Core to our mission is helping our audience and community reach their full potential and the most important part of reaching your full potential is starting to find your purpose. Below, we’ve shared stories and insights from the community around how various folks found their purpose and we hope it helps you in your journey.
Unique Matthews
At 12, my passion for fashion consumed me, leading me to pursue a career in design and marketing. But a vivid dream changed everything, urging me to heal others through food. Realizing that my passion for fashion wasn’t my ulitimate pursuse in life. My true purpose lay elsewhere, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Read more>>
Daria Amato Photographer
I love the question how did you find your purpose. I find that my purpose found me. I was 16years old the beginning of my junior year of high school. My school in Brooklyn had a career day. I went to it with my friends and felt devastated. I knew sitting behind a desk all day was not for me nor were the other options presented. Read more>>
Lynel Seawood
I just simply wanted to take better photos than what my cell phone at the time could capture of my daughters baseball games. So I went out and purchased my first good expensive to me camera. Read more>>
Demetri Manabat
My father’s death was a pivotal point in my life, and it eventually led to me finding my purpose. It was a reminder of two truths: life is short and time is never guaranteed. With that in mind, I didn’t want to spend the rest of whatever time I have left doing something I wasn’t truly passionate about. Read more>>
Madeline Hernandez
I gave birth to my second son in 2020, naturally at Babymoon birthing center. We were a couple days away from ending the year and still unsure of when life would return to ‘normal’. I took my 6 weeks maternity leave. I balanced working from home full time and caring for my sons for a few months. Not long after I realized COVID had shifted my priorities and going back to work at the office was not at the top of the list anymore. Read more>>
Victoria Amador
What a thought-provoking question! Life’s purpose is this evolving thing, you know? It’s like, instead of sticking to one grand plan, I’ve found value in rolling with different missions that make sense for wherever I’m at. Read more>>
Andrea Clark Horton
I have always loved puzzles. As a girl, I discovered this ability to put the separated pieces of a whole together in a way that reflected the beautiful image intended. While some may have used angles and calculations to help construct a whole from parts, I have always had the unique ability to hear and see the stories of each part, and let those stories guide me to piecing together the image. Read more>>
Kevin Goodnight
I found my purpose when a lady I had never met told me at a wedding that I was going to write a book, confirming what had been on my heart the past few months. The best part was that I had a dream 8 months prior where I felt that God told me He was going to show up big before the end of the year. This wedding was on December 21st! Read more>>
Susanne McMurry
It’s been quite a journey! As a young adult I had no idea what I wanted to do, other than a job where I could “help people.” But that’s the thing about manifesting, you need to provide a little more information or you will be pulled into situation after situation where you may be “helping people” but not in the way that feels authentic. Read more>>
Tina Naidu
Growing up as an overweight kid was a defining chapter in my life, shaping not only my physical appearance but also influencing the way I perceived myself and the world around me. This journey of self-discovery has been instrumental in finding my purpose. I was born in Mumbai, India and moved to Texas when I was 14 years old. Read more>>
Jaye Letta J” Watts”
I found purpose by living life, and exploring, who I truly was in the process. I often times meet people, and they tell me how many lives I’ve lived. I remember not thinking that it was so robust until I really sat with my self and thought about how many subjects and industries, my knowledge base spans across. Read more>>
Porcsha Lloyd
Finding your purpose is a personal journey. Where one can reflect on their passions, values, and strengths. It is important to explore different interests and experiences to discover what truly resonates with you. It’s okay if it takes time – be patient with yourself. This alone is how I was able to find my purpose. Read more>>
Florian Mavridorakis
I was always a music lover, my parents listened to a lot of different genres and they took me to many concerts as a kid, but I didn’t manifest any interest in playing music until I was 14. At that time i tragically lost one of my brothers in a car accident, and the pain, the sadness i felt from the injustice of this event, became rage. Read more>>
Christine Atrach
Initially, I wanted to become a college professor but moving to Manhattan at 25, my path drastically changed as I wanted to get some experience first. I got a job as a fashion buyer and not until I had my first child that I decided to start my own business. Read more>>
Kyle Frasier
Early in my career, I actually worked for the other side. I was the one calling people and insisting they send me the money they owed. I began to see that these were good people. They didn’t have enough money to make ends meet. The math didn’t add up. I also noticed the range of emotions they went through when I tried to bully or manipulate them. Emotions ranged from fear to anger to shame, etc. Read more>>
Ezra Enzo
I think I’ve finally understood that this notion of ‘purpose’ changes with different stages of life, adapting to our shifting needs, roles, and experiences. I used to be an oil painter and fine art photographer— when I graduated from college I was so sure that my purpose was to inhabit spaces like museums, galleries, or art fairs. Read more>>
Debbie Squizzero
