How did you find your purpose?

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.

Alexis Heggs

I found my purpose as a teenager. When my mom purchased an RCA camcorder for the family, she showed me how to operate it. And I took a liking to filming all of our family events and just random skits my sister and I would put together just for fun. Nothing written on paper just improving. I knew then that filming and acting is what I would love to do. And it came to pass and I’m doing that. I’m very thankful. Read more>>

Nicole Romine

It found me!
I truly believe that children tell us what their path is – whether they love building blocks, drawing, music, or animals. Once I watched a little boy, about three, go straight for a keyboard that was lying on the ground. He was fascinated by it and the sounds it made. Piano lessons! He grew up to be a fine musician. Unfortunately, our systems don’t make much room for this sort of discovery or, too often, we don’t pay attention to what a child tells us.
I was a very serious and intense 8 year old when I attended my first ballet class. It was love at first sight, my great escape, and my saving grace. It was my first experience of beauty, and I wanted more than anything to feel, to become that beauty. It gave me something to love beyond reason, it was something that I could pour my whole heart into. Read more>>

Margot Fass

At 84 years old, I’ve done a lot of things, and I think it’s fair to say that my purpose has always been tied to whatever I was doing at the time.

The vision that kept me moving forward began when I was 17. My stepfather, persistent in his demands that I decide “what I wanted to do when I grew up,” unwittingly led me to it. While we were living in the Philippines because of his work, I read an article in The Manila Times that inspired me to visit a psychiatric hospital. I saw women in chains, sitting on concrete benches in a large, circular room, surrounded by upper-level cells. Their cries, moans, and muttering left a deep impression on me. At that moment, I had a vision: one day, I would become the director of a psychiatric hospital. Read more>>

Demetria Davis

I found my purpose in allowing myself to heal from all the negative things that have come into my life and using them as my tools for not only continuously healing myself but also to help others to not make the same mistakes as I have. I have went through the loss of my oldest child to being in an abusive relationship that not only hurt me physically but also mentally. Without the help of God and my village I would’ve been so lost and stuck in the same things that I was used to. I had to change everything in my life from removing toxic and unhealthy relationships to realizing where I really wanted to do in life and how I was going to get there. I am so grateful for the people who have poured into me and continued to push me while holding me accountable for the things that I need to get done. I am starting to see the blessings pour into my life from putting my peace as a main priority and not allowing it to be compromised by anyone. Read more>>

Luz Maria Castillo-barba

Finding my purpose in life came when I picked up my camera—it became my form of self-expression. When I first started photography, I was drawn to creating different worlds through my photos. I really got into conceptual photography, using it as a way to express my fears and emotions. What fueled me even more was the incredible support I received from my friends and family. Seeing their reactions to my work gave me the confidence to keep going. I realized that photography wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about documenting the feelings and stories of others. That realization gave me a sense of purpose, and it’s what keeps me focused and passionate about my photography today. Read more>>

Amanda Russell

I found my purpose through my son, who has severe autism. Watching him navigate a world that often doesn’t understand or accommodate his needs opened my eyes to the importance of teaching others how to connect with children like him. I saw a need for tools that could guide children in building relationships with their friends who have special needs—tools that emphasize patience, understanding, and the beauty of inclusion. Read more>>

Joseph Clarke

Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. I’ve never felt that I myself have a purpose; however, my work most certainly does. The purpose of my art-making is to, first and foremost, fulfill my strong inner desire to create. This feeling I have lived with my entire life has been a leading factor in all my significant decisions, such as choosing jobs, education, and creative outlets. The second purpose of my art-making practice is more practical and revolves around my yearning to work for myself while simultaneously providing for my family. What started as a small passion has bloomed into a career that ticks all my boxes for fulfillment. Read more>>

