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.
Cheri Harris
I found my purpose by retiring from a career that I was no longer enjoying and embarking on a passion project with my husband. My life had become a series of musts and shoulds. I must go to work every day and perform routine tasks that are assigned to me. I had been an attorney for almost 35 years and had worked for all three branches of state government and a couple of non-profit organizations and professional associations. I had a lot of valuable experience and I tried to inject some creativity into continuing education that I provided for my clients, but I dreaded the daily grind. Read more>>
Lauren Mcclain
I have done some deep diving work on exploring what values that are important to me and to share with my family and center my family in. Service to others and helping folks navigating during a very transformative time brings me great meaning in helping myself growing and helping others grow during this great pivot of their lives, becoming parents. Being in birth work, there is a lot of preparation of “stuff” you need for babies, but I love to help guide those in the mental preparation that happens when our brain chemistry changes for parenthood. Read more>>
Tamika Rodriguez
I found my purpose on my knees crying out to God to save me from my self and from my life. I was at my lowest point, some call it rock bottom. The moment when you have to face yourself and the weight of what it feels like to be the destroyer of your own life. I cried out to God what is even the point of life? Why am I here? I just wanted to die. Read more>>
Lara Hoffman
I’m very drawn to this question, but have rewritten my answer several times because I have always found this difficult to talk about. As someone who has struggled with the concept of life even having purpose, I think maybe the best way for me to address this question is to talk about two philosophies that have helped me think about purpose. Read more>>
Zai
I believe I was given a second chance in life. Before I became an artist, I played collegiate football. It was my entire world for years, until my redshirt junior season. In the first two plays of a game, I made a tackle and immediately tore my labrum. At first, I thought it was just a bad stinger, but as the game went on, my arm grew weaker. Two weeks later, after losing feeling, I finally went to the doctor and got an MRI. The results confirmed a torn labrum, and I was advised to stop playing. For a 21-year-old athlete with no plan beyond sports, that was devastating. Read more>>
Fernanda Montoya
I’ve always thought that purpose came from serving others, through my years, I’ve realized that my purpose was shaped by my own journey. Struggling with hormonal imbalance, feeling unwell, and navigating the challenges of healing gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to truly overcome something. My journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me so much, and now I feel a genuine pull to help other women who are going through similar struggles. I’ve been there, and I know what it’s like to feel stuck. My purpose is to guide women toward finding their balance and health, just as I did—one step at a time. Read more>>
Mwita Chacha
Finding your purpose is a lifelong pursuit. As long as you’re growing, your purpose should evolve. Here are some of the key moments that brought me to where I am today. I grew up as a second-generation immigrant in southern Virginia, learning from my dad’s journey and example. He was raised in rural Tanzania, in a home built from trees and mud. But he pushed himself to create a life that was about more than just him. His work as a motivational speaker and author took him around the world, impacting thousands. Read more>>
Tiffany Clark
I would say it’s more so, how did I embrace my purpose. Deep down in my soul since a young teen I knew I wanted to be an Interior Designer, I’ve always felt it, and I’ve always craved it. However, I didn’t quite believe it was possible. As a kid growing up I didn’t see any black Interior Designers out there. I watched HGTV all the time, literally bingeing all the episodes before I even knew what binge watching was. However, there were never any black designers on the shows, so it just didn’t seem like something I would do, or so my young mind thought. Then one day, a few years later, I remember seeing Egypt Sherrod on HGTV and I thought wow!! That could definitely be me! Read more>>
Debbie Johnson
I have to be honest, it found me. I ran from it for years. Since childhood, I could see people others couldn’t see. People who had passed- my Grandma, my Dad, And grandma’s and dads of others. It didn’t scare me, but it seemed to scare everyone else.