Discovering my purpose as a Psychic Medium has been a long road, and a deeply personal and transformative journey. While everyone’s path is unique, there are common experiences that many Psychic Mediums go through in their quest to understand and embrace their purpose which entails a life of service while serving Spirit and others. Read more>>
Genesis Valenzuela
I find my purpose through creativity, healing, and community. Creativity is a like a language to me. An opportunity to think outside the box, to collaborate with others and to reshape what is considered to be true. Myself being multifaceted creatively in many areas, I create stories through movement with my smoker skates, music is an emotional dictionary to me that expresses human feelings/ideas/concepts. Read more>>
Kristin Derus Dore
Some people have known what they wanted to do all their lives; I’m not one of them. When I was growing up, my aspirations were small. I wanted to be like my parents and I planned to get a job in an office somewhere, get married, buy a house and have some kids. That’s exactly what I did. Read more>>
Alethia Tucker
Finding my purpose wasn’t like a bolt of lightning on a clear day; it was more like a slow sunrise, gently illuminating the path after a really long, dark night. You see, there was this time in my life that felt like I was being tested to my limits. My dad was battling the tough side of chemo, and I was trying to heal from a C Spine surgery. Read more>>
Porsha Rucker-Davis
I found my purpose at a young age. Since I was a little girl I’ve always loved fashion so much. My mother was definitely one of those women who dressed real fly every time she stepped out. My mother had closets of clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, furs, and so much more. Read more>>
Aaron Schey
My journey towards finding purpose is deeply rooted in my family’s legacy and my passion for art dealing. Growing up in a household where glass art was central, with my parents owning and operating Habatat Galleries, provided me with a unique upbringing immersed in the world of art. Read more>>
Stephanie Villavicencio
When I found out that my best friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I knew that I needed to do anything to help her. I just never thought it would turn into the organization that it is today. My fundraising idea was to sell stickers that I had designed, sell them, and donate the funds to my friend. Within weeks of launching my fundraising campaign people from all over the world were supporting us. Read more>>
Zoë Kilgren
I’ve always been a big picture person, even as a kid. I always had a sense that there is a bigger end goal than what was in front of me. I think I continue to find my ‘purpose’ every day. I know what the puzzle of my life is supposed to look like in completion, but every day I am tasked with finding certain pieces and putting them where they belong. Read more>>
Priyanka Nanda
Hello, my name is Priyanka and I’m a henna artist based in Sarasota, Florida. Growing up in India, I was enthralled watching my mother create beautiful henna designs for special events. By age ten, I started practicing simple tattoos on myself. Shortly after immigrating to the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Read more>>
Ronda Simmons
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV. Read more>>
Courtney Coons FNP-BC
My journey to discovering my purpose has been deeply rooted in my personal experiences and passions. Starting at the young age of seven years old, and all while growing up, I struggled with acne, which sparked my profound interest in skincare. I dedicated a significant amount of time to researching and experimenting with various skincare products and treatments, not only to improve my own skin but also to help others facing similar challenges. Read more>>
Alexa Nahas
Growing up I always saw my mom behind the camera documenting every little happy or funny moment. Not to show off on social media or immediately share and bask in instant nostalgia- but to create a series of printed memories for me to have when I grow up. A chronological archive of all the little moments in my life. But there was one crucial problem- because she was behind the camera she wasn’t featured in many photos. Read more>>
Dabney Hedegard
That’s easy. After surviving four near-death experiences, and 10 life-threatening illnesses (cancer twice, pulmonary embolisms, congestive heart failure, infectious disease, multiple strokes, etc.), my purpose found me. Trust me. After graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University, all I wanted was to become successful in my career. Things changed one afternoon when I suddenly struggled to breathe at 25 years old. Read more>>
David Puskas
Finding one’s purpose is like attraction, you can’t force it. If it’s there, great, if its not, let it go. The more you let it go and relax your mental grip on it, the more chance you give yourself to explore all the facets of your heart. One trick that might be useful is to look into your hobbies, what makes them enjoyable for you, what makes you do the things you do. That might give you a clue into what moves you and what you either consciously or subconsciously find important. I found my purpose in the arts and creative mediums. Read more>>
Shay Sane
I found my purpose through a deeply personal journey, marked by enduring mental health challenges and life-transforming experiences. My journey began in earnest when I started therapy at the age of 13. Over the years, I faced numerous life stressors, a pivotal moment being the loss of my sister at 28 to a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Read more>>
Chantell Sampson
How did I find my purpose? Well, I guess I would say through trial and error. I’ve worn many hats and have worked many different jobs and have had such great opportunities in my life; but what I always go back to, is helping people. Teaching people what I know about self-care and happiness and art therapy. Because at the end of the day, I know that my work and what I do matters. Read more>>
Dr. Emily Spaeth
