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.
Rob Ayers
I found my purpose after the loss of my Mom in December 2012. After her death I re discovered my passion for cars. That led me to start going to Cars and Coffee events. The first was the Cars and Coffee at Waverly Place in Cary in 2013 and then the one at the Raleigh Grande in 2014-2015. When that event stopped I decided to start Cars and Coffee Morrisville in December 2015. Read more>>
Artist Love
Honestly, through my art: photography, dance, film, writing, music. My purpose is to create: art, businesses, community, etc. It makes up my entire being. When I create, I’m in my element, the fire in my drive is ignited, I’m at peace. I love sharing that with others; it brings so much peace, love, and positivity. I’m still learning to BE in my purpose – it’s not an easy task – and everyday I’m learning more of life and understanding it and where i belong. Read more>>
Dr. Marcelline Girlie
The search for purpose is a profound and transformative journey that often defines the essence of our existence. As I reflect on the path that led me to discover my purpose, I am reminded of the myriad experiences, challenges, and epiphanies that shaped my understanding of myself and the world around me. My quest for meaning was not an overnight revelation; it was an intricate tapestry woven over time, woven by introspection, self-discovery, and a willingness to embrace change. Read more>>
Rob Malloy
Finding my purpose as a Disabled Veteran and a 2nd Time DIvorcee at 40 years old was a process. I was a teenaged father long before I was a husband. I married for the 1st time after dating for 3 or 4 months, at 21 years old. I was way too young and I married a stranger. The second time, I thought I took my time – but this time I was creating a blended family. As any parent knows – as your children age, your parenting changes and your life changes. My primary purpose was as a parent and a spouse. Read more>>
Lasaraha Bell
How did I find my purpose? Good question well it’s a funny thing I guess because I feel like sometimes I came out my mothers womb knowing what my purpose in life is now the way I have been fulfilling my purpose I would have never thought in a million years I would do it this way (laughing) ever since I was a little girl I have always had the heart to serve and mentor and help people for many years I did so many things to serve people I worked in the medical field as a nurse for many years which for me I thought I was fulfilling my purpose that way because I was coming in contact with so many people Read more>>
Dianna Ippolito
I feel like destiny had a hand in guiding me to my purpose. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a love for storytelling by reading to me every night. This early exposure to narratives ignited a passion within me to tell stories of my own. As a child I used to love creative writing, and as I grew into my teenage years, I discovered the power of storytelling through the lens of a camera. Read more>>
Emmanuel Glaze
I found my purpose through a combination of methods. Early in my adult life I had the pleasure of coaching middle school football for 10 years. Having the chance to work with those young men and seeing the affect I as one of their coaches was having on their lives helped me in knowing that supporting our youth was a passion for me. After coaching I went into sports media, where I covered and spoke on a ton of sports events for 9+ years. Read more>>
Patrice Green
In 2019 as a single mother of a NICU 23week miracle, working in healthcare as a Medication Technician I had this revelation that, “my pain is my purpose.” It came to me that everything I’ve been through up to that time in my life God wanted me to use it. After battling the health scares my son faced and postpartum depression for 3 years. I had finally got on my feet but deep down I could hear God tell me I’m destined for more! Read more>>
Emily Campbell
From a young age, I was trained to be in a business setting….answering phones, filing documents, and putting things in numerical order more than I could possibly imagine. I watched my Grandpa turn around a bankrupt farm equipment dealership into a conglomerate of dealerships across Northwest Kansas. My father and his siblings were all involved in the business, so from the beginning I felt as though I was meant to follow in their footsteps. Read more>>
Katherine Nichols
I found my purpose by doing something I love while filling the void and healing the pain of losing my mother by keeping her legacy alive. As a child, I’ve always witnessed my mom be selfless in everything she did. She was a giver with a very big heart. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family/friends and even strangers and she would talk to everybody. Read more>>
Gen Obolensky
When I was 16 years old, I was hired to work at a spa to help with laundry, errands and general helping out. I immediately feel in love with the spa life. I loved the idea of making other feel their best and knew this was the career for me. As soon as I finished high school I went to beauty school to get my license. To this day, I still feel it’s my purpose to hold space for people, listen to them and of course pamper and beautify them. Read more>>
Robert Trumper
My purpose came to me naturally, alongside my growing maturity when I became increasingly aware of a troubling observation. I noticed how large corporations were manufacturing products that posed significant harm to both us and our environment. Even more concerning was the improper disposal of these products by most of society, creating a crucial hazard for our Earth’s climate and overall well-being. Read more>>