I repressed it until my 20’s when I had a series of anxiety attacks and hit my knees and prayed for God’s help. And then everything started to fall into place. I was no longer scared of my gifts, I was ok with being a medium as long as it helped people. I asked God that I only have the gift when people asked for help. My prayer was answered. Read more>>
Manatsu Aminaga
My goals are always evolving; each time I achieve one, I discover the next. I break my goals down into specific stages: those that seem achievable in the near future, slightly more challenging ones, and long-term major goals. By organizing them this way, I can clearly focus on what I need to learn and where my attention should be at each stage of the process. Read more>>
Kathlene Grider
Your purpose is where your greatest pain has come from. For me, it was grieving the loss of my sister, niece and nephews. I lost my family as a result of domestic violence. That is what lead me to become the founder of DAR LA and DAR LA Foundation. DAR LA Foundation is a non profit organization that’s mission is to educate, bring awareness on domestic violence and remember the lives lost. DAR LA is a brand that sells high quality sunglasses. Fashion with a purpose. Giving 10 percent of the proceeds to the foundation. They both were founded last year. The ultimate goal is to build a woman’s shelter and have the brand fund the foundation. Read more>>
Manuel Soler
When I realized my passion for cooking it ignited a fire within me that ultimately led to finding my purpose as a cook, and with time and experience becoming chef. Growing up I was always fascinated by the transformative power of food; its ability to evoke emotions, bring people together, and tell stories. As I began experimenting with flavors and techniques, I realized that cooking wasn’t just about following recipes, but about creativity, connection, and community. Through trial and error plus culinary training (stay always learning), I attained the skills necessary for my chosen path. With every plate I Serve, or meal I prepare for family and friends, the goal remains the same…knock your socks off! Read more>>
Brad Eickhoff
While growing up, I was sick with Cancer. Although I was only five years old and facing the possibility of losing my life, I tried to find the best in life. One such way was the Child Life Activity Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital would have different activities and special guests. One such special guests were Magicians. Read more>>
Tamara Walker
The journey to discovering my purpose in media is deeply rooted in my love for literature and a genuine desire to uplift the independent film industry. The reflective time indoors during the 2020 pandemic allowed you to slow down and focus on shaping my brand and vision. This period wasn’t just about consuming media; it was about finding ways to create, support, and contribute to it in a meaningful way. Read more>>
Kezia Wanner
I have found purpose in being of service. As early as I can remember as a child, I remember that I wanted to feel useful. I think part of that was being brought up in a household where contributions to the family and thoughtfulness to others were paramount. My parents were working multiple jobs and we moved often, which left little time for them outside of work, and therefore my sister and myself had to be self-directed and self-motivated, as well as help out taking care of the home, the yard, and each other. Read more>>
Seán Ó Connor
The concept of purpose is a pretty facinating one, even if it is a struggle at times to identify it. Not only in terms of discovering what is behind the phenomena of Being- why am I here?- but on a very personal level what sort of collaboration with the universal order is available to us that brings out one’s talents into a greater sacred utility. I’ve lived a life where at times I’ve been aware of purpose as an intrinisic certainty, and at other moments been utterly confused and afraid of such realization and activity. Read more>>
Kammy Burnett
Throughout my life, I’ve never been afraid to try new things. Different jobs, different foods, and different activities. Over time, I discovered what I enjoyed and what truly made me happy. Many things that gave me fulfillment when I was younger, didn’t give me as much joy as I got older. I remember, I used to be all over the place. I couldn’t focus on just one or two things. I had to be involved in numerous activities. That wasn’t all bad, since these adventures are very helpful being an actor. Read more>>
Dawn Sellers
I believe finding purpose only comes from fully living, but no one could have told me that when I was younger. Always searching for what it was I wanted to do or where I fit in. Experiences, both wins and failures, tragedies and good times, came and went. I still didn’t have an answer. I had a long career in healthcare compliance and credentialing that left me burned out and desperately searching for something more joyful. As I reached my fifties, I found myself running a restaurant and bar with my husband. I had to be on 24/7, issues finding staff, increasing prices, more demands each day, and trying to keep up with the flow of customers that seemed never ending. Read more>>
Aryance Parker
I found my purpose by doing a large amount of soul searching and realizing I found joy in expressing my love for the things I enjoy in life and helping women that looked exactly like me. I’ve been plus size for a large majority of my life and I’ve also been a huge lover of anime, movies, and music. Those things as a child always bought me joy and peace, but I always enjoyed those things in private. Once I decided to embrace every part of me I realized living my unapologetic self would attract like minded individuals and inspire others to be their unapologetic selves. Read more>>
Kelly Bouthillet
I had always believed my purpose was to be a healthcare provider, but I discovered a new sense of purpose in art through a journey that intertwined my long career in healthcare with a deep need for healing and self-expression. After working through the challenges of the pandemic as a nurse practitioner, I reached a point where I needed to step back, recover, and reflect. During this time, I found a surprising source of solace and transformation through painting. Read more>>
Victoria Cortes
When I launched my website, I imagined—excitedly—the clients who might hire me as their personal, in-home chef. After five years spent crafting rich, celebratory dishes in culinary school, fine dining, and casual kitchens, I was thrilled to offer my skills directly to clients. While I understood that hiring a personal chef is a luxury for many, I hadn’t anticipated how essential my role could become for some families. Read more>>
Suani Meneghetti
I have always been a very sensitive person and have always sought to become spiritual.
