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.
Nina Blackbird Japaridze
I’m Nina Blackbird Japaridze, a private chef and energy healer. Originally from Georgia, I moved to the United States two years ago. Before that, I was already living my purpose – my son Alexander and my healthy restaurant meant everything to me. It’s been quite a journey, and it’s still ongoing, but compared to my past, I’d say I’ve found my purpose. However, it’s quite abstract, and I still have a lot to learn, grow, and develop. Listening to your heart and intuition is so important – understanding what your heart desires, what you can give to others, and how you can receive in return. My life-changing experience began with the book “Ikigai,” which explores the purpose of life and helps us find our own. I read this book 4 years ago, and I am now re-reading it. There are some important highlights in the book that really resonated with me. It’s mind-blowing how simple it can be to find your purpose and do what you love while getting paid for it. I believe we’re blessed to be surrounded by people, books, nature, and plants, all of which are tools to help us develop, grow, gain wisdom, and find our path. There have been times when my mind and heart were at war, questioning whether I was on the right path. But deep down, my heart knew that my purpose was to serve people, heal, and bring them happiness through food. For me, food is medicine – it has the power to either harm or nourish people. Sometimes it’s a challenge to stay focused, live in the present, and truly listen to my heart, but I am here to learn and grow. Discovering my life’s purpose has been instrumental in shaping my habits and discipline. Read more>>
Mingfei Liu
I’ve been obsessed with artistic creation ever since childhood, including mediums such as painting, photography, and pottery. So, I went to a design school for my master’s degree. I began as an independent designer. As a dedicated professional in interior design, I help clients make their homes more beautiful. Throughout my career, friends often ask me for advice on how to harmonize their home decor, which has led me to understand the importance of seamless design solutions. With several years of experience, I realized I needed to learn some business knowledge, which serves to assist me in launching design projects which will benefit more people. Therefore, I am taking MBA-related courses in order to explore entrepreneurship. My current career goal is to empower the middle class to achieve interior design freedom by bridging the gaps between real estate developers, interior designers, and home furnishing manufacturers, creating a more cohesive and integrated industry. Read more>>
Kait Simek
I believe that my purpose is ever-changing and ever-evolving, just as I am. But, the moments I feel most connected to my purpose are during the moments of peace and quiet that I experience when I’m alone outdoors. When I’m far away from traffic lights and phone notifications, everything just seems to be more clear. Mother Nature has a certain way of allowing us to listen to our inner selves, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to harness that clarity. Read more>>
Isabel Francoy
Finding my purpose as an architect and designer has been a journey rooted in a deep appreciation for both aesthetics and functionality. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of design to transform spaces and impact daily life. This fascination led me to explore various forms of art, architecture, and nature, each offering unique insights into how design can enhance our environment. My purpose became clearer as I delved into the concept of Daily Functional Art. I realized that everyday objects, often overlooked, hold immense potential for beauty and innovation. The challenge of blending form and function, turning mundane items into works of art, became my driving force. This philosophy isn’t just about creating visually stunning pieces; it’s about enriching daily rituals and fostering connections through design. Collaborating with master artisans like Miquel Serra and Rafa Abdon has also been instrumental in shaping my purpose. Their dedication to traditional crafts and their ability to push boundaries in their respective fields inspire me to honor heritage while embracing modern sensibilities. Ultimately, my purpose is to redefine the boundaries of design, creating pieces that are not only practical but also captivating. Through Daily Functional Art I aim to celebrate the art hidden within the ordinary, proving that even the simplest objects can enrich our lives and bring us closer together. Read more>>
April Hall Gill
I am a mother of 5 beautiful girls and have always been fascinated by pregnancy and childbirth. I had always known that one day, I wanted a career supporting others during their unique journey of becoming parents. I first learned about Placenta Encapsulation and its incredible healing benefits while researching natural ways to support my own postpartum while pregnant with my fifth baby in early 2015. Living a more holistic lifestyle and finding some natural alternatives was very important to me as I had suffered from postpartum anxiety after the birth of each of my previous babies. After researching, finding certified professionals in my local area became the most significant issue. Even in my state, I could only find a few specialists a few hours away, and, unfortunately, none serviced my area, knowing that other families could not access this type of postpartum services. I knew then that this was my calling. This service is how I am to help support other families through their postpartum and naturally support a positive healing transition. I began my studies in Placenta Encapsulation and Placenta Remedies in late 2015. I trained with IPPA in the spring of 2016 as a Professional Placenta Specialist and opened Carolina Placenta Remedies in August. In 2017, I furthered my studies in Placenta Remedies and Placenta Stem Cell Consulting with Brilliant Birth Academy. I completed the training and was Certified as a Placenta Specialist and Consultant in 2018. I wanted to learn more ways that I could better support postpartum families. I trained as a Postpartum Planner with Seven Sisters for Seven Days & Holistic Newborn Care Specialist with Gentle Ventures. Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of supporting many families through their postpartum journey, and their testimonials speak volumes about the effectiveness of my services. Read more>>
Rose Gabrielle
I took a chance, dropped out of college after more than two years, and went back to Atlanta, Georgia. My passion for the skincare industry pushed me to enroll in esthetician school right away. After four years as the owner of RosePeau LLC, I made the decision to start providing services to my clients and customers. It has been an eye-opening experience to be able to enhance the natural beauty of people through corrective and natural skin care. In addition to teaching mentorship workshops for young adults facing challenges at the Dekalb County Juvenile Detention Center, I’ve had the opportunity to assist each client with their insecurities. Read more>>
Lynn Van Lenten
From a young girl, my passion has been for people. Churched throughout my life, I marveled at the missionary story of passion for faith that drove a person to far off countries and people groups to share and serve. Sacrifice and drive based on love changed many lives. I wanted MY passion to be that purposeful. Fast forward through college to my adult life, I let my passion lead me into nonprofit work — and that is where I have found my purpose. Now decades later as a wife, mother and grandmother, I still serve with a passion for the people around me. From being a stateside missionary, to working with various nonprofit service organizations, and now to the Chamber of Commerce of Delray Beach, my purpose is still to love people and see their passions fulfilled. It is a purpose that never goes out of style, never misses the mark. Helping locals fulfill their passion fulfills my purpose. A great win-win! Read more>>
Mike LaVecchia
My purpose is my passion. I’ve always been driven by what interests me most at that time in my life. I’ve never been a person who wants to do it all. I enjoy deep diving into my passions and chasing them as far as I can, exploring it’s history, contemplating where it’s at today and where it may take me. I guess I have a bit of a one track mind in that way. Read more>>
Kirby Slager
I found my purpose through trial and error, until I gained years to my age and wisdom in my years to realize “my purpose” is not in what I do, but in WHO I am. My purpose does not have a job title or a 150 character Instagram bio. My PURPOSE is felt when I enter a room; it is seen through the presence of my gaze and the embodiment of the words I speak. I AM my “purpose”; and what a relief that I no longer have to search far & wide for something “out there,” because I simply cannot be without purpose if I am present with myself. Read more>>
Desa Unique
Finding my purpose wasn’t a straightforward journey, especially since our purpose can evolve over time. For me, it began when I felt uninspired by my surroundings in Los Angeles. I decided to take a one-way flight to Bali, Indonesia, trusting my intuition without an exact plan for my return. I spent a month there, immersing myself in solitude, prayer, meditation, and trying new things every day. This time away from the distractions and opinions of others gave me the space to quiet my mind and peel back the layers of my true self. I was able to heal, reflect, and understand what I wanted to let go of and what truly mattered to me. The experience taught me that taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to personal growth. We often underestimate the impact our environment and the people around us have on our well-being. Ultimately, the answers are within us; we just need to create the space to uncover them. Read more>>
Aleksandra Ataca
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for 20 years, with the past 10 years dedicated to the kids’ fashion and lifestyle sector. My journey in this field has been driven by a deep passion for my work. This passion not only fuels the development of my own business but also allows me to support and uplift many talents within the industry. I believe that aesthetic education for children is incredibly important. Working with and for children is not only rewarding but also immensely inspiring. Kids are our future, and being able to contribute to their growth and development through fashion brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Their creativity, curiosity, and boundless energy continually inspire me to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the kids’ fashion world. Read more>>
