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.
Nolie MacDonald
My journey to founding VRenity began with my own healing, where I discovered the transformative power of mindset and understanding emotional triggers. Along the way, I realized how deeply energy is contagious—our thoughts and actions ripple outward, influencing not only ourselves but those around us. This awareness underscored the importance of proactively aligning our thoughts and behaviors with our highest selves. VRenity was born from this mission, offering a virtual oasis that provides individuals with a new way to relax, recharge, and educate themselves on their emotional triggers while learning healthy methods to combat stress. Through innovative experiences like 8D sound therapy, cymatics, virtual horseback riding, and teleport locations designed for relaxation, VRenity supports the pillars of mind, body, and emotional intelligence (EQ). Read more>>
Tommy Kavounidis
I found my purpose looking back at history and revisiting my old instrument that first brought me really joy to music. The Greek Bouzouki, that was the first instrument that brought me really joy to music and it’s the instrument that brings me joy to music today. Historically the Bouzouki was an instrument that wasn’t allowed to be played for political reasons and depending and what notes you played could land you in jail. So because of that and how far the Bouzouki has come I look to take it to the next level. Read more>>
Jeanette Aumon
My earliest memory was at 2 years old. Hopelessly horse crazy. A curse, a blessing, a passion. Every toy, coloring book page, every request to Santa Claus, horses. By age 4, I was saddle-fitting my rocking horse with various blankets to find the ideal combination for steed and rider. I’d simulate all gaits, walk, trot and canter, finding perfect harmony within the movement. At age 5, I was bumming horseback rides off strangers to ride double through the wetland park across the street. Freedom. Engulfed by natural beauty, the exhilarating thunder of speeding hooves fueled my passion as the swamp rushed by. Read more>>
Izabelli Ambrozio
Growing up, I was always involved in sports, which I loved deeply. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a firefighter because my life goal has always been to save lives. I later pursued a career in nursing, believing it was my calling—a way to fulfill my mission of helping others.
After graduating as a nurse in Brazil, I moved to the United States, seeking new opportunities. However, I quickly faced a major challenge: my nursing degree wasn’t recognized there. For four years, I worked tirelessly to transfer my credentials and eventually became eligible to take the U.S. nursing exam. But during this process, I experienced a cultural shock. Read more>>
Anna Khakhamyan
About six years ago, I moved to the United States from Armenia. I had a solid background and work experience, including a Master’s degree in Psychology, which I had evaluated and qualified for here in the U.S. However, after working in various fields and different positions that didn’t align with my true interests, I experienced burnout and stress. I wasn’t doing what I loved, and it left me feeling overwhelmed. Many people around me suggested I should change my profession entirely, and even though I received various certifications and diplomas, I still couldn’t find my place. With over 12 years of experience working with children as a developmental psychologist and art therapist, I knew that helping kids express themselves creatively was where my passion truly lay. The joy and energy I received from these interactions became the foundation of my purpose. Read more>>
Ibbie Aromolaran
My journey to this path began in my early 20s when I was working at a bar. I often found myself listening to the stories of friends, coworkers, and patrons. I became a supportive, empathetic ear for others, and I was frequently told that I should become a therapist. Over time, I realized that I not only had a natural affinity for it, but also genuinely enjoyed helping others in this way. This sparked a curiosity in me to learn more about the underlying causes of common relational challenges and their connection to mental health. Driven by this desire to deepen my understanding, I decided to pursue further education and make this passion my career. Read more>>
Sirawich Pukuka
My purpose stems from how I traverse myself, observe, and sometimes mingle with my surroundings because I am usually not good at sitting in a studio and creating a work from that confined space solely. I need to see actions and then later come to the studio and reflect on them.
