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?

Shamiah Johnson

I started Our Memories to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease after my mother was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s. As a full-time caregiver in my 20s, it was difficult to find other family caregivers that could relate to our journey. My mom and I have always been very close. Since I can remember, we’ve always had kitchen concerts while we cook dinner, clean the house, or got dressed to go to the mall. Music and shopping has always been our joy. Following the diagnosis, I felt like I was lacking resources and answers on questions I had. I needed to talk with someone who had experienced this. The purpose of Our Memories is to have merchandise and events that are relatable, sentimental to our journey, and brings awareness to Alzheimer’s and other related forms of dementia. We donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that are supporting caregivers with respite care, transportation, and resources. The organizations that we have gifted are very meaningful to me. The great people working behind these organizations helped me when I felt stuck after my mom’s diagnosis. I want more people in my community to have access to this information and hopefully feel less alone. Read more>>

Elizabeth Cadenas

Alyssa and and I have been small business owners for over 4 years. We know first hand how important it is to have support from within your community. Our mission behind “Pop Up In The Parks” has been to shine the brightest light on the small businesses that lie within our area by bringing them all together for a family oriented community event. This gives people an opportunity to not only shop small but meet the faces behind these amazing businesses they are supporting. Read more>>

Zoelle Nagib

Lightwriters Neon has been a source for high quality custom neon since 1977. Run by the husband and wife team of Jacob and Petrie Fishman, the company has seen the industry change from a highly-guarded commercial trade to a more accessible and expressive art form. The current neon landscape is illuminated by artists that not only want to design but to also deeply connect with the material, so Jacob and Petrie’s daughter Zoelle is bringing the craft of neon making to the greater public. Our mission to open a teaching space encompasses our community values centering hands-on experiences with this truly unique art. Read more>>

Ania Diallo

At 9Muses Henna we use our art to share stories, preserve culture, and celebrate communities through corporate programming, humanitarian outreach, and the ancient tradition of henna. 9Muses Henna is loosely based on the 9 ancient muses that inspired and protected diverse realms of arts and sciences, influencing the creative pursuits of creatives, celebrations, and communities among them. Each service we offer is curated with the influence of the muses combined, aimed to highlight annual achievements, honor heritage, and share intimate moments all while utilizing hennas multihyphenate expressions Read more>>

Steven Mckinnon

My mission – and I suspect it’s the same for most indie authors – is to break down the barriers between authors and readers. To circumvent gatekeeping. To bring fresh stories to life… And to have fun doing it. I write primarily genre fiction (more specifically, Epic Fantasy), with a focus on action, snarky characters and found family. I think characters and settings in Fantasy encapsulate many relevant themes across many different subgenres and styles. Sometimes it’s a reflection of the injustices of our own world. Sometimes it’s a cozy mystery that happens to have orcs, drwarves and elves among its cast. Fantasy is the imagination running wild, and all the fun that comes with it. Read more>>

Dj Resolution

The story behind my mission comes from a deep-rooted passion for music and a drive to create unforgettable moments. As a DJ, I believe music has the power to transform any event into a lasting memory, whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, a private party, or a variety of event spaces. My mission goes beyond just playing music; it’s about curating experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting impact. In addition to DJing, I’m also dedicated to supporting artists in the music industry. I work to raise awareness about the importance of artists reclaiming their rights and recognition in a rapidly evolving industry. This aspect of my mission aligns with my belief that music should be a source of empowerment for creators as much as it is for listeners. Read more>>

Bianca Alvarez

Thank you for the opportunity to share the story behind House De Lashes LLC. Our mission is to empower women to succeed as licensed eyelash artists and entrepreneurs, regardless of background. After 20 years in the beauty industry, I founded House De Lashes to address the lack of local lash supply stores and develop high-quality products for sensitive eyes, ensuring 7-8 week retention with minimal irritation. Our cashmere lashes and fiber tip tweezers are industry- leading, offering comfort, precision, and long-lasting results. In 2023, we launched our online store and opened a brick-and-mortar location, providing local lash artist with easy access to top- tier supplies. As a licensed cosmetologist, lash artist, and state board- approve instructor, I’m committed to supporting the next generation of beauty professionals. Read more>>