Monica Steiner
After growing up in Argentina between the ages of 8 and 16, the Malvinas, Falkland Island War broke out between Argentina and the UK not long after my move back to the US. It was a rough time for me, being a teenager, having been pulled away from best friends and a culture I’d adopted as my own. In those days we wrote letters which would take at least a month to arrive. My best friend, Maria Lidia, had written me the most beautiful yet somber letter, poetically painting the very real, glum and vivid picture of what was happening to those young men and women our age, 16, and slightly older during the Malvinas War. She wrote from the heart, full of emotion and colorful descriptions about the women and mothers, pawning off their jewelry just like in the 1800 when fighting for independence and the young teenage barely men being sent off to a war to protect their countries’ sovereignty with little or no preparation, proper attire or equipment when faced against Great Britain’s legendary military forces. I’d just moved to Dallas the previous year and while I didn’t think it would make any difference, I felt an urge to translate her letter and send it along with one of my own to then renown television Anchor and Host of THE nightly watched hottest news show, “Nightline’s” Ted Koppel. Read more>>
Terrace Townsend
I believe that your purpose is an instinct you have from the day you are born. It is something that compels you to act, like a moth to a flame. As time moved forward from my childhood, my values and beliefs were impacted by outside influences so once I became an adult I had to retrace my steps through my childhood memories to rediscover my purpose. In doing this I remembered the things I loved to do as a child as well as different challenges. I used the clues from things that I loved and from things that caused me pain to create the services, products, and programs that my businesses offer. I am able to engulf myself in things I love, while also solving the problems I’ve faced throughout my life that impact my target audience in similar ways. Read more>>
Amber Moskowitz
I believe finding one’s purpose is truly a journey of self-discovery. Personally, my son has been a great inspiration to me. Capturing his little memories and moments has definitely given me a sense of purpose. Additionally, discovering what I was good at and staying true to my authentic self has played a significant role in finding my purpose. In your quest to find your purpose, I recommend starting with self-reflection. Ask yourself what truly fulfills you and brings you happiness. It’s also beneficial to explore your interests and uncover your values. Personal values such as honesty, integrity, gratitude, generosity, and flexibility can guide you in discovering your purpose. Furthermore, practicing positive emotions, like gratitude, can help you on this journey. I have to always remember finding my purpose is a continuous process that involves exploring new opportunities and staying true to myself. Read more>>
Andrea Marzullo
I found my purpose when I realized the impact entrepreneurs have on the region. I greatly admire them. Let me tell you how I got into the entrepreneurial world. It all started in Trenque Lauquen in 2011. My husband, Juan, joined his family’s accounting firm (specializing in agribusiness) and set up an office in Buenos Aires. They worked hard to build their brand, create a community interested in improving agribusiness management, and expanded across Argentina. Juan got fascinated by how technology can transform even the most traditional industries. He started designing services for Agtech startups and soon realized that startup founders are very different from traditional clients—they move faster, have changing needs, and look at the world as their market. Bringing in these new clients and creating tailored services led to the firm’s split. That’s when I stepped in to help manage the business while ensuring we continued to provide a great service to our clients. Since then, I have fallen in love with their passion, resilience, and ability to see problems as opportunities. A quote that resonates with me is, ‘Life is too short to not put your soul into something.’ Entrepreneurs embody this. By sharing my expertise in business management, finance, and administration, I connect with their goals and feel part of their journeys, while also pursuing my own path as a founder. Read more>>
Debra Baum
Finding my purpose has been a journey of exploration and growth through creativity, design, and entrepreneurship. It all began in the fast-paced world of marketing, where I secured an Assistant Account Executive position straight out of college. Despite this promising start, I felt a deep yearning for something more aligned with my passion for creativity and authenticity. Determined to forge my own path, I took a bold step and founded Urbane Invitations while working as a waitress to support myself. My goal was to create one-of-a-kind, high-end custom invitations with meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer service. My aim was to attract prestigious clients like the Four Seasons and Peninsula hotels, and I successfully achieved that, distinguishing Urbane Invitations in the industry. After getting married, I saw a gap in the market for unique wedding accessories in Chicago and seized the opportunity to launch Urbane Weddings. This boutique offered distinctive, fashion-forward bridal accessories, including vintage jewelry and veils, catering to brides who wanted to stand out with accessories that truly represented their individuality. To complement this, I also offered my custom invitations from Urbane Invitations in the store, creating a cohesive experience for clients seeking something extraordinary. In the early 2000s, I paused my business ventures to focus on starting a family but continued nurturing my passion for vintage jewelry through Urbane Flea. Simultaneously, my husband Robby and I ventured into real estate, transforming properties in Chicago and founding Bedderman Lodging in 2012. Read more>>
Samantha Delilah Bazile
The well-worn phrase “everything happens for a reason” really serves as a reminder that everything has a purpose. Viewing challenges or obstacles through this lens encourages us to seek the lessons or meaning within each situation. As I entered my 30s, I sensed my life was gradually aligning with its purposes. Though unsure of what they would entail or how they would unfold, I felt a definite movement in that direction. Trusting this process, I remained vigilant for signs. Then, at the start of 2023, the magic began, leading me to embark on building my own business. Beaded By Delilah emerged during a period of uncertainty surrounding my health, marked by concerns about my fertility due to the impact of a fibroid on my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The journey was arduous, with setbacks such as the cancellation of my first scheduled operation, intensifying the challenges I faced. Despite the unexpected twists, I found solace in the solitude of those moments, realizing that this journey had a purpose. It became clear that I had the power to transform the path I was on and triumph over whatever the universe had in store for me. In that introspective moment, I resolved to celebrate and honor my body for its resilience and endurance. This led to the creation of waist beads for myself, infused with the intention of manifesting a positive outcome. Throughout the bead-making process, I not only gained physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength but also marveled at the beauty of the beads, which had become a source of empowerment and self-affirmation. They became a constant reminder that I had the strength to overcome challenges. Read more>>
Donna Schwartze
I spent my entire professional career looking for a job that brought me passion and purpose. I didn’t have much luck until Covid hit and we were confined to our homes. I started writing my first novel primarily to take my mind off the brutal news that hit us daily. And it worked. For four to six hours each day, I got lost in the lives and stories of my characters. When I published the book (Eight Years), I had so many emails and reviews from readers specifically thanking me for helping them forget about the world for a while. It seemed that reading my novel was doing the same thing for them that writing it had done for me. I knew I had found my purpose—to give my readers a needed break from the stressors in their lives if only just for the few hours they’re reading my books. Read more>>
Cheyanne Crowther
For me, finding my purpose was something that I didn’t stumble upon but it was something that flourished from my interest to my passion. It wasn’t a straight path , but something that I always had in the back of my mind of wanting to do and making it a reality. At a young age, I would watch cooking channels, or surf the web for new recipes to try. I started to really enjoy baking, and mainly focused on that. I received the best 16th birthday gift ever, and it was opportunity to work on my 16th birthday cake at a local and well known bakery. The opportunity turned into adding me to their payroll as a baker / cake decorator. I learned techniques that were very time consuming and detailed oriented. Even though the hours were long, I really enjoyed being apart of someone’s special day. Being able to provide something that brought friends and family around the dinner table held a special meaning to me. I attended pastry school, while working at other bakeries. Cooking/ Pastry school is not for the faint of heart, and definitely had me thinking if this was the path I wanted to take. I pushed my dreams to the back burner, and decided to work in the corporate world. I found myself slowly baking again as a hobby, something that I found relieved the stress and got my mind off of the mundane corporate world. I fell in love with baking again, and decided to take the risk and accomplish something I set my mind to at a young age. Read more>>
Domica Light