I found my purpose in creating my jewelry where I can bring spirituality, energy, protection and good vibrations to the world through natural stones.
For me, natural stones are a little piece of our creator, we can call God with us, just like an amulet. To protect us from any bad energy that could influence or attack us. Read more>>
Marica Villeneuve
Art has been a lifelong passion (or obsession) of mine. I was the kid that would sit quietly at the table for hours, creating. Like most artists though, life tried to beat it out of me a little bit — things like always getting in trouble for doodling in class and people repeatedly telling me about the “starving artist” trope. For that reason, I tried to do something more “practical” with my life, but found it impossible to ignore my love for art. So, I went to York University to study fine art and minored in psychology, with the hope of becoming an art therapist. I applied to study at an art therapy institute at the end of my degree and through a strange sequence of events, I was rejected, and surprisingly felt a sense of relief. Read more>>
Bao-khang Luu
Discovering my purpose has been a long and complicated journey. It boils down to the struggle between the expectations of my Vietnamese refugee family, who valued stable professions like medicine and law, and my innate need to create. I tried reconciling the two opposing forces for a long time. In college, I studied design, but intending to become a medical doctor, I also studied microbiology. It left me feeling disconnected, and I realized I was chasing someone else’s idea of success. I eventually completed my undergraduate studies in design, worked for a few years, and then moved to New York City, earning an MFA from the Parsons School of Design. Read more>>
Ashley Menestrina
Dance has been a part of my life since the age of 4. There is not an alternate universe that I can imagine me pursuing anything more fulfilling than dance. Around the age of 16, I knew there was more to this art form that I wanted to explore. Coming from a very small recreational dance studio in Knoxville, TN, I knew I wasn’t going to get that exposure if I stayed local. So, that is when I made my first trip to NYC. At that point if I had told my younger self that I would go to college for dance, move to NYC and live there for almost 10 years, travel internationally for dance, and still be doing it all these years later, I am not sure I would have believed myself. Read more>>
Elizabeth Dewolfe
I took a wandering path that led me to the right place at the right time. I started as a geology major in college but found my way into anthropology, art history, and astronomy. I wasn’t sure what I’d do for a living. After college, I traveled, I lived abroad, I earned a Master’s degree, and then I worked in the museum field. I wrote exhibit labels and explanatory texts—telling the stories of artworks and artifacts that often were created by, owned by, or featured women. Read more>>
Lauren Moquette
I believe finding your purpose is an evolving process. Each season brings a new purpose, and for me, it has been about using my life experiences to serve others. There is a passage in Scripture that forms the foundation of my mission and ministry: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Read more>>
Linda Bertino
From overcoming the sting of childhood bullying to embracing the unique challenges of scoliosis, my journey has been one of resilience and self-discovery. Growing up, I was teased for having an overbite and a thin frame, but these experiences only fueled my drive to find my true purpose: to uplift and inspire others. Today, I use my platform and success to empower young people—especially young girls—to recognize their own beauty and believe in their limitless potential. It’s been my greatest honor to show them that, no matter the obstacles, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Read more>>
Taeler Braithwaite
I found my purpose as a graphic designer through a journey of observation and reflection. During my design education, I was struck by the glaring disparity in representation for Black creators. I saw firsthand how this gap in perspective and acknowledgment impacted the design canon, often leaving out the richness and depth that Black designers have historically brought to the field. I realized that this lack of representation wasn’t just a gap—it was a lost opportunity for the canon to evolve in a way that embraces a wider range of voices and perspectives. Read more>>
Tina Butler
I found my purpose after having my daughter. One month after having my daughter, I separated from my husband of 5 years. I moved to a different state with my daughter to live with my sister. It was a huge change and I suffered really bad from postpartum hair loss. I was devastated. I tried many products, but nothing was quit doing the job so I decided to make my very own natural hair products. I wanted something natural for me and my daughter. She helped me find my purpose. Now people all over have experienced products from my brand, X M Beauty. Read more>>
Nadene Fishback