Kayla Stokes

I’d like to believe that the story behind my mission is simple, i can answer this in 3 ways as i have 3 different businesses that i operate, 2 profitable and 1 non-profit. I am an intimate decor specialist ( Kayb Fantasies LLC) and travel agent. Some may not know what an intimidate decor specialist is so I’ll break it down in simple forms, i decorate hotel suites for couples for Valentine’s day, just because, anniversaries, proposals etc. I am a big hopeless romantic, i just love Love. I love to see people happy and i know that whether male or female we all want to be seen, appreciated and feel loved and wanted. I love to see my clients faces when they get the reveal, it just warms my heart. Being a travel agent (Jus TrippN wit KayB) allows me the gift of sending clients on amazing adventures, seeing the world and it makes me feel just amazing to be apart of their memory making. The world is so much bigger than your city/state it so much to experience and it doesn’t always have to expensive. Read more>>

Shea Stanley

After my children transitioned into young adulthood and embarked on their own journeys, I found myself with newfound time and energy to dedicate to a cause close to my heart: empowering the next generation because it truly takes a village to raise children. Observing the financial literacy and generational wealth gaps that persist in the U.S., particularly within the African American community, I felt a calling to leverage my experience in the financial services industry to make a difference. Read more>>

Melisa Raney

My co-host, Alli, and I started The Lesbian Chronicles Podcast back in 2019 because we saw a need within our own community. We both came out as gay later in life after long-term marriages to men. We met in a therapist-led support group for late in life lesbians that was truly a lifesaver for both of us. We were in a room of people from vastly different backgrounds, but we shared the same pain, fears and uncertainty of what coming out later in life carried. Alli and I formed a fast friendship with a few other women in the group and found that the power we found in each other… sharing our stories and fears… was a space that was truly needed within the LGBTQ+ community. We realized that a lot of people come out later, but they felt too shameful to share their own stories. We decided to create The Lesbian Chronicles Podcast to talk about our own experiences and allow others to do the same. We’ve now published more than 270 episodes — covering topics about dating, lesbian relationship dynamics, mental health, co-parenting and so much more. Our most notable guest was Rosie O’Donnell! (Episode 219) Read more>>

Katherine Mk Mitchell

I would say that while I have never failed at anything I started to do, sadly, I have never reached the pinnacle I wanted to reach. I knew all the time that I am capable of total recognition as a writer, my reaching out to people for guidance and support misfired. Women whom I have admired did not respond or worse, demeaned me in one form of another. That kind of treatment devastated me greatly and it took me enormous amounts of time to recover and be able to go forward. I had hindrances of many kinds, as a woman, as an athlete, even through religion, through unsupportive family and friends who used me. Still, each time I recovered from the pain, I had to go forward, I had to write, I had to promote my work, I had to put on a smiling face and network with people for whom often I had no respect. So my mission is ME. Even without help, even without steadfast love, I found a way to express myself, to seek out respect for myself but admittedly, I have not yet reached my pinnacle. I still have to work on that. Read more>>

Dominic Morais

MindReady was born out of the idea that we want to be the person we needed when we were deep in our sport careers. Our purpose is to provide athletes with the mental skills and knowledge that allow them to thrive both inside and outside of competition. My view of sports has been deeply influenced by my own experiences. My parents put my brother and me in karate classes when I was in kindergarten, and I earned my black belt by 6th grade before starting school-sponsored football in 7th grade. I played until I graduated high school, and then walked on to the Vanderbilt football team my freshman year. I earned a scholarship my senior year and was further shaped by these sport experiences. Later, I became a collegiate strength and conditioning coach for athletes. I learned more about all the components of collegiate athletics while also honing my passion for developing others. Eventually, I changed course to earn my PhD in physical culture and sport studies, before becoming a sport management professor for six years. Throughout that time, I continued learning about sports through both my own experiences and my studies. Read more>>

Eva Mariana Garro

From the time I had my first period at 13 until the age of 24, I suffered from severe Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea (extreme cramps) to the point of having to take arthritis pain pills because regular cramp pills had no effect on me; I even fainted sometimes. The only response from OB/GYNs was to give me more potent pills or prescribe birth control pills. For some reason, my intuition always told me not to do it. There must be other ways to improve these symptoms and avoid pregnancy without harming my health with synthetic hormones. The combination of pain + my stressful lifestyle in the TV/entertainment industry + my innate curiosity, led me to try the menstrual cup and learn about the Symptothermal Method, which I have been successfully using for almost five years without a single scare of unwanted pregnancy. Read more>>

Aida Khazieva

My mission is to create personalized and effective skincare solutions by utilizing advanced techniques and years of experience. For me, this is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to help people feel better, more confident, and healthier. In my practice, I’ve often encountered individuals suffering from skin problems who receive inadequate support and superficial solutions. My passion for cosmetology began from personal experience—I saw how skin issues can impact self-esteem, and I realized that helping people regain confidence through enhancing their appearance is my path. Over 18 years of practice, I’ve learned to see each client as a unique individual with specific needs. My mission is not just to offer services but to create an atmosphere of trust and care where everyone can find a solution tailored to their needs. Read more>>

