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.
Claire Woolner
I kept trying a lot of things and trying to be like a lot of people. It mostly felt like shit and then every once in a while there was a small feeling that felt good; that felt like “oh, im me!”. It was a flicker and would disappear again. I eventually started to realize that THAT feeling was what I needed to chase. The more I chase it, the more I find my purpose, my people and why I want to be alive. Read More>>
Charlin Hughes
Honestly, I did not find my purpose. It found me. As a little girl, my grandfather would say, “Find something you like to do, and it will make money for you”. Since I studied dance and loved it, I was confident that it would be my something. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I would be gallivanting all across the country dancing my little heart out. But one emotional choice took me down the road of motherhood instead. So, of course, gallivanting across the country was not an option. I was an 18-year-old mom. Read More>>
Mathieu Bolillo
My name is Mathieu Bolillo, I’m a performer and fitness coach specializing in handstand and calisthenics using holistic way. I started to be fascinating by movement at the age of 8. Gymnastics became my passion. Read More>>
Amy Feind Reeves
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on studies released in June 2023, about 40 percent of recent college graduates are currently underemployed in the United States. (Underemployment is defined as “working in a job that typically does not require a bachelor’s degree” and recent college graduates are those aged 22 to 27 with a bachelor’s degree or higher). Read More>>
Sarah Burnette
I truly found my purpose after I unexpectedly lost my dad in June of 2021. At the time I was pursuing a different career that I thought I would be happy with. Who is now my boyfriend pointed out that when I got off work that my days were only, ” okay” or “it was horrible” he stated that the career I thought I wanted wasn’t truly something I would be happy with. He continued by asking, ” What about photography? Have you thought about doing that for a living?” The thought had crossed my mind a time or two but since it wasn’t a standard job I dismissed it. Read More>>
Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective
If you can believe it, The Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective was an idea fostered by a scam. A bride reached out to Derek Halkett, stating that her “smoky mountain photographer” was not responding to emails, calls, or texts regarding the upcoming wedding date. When the bride started to dig around a bit, she realized the photographer she hired was from West Virginia and had never photographed a wedding in the Smoky Mountains before. Read More>>
Ahmed Radwan
As a young kid, I watched as both of my parents go down a path in life and never leaving it. I never understood the essence of what drove them to that extent, but over the years, I finally came to understand. Read More>>
Paul Kolazinski
my nurture and nature both provide my calling as an artist. I have ancestors who were very successful artisans, attention to detail, observation, intelligence, curiosity, and wonder, all combine. I was born to be an artist. when I stop making art, for any length of time, my body and soul feel the negative repercussions . I feel more complete when I participate in Art. Read More>>
Taneka Brazier
Finding my purpose? When I think about purpose I think of living. Many individuals aren’t living they’re just existing. Before finding my purpose I felt as if I was trapped somewhere I could not get myself out of mentally, physically, emotionally etc. Trapped meaning, I didn’t know my focus or my purpose when it came to even thinking of having a purpose. It took me to fail plenty of times to finally find my purpose and realize I was the only person who could make this purpose a priority in my life. When I think about purpose, I think about my ultimate goals and aspirations. Read More>>
Laura Tannenbaum
I have loved taking photos since I was in the sixth or seventh grade. I got my first film camera around that age. From then on I always had a camera (usually disposable ones) on me wherever I went. My family traveled a lot so I loved taking photos on our vacations, usually of landscapes and architecture more than of people. My photos were never artfully done or skillful. The purpose was just to document my life, my family, my friends. Read More>>
Shanny Slay
I’ve always knew I had a purpose but I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to accomplish it. With everything that I’m doing, the ultimate goal is to be a blessing to others. Life is already hard as it is, anything I can do to make it just a little easier is a plus for me. Going through my own life experiences, it taught me that everything is temporary, tomorrow isn’t promised so you have to live for today. I would ask myself, how do I want to be remembered when my time comes?! That question will make you rethink your WHY? And develop your purpose. Read More>>
Ariel Gallop
I was in a jet skiing accident when I was 14 years old. I had been the spotter as my cousins were inner tubing. At the end of the day, they swam to shore and I rode the jet ski back to the beach with my uncle. While I was sitting there riding the ket ski, the rope had wrapped around my calf and ankle. I fell into the water and was pulled by the rope around my leg. When my uncle stopped, I was alive but bleeding pretty badly in the water. They rushed me to the hospital. Read More>>