Kelly Brown
To God be the Glory! I found out my purpose when I started to pour into myself. The journey started in December 2009 when I was seeking more from, The Most High God. I started to question things “like this can’t be life, doing the same things every day and every weekend” It has to be more to life? is what I said to myself. Read more>>
Jacquinta Nelson
Music has played an instrumental part in my development from an early age. I have the honor of being born in a musically inclined family full of singers and musicians. While my siblings are gifted percussionists, I found my niche in stepping. Stepping is utilizing the body as an instrument to produce rhythms and sounds through hand claps, spoken word, and footsteps. At the age of 12, I was first introduced to stepping. Read more>>
DANNY VILLAR
I responded to a need. Allow me to explain. In March 2020, I saw an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a pallet of cutoffs from a cabinet company. I saw an opportunity to satisfy my woodworking needs but quickly realized it was more wood than I needed. I could sell some of these cutoffs and use the money to fund new tools. My plan worked out so well that in keeping a tally over two months of how many customers came in, the total was over 250 people that came through my garage. Read more>>
Mitchell Swindell
I was born and raised in metro-Detroit. In 2014, I moved into my current home located on a wooded, one-acre lot that was mostly lawn. As a first-time property owner, I felt an obligation to share my land with local wildlife and help restore the forest. However, my inexperience and naiveté only led to long grass and unhappy neighbors. A year after moving in, a noxious weed notice plastered on my front door took me to city hall to learn about something I had never heard of before—native plants. Read more>>
Vanessa Aviles
Finding my purpose has been an incredible journey—a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, interwoven with joy and divine timing. Read more>>
Lauren Wenzell
I found my purpose through my healing journey. In my previous profession I was a behavior therapist that worked with the neurodivergent population for over 10 years. While that career was fulfilling and expanded my awareness on individual needs, it wasn’t what I felt my soul was meant to be doing. I have so much gratitude for that period of my life, and it made me specialized in what I do now. Read more>>
Frances J. Harvey, MCLC, CPC
I have always been a person that has had the heart to help others. I actually didn’t realize this in full until later in life, but it’s always been there. Read more>>
Jonathan Cyphers
I think the most important question, especially when entering into a creative endeavor that is meant to be shared (like a music project), is: “why am I doing this?” The answer to this question helps define purpose, gives resolve when the creative process gets difficult, and helps clarify direction or even what to do when there’s a fork in the proverbial road. There are a lot of ways to do anything, especially in the creative world, so the “why” has always helped me narrow things down so I don’t get decision paralysis. Read more>>
Lydia Gomez
I think that our purpose and the search for it undergoes evolution with time. I also firmly believe that there isn’t just one shiny purpose that will miraculously solve everything for us. Instead, I believe that as we go through life, we gather experiences and develop ideas that shape what we perceive as our purpose. Read more>>
Matt Lofy
When I was in my mid-twenties I worked as a youth minister at a Church that had a day school and vibrant athletics program. I noticed it was always the moms who picked up their kids, who attended their extracurriculars, etc. I vowed then, single as can be and kid free, that when I became a husband and father, I was going to be an equal partner and hands on dad. Read more>>
Michelle Chua
My purpose stems from what I love and inspires me deeply to want to share. Since i was a little girl, my teachers were my heroes, and I dreamt of being a teacher one day. In my early adult years, I transitioned from working for over 7 years as a credentialed schoolteacher to a facilitator of Yoga, after my own Yoga practice deepened during my recovery from a dance injury and during my challenging times while volunteering abroad on my own. Read more>>
LaQuita Monley
My journey to discovering my purpose started when I was 25 years old. It all started with a “triggering” moment that occurred after church. One of my mother’s friends wanted to get my attentions so she called out to me, but instead of calling me by my name she called me “Sis Kim’s daughter”. Read more>>
Sherry Borzo
During my younger adult life, I always felt a struggle between what I thought I should be professionally and what I actually did. It seemed like my work, “my purpose,” was a series of jobs—none of which suited me for what I truly wanted to do. My work did what it needed to do by securing additional income for our family. I was fulfilled knowing I could provide, but I hungered to find something I felt reflected my talents and interests. Read more>>
Gabana Ranking
In my case I’ll say purpose found me and I obeyed .Growing up I’ve always like to try things until I found myself loving music in an inseparable way that resonates with my soul. It’s actually hard to explain this in words because it’s all in the knowing , knowing in the sense that you feel it from within once you find your purpose and this could be anything but one thing is certain when you’re aligned with your purpose you just know inside your soul even with the doubts and questions that comes with it , still makes it clearer in every moment . Read more>>