She’ll Howell

As a spiritual practitioner and creative mind, I am passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge as opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Many individuals seek spiritual guidance and support during challenging times, and being part of this journey can be incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the spirituality sector often emphasizes personal growth, well-being, and community, allowing people to connect with like-minded individuals and foster a sense of belonging. The growing interest in wellness, mindfulness, and holistic practices means that there is a demand for services and products in this field. By providing valuable resources, whether through coaching, workshops, or products, I can contribute to a broader movement that encourages self-discovery and inner peace. Ultimately, entering the spirituality business has allowed me to align my passion with purpose, which has become such a rewarding endeavor both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Darryl Sebro

Our mission is to showcase the depth of Caribbean culture by honoring the history and individuals who have shaped our identity. We aim to preserve and share the stories of our region, celebrating the contributions of those who have made a lasting impact. In line with our tagline, ‘For the greatness,’ we are committed to inspiring pride in our heritage and empowering future generations to continue a legacy of creativity, resilience, and greatness. Read more>>

Pamela Karanova

My name is Pamela A. Karanova, and I’m a closed-adoption adoptee who was adopted in Iowa in 1974. I always had this burning desire to find my birth family, and not knowing who they were felt like an inner torment, a constant companion. Being adopted was a deeply painful experience for me, one that shaped my entire life in ways that were hard to comprehend, let alone navigate. I spent 27 years of my life drowning in alcohol, trying to numb the unbearable ache of abandonment and rejection. As a runaway teen, I bounced between group homes and detention centers and eventually found myself incarcerated as an adult. I was at war within myself—desperate for answers, for connection, for healing—but no matter how many therapists I saw, it felt like the core of my pain was always overlooked. Read more>>

Kara Adamopoulos

The mission behind my art is to encourage joy and mental wellness. My illustrations are colorful. I like to make characters and environments that make someone feel like a kid again. Also, I usually try to create art that makes the viewer calm. When I say mental wellness, I mean that I want to tell stories about how to manage anxiety and tough emotions. With a constantly changing world, social media, and overall increased stimulation, it is hard for anyone to relax and feel at peace. I want to show how managing your mental health is easier than we think. In addition, I want to encourage others to accept themselves. I find art to be healing, and I also find that making art helps with my anxiety. I became encouraged to make mental health related art over the pandemic. My main goal was to teach emotional regulation, with a focus on children and how to help them with their difficulties. As a quirky and different person myself, I want to make characters that reflect that too. I love to create peace in my art, and it helps to create peace within myself when others relate to my stories. Read more>>

Maureen Dinkins

Spreading the message of yoga has been an integral part of my life. In 2004 I completed my first yoga teacher training and started teaching yoga classes in gyms all over Orlando. But my thirst for more knowledge led me to India in 2007. I knew that there was more to yoga than the asanas (poses/postures) and that this ancient practice had come from India. At that time, I wasn’t sure why I was drawn to go to Mysore, India to study, I just know I needed to go to find out for myself. During that trip I discovered so much more than just the asanas. I learned that yoga is a life path and that the practices of Sanskrit Chanting, Pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, mental focus, and self-study are all important parts of yoga. These lessons changed my life in such profound way that I wanted to share my path with others. Read more>>

Julianna O’mara

I started J Sugars Mocktail Mixers in January of 2022. I started this business because I was struggling with alcoholism myself, at 22 years old. It dawned on me that yes, I do have a drinking problem and yes I want to stop the generational curses my parents passed downed to me from their parents and so on, but I also really love being in social environments such as EDM (electronic dance music) concerts, bars & events. It was such a weird feeling looking back trying to figure out what to do in that time in my life. It was also right after covid so we all know what that lock in did to our mental health but for me it was a time to flourish and get in touch with who I was. Read more>>

Luca Moreira

Since I first discovered journalism, my interest in the entertainment section developed naturally. However, I noticed that many media outlets prioritized the commercial aspect over producing quality content. Here at MCOM Global, we adopted the slogan and mission of “Make Communication Happen,” which reflects our transformation into an international content production company, especially from August 2022 onwards. When analyzing the 1,630 interviews I’ve conducted throughout my career, you can see a different approach from traditional tabloid outlets – our focus is on sharing experiences and highlighting the biographical side of our interviewees. Human beings are easily influenced, and if we observe our actions and decisions, we often realize we seek inspiration from life stories. Our mission goes beyond traditional journalism – we aim for every interviewee, in addition to telling their story, to have a unique and distinct experience compared to other opportunities they’ve had to express themselves. This is the concept I call “healthy journalism.” With each published interview, we connect stories, creating a bridge between interviewees and readers. Read more>>

