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.

Dericka Ashley Tillman

I guess you could say I found my purpose, or rather, I was reminded of it on January 24, 2022, while cleaning out my closet in preparation for moving out of my home of four years. As I sifted through my belongings, I stumbled upon an old 4th-grade assignment that my mom had kept. It was a pledge I had made to make a difference in the world. Read more>>

Dawn Farver

Finding my purpose has been an incredible journey, one that truly blossomed when my family and I embarked on the adventure of starting Seven Pines River Resort two years ago. This endeavor has been more than just a business; it’s become a passion project that fills our days with meaning and joy. Read more>>

Kalpana Semple

My greatest life teachers are my parents, especially my mother who was well-versed in Ayurveda and believed that everything we needed to heal our bodies & skin could be found in the kitchen. My wonderful upbringing, coupled with my personal exploration of traditional Indian teachings & philosophies – especially Ayurveda & Yoga – enlightened me to an overall holistic way of living.  Read more>>

Paula Loney

I found my purpose through prayer. My last Job did not work out and and I did not want to go back and work for no one else. So I ask good to give me something today where I can take care of people and also teach them how to take care of themselves. When I woke up the next day my path was directed to get to esthetics school get my certification and my license and then I open my business as an Esthetician and Spa Owner. Read more>>

Celia Newman

I honestly found my purpose in college when I was an Athletic Trainer and I was always around athletes. I enjoyed helping them during their rehab process and connecting with the female players and their different backgrounds and life stories. Basketball has always been close to my heart as a former player and I wanted to create a space for women to continue to play the game they love at a high level, in which She Got Game League was born. Read more>>

Viera Ryan

I have a strong belief in doing what makes you happy, no matter what. When it comes to how you make or spend money, or even your relationships, I just try and stay true to myself and am not willing to compromise in most circumstances if I know it’s not whats best in my heart. Read more>>

Erick Rodriguez

As a child I was a sheepish kid held my voice with in, had a difficult time trying to express myself with my parent’s sisters and brothers. Threw my schoolbook fairs I discovered art books. I would buy some to read others just to look at illustration render in them. Very intricated images with shading great line work that blew my mind. Read more>>

Maria Haycraft

Through seeking the Lord for myself, reading the Bible, and praying, I discovered that I was created on purpose with a purpose. Surrendering my life to Him allowed everything to make more sense as He revealed His truth to me, dispelling the lies the world had told me. I realized that my interests and talents were given to me from the beginning for a specific purpose.  Read more>>

Brittany Myers

Through my personal journey as a Christian, I discovered my purpose as a life coach. It all began when I got saved in 2018, my relationship with Christ became the foundation of my nonprofit and all the work I do. Growing up in an urban environment, I witnessed the lack of resources, education, and positive guidance in my community. Read more>>

Eric (E. L.) Briscoe

I believe I found my purpose in teaching through my studio practice. I found that my students and I gain insight by sharing in the creative process together. I get a great deal of creative energy from sharing and listening to the ideas of my students. I am also thrilled at witnessing the discovery take place and the look of satisfaction when they advance beyond where they thought they would.  Read more>>

Erica Gaskill

I bought my first camera because I wanted to have nice photos of my own children growing up. After sharing some of my favorites over the years, friends started asking me to take photos of their families. I will never forget my first client/friend who asked how much I charged and I had no idea what I was worth. She offered me $100 and that is what I charged the next family. With each family I booked my prices had to rise because my business changed.  Read more>>

LaDonna Claude

I found my purpose through the death of my father who was an alcoholic and smoker, not realizing the two combined played a big factor to the death of my father called Cirrhosis of the liver. My father was an Alcoholic who drank excessive and smoked. I truly loved this man. He might have had his faults and addictions but, through it all he was my father.  Read more>>

Alicia Stachura

It’s not a secret that I am passionate about giving back to the community. I strive to be a servant leader. I feel like giving is a calling as a Christ follower rather its financial and sharing of your talents. Everyone has a different season to share whatever it is that’s been given to them. It didn’t take me long to realize that my purpose was to help organizations with marketing tasks that typically come with a high price tag.  Read more>>

Natalie Sweet

About 12 years ago I found myself sitting in an uncomfortable chair behind two large computer monitors at a major tech company. Here I sat day in and day out fielding emails from angry or confused users who would rather kick and scream and insult me than calmly ask for help. It was easy for them to do this, of course, because I was just a faceless lemming behind a comp. Read more>>

Geno Harris

Quite honestly, I was living and working my purpose without even realizing it. I had been creating art and providing a platform for other artists to express themselves and gain experience since 2003, but in 2007 I was diagnosed with Kidney Failure and in only what seemed like a moment now still having my art to work on however slowly, saved my life. Read more>>

