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.
Emanuel Dominguez
There’s no question that music is my passion and the center of my world. Ever since I was young, I always knew it would remain a part of my life, but I’d be lying if I said I ever expected it to evolve into what it has today—my purpose. Read more>>
Genevieve Richardson
It was early Monday morning when my phone buzzed. I knew that change was here and deeply understood what was to come. Three and a half years have passed since that pivotal moment, and today, I find myself devoted to a personal and profoundly impactful mission. Read more>>
Taryn Lagonigro
My purpose behind everything I do is my four daughters, but this became especially true after my youngest daughter was born with Down syndrome. Even after growing up with someone with a significant disability, I felt so scared to be stepping into this world. Read more>>
Michael Hutchinson
I am a high school special education teacher and for many years, I have dreamt about opening a coffee cafe that employs people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. Read more>>
Obdulia M Hegde
“Finding my purpose was a gradual journey that began with my passion for art. In high school, I had an inspiring art teacher who nurtured my talent for drawing and sketching. Over the years, I continued to explore various art techniques and experiment with different styles. Read more>>
Arielle Cole
I found my purpose by recognizing that the roadblocks and challenges I faced were not unique to me. In particular, I struggled with a lack of opportunities in my hometown, the absence of proper stepping stones for emerging career artists to advance to the next level of their work, and the need for a celebration of talent regardless of a person’s background. Read more>>
Gene Williams
For anyone looking to start a business, here was my roadmap: Started private coaching in 2017 (on the side) to stay involved with basketball & earn additional income. When it became too much to manage leads, scheduling, and bookings, I tried sourcing platforms to help – but couldn’t find anything I liked. Lightbulb goes off, and I start piecing the product/team together in 2021. Read more>>
Adelina Duenhoelter
I know deep down that I was always supposed to make art in some capacity because from the beginning it’s been some sort of compulsion for me. However, growing up I was told over and over by family, my peers, and society especially, that pursuing art was not feasible and was something I might be better off putting to the side. Read more>>
Stephanie Toro
As a kid I always knew I loved art, especially nail art. Nanicures Unwrapped grew from my passion of creating fun manicures with intricate nail art on myself and the Impact I observed it had on others around me. Read more>>
Noor Hamid
The path to purpose is multifaceted. It’s never a straight line from start to finish. I’ve always admired, and yet disdained the predestined life of people who chose a straight forward career path, like my husband. Read more>>
Joan Liu
In my early 20s, I had a period of time where my health declined drastically. I went from full-on rehearsing everyday and balancing other life obligations to not knowing if I’d live through to see another day. It was a dark time of my life and I was faced with questioning the meaning of life constantly. When the chest became heavy, when taking the next breath was taking all that I had left, my mind went to a place where I had no choice but to distill what’s my biggest regret and what I would do/change if I had another chance at life. That’s when I realized, if I survive, I want to dedicate my life to giving hope, may it be through arts, through science (I have a biology/pre-med background), through entrepreneurship, or through any other means. Ever since then, though my life my seem circuitous and unorganized to some, I know my principle and what I strive for. Read more>>
jules shepard
I would say that my purpose found me. I was a prosecuting attorney, focused exclusively on domestic violence cases, trying to help families in crisis and spending my days in and out of a courtroom. After I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I had to re-invent my world and how I moved in it. Food pervades every social interaction and affects so much more of our lives than we realize until we’re forced to think about it before every bite. After years of figuring it out for myself, I wanted to share my learnings with others to abbreviate their learning curve and prevent them from having to reinvent the wheel of mastering a gluten free lifestyle. That’s when I pivoted completely from being an attorney to writing cookbooks and ultimately, to manufacturing gluten free flour. Read more>>
Rylee Green
I found my purpose through GOD. Having strong faith and a strong foundation. Read more>>
Stephanie Trager
I believe purpose finds us. Depending how strong our spirit, how indoctrinating our youth, how liberating our experience… we will ‘fall into’ or carve our path of purpose sooner or later. I knew at a young age who I was, a magical tree and spirit communicator in a world of adults that knew nothing of this. I spent two decades dismantling beliefs that I was wrong or complaining for pointing out the obvious. Read more>>
Shetera Thompson