Kevin Cady
My purpose comes from the desire to craft something original. I think creating something that didn’t exist before is an awesome pursuit—no matter the medium. And no doubt influences exist, but the goal is to craft a style all one’s own. That’s how I find purpose. Read more>>
Delaney Erks
My business journey began in 2019 when I opened an Etsy shop for my first business. I named it DRE Illustrations and sold t-shirts, stickers, and earrings that I handmade out of my parents house in Ohio. I wanted to reach more people so I started to attend local markets and events. Read more>>
Rebecka Petersson
I was 12 years old when my art teacher at the time gave me a brochure about animation. It was as if a lightning struck me with the sense of ‘THIS is what I want to do’. Looking back, there are many reasons for why I felt that at the time. I loved animated films, partly because they held me company when I was scared to be home alone. They were also, in some ways, like a friend to me when I felt alone. Read more>>
Brandon Wolf
In the early hours of June 12, 2016, I was doing the most normal thing: enjoying a drink with my best friends. We had been to Pulse Nightclub so many times before that I could have navigated it with my eyes closed. And everything about that night was as normal as ever. We went to the same bartender we always went to. Ordered the same drinks as always. Read more>>
Dion Green
My resilience is waking up every day and placing two feet on the ground to continue fighting a fight where at times you think it is pointless. But to have to watch my father died in my arms and be able to move forward each day sometime thinking why not me is a fight within itself. But I made a promise to myself and others that I will continue to be a voice for the 9 victims that died that night, but also be a voice for those who do not have a voice anymore. Read more>>
Jesus Sanchez
It’s hard to say if this is my purpose but it is definitely a passion of mine. I’ve always been driven by stories and moved by everyone’s unique lives. I love painting a mental picture for someone and showing them a different view on things. Showing someone that anything is possible if you truly have the passion for it is something I strongly believe in. My purpose, currently, is trying to grow and film interesting stories for whoever is interested. Read more>>
Valerie Bernhard
How did you find your purpose? + My journey to wellness continued. Read more>>
Anthony Sisson
I found my purpose by being in my head a lot. It’s a blessing but it’s a curse at the same time. I’ll think about all the amazing things I can do, but unfortunately I think about all the things I can’t do. But those good and bad energy that I get from being in head a lot help me bring those ideas from my head and turn them into reality. Read more>>
Briyanna Releford
Finding my purpose took some years. I attribute the start to first overcoming my anxiety and depression between 2018-2020. That involved learning how to say “no”, replacing bad habits with good ones, and learning and loving my authentic self. I took a hard look at my life by journaling. Read more>>
Toccara Samuel
I found my purpose while navigating through life, dealing with the loss of my biological mother and realizing the talents that I was given. As we journey through life we realize what we are good at and what we have a heart for. I have a heart for making people feel good about themselves. Dealing with loss taught me how precious life is and to live each day to the fullest. It has not been an easy journey but it has been well worth it. Read more>>
Ashley Essman
I found my purpose through experiences in my life. It also took a lot of self-reflection and growth throughout those experiences where I could recognize that this is my gift. When I was in my mid to late 20s and my health felt out of my control, I had no idea that I was in the process of finding my passion. Read more>>
Four Corners Group
Our purpose comes from providing youth in crisis with an alternative option in life, one that they might have never been presented before or never seen as a viable option for them. As an organization we serve youth who are historically marginalized and provide pathways for them through prevention, intervention, and restoration to a thriving adulthood. Read more>>
Miss Rizwana
Teenage years are a time when we truly want to fit in. We adapt everything about ourselves to make ourselves blend in, and I was no different. Due to the amount of coursework, midterms, finals, and financial obligations, we hardly have time to enjoy our youth while we are at college or university. However, as we mature, we manage to endure that unstable lifestyle for 4 to 8 years for a degree! Read more>>
Darrell Williams
I found my purpose by joining the military directly after attending Compton Senior High school. I was a Human Resources Specialist, which allowed me to help individuals throughout my career. The more I helped people, the more I realized that I really had a gift for figuring things out to develop positive results. This skill to do this was also developed by having mentors and supervisors, who poured into me and showed me different ways to take care of people. Read more>>
Sonny Reza
Hey there Voyage! My purpose found me, actually. A few years ago I started spending my time focusing on surrounding myself with the right people, and putting myself in the right environments – Placing myself near the people and places that I knew I wanted to be around, and it took some time figuring that part out in me. Read more>>
Gabriella Moreira