Jennifer Connolly

My mission is to work smarter, not harder. Growing up I saw my parents work hard to give us a great life. They had jobs that supported a nurturing, present balance at home raising a family. They taught me to work for what I wanted. From an early age if I wanted “more” than what they offered, I worked for it. I had the mindset that no-one could tell me no, if I bought it myself. I worked 2 jobs in high school and through college. Always believing that the only way to make more money was to work “more”. When I was becoming a mom I thought a lot about how to have a better work-life balance. I thought back to my parents always being present. I asked myself how I could provide the life I envisioned for my family while still contributing financially. My husbands work ethics were driven by his childhood as well . He was rooted in a stable government career that provided us with the stability and benefits we needed as a family. Read more>>

Ronald Dean

My mission is a reflection of my deep connection to food, family, and community. Inspired by my Chicago roots and the lessons passed down from my grandmother, I’ve created FingersNoForks and 606 Sauce to share something special with the world. My goal is to provide everyone with a taste of homemade goodness—whether through unique dishes or your versatile sauce, made to elevate every meal to personal perfection. I’m passionate about crafting food that people can enjoy in their own way, and it’s this commitment to flavor and inclusivity that drives you. My love for bold, authentic flavors honors the traditions you were raised with, while adding your own creative twist. Through every dish, I aim to give back to my roots, celebrating where I’ve come from and what I have learned, all with the intention of sharing that experience with others. Read more>>

Katie Romig

People choose to hire a pet photographer for all sorts of reasons- bringing a new puppy home, celebrating a big win in the show ring, or just to have a nice portrait for their Christmas card! By far, though, the most rewarding sessions I offer are for end of life services. Working with old dogs, hearing their stories, and celebrating the joy they’ve brought to their people is when I feel like my work truly matters. One of my first old dogs was Scout, a retired service dog who was the namesake and inspiration for Scout’s Legacy Service Dogs. He loved his job like no other and was still trying to support his handler during our session, despite being mostly blind and deaf. While Scout crossed the rainbow bridge just a few short weeks after, his legacy is carried on by countless teams who have been trained in his honor. The portraits we took are still front and center on the organization’s website, serving as a reminder of the one who started it all. Read more>>

Dr. Aimmee Kodachian H.c.

The story behind my vision for the Tears of Hope Movement is deeply personal, born from my experiences as a 12-year-old girl enduring the horrors of the Lebanese Civil War. I witnessed the tragic death of my older brother and hero, Robert, in a bombing, and the war tore my family apart, leaving us homeless. With nowhere to go, my parents placed me and my younger brother in a run-down boarding school in the mountains, hoping to provide us with some shelter and safety. As the war raged on, the roads were shut down, cutting us off from water, electricity, food, and any contact with my family. Stranded and isolated, I spent nights on the balcony, watching bombs fall on the city, fearing I would never see my family again. I found myself responsible for raising my six-year-old brother, and together, we were left to survive against all odds. Read more>>

Brooke-lynn Awesome

My mission is to show people my age and younger that you can do whatever you want to do in this life, you just have to work towards it. Life is about experience and learning it shouldn’t be you slaving half your day away to pay bills & I feel like the older generation gave up because there’s no way they are okay with the way the world works today ! My ultimate goal is to quit my 9-5 to be a Barber & Fashion model and show others that they can chase their dreams also ! Read more>>

Kira Courson

Charming Leucadia is more than custom jewelry that you create, it’s the experience creating it with friends and family that you will always remember. Our mission was to create a fun and safe space in Encinitas that gives you a memory you’ll never forget. Read more>>

Chantea Williams

Years ago, before self-publishing took off, I always wanted to write a book but had no idea where to start or how to go about it. The research was overwhelming and seemed out of reach for someone like me. It stayed as a goal in the back of my mind, and I kept saying, “One day, I’ll get it done.” Once self-publishing became more popular, the fire reignited in me. As I was trying to figure out how to go about it, I couldn’t get any help from people who had already done it. Not even to answer a simple question. I wanted to know all I was getting into before committing to it. Unfortunately, the only way to get help back then was to pay an invoice when I didn’t understand anything. Thankfully, I figured it out on my own and vowed to help others like me. Read more>>

Alexis Lewis

Creating this hair care line was inspired by just wanting to help others achieve healthy hair goals. I am a firm believer that when people look good, it helps them to feel good. Read more>>