Life lessons has lead me to my purpose in life. There is always someone in need of help and/or advice. Through out the years of facing trails and tribulations such as education, finances, critical thinking, and problem solving I have developed a passion to assist individuals with one of the most hardest things to accomplish; Self Care. Read more>>
Alexis Fonseca
Personally, I found my purpose through finding what I was truly passionate about. That led me to set goals on what I was truly excited about Being inspired was a key element surrounding myself around individuals who were driven and following that same passion Read more>>
Naomi Poshneh
Twelve years ago, I moved from sunny San Diego to the city of Los Angeles, bringing four years of experience in the hair industry with me. I landed a position at a Santa Monica salon specializing in lash and brow tinting. Although my initial plan was to return to hairstyling, I soon found myself captivated by the art of brow care, specifically waxing and threading. This newfound fascination quickly became my true passion, and I spent the next four years building a loyal clientele and honing my skills. Read more>>
Jason Wallerstein
My passion for animals and nature stems from childhood. Growing up, our household was a menagerie with 10 dogs, 10 cats, and a variety of other creatures. I spent countless hours exploring local parks, fostering a deep love for the wildness in animals. This connection, further fueled by my teenage obsession with punk and psychobilly music, translates into the vibrant energy of my art. BrunkyArt is owned by Donna, my wife of 20 years. She built my art studio in 2019 in Cedar Park, TX when we first moved here. We began exploring art festivals and started recognizing what we wanted the business of selling my art would look like. We realized that Austin is a supportive community that fosters new creatives and we felt it was the right time and place to begin selling my art. We wanted to provide affordable art that was focused on the flora and fauna of Texas and the South West. Even though I have been producing art for nearly 30 years, Donna didn’t create BrunkyArt until 2022. Read more>>
Arnicia Ortiz
I have to admit that my route of finding my purpose was not conventional or glamorous. When I was terminated from my job two years ago, I found myself in despair. After some self-reflection, I realized that I had fallen victim to finding my identity and purpose in temporary things that are out of my control. When these things shifted and ceased to exist, I felt like a shell of a person and I discounted the gift that [still] was my life. There was a time where I was convinced that my purpose was to be a counselor to help people heal and grow. There was another time where I believed that my purpose was to teach and educate in a school setting. Recently I discovered my passion for 1-on-1 coaching, and most recently I’ve discovered great fulfillment in doing none of these things and focusing solely on my family and home. Read more>>
Jacqueline Fusari
A seed was planted 15 years prior to studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a teen, I was suffering from severe back pain and after trying various therapies, acupuncture was the only thing that was profoundly healing. My own experience with Acupuncture and Chinese herbs sparked my desire to study this incredible medicine and share it with as many people as possible. I had some speed bumps and detours along the way, and my own self doubt. As much as I wanted it, I didn’t think I was capable of becoming an Acupuncturist. It seemed like a fairy tail. Sure, it would be amazing, but I wasn’t smart enough or savvy enough to actually become an acupuncturist and have my own practice. But then I started playing the “what if” game. What if I just researched Acupuncture schools? What if I just glanced over the curriculum? Read more>>
Joanna Robles
Growing up, I was taught that if I couldn’t find something I wanted, I should create it. Whether it was food, clothes, furniture, or anything that required thinking outside the box, the idea was to innovate and build. When I became a mother, I searched for a place where my child could simply be a kid, without the constraints of a classroom setting. I wanted an environment focused on social development rather than just academics. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything like that. Most childcare centers were classroom-based and prioritized ABCs and 123s over social skills. My primary goal was to provide a space where children could learn to be social, express their feelings, and develop human connections without constantly being corrected. I wanted them to feel free to express themselves and not be hindered by rigid rules. Read more>>
Kisha J
I have found my purpose by understanding who I am by knowing Whose I am. I have found through studying that we were all made to do great things in this world and so I make sure to show up and to be of service because I know that is my purpose. Any role that I have been in, I have always made it a priority to do my best or don’t show up at all. So, within my business I make sure to understand that it’s my duty to serve my community and do my best for anyone who decides to shop with me. Read more>>
Nikki Callegari