My purpose was drawn out of pain. I was a single mom. I was a teen mom. I was a child struggle with behavioral issues, traumatic life that I was living at home. I was in healthcare and saw the suffering. I worked as a drug and alcohol addiction counselor I worked in DCFS care and saw the potential situations that I could have been in a case management for homeless population when I went through bouts of homelessness myself. My purpose came from pain Read more>>
Saraijah Barnes
I absolutely love this question. I don’t think that you “find” your purpose in fact, I believe that your purpose finds you. I grew up in a middle class household in Lakewood CA in the early 2000’s. My great-grandparents played a large role in raising me, One of which was drafted into the military and the other sacrificing her aspirations to raise a family. It was always instilled in us, by them, to always give, be humble, learn, work hard and most importantly speak up. I was involved in Girl Scouts, attended NASA summer camps, involved in performing arts and most frequently in the kitchen preparing food with my great grandmother for the neighbors to eat. Education was important, but what was groundbreaking was being a good person. Those values became part of my identity for if I detoured I had influential people in my life such as my mother to bring me back “home”. Read more>>
Blake Holbrook
My purpose found me, in short. As an Iraq war veteran, I struggled immensely with the hidden wounds of war, PTS and TBI. I thought I could drink them into submission, but quite the opposite happened. With every drink, they submitted me. Between 2008 and 2011, I ended up in three VA Psychiatric Wards and a substance abuse rehab. It seemed the only answer for me from the government was a multitude of pills. However, once I chose a path free from that dead end, I realized that so many other veterans were suffering like me. I saw them every time I walked into a VA and every time I heard about another veteran suicide. So, my purpose came from knowing that if I could help myself, I could go back and help the others. It just so happened that in 2011 while walking my dog, she slipped the leash and when I caught up to her, she was bathing in a waterfall. For the next hour, I sat next to her not thinking about war, about how my life had unraveled….I was simply present and free from the painful memories of war. When she found that waterfall, my purpose found me in getting myself and other veterans into nature. Read more>>
Jena Cuellar Harris
I wasn’t living the full spectrum of Life before I found my Purpose. I was unknowingly flirting with my Purpose as my heart tugged me in directions that my Soul found resonance with but I wasn’t aware or intentional about it. It wasn’t until I experienced extreme burn out- physically, mentally and emotionally- that I became aware of my energy and how I was “spending” it. The burnout I was feeling wasn’t from being a CEO, a mom, or any other over-worked, high-ranking position. It was from falling in to a body image trap that I couldn’t get out of. For years I battled body dysmorphia, disordered eating, a toxic relationship with food and exercise, and ultimately a fractured relationship with myself because I could not get my body to look how I wanted it to. I abused my body through excessive workout, prolonged calorie restriction/binge cycles, laxative abuse, and even surgery. Not to mention the mental and emotional abuse I inflicted on myself through berating internal comments of dislike and unworthiness. After starting and failing my last diet several times, I felt like a failure. I felt physical pain and exhaustion. I felt no joy. I felt no Purpose. Because of my accidental encounters with Purpose, I knew deep down inside that I wasn’t living in alignment with my Soul. That I was wasting valuable energy that had the potential to make a difference in the world. That realization was the catalyst for the biggest shift of my life. I began my process of healing and unlearning everything I thought I knew about food, fitness, and the body. This introspective approach transformed who I am, my relationship with myself, and where I place my energy and attention. I believe that overcoming divine obstacles leads us to a Purposeful path where we can teach and serve others from our own experience. Read more>>
Myriam Steinberg
As I was fast approaching 40, I realized I hadn’t done anything towards what I actually really wanted in life: have a child. I was so focused on the festival I was organizing, that I didn’t make the time to find a partner with whom I would be happy to have a family. The people I did date, turned out to be less than compatible. After my last relationship ended over the timeline for having kids, I decided to go at it on my own. 8 months later, I had my first appointment at the fertility clinic. A couple months after that, I had my first IUI (Inter-uterine Insemination). I got pregnant right away, but what I thought would be an easy journey, turned out to be a five-year journey filled with four pregnancy losses before I got pregnant with my twins. Even that pregnancy turned out to be very complex and stressful. Throughout it all, I couldn’t find the support resources that spoke to me. At the time, there were very few books or public stories about miscarriage and high-risk pregnancies. Most written things were either too medical, only a snapshot moment of loss that didn’t include the context of the pregnancy, or were simply non-existent. It inspired me to write a graphic novel memoir of what I went through. Read more>>
Shai Hasan
I believe that finding our purpose is the main goal in life. It often starts with a small hobby, skill, or talent and evolves into a dream that we pursue. Here’s my story in a nutshell. My name is Shai, an Israeli Jew with roots in Arab heritage. Although my childhood dream was to pursue a dance career, life took me through the military, and eventually, I found my true calling in the Sunshine State. I was born on the morning of Rosh Hashana Eve in 1986, and my name “Shai” means gift. Growing up in Rosh Ha’ayin, a town 30 minutes outside Tel-Aviv, with roots tracing back to Yemen, I gained an early understanding of the world’s diversity during my annual trips to the US as a professional dancer for Jewish communities. After serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, I moved to New York City with aspirations of a dance career. However, the city taught me valuable life lessons, and I realized that dance wasn’t my destined path. Determined to find my true passion, I delved into self-exploration. While working briefly at a friend’s hair salon, I learned the art of haircutting, but it wasn’t my calling. This experience, however, led me to discover my talent for touch and my passion for massage therapy. Introduced to Thai Massage by my friends, I found my true calling. Combining my dance background with this therapeutic art, I began a path that resonated with me. Encouraged by positive feedback from friends and family, I decided to pursue my massage therapy license. My journey took a turn towards holistic healing when I discovered Qi-Gong, an energy work practice that amazed me. A three-day workshop left me with a sense of deep healing, clearing emotional baggage and trauma that had been blocking my Qi flow for years. Read more>>
Marissa Espinoza
I had the opportunity to complete a summer of service while in college at the University of LaVerne. I was assigned to Camp Mariastella in Wrightwood as a Camp Counselor to work with young girls, ages 10-12 year olds that summer. And while I enjoyed working with the 10-12 year olds, on my days off, I found myself drawn to supporting the Counselors working with the teens. The teens that many of my colleagues found to be difficult with whom to work were the ones who intrigued me and to whom I felt connected. Fast forward a few years later when I graduated college and started seeking employment as a new college graduate. I received an interview with Aviva Center for a Resident Counselor. This agency was a residential treatment facility for young girls labeled “severely emotionally disturbed”. After learning more about the agency, I went home and cancelled all other interviews, even though I had not even received a job offer at Aviva. I knew in that interview that my life’s purpose was to work with those who have been “thrown away”, who were marginalized or otherwise disenfranchised. And for the last 30 years, that is what I have done. I cannot imagine doing anything else! Read more>>
Amanda Townsend
I have been a physical therapist for 14 years. I have a background in orthopedics and sports medicine. I began to specialize in pelvic floor, obstetrical, and women’s health space 8 years ago after the birth of my first son. My love for this growing field of medicine was born from my own personal journey into motherhood, where I was able to personally see the gaps in the medical system for those suffering with pelvic related symptoms and needing more support during their obstetrical journey. Since then, my passion has grown to include supporting all women through the lifespan who are dealing with pelvic related symptoms. Some of those conditions can include: pelvic pain, urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, and pain with sexual activities / intimacy. I feel very passionate about helping women during their pregnancies, preparing them for labor and delivery, and helping with postpartum recovery. This includes those with fertility difficulties. I feel strongly about raising awareness and advocating for individuals with these conditions. Truly being apart of changing the landscape for medical care for these individuals. I co-founded a business, Misama – Pelvic Wellness Pros, with my colleague Missy Gallow in Nov 2023. Read more>>
Lauren Freedman
The weekend after my 34th birthday, I found myself bedridden. I woke from time to time, but I spent about 40 hours asleep. That Monday, I made an appointment to see my doctor. Prior to this event, I’d been experiencing a tangle of unexplained symptoms, which I’d written off because I’d always been able to push through them. Exhaustion, brain fog, joint pain, cognitive decline…I was making minor mistakes at work, and they were adding up. I arrived at the doctor’s office Monday morning and was lucky enough to work with an NP who had the wherewithal to order autoimmune tests. The result: I’d arrived in what she called a “thyroid storm”, and was in a holding pattern awaiting a diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto’s disease. I’d kept a close eye on my thyroid for years because of a genetic predisposition. But nothing had prepared me for what lay ahead. As I received my diagnosis — it turns out, far earlier than most in my shoes — I began treatment. Synthetic thyroid hormone pills. I found an endocrinologist — one of the specialists who was certified to handle my complex case. Months later, I found myself sitting in my endo’s office, feeling exactly the same…while she told me my labs looked great, and I must be feeling a whole lot better. “I still feel the same,” I explained. “I’m so tired. Some days I can’t get to work until after 2pm. I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me.” Read more>>