What I learned from my observations is that in life, regardless of what form is taken, one has an enormous capacity to exist in this time and space to do something, in other words, I believed that when I feel like I am purposelessly exist in this world is maybe a little bit exaggeration of disappointments because no one lives in this time and space just to exist what one do will inevitably affect the surroundings. Hence, there is so much purpose left in me to do the right things, as the only shot that I get to do so is when I am alive. Read more>>
Paula Quintero
Since I was a little girl, my dream was to become a professional soccer player. I fell in love with the game. Soccer wasn’t just a sport to me—it was a way to connect with something greater than myself. I wanted to play at the highest level, not just for me, but for my family, who believed in me so deeply, and for every young girl who dared to dream the same dream. Read more>>
Dante Sowell
I’ve always been a person that enjoyed seeing individuals live their best life. It really hit home, when I seen the pure happiness of completing a workout. The expression of accomplishing something never thought of , pushing beyond limits, as well as finding new ways to be a better individual. It’s these moments, I know It was my purpose to be a Personal Trainer.
I’ve been helping individuals on their fitness journey over 5 years in the fitness industry, Accomplishing great thing along the way, becoming a NASM,Certified Personal, as well as obtaining my associates degree in Fitness and Nutrition, while building a network with individuals of like mined views. Read more>>
Keesa Mitchell
I found my purpose by embracing my experiences, values, challenges, and the impact I want to leave on the world. The question I get ALL the time—and the hardest one for me to answer—is, “Where are you from?” For some, it’s such a simple question, but for me, I always struggle to answer. I moved around a lot as a child, living back and forth between Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Each place shaped me in unique ways, giving me a sense of adaptability, resilience, and perspective that has become a core part of who I am today. Read more>>
Syria Theus
I found my purpose in the beginning of my modeling carrer and i wanted to show expel that no matter where you come from or what your background is, you can achieve whatever you wanna do in this life!! I found my other purpose after the unfortunate car accident i was in last year. I was in the hospital for 2 months and was left with intense scarring on my right leg. I relished that i needed to show others that are insecure about their scars that they can still be content creators or models as well!! I wanted to be what i didnt always have, i wanted to be the Pilar of light for those who only see darkness, an inspiration. I know it can get hard because its still so hard for me and some days are better than others but its really about putting that stuff aside to accomplish your goals and dreams!! Read more>>
Matthew Smith
I discovered my purpose from my experiences growing up in poverty and witnessing my mother’s struggles to make ends meet and provide for our family. From a young age, I resolved to achieve success and financial security to support and ultimately retire my family and ensure they can enjoy a comfortable life. Read more>>
Jennifer Wilcoxon
When I think about it, my purpose really began when I was a kid growing up in upstate New York, though I didn’t actually find it until my late 40s. After a career in Marketing and many years as a stay-at-home mother, I was restless and knew I wanted to start a small business doing something creative with plants and flowers.
My parents’ garden, filled with dahlias, cosmos, and roses, was a constant presence in my childhood. Growing up in Rochester, New York, I’d run through it on my way to and from friends’ houses or spend hours playing there. It was a private, special place. I also loved spending time in a wooded area near our house, where I’d build forts and collect moss from fallen logs. In the winter, we would ice skate on the pond in those woods and spend hours playing in snowbanks. We lived only a mile from Lake Ontario, and I would ride my bike there, swim in the lake, and collect tiny shells from the beach. I loved being outdoors and have always felt connected to nature, admiring the beauty of the natural world. Read more>>
Kelsey Elder
In reflection, I found my current purpose by allowing things to ‘stick’ to me and paying attention to them as I developed as a designer and educator. The things that have always intrigued or inspired us often help illuminate our purpose and passion. I have always been interested in the expressive power of letterforms in everyday spaces, such as storefront signage, neon signs, and murals. Documentation of them fills my phone and covers the wall in my studio. As a kid, I noticed people’s handwriting and constantly drew letters. This curiosity grew as I pursued college and graduate school. These academic environments fostered my understanding of how design and language connect people and tell their stories. Read more>>
Niyla Robinson
I found my purpose by truly getting to know myself—by going inward and discovering what genuinely brings me joy. It took some deep reflection and really paying attention to the things that light me up. That’s when I realized my purpose is all about creating and connecting.
