Below you’ll find the stories and lessons of some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs, artists and creatives in the community and how they found their purpose.
Karen Arrington
I was a professional job hopper. Throughout my career, I found myself constantly searching for fulfillment, moving from one job to another. However, amidst this journey, I discovered that there were certain aspects in each role that truly ignited my passion. These areas included mentorship, international travel, writing, and empowering women. Read more>>
Kristen Phillips
I didn’t find my purpose, my purpose found me. Life has a crazy way of defining who you are and revealing what makes your unique contribution so special in incredibly nuanced ways. I wasn’t blind to my ambitions, but like most young adults, I didn’t — couldn’t afford to have all the pieces of the puzzle yet. Read more>>
Akita Steen
I found my purpose when I faced a season of depression. I was battling mental illness and lost my job and turned away from everyone that loved me; I didn’t even know who I was. I knew that I had to go through this season to grow and become the successful woman that I am today. Read more>>
Stanley Shotwell
Throughout my short, yet, full life of 32 years, there were times when I believed that I had “arrived” at what I thought was my purpose for living. Whether it was me being a musician to me being a psychologist in the schools, my life has been filled with seemingly random experiences with no true connection; however, my perception of my life experiences changed when I began to see how they were indeed connected and were preparing me for where I stand today. Read more>>
Ty & Masami Smith
Ty & Masami Smith’s purpose in life first started when they were born as Native Americans. Growing up on their tribal homelands in Oregon, as tribal members of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, truly influenced and shaped their entire being—family, friends, marriage, parenthood, education, work, culture, traditions, spirituality, hobbies, world view, etc. Read more>>
Serena Morris
For my me my organization is my purpose. As a school teacher, I have seen too many students go without, come to school unprepared, and feeling left out because of it. I created my organzation to help students feel included and not worry about not how they’re going to pay for it. Read more>>
Angela Iaquinto
Finding my purpose came from exploring a variety of paths. I just kept trying things until they felt right and stuck. Constantly evolving to become better at my skills and craft. Over time put me in a place where I could share my knowledge by using my same systems I’ve created to help others grow effectively with out all the frustrations I had to go through. I use frustration and failures to excel instead of playing the victim mentality lead me to where I am today. Read more>>
Jazmine Eads
My purpose is my daughter! Having a girl changed my life entirely. First of all, having a little girl exposes you to “all things cute!” Dresses, hats, hair accessories, etc. I started off buying all of these things and then thought “I wonder if I could make these?” Read more>>
Riggy Marz
When I stopped trying to “find my purpose”, my purpose found me. It was really when I got sober off drugs & alcohol and started sharing my experience with my fellows in the recovery world, I realized my purpose is to help others. I am a healer, student & a teacher. Read more>>
Jamila Teasley
I found my purpose in life through life experiences and the drive instilled in me by my family. I have overcome many challenges in life until this day but those challenges help me realize that my purpose in life is to inspire others to achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. For many years, I have encouraged, inspired, and supported others through life events just as many people impact me along my journey. Read more>>
Maddy Hatchett
I feel like purpose isn’t a stationery or set thing that comes from a single source – at least not for me. What I have found time and time again though is that creating gives me a sense of purpose. I often tell people before I ever picked up the guitar/singing I was always painting, writing, inventing languages … the list goes on. Read more>>
Adrienne Simes
For as long as I can remember I have loved art. I loved creating art, talking about it, learning about it and looking at art. My earliest memories are of making art; drawing and painting for many hours. I continued this path as I grew up, finding no other way to quench my artistic thirst than to create. Read more>>
Lucy Hiller
At 13 years old you could find me engaged in business plans with my mother at the kitchen table. When I started my business LVH Creates in 2017 I started off by selling commissioned art to my neighbors and relatives. Handmade cards and prints. Read more>>
Ciara Monroe
I was clueless in what was the reason I was put on this earth to do. I had the love for many things but wanted to be passionate about I was doing. I thought of a time when I really loved doing something and that brought me back to college when I would be full of passion and love when talking about sports. Read more>>
Bryan Clayton
Finding my purpose has been an exciting journey, and it all centers around helping the contractors that use our GreenPal platform to run their business, improve their livelihood, and make more money. Read more>>
Lesley Triplitt
My internal purpose and purpose for our business coincided and flowed into one which created our wallpaper design business, Anointed Rooms. The Holy Spirit began waking me up with sketches and visions plus biblical scripture, which created God’s word on walls. Read more>>
Andy Dulman
I learned in college that finding one’s purpose starts with asking “why”. Why am I here? Through working and starting several non-profits in my 20, I realized the foundational power of community, connection, and support. I realized that I simply want to help the people around me improve their lives. Read more>>
The Neuro Farm
Rebekah: This is a deep question and something I think about often. The pursuit of wisdom and truth is my purpose. For example, when I think about the vastness of the universe and the expanse of time, the insignificance of everything is comforting in a strange way. And when I think about the intricate workings of the human brain and the fantastical world of quantum physics, I feel a sense of wonder. Read more>>
Angelique Atwell
have played sports my entire life and even ventured into coaching volleyball which is what I had the opportunity to play in college. I have always loved helping people learn or see a different perspective in life. In 2020, I was a new mom with a 1 year old and I realized how tough motherhood was but also with the pandemic, my mental health was declining as well as self care. Read more>>
Ilay Ron
I think we can find many purposes in life, but when we focus on the ones that guide us toward our goals, the path gets a lot clearer. My purpose has evolved over the years, but it has always centered around conveying my passion for creativity and the arts. For example, during college I found purpose in my rock band. Read more>>