Lozen Ime
I found my purpose when I realized me being authentically myself was helping people in their lowest moments. I found my purpose when I was at my lowest and I saw how just being an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on or an encouraging voice to serve as a reminder of your power and strength. That is enough to lift people up. Just being a light in the darkness. When I realized, people seek my for solace and safety. As a guide through this life to help brave the storms that we all go through. The feeling of pure bliss, freedom and liberation, the feeling of flow that takes over when you are in your process or purpose. It doesn’t feel like work when you’re in it. Everything just feels right, like you can be in submerged fully and completely in the moment. It’s not just one thing either, it’s everything that aligns so beautifully and perfectly with your soul. A purpose so unique that it only belongs to you. It’ll set your soul on fire with excitement and passion. It’ll fill you so completely that you will wonder how you went so long without it. Read more>>
Sarah Michele Hubbard
I grew up changing my “dream job” several times a year. I wanted to be a princess, a doctor, a vet, a princess again, a teacher, a marine biologist, a lawyer, a fashion designer, then a businesswoman- like my mom. I’d go back and forth because my passions changed as I grew up. On April 11, 2024, I learned that the night prior I lost a childhood friend of mine to a domestic violence driven murder-suicide;Emali was suddenly taken from us in the most unfair way. Realizing that I will never be graced with her smile or watching her take her daughter out to lunch I understood that the only way I can prevent another case like this and help victims families receive closure and justice is to practice law. I’ve always had a passion to help people, growing up I was always inclusive and friendly which translated into me wanting a career that would put me in a people centered environment. Preventing a repeat of this is almost impossible, but I can raise awareness and make sure victims are never forgotten. I wear the purple bracelet for Emali everyday, and I’m grateful I get to share her story to anyone that asks about it or asks why I want to practice law. Finding purpose is not a straight path, it has a lot of red lights, detours, and missed turns. Finding my way at this point has been chaotic and I’m sure my passions will change more as I grow. I’m only 18, I’m not required to know everything. Read more>>
Erin Salazar
The Arts.
I left my hometown in the Mojave desert when I was 17 to pursue a higher education, a Bachelor of Fine Arts at San José State University, focused on drawing and painting as a studio practice. Like many first-generation college students from poor, dysfunctional, and addicted families, leaving siblings and friends behind to forge a new path was a juxtaposition of searing pain and the exhilaration of liberation from the ills of poverty. Compared to my small and insular town, San José was an absolute 180º shift – it is vibrant, diverse, cosmopolitan. Here, I decided, I could reinvent myself and live out my urban bohemia dreams of becoming a real starving artist: paint murals, show at galleries, build a studio, be mysterious, and maybe even get a beret. Graduating college as an arts student is atypical; instead of writing a thesis, you write an artist statement and present your senior show. My show was titled “CUSTOMS” and was a nod to both my hometown cultural customs and the “lowbrow” pinstripe customization of hot rods (my family is blue-collar mechanics and car people) which was one of the only artistic practices I brought with me to my new life. My mom and dad came to see “CUSTOMS” and were overjoyed that I kept a piece of my culture core to my artistic practice. My dad bought me a small bouquet of flowers, a meaningful gesture I know he could barely afford – Those dried flowers still hang in my studio today. Read more>>
Grace Stuart
My purpose comes from overcoming a very difficult period of time in my life that I never thought I would escape, and knowing that there are millions of other women living through the same nightmare who are desperate for the answers that sometimes only another survivor can put into words. I am a survivor of domestic violence and my passion is putting words to the victim’s experience and giving them the gift of feeling sane and grounded even just for a moment. What people don’t realize is that so much of the trauma from abusive relationships actually comes from the confusion the perpetrator creates and from the way they make you doubt your own sanity. The way I approach my advocacy is mainly through storytelling and personal experience because I believe it can be life-giving to the person who feels completely alone and “crazy”. I believe that when there is a high level of manipulation happening, it is crucial to be able to identify the patterns, the exact phrases, and the tactics the perpetrator uses so that you can learn to trust your own instincts and know that you are seeing it perfectly correctly. Read more>>
Darcie Warden
All of these questions are so good! It was hard to choose but I chose purpose because many of them are inter-connected to how I found my purpose. From an early age I felt the power within me. I don’t think I’m unique in this. As children, we arrive in our true essence, our true selves. But as I grew up, navigating family dynamic, and social norms, I reshaped myself for safety, love, and acceptance I lost who I was. In my teenage years, I was depressed, and anxious, and got the feeling I was too much for my family. They may have even told me that. So I dimmed my light, retreated, and found friends and activities that helped me feel like I was part of something. Some of it was healthy and some of it wasn’t. There were times I felt whole: riding my horse, dancing, being in the woods or in nature. But I struggled with everyday interactions trying to fit into a shape or keep a mask on that wasn’t me. Without going into too much detail, I experimented with drugs, was in the rave scene, and partied. All the while I was working at a Chevron station as a cashier, attending college part-time, and just trying to find my way. I eventually enrolled in college full-time and found a new group of friends and interests. But my anxiety was still off the charts. I was introduced to a woman who gave voice lessons for healing. This intrigued me so I signed up for her program. Oh boy, that was my first experience with raw vulnerability. I sang from a place I didn’t know existed. I cried every time. I was letting out my fears, disappointments, doubts, and self-loathing. It was my first real step in connecting to myself and allowing compassion for myself. Read more>>
Leah Lovelight Michael
This is always an interesting question to answer. I believe that the purpose of LIFE is to LIVE. From the start of life, living was not an option, it was purely surviving. I grew up in what most would consider a harsh environment filled with abuse and poverty. Purpose wasn’t even something that I could have considered because I was trapped within FEAR, shut down to anything other than trying to survive and make it out of the hellish place that I grew up in. I moved out on my own at 16 years old and pursued the American Dream. In my mid-twenties, I had “made-it”. I was successful in corporate America, I got married, we had a beautiful home, and all of my security needs were met… and even with all of these “successes” I still didn’t feel alive. In fact, I was completely numb to LIFE. As most people who come from trauma, I made the decision to destroy, what was good. I divorced my husband, sold my home, quit my job and purchased a one-way ticket to Nairobi, Kenya. I went on a quest to find myself, and what I discovered was that no matter where I was, my sadness, my anger, my rage followed me. The answer that I was seeking could not be found outside of myself, I had to go within myself to find LIFE. So I made the decision to go on the quest within. I went into all my pain, suffering and shadows and I learned to love myself, to love others, and most importantly to be LOVE. It is my believe that when we love, we are alive and when we are alive, we experience LIFE. Which is my purpose; to experience LIFE, all of it, and to be a mentor and role model of being LIFE and LOVE. Read more>>
Geraldine Ysselstein
I think finding my purpose has been guided by a number of questions including: Who am I? What am I passionate about? What are my life experiences? What challenges me? What is unique about me? What are my gifts? How have I been encouraged? What is needed of me in this time? What is my vision for the future? Read more>>
Patricia Edelist
I used to work in the garment industry, pulling long hours and dealing with quick turn around times. I turned to fitness to help me manage my stress. Going to the gym was my “me” time and over the years my passion for fitness became evident to those around me. I used to work with a personal trainer who continually encouraged me to go into the field. That idea would linger in the back of my mind. Eventually, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to complete a Pilates certification course with her and I decided to take the leap. I’d been doing Pilates for ten years prior and knew how much it had helped me. I wanted to pass my love of fitness forward to others and started the next part of my journey. Read more>>
Elicia Brown
I believe my Purpose on earth is to help others thrive and success by finding that spark with in, For as long as I can recall I have always had to care for others. I was babysitting young babies 0-6 months old to 5 yrs old when I was 7yrs old. I had to take charge of their well being and it just stuck.