Making videos, whether it’s for YouTube or showcasing my cooking, has become my ultimate outlet. It’s where I get to express my creativity, tell stories, and share a piece of myself with the world. I love the process—from brainstorming ideas to editing, to seeing people enjoy and connect with what I create. Read more>>
Tatiana Vickerie
I’ve always been someone who thrives in intimate settings, drawn to uncovering the deeper “why” and steering clear of small talk. Working in the music and entertainment industry for over seven years—a field I’m still deeply immersed in—I often struggled to find spaces where people could truly connect and let their guard down. In an environment where networking is often fast-paced and transactional, I felt a strong desire to create something different: a space where people could slow down and experience genuine, transformational connections—not only with others but also within themselves. Read more>>
Christa Wells
It came naturally to me as a kid to get lost in creative expression. My youngest sister and I especially were always making things up, songs and dances and plays and imaginary characters. I wasn’t thinking about my “purpose” but my joy. And throughout my life, I’ve followed the thing that lights me up, which is the intersection of creative expression and meaningful connection. Turns out that’s my purpose, because it’s what I know to do. It’s what I bring to all my relationships and all my work. It’s what I give myself daily. It’s what I have to offer. Read more>>
Jason Tolbert
For me, finding my purpose wasn’t a single, life-changing moment—it was a journey shaped by challenges, self-discovery, and unwavering faith. Coming from a family with no real money or influential connections, I had to rely on what God placed inside me to create opportunities. There was no blueprint or safety net—just a vision that seemed impossible on paper.
One defining moment came during an event I curated. A lady in attendance looked me in the eye and said, “You’re the architect.” She saw something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized yet—my ability to take any vision, no matter how abstract or far-fetched, and turn it into something tangible and impactful. From that day forward, the name stuck. Suddenly, everyone wanted to book “The Architect” for hosting, speaking engagements, panel discussions, event management—you name it. Read more>>
Emerson Harmon
One of the key ways I discovered my purpose was by remaining open to trying new things throughout my life.
I’ve always nurtured my creativity growing up, exploring a wide variety of mediums along the way. While I occasionally dabbled in digital creation through photography and video editing, I dedicated much of my energy during my young adult life to crafting physical products, from blankets and clothing to paintings and more.
When I entered the professional world, I approached each opportunity with an open mind, eager to explore different roles and industries. I had an incredible experience in the wedding industry, but my growing interest in marketing—sparked by food blogging—led me to pursue that path. As I delved deeper into marketing, I rediscovered my passion for digital creation and began honing my skills in that area. Read more>>
George Gund
I was born in San Francisco and spent a lot of time in the rural west. I have always had an interest in where the food we eat comes from and how it gets to us. I found myself between the urban and rural worlds and for many years did not know how to navigate that. I now see it gives me the ability to speak to both sets of interests and find common goals. Read more>>
Rosie Mencia
If you’d asked me 20 years ago what my purpose was, I probably would’ve said, “Survive the week.” Back then, life felt like a never-ending to-do list: be a good wife, take care of the kids, pay the bills, and somehow keep myself from unraveling. Purpose? That felt like a luxury I didn’t have time for. Life was about getting through the day without completely falling apart.
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to go searching for my purpose—it found me, but not in the way you’d expect. If anything, it was more like being dragged into the search kicking and screaming. At the time, my focus was on doing everything I thought I was supposed to do: checking boxes, keeping up appearances, and holding it all together. But deep down, I felt like something was missing, like I was living on autopilot with no real sense of who I was beyond the roles I played. Read more>>
Chuks Collins
Growing up, I always felt a deep calling to create something meaningful, to spark change, and to bring joy to others. I wanted to put smiles on people’s faces and make a difference, but in my journey, I often found myself becoming a people-pleaser. While well-intentioned, this left me feeling drained and disconnected from my own needs. Over time, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and staying authentic to my values, which helped me focus on what truly mattered.