Photography has been a transformative experience for me, offering healing for my inner child and fulfillment each day. Growing up in a challenging environment, I once believed my upbringing was the norm. However, becoming a mother opened my eyes to the genuine magic and wonder of childhood. Through my camera lens, I capture these precious moments in various families, reaffirming that the world is filled with love and the joyous experiences I once yearned for truly do exist. Witnessing children thrive in such happy environments brings me immense joy and continues to heal my inner child. Read more>>
Suzanne Farance
I knew before graduating high school that college or the military wasn’t for me personally (I come from a Marine Corps & Aviation family, and my husband from an Army, Coast Guard, and first responder family) — and we have plenty of college and higher-education based family members, including my husband who is a very talented and unique cross between an engineer & key account manager. Me, I knew I was always way more on the creative and entrepreneurial side of things with a heavy dash of sass and an adventurous spirit. Read more>>
Amy Williams
Oddly, my purpose found me a long time ago, but it wasn’t until I did some deep soul searching of “who am I?” 3 months before I left a job, that I came to realize that what I was supposed to be doing, I had already been doing for years. It was the missing perspective that then helped bring clarity. A book that really helped me was “Unique Ability 2.0 Discovery: Define your Best Self” by Catherine Nomura, Julia Waller, Shannon Waller. It took me through some reflection activities that brought to light what I enjoyed, what I am passionate about, and connected the dots along my journey. Read more>>
Stephanie Hall
I found my purpose when I started healing. 5 years ago, I went to the doctor regarding a small ongoing issue I was dealing with Unfortunately, she had no answer for it. No solution. I remember leaving that appointment sad, tired and frustrated. That was the first day that I decided to take my power back. I was tired of being sick and tired and I decided that I wanted to heal. I did not want a temporary solution. I was tired of the band aids of medication and therapy. I wanted to be made whole. I wanted true and ultimate healing. I’ve always had this inner knowing that ultimate healing was possible, I just never knew how to do it. When I surrendered to God and gave my life fully to Him, He divinely led, taught, guided and directed me through every step I needed and gave me all of the knowledge that I needed to know to be able to heal. Read more>>
Rachel Lawrence
Hi there! I’m an occupational therapist and owner of Parallel Play, which is a sensory-movement based therapy practice in Aurora, Colorado. Our therapists use movement as the catalyst for development for children of all abilities. We currently offer individual occupational therapy sessions to children aged 2-21, with a focus on movement, executive functioning skills, social emotional development, parent coaching and sensory processing. If all of that seems like a bunch of therapist mumbo jumbo, that’s ok- the concepts will reach the right person 🙂 Here’s what I’ll say: As I speak to each family during our onboarding process, I describe to them how Parallel Play therapy feels a bit different- we are focused on the whole child and use movement (gymnastics, ninja, climbing, and more) as the gateway for development in children who have sensory processing disorders, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome and more. Read more>>
Morrisa Jeanine
Finding my purpose was a journey embedded in me over the last 15 years of my life through experiences in the art community and entertainment. I would always find myself in rooms with people who were either on the same path or had already achieved what I aspired to be. I also placed my faith in art and projects, which allowed me to see doors open and made me realize that the path I am on is the one that truly inspires me. Looking back at photos from my younger years as a kid, I see myself doing the same things in a childlike form. Read more>>
Monica Bhattacharya
When I began my career as an artist 14 years ago, I simply loved creating art and therefore thought that teaching could help me share that joy with others. I started teaching art to a few students as a hobby. I really never thought about my ultimate purpose in life at that time but as time passed by, I started wondering about it. It took me a long time to find answers. Over the years, consistent feedback from students’ parents and clients provided me with some clarity. They often appreciated my focus on line drawing and stroke work, which improves hand dexterity—skills becoming rare in today’s digital world. There it was – I found my purpose! I wanted to teach classical art techniques to inspire today’s youth. Read more>>
Dr Laura Castro Royo
During my master’s, I came across (almost by chance, I must admit) Iranian culture and its fascinating literature, art and mythology, and I knew I was starstruck. It was love at first sight when I met Simurgh, the Iranian mythological bird that names not only my project (Las plumas de Simurgh), but also my master’s dissertation and, a bit later, my PhD thesis. As my research expanded and I learned more and more about Iran’s history, art and mythology, I wondered why they were so little known to the general public, save for the not-so-great representations in modern media (yes, 300, I am thinking of you). So I started this project to share the fascinating stories around the Persianate and its culture and, because one topic in two languages is for the weak, I also included Mesopotamia in my free time. There was just too much to know and enjoy together! Read more>>