I had a desire that tingle all thru my nerves and out of my mouth to advocate for others and be a voice for those that didn’t. I guess you would say my child trauma created a resource of resilience for me that I in turn used to help others break out as well. Growing up with an alcoholic/drug addicted parent, being the oldest of then 7 children . I learned real quick how to survive. I found peace in helping others . Almost a thrill that I went out looking for. Now that didn’t help my personal relationships because of course I saw my self as the “fixer” and then was the co-enabler for them and my needs went further away. So now as a 3x divorcee with 6 children and 2 grand babies. I can say i am finally learning to put my priorities in order for self love – the love that I hand out freely to others. I was able to give myself the grace and patience. And today I am abundant in mu confidence to not only learn more and help others more but I am loving my self even more so I can GIVE more. Read more>>
Laura Donigan
I’ve always wanted to help people, but wasn’t sure how. After having my children, I decided to become an elementary teacher. I loved watching my students grow and focused on self-love, kindness, and cooperation. The incredibly long hours away from my kids and the low pay were making it hard for me to continue – I knew I was going to get burnt out quickly. During this time, my husband’s mental health was deteriorating, and despite trying various treatments, traditional medications weren’t helping. My interest in metaphysics led me to research ways to help him, believing his issues were linked to a past life. Sadly, he couldn’t be regressed, he continued to get worse, and eventually he took his life. The immense grief my children and I experienced drove me to pursue my true passion and purpose: helping people explore their past lives and connect with their Higher Self through hypnosis. I truly believe that with successful regression, he would have been able to heal. Now, it is my great privilege to help others heal both physically and mentally by connecting with their Higher Self through QHHT, Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. Read more>>
Shima Ghaheri
I spent over 12 years designing toys and board games, driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact. One of my proudest achievements was creating a game system for children in refugee camps, which I presented at a TEDx event. Despite my love for my work in the entertainment industry, I faced severe burnout, which took me a year and a half to recover from. During this challenging time, I embraced self-care, self-love, and mindfulness practices, which helped me rediscover my purpose and joy in life. This transformative journey inspired me to share my experience with others to help them avoid the pain I endured. Seeing the positive impact of my story, I decided to become a mindfulness and burnout coach. I now use my design background to create engaging, playful, and gamified healing experiences that resonate deeply with my clients. By combining my past experiences and passion for helping others, I’ve found a new way to make a positive impact on the world. Read more>>
Tenae Stewart
I had worked in the art world and in events management for many years and intended to stay in that space. But life and the universe had other ideas. I have been a practicing cottage witch since I was in high school, although I stopped practicing for a time during college. Not long after I graduated from college, I lost my home in a wildfire. It was a time of really deep loss and grief and I came back to my spiritual practice after that, looking for support. I ended up starting a blog to document my spiritual journey called The Witch of Lupine Hollow which became a small side business. The blog eventually grew into a set of online courses and in 2019, I was offered a book deal to write about magickal self-care, a topic I had taught about extensively online. Through that first book, I became a full-time witch, writer, and astrologer and truly found my calling. Read more>>
Jacquelyn Mansfield
At the very beginning of the pandemic there were no masks of any kind available at local stores, and online sellers were taking advantage of the demand and stockpiling what they could find and then jacking up the price. This made them almost impossible to access for many people. My day job is in a grocery store. We were all terrified of our exposure risk. I was angry and scared and felt so helpless that I was having panic attacks every day. Then I thought to myself, “why can’t I make a mask?” and immediately started working on some designs for myself, coworkers, and friends and family. I made them so well and so comfortable that word spread amongst my friends and their friends and family, and very quickly I had the beginnings of a small business. And you know what? As soon as I started making those masks my panic disappeared. Helping. That was my purpose. Crafting those masks with care, skill and intent to help someone stay well. That I could even do that was an incredibly powerful realization. It was an honor and I worked tirelessly at it. Days off disappeared. I’d sew all day while I was off, and at night after working at the grocery store. Every spare moment I was making those masks for everyone I knew and the orders just kept coming in. I never expected in a million years that sewing was going to be my apocalypse super power. Go figure! So that was the start of Proxima Design (named after my little black cat Proxima Midnight). Read more>>
Lorraine Connell
As a mom, teacher, coach, and student advisor, I was a leader in many ways, but I never saw myself as a leader. I didn’t have an official title, and I had been turned down twice for a leadership role I thought I was qualified for. In this moment, I started to doubt my ability to be a leader, because it also confirmed the idea I had in my head that unless I had a title I wasn’t a leader. I had a pivotal moment when a superior of mine chastised me in front of my colleagues about a student leadership program I was in charge of, and said that the student in question was not qualified to be a leader. That in combination with what I experienced above, and some things I realized we did to students WITH leadership titles caused me to reevaluate what I was doing and know there was a better way – I needed to create it. So I transitioned out of the classroom and created leadership programs for all teens! Read more>>
LiSun Goh
I think my current purpose is making people feel beautiful right now. I was a late bloomer starting my makeup career, but when I realized it was my true calling, I dove in head first. I continue to grow my business by improving my skills doing makeup, YUMI lash lifts, personal makeup shopping and private makeup lessons for cis and trans women. It started with my love for makeup and skincare when I was very young. I never wanted to do makeup as a career, but my mum encouraged me to do this because she knew it was my calling. Both my mum and birth mum were makeup artists back in the day, so it’s safe to say that it was in my blood! Eventually, I went to Blanche Macdonald Center, Canada’s top makeup school. After graduating, I started my makeup journey in the TV/Film/Commercial industry while building my own business and moving to the USA. I realized that helping people feel confident in their own skin was what truly inspired me to continue on this path. I love doing makeup on them. Eventually, I started offering YUMI lash lifts, personal makeup shopping and 1:1 lessons for beginners. I’ve invested in ongoing education and training specific to skin-focused makeup, and continuous learning and adapting have also helped me stay true to my purpose in the industry. Read more>>
Ulla Gaudin
I wish I could say this was an easy journey. I wish I could say I was born knowing my purpose, and my life has been nothing but rainbows and bunny rabbits. To fully understand my story, we must go back to my childhood in the small town of Hanko in Finland. As long as I can remember, I was criticized about my body. This started my self-depreciation and doubt that I would ever be good enough to be loved by a man, much less to be enough for anything else. I was simply the wrong shape and size to be considered for such a life. I truly believed that I wasn’t worthy of love. When I was 16, I met my first boyfriend. He was nothing like the man I had dreamed about. He was quiet and stoic, had no interests in life, and drank way too much. But he was the only one who didn’t push me away. This relationship turned into a 9-year nightmare. Not only did my boyfriend drink too much, he got very violent when he was drunk. My reality became one I had never imagined, and I would never wish on anyone. I was physically abused weekly, some weeks daily. I was very young, and I thought this was love. I thought the problem had to be with me. He never hit anyone else. In fact, he was often the one to diffuse situations in bars. Read more>>
Leeya Alvandi
I found my purpose through a journey of adversity and self-discovery. During Covid and my struggles with postpartum issues, I was desperate for clean, healing solutions that didn’t involve steroid injections. With the time I had, I dove into learning how to formulate products. Starting from scratch, I built my skills and followed my lifelong dream of creating my own product line. My motivation came from dealing with hair loss after childbirth. Despite trying countless products, only the potion I made myself offered real relief—not just for me, but for many others who used it. Now, I craft each product in my lab with hand-harvested, waterless infusions to keep their integrity intact. Creating these formulations has become more than just a business; it’s been my therapy, helping to ease my anxiety and personal challenges. I’m supported by an amazing community of women, sharing knowledge and resources as we heal together. Read more>>
Victor Chan