Christina Odell

In September of 2019 I received a call that no one wants to receive. I learned that the father of my two sons, Bradley and Sean had taken his own life. The world stopped that day because not only did I have to navigate my own grief but I also had to tell my sons that they lost their father and try to navigate their grief as well. In those upcoming weeks we could barely stay above water. We had just moved to a new town where the boys didn’t have any friends or support inside of their school. In coping with his loss I created my art business called Cali Organic Art. I made art using dried and pressed flowers which quickly became my therapy. The art that I made evolved into mental health “You Matter” signs with a semicolon which became my most popular piece. Read more>>

Andy Li

Finding my purpose has been a journey of blending passion with innovation. I grew up immersed in music, inspired by my grandfather’s philosophy that “there are no wrong notes, only paths requiring resolution.” This shaped my belief in creativity without boundaries. Over time, I realized that my true purpose lies in merging technology with art to create immersive, meaningful experiences. Moments like my first multimedia show, where I combined piano with visual storytelling, confirmed this path. Seeing the audience’s emotional connection validated that this is where I’m meant to be. Read more>>

Cassandra Odom

My purpose came to me with trial and error. Growing up I’ve always loved animals and thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. I started volunteering at vet clinics and animal shelters around the age of 12 years old. I started walking my neighbors dogs, pet sitting, and doing anything I could to be around animals. When I turned 18 years old, I started working at animal shelters and veterinary hospitals. I did this off and one for about 10 years and finally decided that I didn’t want to be a veterinarian anymore. After all the schooling, I realized I wanted to actually help animals whether or not there was money involved, an owner involved, etc. I wanted to be in the front, rescuing, making my own decisions, saving animals and not killing them, telling people when they are wrong or shouldn’t have animals. Read more>> 

Tiara Slater

Growing up as an only child raised by a single mother, I faced challenges that would shape my entire journey. For years, I experienced the trauma of sexual assault, and as a young girl entering adolescence, I bottled up my emotions with no safe outlet to express the pain I carried or even process what happened, resulting in anger and reckless behavior. I turned to drugs and alcohol, often drinking until I blacked out, desperate for an escape. My relationships became a search for validation, but my turning point came when I started therapy, where I confronted the deep-seated trauma I had long ignored. Read more>>

Rochelle Lewis

I have always been creative. Creativity is my gift and I knew one day I would use it to build the life I dreamed. As a little girl, I ventured into many areas that would enhance my creativity. From writing, painting, rapping, to buying my first Cricut and making things I could eventually sell. I also knew that I was gifted with Entrepreneurship. I started my first business in the 5th grade making bracelets. I knew I wanted to own a business one day so I decided to get my degree in Business Management with a Psychology minor. This led me down a path to figure out what I really wanted to do. Throughout my journey, I fell upon depression and anxiety when I lost four important people in my life within a two year span. I was lost and suffering which led me to star therapy and medication. Medication helped for a while, but I knew in order for me to overcome my depression and anxiety I had to go back to God. Read more>>

Alexis Fields

I found my purpose by accident. A few years ago, after giving birth to my son, I experienced a severe mental health crisis. Years of suppressed trauma finally reached a breaking point. I checked myself into a mental institution, seeking understanding and support. What followed was a week of stark reality: cold, sterile rooms, metal cots, and constant surveillance. Instead of celebrating the New Year, I lay staring at the ceiling, grappling with the emotions I’d long ignored. Read more>>

Leona Sigmund

For me, discovering my purpose as a composer wasn’t a sudden revelation—it was a slow, steady process of growing more connected to what I do. It’s not the kind of clarity that strikes like lightning; it’s the pull you feel when you keep returning to something, even after stumbling or feeling like you’ve failed at it. Composing has always been that one constant in my life, the thing I couldn’t let go of, no matter how hard it got. Each setback only strengthened my determination, and every time I doubted myself, there was this quiet voice in the back of my head urging me to try again. Over time, I realized that this persistence, this pull, was my purpose—building piece by piece, measure by measure, into something I couldn’t imagine living without. Read more>>

Vanessa Hampton

Until I was 35, I worked in the corporate world, struggling with being overweight, deeply insecure, and married to an alcoholic. I had no understanding of passion or true happiness. At my lowest point, I made the decision to take control of my eating habits. I didn’t get everything right at first, but the one thing I did right was start making choices for myself. I began going to the gym, discovering newfound determination and strength within myself. Over time, this gave me the courage to leave a toxic relationship. Read more>>

Ysanne Marshall

I discovered my purpose through the arts, learning from my experiences and trusting my faith.

