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.

Marian Versalko

I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to say that I truly feel like I am living out my purpose day-to-day through the work that I do! I feel that I am meant to be in this role as a wedding planner offering my couples a partnership that encourages out-of-the-box thinking and urging personalization within an industry that can often feel very “cookie cutter”. Read More>>

Mahalia Hicks

I was lucky enough to find my purpose pretty early on in life. I was in my first play when I was four and HATED it! Then I remember watching “Pirates of the Caribbean” and seeing Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow swinging on ropes and jumping from one ship to the next thinking “Oh…that looks fun.” I’ve been hooked on acting ever since Read More>>

Karolin Helbig

I’ve never thought of my purpose as something fixed—more like an evolving journey of discovery and refinement. In each phase of my life, I found myself reorienting, reinventing, and deepening my sense of purpose. As a scientist, then a top management consultant at McKinsey, later as a mother of four, and now as an independent leadership consultant, my purpose has been shaped by experience, learning, and self-discovery.. Read More>>

Amanda-Jo Serrano

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a counselor, but looking back, the path was unfolding all along. Like many people, I’ve walked through seasons of uncertainty, pain, and growth. There were times in my life when I felt stuck, caught in old patterns, unsure of how to move forward, and questioning my own worth and purpose. But along the way, I found support. There were people who stood beside me when things felt heavy, people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. And there were moments when someone offered a new perspective or asked the right question that helped me see things differently. Those experiences changed me. Read More>>

Deena Minter

“Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose.” -Oprah Winfrey
Through the years, finding my purpose has not been a struggle that many have to conquer. Living it out, confidently, is another story. Originally starting my family from the young age of 21, my sole purpose and dream was being a wife and mother. However, I did not lose myself in that role like many can do, I actually discovered myself in it. Staying home with my children created space for me to adventure on this discovery of who I was meant to be and allowed me the security to do what I loved to do. I feel like as you let go of the need to “find your purpose,” your purpose finds you.  Read More>>

Ben Tran

For me, finding my purpose wasn’t about chasing success or figuring out what I wanted to do, it was listening to God’s voice and surrendering to His plan. Growing up, I always loved music, but it wasn’t until I truly leaned into my faith that I realized music was more than just a passion; it was a calling.

There were moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I was on the right path, but every time I prayed sought God, He confirmed it in ways I couldn’t ignore. Whether it was through Scripture, through people He placed in my life, or even in quiet moments of worship. I kept hearing the same message; “Use the gifts I’ve given you to glorify Me.” Read More>>

Ruthie Smith

For years, I struggled through a rough and abusive marriage, feeling lost and uncertain about my future. When I finally found the strength to leave, I faced the daunting road of rebuilding my life. I was blessed to remarry an amazing man who showed me what love and support truly meant. Through all the ups and downs, I worked in several different fields, searching for where I truly belonged. Then, after an injury at work forced me to step away from traditional jobs, I was faced with a crossroads—one that ultimately led me to my true calling. Read More>>

Ayana Abdul-Raheem

I came round terms wit my purpose through numerous life experiences Read More>>

Samirah Horton Aka Dj Annie Red

I am 16 years old but when I was 6 years old, I was badly bullied. I was bullied because of my raspy voice. I was called names, and I was told I sound like I smoke 10 packs of cigarettes a day. The kids did not allow me to play on their teams. This continued throughout the entire summer camp. I told my parents and together they helped me to understand what bullying is. Everywhere I went, I was criticized for my deep raspy voice. People questioned whether I was a boy or girl.  Read More>>

Sam Pohl

My journey to purpose ended up being a full circle, starting when I was under 10 years old. I grew up with a mother who knew the benefit of bodywork, so I was not a stranger to that form of therapeutic touch. When I was 7, I remember giving one of my elementary school buddies a back massage and declaring that I would be a massage therapist when I was older. As I grew, family dynamics and social pressure changed that dream and I went from wanting to be lawyer, to a mental health therapist, to a social worker, but nothing ever felt quite right. I knew I wanted to work with people, but as someone who has struggled with my own mental health in the past, I knew that those avenues would not work out well for me. Read More>>

Shay Koloff

I found my purpose when I became connected to the earth through gardening, herbs and holistic healing. This journey led me on a path that was life changing and now I empower others to help themselves! Read More>>

Simone

Everything started 12 years ago in my own town in Italy.
At that time I was working as a electrician without any artist school background. It was my sister’s birthday and I decided to gift to her a tattoo. I did book an appointment for her and me both. The day of my appointment I started speaking with the tattooist about tattoo industry. Everything what this old tattooist was explaining me about the history of tattoos and all the different styles existing was very interesting to me. Read More>>

Cassandra Paige

As a child, I found comfort in painting, drawing, and sculpting—creating worlds I could escape into. Growing up in a tumultuous and dysfunctional household, where emotional stability and guidance were scarce, art became my safe space. It was more than just a pastime; it was a way to build the structure I lacked in real life. Read More>>