Purpose can be a finicky and overwhelming concept to wrap your head around. Purpose is usually found at the intersection of your previous experiences, skills, and interests. In my perspective, no one is born with a purpose and passion. You might have natural inclinations towards certain skills and interests, but your personal (positive and negative) experiences will really reveal how you can be of service to your community and maybe even the world. While I was a premed student in undergrad, I became an EMT in order to gain valuable patient care experience that would look great on applications for either medical school or physician assistant school. After graduation, I went deeper into the emergency medicine rabbit hole and went to paramedic school. Over time, an opportunity to teach an EMT program (with one of my best friends) opened up at my alma mater. I didn’t think I’d love being an educator as much as I do. The life skills, interesting stories, and the mentorship with these students have led to some profound moments of fulfillment. As I dove deeper into teaching, the prospect of medical school or PA school seemed less and less interesting. I was leaning more towards getting on a fire department and teaching. And as time went on, the prospect of getting on the Chicago Fire Department seemed less and less likely (it was a lottery). At the time, I was making $13 per hour at a local fire department as a single role paramedic. I couldn’t afford to hire a dog walker for my two pups. Read more>>
Emily Swisher
I am incredibly fortunate that my passion for horses as a child was able to extend into a profession where I am now able to connect with therapy clients in their vulnerability for healing. I was born an animal lover, but did not feel called into a career working directly with them. In college, I quickly became fascinated by the subject of psychology and began exploring advanced degrees and professions, mostly in research. However, my senior year was when the Sandy Hook mass shooting occurred, and in the aftermath, I saw the group of volunteers who brought Golden Retrievers in as comfort animals for the victims’ families and first responders. I had never seen the legitimate use of animals for mental health therapy and knew instantly I had found my profession to use animals in counseling. Read more>>
Jihad Sharif
I moved to Olive branch Mississippi from Houston Texas in the summer of 2018. Around the spring of 2019 someone saying hey, you’re pretty good with designs and you have great attention to detail, maybe you’d be good at making shirts. During this time, I was teaching third grade mathematics. So when I got home from work, I just wanted to the great my papers go to my man cave and have a couple of beers. I didn’t want to make shirts or do anything extra. But then, one day, I gave it a shot and decided to make matching shirts for my kids for a birthday party. I ended up falling in love with the process, and it turned out that they look good as well. I posted the pictures on social media and then people started asking me to make shirts for their kids and they grew into my own brand. Read more>>
Crista Ekstrand
Discovering my purpose through photography was a gradual realization that culminated when I began focusing on portrait photography. Coming from a background in psychology with a bachelor’s degree and experience in counseling, I’ve always been passionate about helping others recognize their inherent beauty and strengths. When I started doing portrait sessions, I witnessed a profound transformation in people. It was incredibly rewarding to see how my photography could empower them and boost their confidence. The moment when clients would light up after seeing their portraits was truly gratifying. It reminded me of the satisfaction I felt in counseling when clients had breakthrough moments and gained new perspectives on themselves. This parallel between counseling and photography became clear to me – both professions allow me to connect with people on a deep level and help them appreciate their own unique beauty and worth. Through photography, I can capture not just what people look like, but also their essence and personality. It’s a way for me to continue my passion for empowering others, albeit in a different form. Read more>>
Beanie Kaman
I was fortunate in life have a talented mother who exposed me to art from an early age. When I was 8, playing with watercolors, it occurred to me that being an artist was something I would want to do for the rest of my life. This desire never left me, and I chose where I went to school and where I lived my life based on how it would benefit my life in art. There was never any question in myself that this was what I should do. Being an artist is not an easy profession, but when you are called to it, making art is the only way to be truly happy. Read more>>
Irene Weinberg
I experienced a profound spiritual awakening when my husband died next to me in a tragic car accident. I am the author of the 5 -star rated They Serve Bagels in Heaven, my true life, loving and wise transcendental love story that begins with the three amazing messages I received before, during and just after the tragic car accident when my husband Saul died next to me. I later segued into my inspiring and popular podcast called Grief and Rebirth: Finding the Joy in Life, which is currently in the top 2% of 3M podcasts globally and in 84 countries and growing. The podcast highlights interviews with grief and trauma specialists, healers, mediums, and people who have uplifting life stories to share. Both my book They Serve Bagels in Heaven and Grief and Rebirth podcast persuade people to see how each life matters, encouraging healing that contributes to fully engaged living with love and kindness at its core. And I just came out with a new book titled Good To The Last Drop!: Embracing Your Life’s Third Chapter. Our lives generally consist of three chapters, Chapter 1 being Youth to our formative years, Chapter 2 being Adulthood, consisting of work, family, and community, and Chapter 3, which refers to our Senior years of retirement and legacy. Good To The Last Drop!, with its focus on fascinating, moving stories about great loss and life-altering challenges, beautifully illustrates how the worst of times can, with support, care, and encouragement, gradually be transformed into a hopeful and positive future in the important third chapter of life, which is a call to life and living, a time of renewed purpose and seeking out new challenges – and leaving a positive legacy. Read more>>
Mahvish Tabassum
If I say it’s me who found the purpose it would absolutely be unfair to the reality that it’s the people who I crossed paths with directed me towards what I do today .My life in itself was a path I had to not just survive but seek why things were happening rather than what things should happen to make me happy in life . I always looked at my struggles as opportunities and didn’t step back from being put to purpose which was eventually a sign of Soul calling . Read more>>
Diana Beltran
I found my purpose when reading the book called Crazy by Pete Early. The book validated that I wanted to be a part of helping people navigate the healthcare system. My friend, Jessica, from Arkansas encouraged and also guided me that there was a high need for bilingual-Spanish speaking clinicians to serve the Hispanic community in Little Rock, Arkansas. When I began my internship at the Arkansas State Hospital, it affirmed that I was in the right feild. I enjoyed navigating the system with adolescents and their families as well as empowering them in their mental health. The more I continue my journey the more I see that I made the right decision. Read more>>
Brandon Stalter
I found my purpose after I broke free from my depression. In my eyes, fitness saved my life. I used bodybuilding as a positive coping mechanism to deal with my problems. In a way, I think of the gym as a source of therapy. Physical activity activates the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, often referred to as the “happy hormone.” Hence why I believe working out has altered my life for the better. It broke me free from the chains of depression. Fast forward, now I take my personal experience & create motivational content on my Instagram. Fortunately, I’ve helped numerous amounts of people who were once going through hard times. As a matter of fact, I thank God for my hardships, as I strongly believe it only transformed me into a stronger/better individual. If it weren’t for my depression, I may had never turned to bodybuilding…so therefore I am grateful. Read more>>
Lia McCabe
Finding my purpose has been a deeply personal journey, shaped by my experiences as both an autistic advocate and a parent of autistic children. My journey began when my own children were diagnosed with autism. Navigating the challenges and triumphs of raising autistic children opened my eyes to the unique perspectives and needs within the autism community. As I delved deeper into understanding autism, I felt a growing need to support other families going through similar experiences. This led to the creation of AutismWish, a small mom and pop charity dedicated to providing resources and support for autistic individuals and their families. Through AutismWish, I’ve been able to connect with countless families, offering them not only resources but also a sense of community and understanding. Hosting the Embracing Autism podcast further solidified my purpose. Through the podcast, I share stories, insights, and expert advice, aiming to raise awareness and foster acceptance of autism. The feedback from listeners has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s heartening to know that our conversations are making a difference in people’s lives. Read more>>
Erick da Luz Scherf