Bree Williamson
Finding my purpose through photography has been an incredible journey. My passion sparked in my high school’s dark room, where I immersed myself in every photography class available, took on a teacher’s aid position to help my fellow classmates learn the art, and even took several Independent Study courses when I had exhausted the classes already offered. I realized that through my lens, I could freeze fleeting, beautiful, unique moments and retell stories through visual keepsakes. From there, I immersed myself in the world of professional photography, honing my skills and learning to see the world with a more observant eye. Every couple, every family, every individual has a unique story, and I found immense passion in uncovering these narratives. Photography became more than just a hobby; it became a way for me to connect with people on a deeper level and to celebrate the love that binds us all. Read more>>
Monique Nasha’e
I am practicing what I preach! I went through a dark time in my life where I didn’t see the light. When my son was born, my grandmother who raised me died. She waited until he opened his eyes to close hers; I didn’t even know she was that sick. Because of this, my postpartum journey almost killed me and to make matters worst my son and I both got extremely sick and had to stay in the hospital longer. To say the least my days as a new mom were hard, I was depressed, and I couldn’t breathe most days. I just woke up and went on with my daily life duties just for my newborn baby. I wrote a plan one day, it was a vision of what happiness, self-love, and self-care looked like for me. I included spa days, a quiet day trip, a walk to get a cup of coffee, a weekly babysitter, and a happy hour with friends. I wrote it down so much that I started to place dates on my calendar to get it done. Read more>>
Laura Missellie Cryder
I first started using tarot cards in high school with friends. Later, classmates told me how accurate I was and what exactly happened. But I grew older and out of tarot cards. At a point, I was in a dark place in my life. It seemed tarot began popping up again. The tarot helped me change my mindset and my life in a more positive way. I found it interesting how tarot correlates with trauma and behavior health. With studying tarot and experiences from my own journey, I began looking into astrology and how it also corresponded with tarot and life purposes. It was this point I could see I was meant to be a humanitarian and I had an ability to see the secrets, unseen realms, dreams, intuition, and the subconscious mind. In astrology your north node tells your life purpose. Mine being in the 12th house represents all of these things and more. Read more>>
Lindsey Jamison
I have always been a creative and initially realized my passion for interior design through DIY projects. I found the power of paint and how it can change a room, furniture piece, art, or built-in areas of a home. I started recreating wallpaper patterns that I loved through paint, realizing it is easier to paint over when I would change my mind (often) vs. wallpaper removal. I would work with fabric scraps recreating wall murals. For example, I created a headboard look for my daughter’s room of a colorful house with modern funky patterns and even added wood details on the chimney! This is how it began, simply by creating. Read more>>
Leah Rich
I think I found my purpose by trying a lot of different career paths, trying to fit into boxes that didn’t work, while also nurturing my love of nature and textiles in my free time. After a number of unfulfilling jobs it became necessary to follow my gut and pursue work that I could feel good about putting out in the world. I did some experimenting and discovered plant dyes and fell in love almost immediately. Read more>>
Kauri Crownhart
I found my purpose once I found my faith. All my pursuits in life, both creative and personal, ultimately left me with a lingering taste of futility in my mouth: what’s it all for, what does it all mean, why do it? That is until I learned about God; growing to understand His masterplan and who He created me to be allowed me to see the value in myself as well as my actions and goals. Ultimately, my purpose is to live for Him and share with the world the love He first loved me with. With this perspective, all things that I take part in are purposeful and my identity isn’t threatened when I’m face with an expiration date to a dream. It’s so freeing to view life this way. Read more>>
Tina Leix
I worked as a General Manager for a company called Bon Appetit for most of my career to date; it didn’t feel rewarding and I knew I had to make a positive change. I started my business in honor of my Mom, she passed away in 2019 after a 13 year battle with cancer… I didn’t know what type of business I wanted to start but I knew I wanted it to be in honor of her. She was SO creative and loved wreaths, so I originally started only designing wreaths and expanded into wedding/home decor. I love making things that last forever! When I am in my studio designing, I feel like I get to be with her and it helps my creativity & doesn’t feel like “work”. Read more>>
Thanecha Senat
