Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives. Some are happy, some are not. The happy ones almost always had a strong sense of purpose and so we are very focused on trying to help our community members and audience find their purpose. This series is our attempt to create more dialogue around finding your purpose.

Monica Chatman

I found purpose in what I do by realizing that creativity can be healing. When I first started making coloring books, it was something I did for peace — a quiet way to express myself and slow my mind down. But over time, I saw how it was doing the same thing for other people. Read More>>

NiEtta Reynolds

It began with a bond that felt like healing but was rooted in hurt. We connected through our pain—two people trying to make sense of life’s weight. It was a trauma bond, one that felt safe because we both knew what it meant to be broken. But when he took his own life nine years ago, that bond ruptured. Read More>>

Dr Brendly Clark Singleton

I’m not sure if my purpose was described in the previous article but here goes. My youngest son was murdered on Mother’s Day 2020. Having experienced what was a tremendous tragedy like that can cause a person to lose all hope and sense of direction. I did just that. I am known to rescue others in need. Read More>>

Priyadharshini Sritharan

My purpose in making dolls comes from my love for art and storytelling. I’ve always believed that every culture and emotion can be beautifully expressed through creative work. When I started making dolls, I realized they could do more than just decorate — they could tell stories, reflect traditions, and make people feel connected. Read More>>

Ibrahim Rana

I often say I didn’t find art, but art found me. It came to me in the moments when I was at my weakest and when silence became too heavy to hold. Growing up in northern Pakistan, art became a source of survival. Read More>>

Isabela Santos

TV and movies have always been a lifeline for me, since I was a kid, so it was always very clear what I would do for work. But I think every human being’s purpose is to just be happy. I’ve always done my best to achieve that by following my intuition and doing what I feel is right. It has never failed me. Read More>>

Allison Natalia

Finding my purpose has been a deeply spiritual journey, guided by faith and trust in God. It wasn’t something I discovered on my own—it unfolded as I sought to align my life with His will and listened for His guidance in prayer and reflection. Read More>>

Belee Kaur

“I found my purpose by confronting my own journey and realizing my music speaks best when it’s honest and real.” Read More>>

Kimberlee Tucker

From Struggle to Success: How I Found My Purpose as a Businesswoman Many people think purpose is something you stumble upon by chance. For me, it unfolded one decision at a time — starting with a little girl in 4th grade who was simply struggling to be seen. Read More>>

Erykah Holloway

Growing up, I was a very shy and quiet kid. I never really interacted with kids my own age. However, I have always used storytelling as a way of expressing myself, especially when I am going through hard times. I would sit down in my room and write short stories. Read More>>

Dr. Crystal Corona, D.C.,CACCP

I’ve always known I wanted to be a doctor, even as a little girl, I felt called to help kids and families live healthier, happier lives. When I discovered chiropractic care, my focus at first was on adults and the incredible ways the body can heal when it’s supported naturally. Everything shifted when I became pregnant with my first child. Read More>>

Cathy Jenkins

My purpose come from my family. I have always been a stay at home mom and I have taken care of my 3 children and my loving husband for 35 years. It was very easy to transform my life into the restaurant business because it was something I loved to do for my family Read More>>

Destiny Moore

My purpose was found at age 13 when I was first gifted a camera for Christmas. I was beyond thrilled and had’nt really been that into taking phots as much as I was into drawing cartoons at the time but I was excited to try it out. Read More>>

Julie Stevens

I found my purpose through my greatest challenge. When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and given a 14% chance of survival, I could have just accepted that fate. But instead, I realized I had a choice about how to spend my energy – and that’s always been my core belief: the only thing we can control is how we spend our energy. Read More>>

Britt Hyatt

I’ve always known I wanted to design websites. Even as a teenager, I was obsessed with coding AOL and MySpace profiles and seeing how creativity and tech could come together. But for a long time, I thought that being a website designer was my purpose and when I realized it wasn’t, it was really, really gutting. Read More>>

Leslie Brooker

2 Corinthians 1:3,4 says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Read More>>

Chase Cheatwood

There was a time in my life when I wrestled with my purpose. I tried to find meaning in so many things—mainly baseball. For years, that was my world. I thought if I could just be good enough, successful enough, maybe I’d finally feel fulfilled. Baseball became more than just a sport to me; it became my identity. Read More>>

McKenna Hutchinson

I’ve been a wedding photographer for 9+ years and found my ultimate purpose when my grandmother passed away a few years into me being a photographer. I realized how few photos I had of us together and that realization changed everything for me. It made me see photography differently. I stopped caring about perfection and started chasing authenticity in my images. Read More>>