My purpose is to support families and the physical therapists who treat them through some of the most traumatic transitions in their lives. I blend my background in yoga, massage, and lactation support with my expertise in physical therapy to create a full spectrum peripartum experience for my clients. Read more>>
Darin Rios
I started my journey as an entrepreneur with the belief that my purpose was tied to my career and the work that I produced. I poured my heart and soul into each project, hoping that it would bring me the fulfillment and purpose I was searching for. However, no matter how successful I became in my various endeavors, I still felt a sense of emptiness and longing for something more. Read more>>
Ginger Taylor
I bought into the strong willed woman environment. I never wanted a man to tell me what to do. Unfortunately I found that in a marriage a man is not in the business of having a woman tell him what to do. I didn’t care and my first marriage failed. Se la vi was my thought. When I got married again and gave my life to the Lord…He told me to submit myself to my husband like I would to the Lord. Read more>>
Darren Dodson
In December 2019, my life changed when I received a direct message on twitter from Chester Williams the founder/CEO of a non-profit called A Better Chance, A Better Community (ABC2), He wanted to talk to me about developing an app for ABC2’s website. ABC2 helps serve underserved and marginalized communities. Read more>>
Giselle and Joshua Sanford
After discovering the benefits of the type of products we now produce and sell as a company myself, we quickly realized how many other people we were helping and that’s when we knew we were doing the right thing. Read more>>
Renadda Wiggins
Finding my purpose was a journey that unfolded gradually for me. After touring with Ebony Fashion Fair, I began teaching runway modeling. One day, a mother brought her daughter with Down syndrome to a modeling agency seeking help. Witnessing the transformation and newfound confidence it brought her daughter struck a chord within me. It took some time for me to realize that this wasn’t just a purpose but my calling. Read more>>
Johnny Castillo
This is a very hard question to answer. I often ask myself this question when doubt slowly creeps in and I become afraid. But I always remind myself of how far I’ve come and how this journey has helped me to process difficult experiences in my life allowing me to become the person/artist that I am today. Read more>>
Teresa Edwards
In 2014, after 14 years at my job, I made a life-altering decision. I left for a new opportunity that promised quick promotion but delivered only disappointment. The toxic culture and broken promises left me working grueling hours, only to be laid off in the end. Little did I know, this setback would become the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. Read more>>
Sarah Johnson
In February 2022, I had a discussion with my cousin, Johnnie Bunting Jr., who is a fellow entrepreneur. We discussed entrepreneur opportunities, and he mentioned candle making. So, I did research daily and was very intrigued with the art. I instantly fell in love with making candles. I did so much research that I was able to launch my business Sophisticated Scents LLC in April 2022. During this time, I have already obtained degrees in Biology and Public Health, however I felt that I wasn’t satisfied with those fields. Read more>>
Alisha Banks
After walking through years of health issues post-birth control, I experienced a pivotal moment in my life. I took what would be the last pharmaceutical drug I have taken in 10 years; I was caught somewhere between a spiritual awakening and complete depletion of the essential minerals in my body. Just when I thought my body was broken, I met God. Read more>>
Hailee Clack
I found my purpose when I noticed the lack of resources in my community. I felt like there weren’t any people in our community that really wanted to create some change for the students. Representation and exposure is everything to these students, and that’s what I bring them. The youth seeing the HBCU students and alum that also are from Flint is a push to motivate them and encourage them to look outside of the 810, look beyond what’s in Michigan. Read more>>
Charisse Ellis
During the pandemic, I discovered my purpose. As someone who’s passionate about both self-care/well-being and clothing I started to think of ways that I could merge the two. One that would resonate with people. One day, while I was laying in bed, the idea to start a lifestyle clothing line that mirrors my love for self-care and clothes came to mind. Read more>>
Zack Ritchie
Finding my purpose wasn’t about a grand revelation; it was more like chasing a series of curiosities. Each idea I explored sparked new excitement, leading me down paths I never imagined when I first started my art journey. It’s like following a trail of breadcrumbs, where each crumb is a curiosity that fuels my next step. Read more>>
Dr. Tammie McCurry, LMFT
As the oldest of five children, I saw my innate gift of nurturing and serving others emerge from a young age. I had a passion for helping others overcome obstacles to become the best versions of themselves. This passion led to my journey as an advocate in the behavioral health field and ultimately fueled my decision to start Confidential Consultants – a quality improvement and professional development firm focused on equipping, educating, and empowering organizations and individuals with creative solutions for quality improvement. Read more>>
Emily Lauletta
I found my purpose in life when I wasn’t necessarily looking for it. At 18 years old, I was lost and searching for identity and community in any place I could find it. In the fall of 2018 I began as an undergraduate student at Hollins University, a tiny, historically women’s college in Southern Virginia. At the time, I knew I had a passion for gender equity and wanted to major in gender and women’s studies, but that was about the only thing I knew about myself. Read more>>