I think it was probably around the 7th or 8th grade – in a little town in Southern Brazil where I grew up called Camboriú – when I started writing this sci-fi story about an out-of-world character, a story in which the details have now faded away from my memory. While my friends, the very few I had in middle school, got excited about it, I never really did finish that story. However, it was there and then that my passion for writing was born. I always loved to read, write, and immerse myself in alternative realities, perhaps because my own reality was too harsh. I grew up in an extremely dysfunctional household, with a father who struggled with alcoholism pretty much his whole life (he started drinking when he was 14 years old) and a mom who experienced severe depression for as long as I can remember. I also grew up poor and witnessed violence play out in different forms throughout my childhood. Reading books, and comics, and watching series was a coping mechanism I had developed as an adolescent. The world of creativity and imagination seemed much more appealing to me than the horrors of my daily life. Read more>>
Lauren Shook
Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery and reflection. For me, it involved many things like exploring varied interests to see what resonated with me and what I found meaningful, self-reflection, trusting my intuition, embracing change, and goal-setting. Ultimately, finding my purpose has been an ongoing journey. It’s about continuously learning, growing, and aligning my actions with what truly matters to me. I recall that on every interview that I went on, I always mentioned that I wanted to grow and develop with a purpose. This was a key factor in pursuing a career in the luxury travel space. I was drawn to the idea of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others, which aligned with my personal values and passions. I ventured outside of the country for the first time at 9 years old and so began my love affair with travel. One vivid memory from that trip was visiting a bustling market with my family, where I was fascinated by the vibrant colors, diverse cultures, and the stories behind each item on display. This experience ignited a curiosity in me that has never waned. At the age of ten, I started making detailed guides and itineraries, allowing me to explore different cultures and destinations through meticulous planning and research. This early passion laid the foundation for my career in travel. Read more>>
Katie Mettner
After I became an amputee, I struggled to identify with other heroines in the novels I read. Dissatisfied with what was in the marketplace, I sat down and wrote a novel that represented the disabled community as it should be. After releasing Sugar’s Dance, featuring Sugar, an amputee heroine, readers contacted me to say how much they connected with Sugar and how nice it was to see themselves represented in their favorite genre. That was the moment I found my purpose. I would write the stories readers with disabilities yearned to read so they could finally have fair and accurate representation in their favorite novels. Read more>>
Tywan Bell
When it comes to finding my purpose, it’s been a journey. Even though I’ve found much success in what I am doing right now, this is only a fraction of who I am. If I did have to give any specified reason to how I found my purpose is simply me doing what I love the most, and that’s music. I’ve been creating my whole life and once I was finally developed and became cognizant of who I am, that’s when I found the blueprint to my personal growth. And I don’t have to question it anymore, more so, I’m just enjoying the process of developing into the man I’m suppose to be. Read more>>
Ian Mayer
How I found my purpose was a multi-step process. It started when I read the book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Donald O. Clifton and Marcus Buckingham. I had always been the type of person who could find problems with just about anything. In most jobs, that gets you into trouble, as most people don’t want someone always pointing out problems. But in this book, I discovered my knack for always pointing out problems was actually a strength, not a curse. And that there were careers around pointing out problems. From there, I was able to land a job at a wholesale mortgage company, and they appreciated my strengths enough to eventually give me a role in dealing with problem loans. It was my job to figure out why some loans had problems, who, if anyone, was to blame, and how we could fix it. From there, my wife and I were able to buy our first home, which was a complete fixer-upper. So I learned how to fix up homes on nights and weekends. Eventually, I realized I enjoyed being in homes much more than sitting in an office looking at pictures and descriptions of homes. However, in a short period of time, my mother passed away, the economy collapsed, and my wife got pregnant with our first child, so I talked myself out of doing something with homes. Flash forward a few more years, and I found out I was getting laid off from a job I didn’t even like. At that point, it was a new low for me. Read more>>
Amanda Bernard
While working with Indigenous communities, I realized the immense talent among Indigenous artists that remained largely unrecognized by the broader public. Leveraging my business background, I recognized how detrimental hidden fees could be to small businesses. This realization sparked the idea for Shawish—a platform designed to provide these artists with the recognition and support they deserve. I envisioned Shawish as a space where entrepreneurs could showcase their unique items without the burden of unnecessary fees. Our platform offers thousands of authentic Indigenous handmade goods, enabling direct support for Indigenous artists. Unlike conventional marketplaces, Shawish abolishes monthly and transaction fees, thus making it more accessible for vendors. My goal was clear: to dismantle economic barriers and promote sustainable growth within Indigenous communities, ensuring that Shawish would serve as a catalyst for empowerment and recognition. Read more>>
Dr. Marisol Santana
Sometimes it can take a lifetime to find one’s purpose, or to individuate, as Carl Jung described it. At fifty years old, I know who I am and what I love to do more than I ever have before. It’s like all the years of experimentation, experiences, pursuits, failures and successes stacked up, giving me a laser focus to do what I am meant to do. Like a seasoned archer, I have the confidence and experience to feel my internal compass, to hit the bullseye of what I feel I must do. Years ago, I asked my husband who is twenty years older than me how he found his purpose. His response was to quote mythological scholar Joseph Campbell: “Follow your bliss.” He also quoted his college counselor “Take the path that leads to your dream, because even if you never reach your dream, you will always be somewhere where you want to be.” So far, these words of wisdom have helped me live my life’s purpose to its fullest. Read more>>
Trisha/Neha/Sarah Rastogi/Katakamshetty/Ye
We started the Flow Forward Foundation in July of 2023. We had all been previously inspired to give back to our community, and we founded the Flow Forward Foundation to do so. We acknowledge that we are lucky enough to have had the resources to support our menstrual health throughout our lives, but there are so many who do not. The three of us discovered the issue of period poverty in our own ways, and we decided we wanted to do something to mitigate its detrimental effects in our own community. When we were recommended to watch the documentary, “Period. End of Sentence” by a mentor, we realized we could make a tangible change. We just had to take the first step. Across the U.S., 1 in 4 teenagers struggle to afford period products (State of Period, 2023). As teenagers, it hurts us to see that girls our age and younger have to miss school because they cannot access these basic medical necessities. We dedicate ourselves to the fight for menstrual equity. Read more>>
Stephanie Castillo
Growing up, I wrestled with self-esteem issues and battled through periods of deep depression. As the oldest daughter in my family, I often felt the weight of expectations, especially those of my parents. Being a first-generation college student, I pursued a degree in business simply because it seemed like a practical path, and I admired my grandfather’s success as a business owner. College wasn’t easy. I struggled with doubts about my abilities and questioned whether I was on the right path. Despite graduating with my degree, I still felt lost, unsure of where my talents truly lay. I believed I was a “jack of all trades,” competent in many things but a master of none. It was a confusing and uncertain time in my life.In 2022, just a few years after graduation, my life took a profound turn. Struggling with a deep-seated depression that left me feeling purposeless, I found myself in a dark place, questioning the meaning of my existence. My health suffered as a result; I neglected myself, leading to troubling gut health issues that seemed insurmountable at the time. Then, one day, in the midst of my despair, I had a life-changing encounter with God. It was an unexpected moment of clarity and peace, where I felt His presence like never before. After praying for God to show Himself to me because I doubted His existence due to the lack of meaning life had; He appeared to me in what felt like a dream but I knew I was awake in His presence. In that divine moment, I realized that my life had a purpose far greater than I had ever imagined. This encounter ignited a transformation within me, I began to prioritize my health, starting with a clean diet that focused on healing my gut. As my physical health improved, so did my mental and emotional well-being. I found new energy and clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose began to emerge. Read more>>
Brian Vukadinovich