It all started with two local moms looking to meet more families in the area who had a young child with Down syndrome, just like themselves. They knew there had to be more families out there, but there just wasn’t an established way for them to meet each other. To remedy that problem, they founded 3•21 Fun!, a playgroup for infants through preschoolers with Down syndrome in early 2023. Over the course of their first year, 3•21 Fun! ended up hosting 24 individual families at a variety of events, with many families being repeat attendees. Between the success of that group and the amount of friends with a wider range of ages and abilities that they met along the way, they decided to start a more inclusive network for the disability community in the Sioux Falls area, and Fun & Friends was born! Read more>>
Sarah Deragon
Hi, my name is Sarah Deragon, and I’m a self-taught professional portrait photographer living in the Bay Area. My journey into photography started unexpectedly when I met a queer photographer while walking my dog one day. She gave me one of her old cameras, and from there, I dove headfirst into learning everything I could. Picking up that camera reignited my creativity, and after years of burnout in jobs that I never really loved, I took a leap in my mid-30s to launch my own business: Portraits To The People. Read more>>
Evelyn Presley
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth. The excerpt above from Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken” describes how I found my purpose. Often in my life, I have stood at a crossroads. The crossroad was not always in the woods. Sometimes, the crossroad showed up in my bathroom mirror as I was trying to get ready for work. Do I really want to go to work, or should I take the other road and head to the beach? I have seen the crossroads in the faces of my children. Do I continue to pursue my chosen career or be a stay-at-home mom? As an educator, I encountered a crossroads in the classroom when I questioned whether I should continue teaching or take the other road and become an administrator. Read more>>
Nicole Byrne
I’ve always been deeply curious, especially about the human condition. Growing up, I frequently observed the people around me, and some of my best teaching moments took place at the family dinner table. This curiosity and attentiveness sometimes made me appear shy, but in truth, I was absorbing and learning from each interaction. Over the years, I’ve channeled this curiosity into a clear purpose. Not only do I apply my natural curiosity in my work as a therapist, but I also draw on everything I’ve learned about communication patterns, dynamics, and the human condition to better support my clients. Read more>>
Maurya Cockrell
My purpose unfolded over time, deeply inspired by my grandmother, MeMe, who taught me what resilience and respect truly mean. She faced profound challenges with courage, especially when she wasn’t valued as deserving of care simply because of her age. Standing by her side, I learned how essential it is to advocate for others’ dignity and worth, especially for those who might otherwise be overlooked. Read more>>
Hugh House M.d.
For me, the question would be how did I find purpose again in my mid 50s. As a father of four and married for over 30 years family has always been my top priority. Most of my free time outside of my career was spent with my wife and kids. We spent time together with family dinners and weekend activities. In addition, I coached many of their youth sports teams when they were young and I enjoyed being a fan when they reached high school. This was all on top of being a busy orthopedic surgeon for almost 25 years. Balancing a full clinical and surgical schedule, on-call duties, and family life was often hectic but I loved almost every minute of it. Read more>>
Mél Dos Santos
Finding my purpose didn’t come easily, especially growing up in an environment where art wasn’t seen as a real career path. At 16, while my friends were planning careers in medicine, law, and science, I felt lost. One day, sitting on the kitchen stairs watching my mom cook, I shared my worries. She told me something that’s stayed with me ever since: “Imagine yourself in 10 years. Do you want to wake up dreading another day, or excited to start?” In that moment, I knew photography was my path—it was the one thing that made me feel genuinely excited. Read more>>
Cindy Gelormini
I always felt a sense of destiny or purpose in my life, but I just wasn’t sure what it was. For many years I was a mom raising 4 kids and didn’t see my life as much different than anyone else’s, except that I was raising a severely autistic son. When he was diagnosed it was one in 10,000 kids being diagnosed, so it was pretty unheard of. But then I watched the number rise to 1 in 500, 1 in 200, 1 in 100, 1 in 75, 1 in 50, and now 1 in 35. I realized a lot more moms are now going to be going through what I went through, but I was way ahead of them in the journey. I have already been through what they are going through. They say your “test is your testimony” and “your mess is your message”. I realized that this is probably going to be my calling and purpose, to help other moms raising autistic kids. Read more>>
Read more>>