Carmen Sclafani
I always had a real artistic ability as a child and could illustrate very well. I always approached the things that I did as if they were art, no matter what it was. I could have been mowing the grass or making a pizza, but I always saw the art and lines in things, and I think that I knew that the arts were going to be my path somehow. Read more>>
Ida Y, Robles
Well this can be a very long story so I’ll keep it brief. I went through something in my life in my early 30’s that put me in a situation where I was forced to be alone with myself and learn about myself, my boundaries, my limitations, my expectations and what I personally feel is right for me no matter how it make look from the outside of me. In that time I found art, I began with drawing and years down the road I began painting on canvases. Read more>>
Joe Lopez
My purpose comes embedder in my DNA. I guess, my family made me discover it. I was exposed to a good environment growing up. My mother, a successful interior designer, was very good with people. She always made sure that clients were served and went the extra mile. Read more>>
Vanessa Christina
I found my true purpose when I actually gained a true relationship with God! Knowing God and actually experiencing God is something I had to learn and once I truly experienced him that’s when my eyes opened and he started blessing. We as humans sometimes don’t really know how to find our purpose or even realize what our purpose is until we experience God’s presence and ask him to lead the way and show us. Read more>>
Ari Chibbaro
When I moved to the USA in 2004 from Bali, Indonesia, I was worried about supporting my family, orphans and people in need after I left my 15-year career in office management. Then I went to school to become an Esthetician in 2005 and worked for over 13 years at several spas. During this time, I began wondering how I could realize my childhood dream of running an orphanage. Read more>>
Amy Parker-Tunnell
As a person who has always had an empathetic heart, I was guided into my profession to lead a team to help provide genuine care for others as it is very fulfilling to bring smiles and hope into other lives. Read more>>
Zyi Li
Discovering one’s purpose is a result of a complex interplay between upbringing, influences, and the present surroundings. It’s often the most profound and emotionally charged moments from these factors that guide the journey toward understanding one’s unique calling. Read more>>
Michelle Sroda
Finding your purpose in life can be a long and winding journey, but for those who have a passion for animals, the path may become more clear. Caring for animals can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose that is hard to find elsewhere. It is a feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are making a positive impact on the lives of creatures that cannot always speak for themselves. Read more>>
Elyse Dodge
I was raised in a home where we were encouraged to research, create and build the things that we wanted to see in this world. From a young age, I knew that my purpose was to create things that inspire others but I wasn’t sure in which discipline. Having a mother who is an artist meant that I had access to art supplies, books and creative outlets from the moment that I could hold a brush. Read more>>
Elisa Valdes
It was a journey of different paths, that lead me to my purpose of guiding women and helping them tap into their femininity through photography.. For many years I worked in healthcare. As a case manager, coordinating resources for patients and ensuring they got the proper care they needed. I was aspiring to be a nurse, working to go back into school for a double major in nursing. Read more>>
Carlina Shotwell
Growing up within the foster care system brought about many challenges as I approached adulthood. One such challenge was life skills. The lack of knowledge regarding how to navigate life decisions, build healthy relationships, manage finances and personal credit motivated me to educate myself in order to ensure that I made better choices. Read more>>
T. Ka$h
I started to search for my purpose at the age of 16. I wanted to do something unique with my life. As I got older, I started to see my purpose in not only music, but life as well. When I first performed on stage, it all came together. I learned that what I saw in myself could come true. Read more>>
Ziang Yang
Back in middle school, my fascination with rock music knew no bounds. As high school rolled around, I took the plunge and joined a music school to dive into the world of bass performance. From that moment onward, I had an unshakable belief that my destiny was intertwined with the realm of music. Read more>>
The Portwell House
Honestly, by accident. We both had creativity and artistic qualities that presented themselves in our past, whether it be in school or hobbies, however, we did not fully utilize or develop them to what they are now until we started dating. The triggering moment may be lead back to when we first started dating and Tianna had an antique dresser that she mentioned that she always wanted to refurbish. Read more>>
Dr. Phyllis Pelzer
Being an ordained Woman of Faith, I would love to say my purpose found me. Although I had encountered many challenges (including domestic violence) as a divorced mother raising a young son, I had such an inner passion to encourage other women to help build their self-esteem while navigating life challenges. Read more>>
Terri Josie Mae
Funny thing is, it kind of just hit me while I was daydreaming. I was literally laying in the bed, daydreaming! I’ve always been a hustler by nature, and I’ve always tried starting my own businesses, but nothing would ever stick. Read more>>
Michelle Custer
Unfortunately, tragedy led me into my purpose. In March of 2015 my pillar of light, who was a mother to me, died unexpectedly and my world shattered. I had been existing every day, attempting to do what society says you do as a woman, you grow up, you get married, and you have kids. Read more>>
Michelle Kenney, M. Ed.
I came to parenting as a former educator with an inflated idea I would be successful. What I came to realize was parenting could have been the single most frustrating and challenging endeavor I had ever encountered. It was one part licking the wounds of my childhood and one part walking on an unmarked path with no real direction. Read more>>
Dustin Corriveau
In 2018, my journey towards discovering my true purpose in videography and photography began. It all started with a trusty GoPro in hand, capturing precious moments shared with friends and family during snowboarding escapades, exhilarating hikes, and unforgettable travel adventures. Those captured snippets of life felt like treasures, and little did I know, they were planting the seeds of a lifelong passion. Read more>>
WEI QIU
Venturing alone to study architecture in both Singapore and the United States ignited a transformative journey that not only shaped my personal growth but also crystalized my purpose within the realm of design. Read more>>