I found my purpose years ago when I was subjected to numerous false arrests and brutalities at the hands of rogue police in Indiana starting in 1981 and for several years thereafter who had orchestrated a retaliatory campaign of harassments against me after I successfully sued Valparaiso Indiana police for false arrest and brutality. I found myself in one court hearing after another dealing with bogus charges which were thrown out of court at every turn with the exception of one case where the governor of Indiana issued a pardon from an infected conviction after I showed the governor how rogue police and an unethical prosecutor tampered with evidence in order to obtain a wrongful conviction —and then the infected conviction was expunged by a court after the pardon issued by the governor. The stigma of the false arrests were very hard on my professional teaching career as I lost teaching jobs because of the stigma from the false arrests. I learned that lawyers cannot be trusted and I ended up firing my lawyers and began defending myself in the court cases and was able to successfully have several criminal cases dismissed by representing myself without a lawyer. My purpose at this stage of my life is twofold: one purpose is to educate people to know what to expect from their lawyers and judges, and the other purpose is to work hard to effect some much needed judicial reforms in the state and federal judiciaries as we cannot have a true democracy with an unjust, unfair, and corrupt judiciary —which unfortunately is a major problem in our country. Read more>>
D. L. Armillei
Finding my purpose as a writer has been a deeply personal journey, one that involves a mix of introspection, exploration, and inspiration. Understanding what excites me the most was the first step. The inspiration for my flagship series, Anchoress, came during an energy healing session. The story was downloaded into my consciousness as I had a vision of a teenage female warrior. She had obviously gone through a lot of challenges and trials, and instead of crumbling, she conquered them and emerged stronger than ever. This inspiring figure captivated me, and I had to know her story. From there, I built the entire Anchoress series. So, why do I write? For me, it’s a blend of reasons: to entertain, educate, inspire, and provoke thought. I want to inspire my readers with stories of resilience and strength, much like the heroine of Anchoress. My story ideas come from various sources: watching news and current events on YouTube, reading a diverse range of books from science and economics to all types of fiction, and observing people around me. These experiences help shape my unique voice and the stories I tell. Experimenting with various forms of writing has helped me find what resonates most with me. I’ve learned not to be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. This exploration has been crucial in finding my true purpose as a writer. Sharing my work with others and listening to their feedback has provided invaluable insights. Engaging with a community of writers offers support, inspiration, and constructive criticism, helping me grow and refine my purpose. Read more>>
Brooke Craig
I wrote a lot about this in my leadership book “Leading with Valor”. Purpose is a funny thing, because it can be a fickle thing. What ones purpose is now may not be their purpose in a month or year from now. I fully believe the best way to find your purpose is to find your passion. What excites you? What sets your soul on fire? Passion and purpose are a necessity together. Your passion and your purpose can be summed up by remembering your why. Your why is equivalent to your dream or desire, and your passion is the gasoline for that fire of a dream. The purpose, though, is the person maintaining the fire. Your passion is necessary to feed your dream. And your purpose is necessary for your passion, because it allows you to continue on. Passion is for your own self, and the purpose serves others. Read more>>
Jose Espada
For many years I played the corporate game of trying to climb the ladder. During that time, any perceived accomplishment was short-lived as I was already looking to the next step it was all about getting more money, a better title, a bigger office, etc. But I was never satisfied and was never happy. In 2015, right around the time I turned 50, I had an epiphany. I realized my time was starting to run short, and I was certain I was not doing the things I wanted to do that would truly make me happy, like spending more time with my wife, traveling, and making music. Right then and there I decided that rather than climbing the ladder I was going to focus on being the best I could be at the job I had,, work my full workday, and then go home on time to live my real life. I started playing out in front of live audiences, honing my skills as a music producer, and planning road trips with my wife, and my life completely turned around because now I felt I had a real purpose and was investing time in the things that nurtured my spirit and soul. I am 58 now and living my best life because of that shirt I made when I turned 50. Read more>>
Julia DeNey
I was drawn to study fashion design not for a love of runway shows but for fashion’s impact and influence on our lives. I knew I wanted to learn about that power and find a way to use it for good within society. It wasn’t until I was halfway through my degree that I discovered a way to do that that I loved. Separately from my fashion design studies, I began volunteering at a local autism preschool and resource center as the VP of Philanthropy for my sorority. While there, parents and educators shared their children’s sensory struggles with clothing. I began an independent study to research and discover resources for them. I quickly found that many people were talking about it being a problem but not offering a solution. So, for the next two years, I worked on researching and prototyping solutions alongside this school. I fell in love with the innovation and problem-solving-focused design that could improve many children’s daily lives. When I graduated, I began working in special education with autistic students, where I quickly saw the widespread need for sensory-friendly clothing and alternative sensory tool designs. I connected so closely with my students over the years. I was driven to turn my designs into a brand so they, and children like them, could have the clothing that would increase their independence, confidence, and regulation so they could be included everywhere. Read more>>
Felisha Lugo
I believe from a young adolescent you begin to question what is your purpose in life…why was I created? Who will I become? What will be left behind of me once I’m no longer here? Most times our environments start to mold our paths for our desires. I can think of pivotal moments in my life that put me in positions to be someone I’ve never been so that I would adapt a powerful mindset on my journey of discovering my purpose. The most challenging by far was navigating and finding my footing entering motherhood but to follow up with that would be my choice to be an entrepreneur. I can plainly say like many of us I do not come from a family of great wealth. My first example of perseverance & resilience was watching my mother (who was teenage mother) do everything in her power to provide the best life for me. She motivated me more than she will ever understand and still does til this very day. So much so that she inspired me to cultivate a mindset of never settling and always going after what I wanted for my life.. Which in turn made see everything about life differently than most around me. I knew clocking into a 9-5 work place was never the life I wanted to lead. After having my first child I then was absolutely clear on what I wanted, just wasn’t sure how I was going to arrive. And while I am still in that journey of self discovery I have most definitely came a long way from a small town girl born into poverty with a single teenaged mom. Read more>>
Dmitriy Hanuka
I found my purpose through a combination of passion, practical experience, and my Jewish faith. Growing up, my faith instilled in me values of hard work, community, and helping others, which guided my career choices. As I delved into marketing and product management, I saw how high-quality media could transform businesses. This realization inspired me to start 3D Media, where I blend creativity with strategic marketing to help businesses thrive. My faith continues to inspire and drive me in my professional journey, affirming that this path is my true calling. Read more>>
Nic Beaudreault
Purpose is something I’ve struggled with for most of my life. The older I get, the more I’ve realized that I am not alone in my quest for purpose and fulfillment. I find purpose in my hobbies, my friends and family, and of course my career. Boating was something I fell into before I could even walk considering it was my parents favorite and seemingly only hobby, as it is for a lot of folks who live in Michigan I suppose. I grew up in the industry, working at multiple marinas in Holland, washing boats, and working for my dad who is also a Captain. Not to mention that we spent every weekend on the boat and every vacation was by water to a different port town. Being exposed to boats for so long and at such a young age, I actually never even considered it to be a career option for me. I wanted to climb mountains, fly planes, become a professional skateboarder, snowboarder, a chiropractor, the list goes on. As time passes, life and personality changes pushed me into different interests and passions. One thing was for sure, boating wasn’t my passion, or so I thought. Read more>>
Valeria Maldonado
I found purpose by reconnecting with myself and looking inward to integrate my existing abilities into my art. Unsatisfied with my experience in architecture and its patriarchal demeanor, I felt compelled to reconfigure architectural dynamics and explore how we inhabit space from a feminist perspective. This led me to find textiles as a medium to recreate architecture under my lens, revealing the parallels between the two disciplines and driving me to create this symbiosis both physically and conceptually. This exploration captivated me, leading me to create self-supporting or sculptural textiles that create space within themselves. Simultaneously, my fascination with traditional crafts, sustainable practices, and my Peruvian roots guided me toward creating work that merges traditional low-tech techniques with a contemporary or even futuristic take on how we inhabit design and space. Read more>>
