tender age of seven. While delving into the world of coding, engineering, and STEM subjects, Read more>>

Divyesh Pillarisetty

Promote Creativity on a Global Scale: Our focus on featuring high-end editorials from worldwide emerging talents suggests a desire to spread creative inspiration internationally. Read more>>

Ellen McGovern

My love for pageantry, musical theater, and philanthropy coincided over 40 years ago when I won the talent division for a Vocal Solo and was 2nd Runner-up in a local Jr. Miss Pageant. Read more>>

Misty Lakes

For over a decade, I was a stay-at-home mom who owned a business in direct sales. I was successful in the company while loving being flexible to be with my children as they grew. Read more>>

Candace Rivera

As a bookstore, our mission is for everyone to feel represented on our shelves. We all want to feel seen and heard, especially in our communities. It’s incredibly meaningful to see others like you on the shelves. Read more>>

Sheryl Hartdin

I’m on a mission to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and level the playing field. Why? Because small businesses are the ultimate game-changers. Think about it: Read more>>

Valencia Andrews

I went into Business Coaching for female entrepreneurs because I wanted to be a resource for them to grow a successful business. When I started, I didn’t have any help. Therefore I failed several times before I found success. Read more>>

Ken Crippen

I wanted to have a platform to help raise money for retired NFL players who can’t afford their medical bills. I’ve been interviewing players for over 30 years and in that time, you form a lot of close friendships and bonds. Read more>>

Mia’ Monique

Being from Memphis, Tennessee, a place often perceived as challenging., a lot of people there really don’t have that drive to chase their dreams. Read more>>

Maya Verzonilla, aka Maya The Shaman

MAYA: My heritage is deeply rooted in a lineage of healers and shamans from the mystical lands of Mu, or Lemuria, with Maharlika—now known as the Philippines—being a part of this ancient, Read more>>