Shawna Allard

I was born an intuitive psychic and discovered I had the gift of seeing auras at an early age. My mom told me that my psychic abilities are a natural part of my life. Her advice helped me accept my gifts in stride and honor them as they developed. Read More>>

Karyn Blaney

How I Found My Purpose in Art I’ve always known that art was part of who I am — it’s how I see the world, how I connect with others, and how I express what words can’t always say. But it took time to realize that my true purpose wasn’t just in creating art, it was in sharing it. Read More>>

Keen Khalid

I found my purpose; through my passion(s). I used to get the two confused, thinking if i’m passionate about something, it must be my purpose. But that’s not necessarily true. . . Naturally I looked up the definition of both words, to really differentiate the two, and understand where my thought process was taking me. Passion – noun: an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Read More>>

Geremy Davis

I found my purpose in what Christ did for me on the cross. He not only saved me but also gave me a unique athletic skill set to use in a way that honors Him. Read More>>

Liv Wheeler

When I was younger, I tried so hard to be the “good girl” — to do what was expected, to be loved, and to fit into the version of success that society celebrates. I followed the well-worn path, but eventually realized that what looked right on the outside felt almost unbearable on the inside. Read More>>

Jonathan Davis

I found my purpose growing up in church. I always knew I was a giver or had a giving heart. So once I started cutting hair, it helped me to fulfill my purpose while also doing something that I love. There’s no better feeling than being able to bless someone and let them know God is real. Read More>>

Justin Decker

Years ago my wife and I faced a major health crisis. My wife almost died due to an undiagnosed bowel blockage. Miraculously the doctors saved my wife’s life, but the crisis didn’t end. For years afterwards we were barraged with collections and bills from the hospital putting us in financial ruin. Read More>>

Melissa Lewis

I have always loved stories. More importantly, I have always loved listening to people tell their stories. So, after teaching and raising a family for almost 25 years, I knew I wanted to help people in the stuck parts of their story. Read More>>

Kristin Bushman

I was in an abusive relationship for a very long while. During this time, it felt as if I had lost part of myself. Being in constant fight or flight mode, I just focused on surviving day to day. Once I finally escaped that situation, it was as if a world of possibilities opened up for me. Read More>>

Jake Ross

It took me a long time to realize what my purpose was and I am not certain I have fully identified it at this point. But what I have found is a strong desire or even a need to sit with others and hold space for them. Read More>>

Angela Shook

I was first drawn to end-of-life care as a hospice volunteer and like many, I was inspired to become an end-of-life doula after the death of a loved one. I believe that many deathworkers come to this work because they have either had a beautiful death experience, and want to help others achieve that same grace. Read More>>

Natalie Storment

Purpose reveals itself to you in many forms. For me, my purpose was set into motion when I committed my life to Christ. It would be years before my foundation in Christ would carry me through difficult times. John 10:10 tells us that ‘the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Read More>>

Jennifer Mentesana

This story is the foundation of my debut book, ‘Guided By Grace: Follow the Breadcrumbs to Your Life’s True Purpose.’ I share how, from a young age, we’re all given a unique purpose and gift to share with the world. However, as we grow and are influenced by others, the noise and beliefs around us can often distract us from our true path. Read More>>

Kyle Colby

I don’t think purpose arrives all at once. For me, it was something that revealed itself slowly, like a mountain emerging through the fog after sunrise. I grew up on a steady diet of National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and PBS, mixed with adventure books like Into Thin Air, The Lost World, and Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series. Read More>>

J.EX

I found my purpose around October during the Stevie Stone Tour when I performed my song “Papi Flow” and a young kid came on stage and got sturdy (A dance usually danced to NY Drill music, which the song is). I seen my music can get to the ears of those young so my words and life I went thru can possibly help someone. Read More>>

Christian Dryden

I think I’ve been blessed in that music has always been inside me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been singing, dancing and dissecting the music around me. There was no long journey of self-discovery. To quote Marc Bolan, ‘I danced myself right out the womb.’ Read More>>

Gary Schneider

I’ve always enjoyed sports and staying in shape. Over the years I’ve learned the importance of exercise, not just for aesthetics but for health reasons. Exercise does so many positive things for your body; it improves cardiovascular health, help with weight management, bone density, strength, balance, better posture and flexible mobility. Read More>>

Robbe Stevens

I found my purpose by trying over and over again until i was proud, thats when i realized i dont really make music for someone specific, but more for myself. I want to make myself proud and thats what keeps me going. Read More>>

Thomas Hassell

I found my purpose in life when I joined both the Greater harrisburg Autism society and the Spectrum friends adult Autism spectrum disorder support group because it me a chance to be an advocate for other and also for myself I love helping people who are on the spectrum find out who they are on their journey Read More>>