Sagar Patagundi

I moved to the States from Mumbai, India when I was 11 years old. My family and I arrived on a visitor’s visa in 2002 to Miami, FL. My father was trying to get a work permit to legally work in the U.S. Unfortunately, his visa was rejected due to being overqualified for the position he had applied for and the U.S. Embassy took his visitor’s visa and revoked it from coming back to the U.S.  Read more>>

Janelle Bingham

Finding Our Purpose!!! Claduette Brumant and Janelle Bingham, co-founders of Camp RISE, found their purpose in serving children with exceptional needs through a summer camp experience. Claudette, an Occupational Therapist, and Janelle, a Speech Language Pathologist, shared with each other their clients’ families’ difficult experiences finding a summer camp for their special needs children. These shared client experiences motivated Claudette and Janelle to create opportunities and spaces for individuals with special needs to thrive. Read more>>

Corey Charlick

Wow, that is a deep question and I can say I’m really looking forward to where this can go. I’ll say that, like many people, I did not always know my purpose and struggled with the greater meaning of life. The Bible tells us this in Matthew 22:36-39:  Read more>>

Eve Jean

After Two decades of working in several different fields , to starting my hospitality business in Miami Fl which took off better than expected and became very profitable. Several years later after dealing with a traumatic life altering moment the business came to a halt . Two years later while trying to find myself and becoming me again I thought of going back to school for several things that peaked my interest. Read more>>

Aaron Ingram

I find that purpose is like a puzzle — we collect little puzzle pieces throughout life from the experiences we go through, the lessons we learn, and the people we meet. One by one, those pieces start to begin to build a picture that shows us a way to make an impact in our lives and community. Read more>>

Hannah Hiler

I’ve always knew I had a love for animals and this passion for helping those who needed it most. My these two strengths of mine came together when I met my amazing dog Hendrix! Hendrix is a 2 1/2 year old tripawd (three legged dog.) I saw his picture at my local animal shelter, just a scared little dog missing a leg, and knew it was meant to be.  Read more>>

Rashan Carter

This question speaks to my depth as my business name is Passion & Purpose Fulfilled, PLLC. Purpose by definition means the reason for something that is done, created, intended, etc. So essentially, I did not find my purpose it truly found me. As a mental health therapist, my purpose was to assist those who needed a therapeutic environment where their voices could be heard with inspiration, innovation, involvement, influence, and insight. Read more>>

Annette Parker

I found my purpose by taking time learn what God was calling me to do with my life and letting Him define me as a woman. To seek out my purpose I was intentional with learning about myself and surrounding myself with people who would help me grow into the person I want to become. My purpose is to help people understand themselves so they can find their own purpose.  Read more>>

Amy Haugen

I found my purpose after years of being stuck, frustrated, and crabby with hormone and weight issues. I wanted to have more energy and zest for life and I was wanting a way to achieve my optimal health and wellness goals. It wasn’t until I found a health and wellness coach that I began to understand my aging body’s needs are different and I began to connect with the whole gut-mind connection, which brought me too embarrass a new way of eating and living that gave me energy, weight loss, confidence, and a zest for life!  Read more>>

Dr. Stacy Gee Hollins

I discovered my purpose, where I found my joy. After experiencing job loss in the private industry, I pivoted to teaching technology classes to individuals and organizations through my own business for income. Quickly, I realized my passion for helping people learn technology. While working with audio equipment at a church, a member approached me to assist in teaching GED courses for their organization.  Read more>>

Sheridan Mears

Growing up, I was one of those kids that wanted to do everything. I competed in dance, pageants, FFA, Golf, ran barrels and poles a few years and was on my High School’s drill team. I would say I wanted to be a part of it all because I was still finding my purpose. My love for the cowboy way of life started at a very young age. Read more>>

Lisa deSouza

Quite by accident actually. After a series of (life) setbacks I had moved to Santa Clarita for a fresh start, to redefine myself and find a new path…literally, figuratively, and spiritually. That journey lead me to rediscover my writing and directing talents. For those who do not know, Santa Clarita is the 3rd largest city in Los Angeles County and is home to the most film permits in the area. Read more>>

Courtney Robinson

After two decades of dedication to the world of clinical research in the corporate realm, I thought I had found my purpose. My career had been rewarding, fulfilling, and seemingly complete. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a stirring—a passion that lay dormant, waiting to be ignited. It wasn’t until I faced a significant health crisis that the true depth of my purpose was revealed. Read more>>