When I sing there’s a freeing element of expression, and sometimes, it feels like I’m flying while not knowing the destination but knowing the journey will be worth it. After a show there have been fans, some with tears of joy in their eyes, who shared how they were moved by my singing or if the performance was outside how they turned back just because they heard me sing. My favorite moments are to see children dancing with me or their family while I’m performing. These moments keep me going and let me know that my voice has power to shift someone’s mood. Read more>>

Gabriel Silva

When I was in elementary school, I was bullied for my size and lack of athleticism. Initially, I didn’t realize that I was being bullied, but as it gradually became more intense, I came to understand what was happening. In order to help me escape from the negativity, my mother enrolled me in acting classes. At first, I didn’t enjoy them, but as I began to participate more, I discovered a passion for acting and looked forward to each class. I booked my first major film project at the age of 10 as the son of Zoe Saldana and Ben Affleck in “Live By Night”. I went on to book another major film at the age of 12 as the La Isla de la Mara grandson in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Acting became a passion. Read more>>

Janellie Maldonado

At 22, I discovered the world of auto detailing, a field that immediately resonated with me because of my deep love for cars. It wasn’t just about cleaning vehicles; it was about creating a unique, high-quality service that could positively impact people’s lives. I realized that maintaining a clean car isn’t just about aesthetics, there are real health benefits to it, and I wanted to share that with others.
For me, purpose is rooted in service to others. I believe that we’re here to serve, and in doing so, we create meaning and value in the world. My goal is to one day expand my business in a way that allows me to create jobs, especially for people who’ve come to this country legally, seeking a better life. I want to help them experience what the American Dream is all about, hard work, opportunity, and success.
The sky truly is the limit when you pursue something with passion, and I’m determined to keep growing, learning, and making a difference. Read more>>

Brian Hart

I found my purpose from a great deal of introspection. I worked a corporate job and did a lot of reflection and decided I would go on an adventure so I traveled the world for 3 1/2 years. The exposure to different cultures and the time to pursue my own interests, helped me put things into perspective and told me to pursue what I believe in. Read more>>

Emily Paredes

It’s surreal to say I’ve found my purpose in tattooing given the number of years I spent trying to find what fulfills me creatively and professionally. Art has always been a central part of who I am. Starting at five years old, I grew up painting and drawing with a range of mediums. I knew from early on I wanted to work in the art field, but I wasn’t sure how that would look. Read more>>

Shawn Wright

I found my purpose through the trials and challenges I’ve faced. Growing up in a marginalized community, I experienced poverty, limited opportunities, and the harsh realities of systemic inequities. Like many young people in similar circumstances, I joined a gang at an early age, seeking belonging and survival in an environment that offered little hope. That path ultimately led to my incarceration, where I was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison. Read more>>

Cazoshay Marie

Two pivotal experiences have shaped my sense of purpose: my faith and surviving a traumatic accident. In May 2017, I was struck by a car traveling 48 mph while crossing a street in downtown Phoenix. The impact left me with numerous injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and long-term disabilities.

Throughout my initial recovery and the years that followed, I discovered just how many others face similar struggles. Like many, I’ve dealt with being gaslit by medical professionals, a lack of information, judgment from others, and grappling with self-esteem as I adjusted to life as someone very different from who I once was. Realizing that these challenges were not unique to me fueled a deep passion for advocacy. I am committed to ensuring that others in similar situations have access to the resources and support they need, while also raising awareness about our experiences to the broader world. Read more>>