Tyler Forster

That is a good question. I attribute my sense of purpose to the evolution and development of my strengths and interests. Read More>>

Mingze Gao

I found my purpose through a continuous exploration of love and human connection, themes that have always been central to both my life and my artistic practice. My sensitivity toward emotions — the way I perceive and internalize them — has guided me to reflect on love not only as a feeling, but as a philosophical and existential question. Read More>>

Cristiane Barreto

I discovered my purpose,consciously, at the age of 26, when I began to realize the deep personal fulfillment I felt from seeing how my career and business consulting services truly helped people — not only in their professional paths, but also in their personal growth. Until then, my professional experience had been in the retail and commerce sector, which gradually stopped making sense to me. Read More>>

Chaeyeon Kim

I’m an actor. I didn’t start this because it was easy—I started because I fell in love with it. But love doesn’t make it less hard. There were so many moments when I wanted to give up, and somehow, my community always showed up for me—friends running lines, teachers reminding me why I started, people who believed in me when I didn’t. Read More>>

Sara Drahos

I’ve come to understand that purpose isn’t something you stumble upon in a single moment; it unfolds gradually, shifting as you grow and evolve. I wouldn’t say I’ve fully found mine yet, but I’ve always felt a pull toward helping others feel seen, valued, and confident. That desire has been a quiet constant throughout my life. Read More>>

Nida Jamal

I found my purpose when I realized that jewelry could be more than adornment it could be empowerment. My journey began when I met women artisans in rural Pakistan whose incredible skills were going unseen. Their craftsmanship was exquisite, but they lacked access to fair markets and recognition. Read More>>

Justin Lee

I found my purpose with EARCOUSTIC through a very personal moment helping a friend named Kenny. Kenny had mild hearing loss that made it hard for him to fully engage in conversations, social gatherings, and even simple moments like listening to music or hearing the world around him. Traditional hearing aids were expensive, uncomfortable, and sometimes more than what he actually needed. Read More>>

Abigail Goodin

Finding my purpose came with a lot of trial and error, and it isn’t just one thing; I feel purpose to do many things. I think once I opened myself up to that process, I was able to understand that my purpose is allowed to change as I change. Right now, my purpose is building a media and production company. Read More>>

Rebecka Pitre

Finding your purpose isn’t always easy. For a long time, I thought I had, back when I lived in Sweden and worked in human rights. But I spent my days behind a desk, feeling a quiet ache I couldn’t quite name. The work mattered, but I felt a deeper calling — a pull toward creativity, connection, and something more alive. Read More>>

Destiney Gillespie

For a long time, I thought purpose was something you stumbled upon once everything in life made sense, when the pain was behind you and the plan was perfectly clear. But I learned that purpose often reveals itself in the middle of the mess, not after it. Read More>>

Harper Jackovich

For most of my life, tennis was everything to me. It was where I found confidence, control, and identity. I poured everything I had into the sport — my time, my energy, my worth. Every win made me feel like I had a purpose, and every loss made me question if I did. Read More>>

James Koroma

My journey began with my grandfather, who was a perfumer by hobby back home in Liberia. He would craft his own fragrances, blending raw ingredients by hand. When the Liberian civil war broke out, he sent my father and his siblings to the United States in search of better opportunities. Read More>>

Esimaje Michael Onoseme

I find purpose by responding to challenges and stimulus within my immediate environment whilst pushing to break boundaries from locally to globally Read More>>

Bracy Tebbe-Trujillo

I found my purpose through combining my creative photography skills with my love for storytelling and connecting with people. I used to be very anxious and stressed about understanding my purpose until I started creating what I genuinely loved. Read More>> 

Stella Amador

I have always loved jigsaw puzzles. The idea of building something from scratch and watching the pieces come together has always felt deeply fulfilling to me. There is something meditative about finding where each piece belongs, the quiet satisfaction of order emerging from chaos. Read More>>

Yumi Kim

I find motivation to keep creating art from my desire to communicate with people through it. For me, art has always been a second language, a way to express what words often fail to capture. There are moments when I struggle to articulate my thoughts, emotions, or even my perspective on certain experiences or social issues. But when I express them through art, something changes. Read More>>

Izabela Bos

I found my purpose by leaning into what came naturally to me — connecting people, telling meaningful stories, and building communities around a shared mission. Over time, I realized that my passion for strategy, creativity, and impact all came together through digital storytelling and leadership. Read More>>

Malton Schexneider

I believe everyone wants to be great at everything they do, including being a great barbecue pitmaster., whether it be in the backyard or on the competition circuit. Read More>>

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