Karrie LeBlanc and Amanda Reynolds n/a

In our career journey, discovering our purpose was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure when our paths crossed over a decade ago, working together in a pediatric dental office (shoutout to Dr. Eric LeBlanc in Bossier City, LA!). It felt like a divine meeting – a perfect blend of shared passion for marketing and an exceptional work environment.  Read more>>

Samantha Weiss

meaning in my life. While I have always been creative, it took a willingness to explore new opportunities and get outside my comfort zone to discover that I could use my creativity to enrich the lives of both people and animals. Read more>>

Melody Kratz

My purpose seems to be controlled by a need to create. For as long as I can remember all I have ever thought about is creating. Whether it be a home, art, a business or a new way of doings things I simply just need to create. I love thinking and imagining how to do something. I become obsessed to the point I either create it or exhaust myself thinking about it. Read more>>

Susan Nefzger

Most of my life, I felt that there was something else happening outside of the reality we see with our eyes. I always felt there was a discovery just waiting around the corner. While I was born with a deep faith in the unseen, I knew I would find the answers I sought. I traveled the world seeking these answers through various spiritual insights, teachers and masters. Read more>>

Sam Norman

After a lifetime of chronic illness and disease (culminating with the diagnosis of thyroid cancer) I decided that I might want to expand my wisdom base outside of the western medicine construct I was raised in (daughter of an MD and an RN) and had been practicing myself (I’d been an RN for over 10yrs). Read more>>

Ashley Nariman

I believe we are meant to have many purposes in a lifetime. Finding my current purpose was born from what I call my “dark night of the soul.” Fresh out of college I worked at an online travel company. I quickly excelled in my work, fell in love with the culture and spent nearly all of my 20s climbing the corporate ladder. I even met and married my husband at this company! I developed and honed my passion for project management. However 9 years in, the travel started wearing on me, the work wasn’t as exciting and I was looking for a change. Read more>>

Tara Seeley

In 2015 a contract job I had with a municipality was coming to a close. I had poured my heart and soul into building a community kitchen for rural town and had to watch it fall apart due to a shift in politics and budget cuts. At the time, I was also very aware of how much I had put my personal interests to the side and was watching my bucket list of hopes and dreams grow longer and longer. In fact for 5 years, the same heart felt desire to take another thai massage training was on the list. Read more>>

Jane McFarland

The golden threads of our purpose are visible when we look to who we were as children. And from an early age, I knew we are all part of a miraculous universe. But there was also something very off to me about this world and its phony, fluorescent lighting, its stuffy offices, and classrooms. It was so much easier for me to connect to nature, animals, the sky, than it was to be in those spaces. It was strange to me that people are mostly tucked away, like we’re all in hiding from the universe. Read more>>

Haruko Nishida

I dreamed of myself dancing and singing on a big stage like the artists I really liked when I was a kid, and I watched their performances many times to learn the choreographies. I started dancing from that moment, and I found my mentor when I was 15, he brought me into the industry to work as a professional. Sometimes I lost my desire and passion, but I still remember how much the little me loved being entertained by the amazing artists on TV, and their songs always remind me of what I really love and want to do. Read more>>

Laura Pahules

I experienced childhood domestic violence growing up. All of my memories, what I can remember from growing up were full of terror and uncertainty. I experienced all forms of abuse and neglect with no one ever stepping in to intervene or offer any help at all. Read more>>

Satin Pelfrey

One of my favorite phrases to use to answer this question is that God has graciously turned my pain to empowerment! It is through all the pain I’ve faced and overcome in my life, through Christ, that I have come to understand my purpose in life: to help others heal emotionally, mentally and physically through Mind, Body, Spirit Release™. Read more>>

Dina Elsaid

As an artist, single mom, and realtor, finding my purpose has been a multifaceted journey woven with colorful threads of creativity, resilience, and practicality. Balancing the creative expression of my artistry with the responsibilities of parenthood and the dynamic world of real estate has provided me with a diverse tapestry of experiences to draw from.  Read more>>

Mike Chabot

Finding my purpose was a journey that didn’t happen overnight. It unfolded through a series of realizations and experiences that stemmed from both my struggles and successes. Initially, my path was like many others’, filled with external measures of success – chasing profits, accolades, and societal approval. Yet, despite achieving these, I felt a profound sense of emptiness and a nagging question: ‘Is this all there is?’ Read more>>

Vince Rivers

A friend once said “When people ask ‘What do you do?’ my response is always ‘What do you need?’” My purpose can be found wherever my abilities meet the needs of others. Every musician, either openly or secretly craves the spotlight, but I’ve found great satisfaction, reward and opportunity focusing on serving others through music. I’ve spent the past 12 years using music to connect with children with developmental disabilities and aging adults. Read more>>