In 2012, my life took a life-altering turn. After a kidney transplant, complications arose, and I was left in limbo, unsure of how long I had to live. Being in a foreign country, far from family, and navigating life as an immigrant, I felt lost and overwhelmed. In that period of uncertainty, finding a reason to hold on was incredibly difficult. Read more>>
Karen Chaw
This is honestly a very difficult question for me to answer. To attempt to answer this question, we will have to take a step back and look at my journey to becoming a small business owner.
Before starting The Daisy Refillery, I actually did not have any retail or business experience. In fact, my original career was as a computer programmer!
I fell in love with programming when I was introduced to my first programming language in high school at the age of 14. This is why it was not a surprise to my family and friends when I decided to pursue a career in computer programming! Read more>>
Jacqualine Pruett
When I was a younger, I was sad that my mom never had photos of me that I could look back on. Now that I have kids, I want to have something that I can hand down. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but photos of all the happy times, the moments that only happen once, like birth or getting married. These are the memories we want to make sure we never forget, something you can look at when you get sad. I found my purpose in life is to help others capture these special moments in their life, as well as help them bring out the beauty within themselves and give them the confidence they need. Read more>>
Donelle Boose, PhD
My purpose is honest storytelling and inspiring people, and I’m very lucky. I found that purpose through a beautiful process of wandering.
I love to go on meandering walks. I get my headphones and comfortable shoes, and I walk for miles. I don’t have destinations. I just walk so that I can think. And it works, I get my most brilliant ideas when I’m on a long stroll. And it was that metaphorical act of meandering that helped me find my life purpose.
Back in 2006, I graduated from college, with a degree in African-American studies and no clear sense of career. But I moved straight to Washington, DC. I felt the city held ideas and opportunities, and I needed both. As I scoured job postings, I thought carefully about myself. I knew that I was a great student, enjoyed learning, and understood college and university life well. I also knew that that I experienced great fulfillment by helping people. Read more>>
Jim Manley
From an early age, even before I can tell you my first memory, I instinctively knew I was going to be a storyteller in some shape or form. Whether it was creating music or sharing original stories with classmates in grade school, I loved connecting with people. My parents were both educators, who always emphasized the power of curiosity and encouraged my drive for not only sharing my own experiences, but learning about other people’s as well. That passion ultimately led me to a decade and a half with NBC and then ABC in Phoenix as a multi-media journalist. Whether it was politicians, business leaders or normal everyday people finding their way through life (like me), I met and learned so much from individuals from all walks of life. Over time, I found that my purpose was less about breaking news and more about uplifting others by sharing their stories. This realization inspired me to leave the news industry and open Manley Creative. Read more>>
Manta
For most of my life, I have followed the call of virtue– of goodness. Depending on my phase of development, my definition of goodness differed– at times, serving the most insecure parts of myself, sometimes a painful manifestation of my ego, at others, the wellbeing of those I served, for the sheer belief in all of our inherent worth. It was made clear to me early on that a life well lived was one ignited by passion, and the undulating waves of life would demand I steer them with intention.
I assumed it would be difficult. I assumed it would require sacrifice, the willingness to face fears and the capacity to delay gratification. The agent propelling me then, I thought, would have to be discipline. So, I lived a life full of diverse experiences, building and testing discipline in contexts unique enough to offer distinct lessons. From attending West Point to competing in body building and triathlon, working as a software development project manager at multi-billion dollar companies, owning a pie company, surviving tumultuous relationships, living in poverty– all of them were difficult. I cultivated discipline by doing things I didn’t want to do when I didn’t want to do them. It could be working 12 hours a day or making the bed every morning. I attribute much of my success to the action-affirmed belief that the way you do anything is the way you do everything. Read more>>