Life’s twists and turns can be overwhelming. I navigated them for years, battling anxiety, a scarcity mindset, and feeling lost. Motherhood brought joy, but also a near-death experience with postpartum pre-eclampsia. Despite the hardships, these experiences became the fuel for my transformation. I went from Struggle to Strength in many areas of my life. Recovering from postpartum pre-eclampsia taught me resilience and gave me a strength that I didn’t know I possessed. That experience caused me to sharpen my focus and now, I guide other mothers through this journey. I’ve battled crippling anxiety, and currently am navigating Postpartum Anxiety, but by adopting healthy coping mechanisms, I have become a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar challenges. I’ve gone from paycheck-to-paycheck to financial stability and comfort through sheer determination. This journey ignited my passion for helping others achieve financial security. Read more>>
Bo Li
That’s a tough one! Honestly, I’ve felt a bit lost ever since I started my full-time job at Arizona State University as a Clinical Assistant Professor. On top of that, I’m still freelancing in LA for film. I feel incredibly lucky to collaborate with amazing people in my creative career. However, as an educator and researcher, I need to think beyond commercial production value. AI has caught my interest, and I’ve even developed my own audio post-production and music production workflow using AI. It’s a rapidly advancing field, and keeping up with the latest developments is challenging, but it’s definitely something I can bring to my students. This keeps me engaged in our ever-changing world. In addition to embracing new technology, I’m diving into research areas like sound therapy and new media arts. Read more>>
Lucas Ksenhuk
My purpose is to paint, bringing life and joy! And through my art to encourage people to never give up on their dreams! It was in a simple notebook that I persisted in tracing so many lines – straight, curved and undulating – that I developed, beyond the pages, my own language. I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two. During my childhood I had to deal not only with my own difficulties, such as communication, eating and sensitivity; but also with people’s lack of understanding, the distance they kept and the bullying that followed me from school to school. didn’t know what to do anymore, every day I left school crying and thinking what I should do to improve, how I could fight against bullying. At that time, I got a sketchbook from my best friend and, from the age of nine until today, I have been creating tirelessly. Art came into my life during my school years. These were difficult years and she served as my shield. Read more>>
Nancy Pothidang
I found my purpose when I had my kidss Read more>>
Lena Kelly
After becoming a new mom in 2019, I suddenly found myself surrounded by phenomenally talented women and mothers. Each one with a skill and a passion for sharing that skill with the world. There is this misconception that once you become a mother you have to give up certain parts of yourself, but what I’ve discovered throughout my motherhood and entrepreneur journey is that it is less about giving things up and more about focusing your energy and time on the things that will truly propel your life forward. As a mom and business owner, each day comes with new challenges. I am simultaneously raising a business and children, and honestly, neither are very patient! Once the pandemic hit, I realized there were many mothers who, like me, were attempting to navigate this new territory. Read more>>
Bohan Zhang
I am a filmmaker from China, and my journey into the world of film began at a young age. As a child, I was always drawn to the magic of storytelling and the escapism that movies provided. My desire to find a refuge beyond the realities of everyday life led me to explore films extensively. However, it wasn’t until I watched “The Lord of the Rings” on the big screen that my passion truly took shape. The grandeur and immersive experience of seeing that film in a theater left a profound impact on me. Read more>>
Heather Potter
How I Found My Purpose
A Calling Rooted in Childhood My journey began long before I wore a badge or carried a firearm. As a child, I had a strong sense of right and wrong, deeply ingrained in me. I witnessed my mother being a victim of domestic assault at the hands of my then stepfather, and I, too, was a child victim of assault. These experiences, rather than breaking me, fueled a fierce determination within. Instead of seeing myself solely as a victim, I felt a profound desire to protect others. Throughout my life, I’ve always stood up for the underdog and defended those who were bullied or unable to stand up for themselves. Read more>>
Janis Commentz
I believe we all are born as creative beings. I hope that sharing my story will encourage others. From early on, I had a pencil or paintbrush in my hand, and I was encouraged to draw and paint! I loved showing others how to make things, and I knew I’d like to be a teacher someday. My experiences fostered my love of art, writing, creating, teaching and using my imagination. I had access to art materials and my artist mom taught me important skills such as painting surfaces white, stretching canvas and designing creative projects. As an only child, I invented ways to entertain myself: creating school schedules, house plans, and eventually organizing fairs and events for neighborhood children. Read more>>