As an interior designer, finding my purpose was a transformative and introspective journey. It wasn’t a singular moment, but rather a gradual process of self-discovery, passion, and aligning my values with my career aspirations. There was an intense process of soul-searching, embracing challenges, and aligning my passions with the desire to create positive change through my work. Read more>>
Lucia Macias
My purpose is to help the artisan in Mexico. I want to help out the Mexican community, most important the Chiapas community. That’s my purpose. I want others to know about Mexican artesian. Read more>>
Ben Wilson
Both of us have gravitated toward music from a young age. I (Ben) started writing poetry around 12 years old. I wanted to write about interesting thoughts that I had, thoughts that I wanted to make known to other people. I was hoping that my words might help make another person think in a way that they’ve never thought before….that they might might ponder on ideas that they’ve never stopped to explore before. Read more>>
Joe McNeil
Above all, my identity finds its foundation in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Having a settled identity means I no longer feel the need to pretend or conform to others’ expectations. This simplicity arises from seeking purpose not through personal accomplishments or relentless efforts, but through attentive listening to God’s voice and obediently following His guidance. Read more>>
Cleiton Schneider
I have found my purpose by realizing and becoming aware of my gifts and natural abilities. Most people usually spend a lifetime to understand who they really are and what they ought to be and do for a living as their lives purpose. And that usually happens because people tend to move with the masses and think they must follow their passion and sometimes your passion is not your life purpose. It simply isn’t. Your passion might just be a vanity mechanism trying to sabotage your true-life purpose. Read more>>
Alex Elena
Curiosity for learning new things was always in my DNA as well as music, and a passion for history. Music was everywhere where I grew up. My dad was a drummer and we had a recording studio set up in my bedroom. I picked up a pair of drumsticks, i think, before I could even walk. Read more>>
Heather King
It’s Funny you ask that!?! Because I have known I had a Purpose since I was a Kid… I just wasn’t Sure what it was. Read more>>
Curtis Brooks
One could easily say that purpose and pain are polar opposites. I would say that they are close neighbors, perhaps like a nosey relative, living just across the street. You know the one with the window blinds that look like they are on permanent surveillance. Read more>>
Lisa McClanahan
I discovered my purpose through one of the most difficult seasons in my life, by walking through a divorce. Prior to starting a family I had a very successful corporate career in Human Resources at a wide variety of corporations from government contractors, high tech firms, retail, and non-profits. I loved working with senior leaders to develop highly creative, innovative, and thriving teams and organizations. Read more>>
Joseph Dulin-Didonato
I found my purpose when I decided to take a deep look at myself and think about what I was going to do for the rest of my life. Working in an office sounded -and was awful. I always did things right on the outside of “the norm” so I struggled because of that. But, through the struggles you find yourself. I was working in a place that I hated, the people I worked with were nice enough but I hated waking up early and driving into a job that seemed so gray and lifeless. Read more>>
David Tatlock
Purpose is such an important concept to consider in anyone’s life, but it became a point of focus for me right after my brother tragically died. He was only 49 years old and I had a trip planned to see him already booked for just two weeks after his death. As I arrived at his small house and started the painful process of going through al of his belongings, a persistent thought kept popping up in my head. Read more>>
Josh Schneider
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an illustrator. I drew constantly, & when I was younger I originally thought it’d be comic books. As I got a lil order I shifted into studying medical illustration & more detailed subject matter. Then I got my 1st tattoo the day I turned 18, and that literally changed everything. It was just like “nope, this is what it’s gonna be from now on”. Read more>>.
Nabeel Saghir Alberto Ratti
As technology enthusiasts, we were deeply fascinated by the possibilities it offered in the world of escape rooms. We saw the potential to craft interactive and immersive experiences that could transport participants to different worlds and challenge them in unprecedented ways. By incorporating tech into our escape rooms, we aimed to push the boundaries of what traditional escape rooms could offer. Read more>>
Marissa MJ Savino
Being a natural giver and wanting to see others thrive and shine I believe is my purpose and I apply that to every aspect of my life both professionally and personally. I am not, however, a people pleaser or push-over, there is a clear and distinct difference. Writing and music has always been a passion of mine since lunchbox days and maybe even earlier. Read more>>
Tori Kim
I found my purpose in the cheese industry by simply curating boards for friends + family at home. Soon after, it turned into something more than I could have imagined. By creating these charcuterie boards & grazing tables, I noticed that this really brought people together at all different kinds of gatherings, which to me is such a beautiful thing and makes my heart so happy! Read more>>