Mykle Parker

I had no idea I was at the GLBT Center for Orange County, nor would I have cared. The woman interviewing me had short hair and overalls. All I could think as I wore my lame conservative “hire me” gear was, damn… I wish I was wearing overalls. The head of the program was interested in me but not sure how I would fit in. So she tested me… said she had to go to the bathroom… and while she was there I should look over their hand outs to see what I thought. Read More>>

Rayna Ali-Patterson

Finding my purpose was very important to me as I became a mom. If I’m honest, I didn’t really think too much about it before that. After becoming a wife and mom, I knew life would be different and that I wasn’t just living for me. Working in corporate was never fulfilling, it was just paying the bills and but I wanted more. Even after getting my degree, it still remained hard and I wasn’t happy. That’s when I decided to fully walk into my purpose by doing something that I loved, and that was sharing my curly hair journey online in 2013. I knew helping other women to embrace their hair just like I was trying to do was walking in my purpose.  Read More>>

Reese Gannon

My purpose found me when my family had a loved one that went missing. When we called to report the disappearance, we were told to wait 24-48 hours—advice that I later learned was completely wrong. There is no waiting period to report someone missing, yet misinformation like this delays crucial searches and costs lives. Experiencing firsthand the fear, heartbreak, and frustration of that moment allowed me to deeply empathize with families navigating the same nightmare. A month later, I founded PleaseLookForMe to ensure no family feels as lost as we did—to inform them of their rights, provide resources, and fight for visibility in a system that too often fails the missing. Read More>>

Autumn Todd

I give most credit to my mother, she was a bada** hairstylist. She was bold and knew how to stand out without having to say a word. I’m honestly blessed to have inherited such an amazing gift from my mom. I’ve been intrigued by hair since a kid. During my teen years, at 15 I created my first hair business 6 years ago in 2019. I started out servicing clients in my grandmothers kitchen. Once i made a great chunk of cash. I automatically knew anything was possible.  Read More>>

Sky Edwards

In a field in Germany during the summer of 2012, I found myself conversing with a traveling artist from Romania and he suggested that I could do makeup to fund my expenses while traveling. At the time I was living in Manchester, England and I spent summer breaks travelling festivals in Europe. When an opportunity arose to go to the island of Ibiza to establish a body painting company, I seized the opportunity. Read More>>

Qingqing Zheng

My story is like an aged tea that has been steeped for years – the first sip offers an accidental fragrance, but upon careful savoring, layers of lingering sweetness emerge. Those seemingly scattered encounters have now coalesced into a clear thread of life:
**1. The “Foreshadowing” of Destiny Lies in the Senses** Read More>>

Nicolette Glisovich

Through the art I consumed I was able to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and what I personally have decided is my purpose in this one. I think I could’ve gone down a few different paths but bringing stories to life is what calls me the most. Read More>>

Melba Moncada

Food was a calling in itself.
I always enjoy being in the kitchen but, when I open my business I discovered that there’s a great joy in delivering something that you are proud of.
Food is the best way to show your appreciation to somebody.
And, even tho I cook for a bigger crowd now that when I started. Read More>>

Emma Burge

Finding one’s purpose is an ever evolving journey, balancing being present and fulfilled in the moment, while also dreaming big and knowing we are limitless beings. My path has shifted and developed in ways I never could have imagined. The biggest key to finding purpose, I believe, is trusting our own inner voice. In our everyday lives, purpose can be imposed upon us as the goals of our family, peers, colleagues, etc. in a million different ways and at a million different instances.  Read More>>

Claressa Ham

I discovered my purpose by following my passion. I focused on my enthusiasm for assisting others and making a difference. Read More>>

Bryan Maradas Cooke

Through failure Read More>>

Jose Aguilar

I feel that my purpose in this life for me it’s my people. This means my family, my community and overall myself. By creating music and inspiring new generations to not just pursue as a career but to feel free to create and connect with your people in a positive way. I believe that is my biggest reward. The fact of feeling free and expressing positive energy by sharing new lyrics that can connect with people’s emotions that is my biggest purpose as a person and also as recording artist. Read More>>

Terrell Jones

Well, it all started when I was a kid in my mother’s womb. She was addicted to heroin and cocaine very badly. She was also a booster in the hood of Pittsburgh, PA. She did drugs so much while I was in her stomach that when I was born, I almost died at birth for having a ton of drugs in my system as an infant. The doctor told my family that If I ever did drugs in my life that it was a huge possibility that I could die. After I was born, my mother did a lot of deals with drug dealers and people from different gangs & mafias. She ended up owing some money to one of them that she couldn’t repay. Because she couldn’t repay them, they kidnapped me and held me for ransom.  Read More>>

Dom Flicksz

Honestly I found my purpose around 17 years old . My family and I were on Coney Island Beach , Everyone went to get food while I stayed back on the sand with my 9 month old nephew . As he picked his head up to look for his dad ( my brother) he used his hand to block the rays from the sun inorder to see. I thought that was amazing, the fact that no one taught this baby that but yet he just naturally knew. My mom had a small digital camera at the time so I picked up the camera and took a photo for two reasons; one because I thought no one would believe me , secondly because in that moment it changed my whole perspective of humans and how naturally intelligent we are . Read More>>

Colleen Kurtz

I didn’t just stumble upon my purpose—I lived it. In my 20s, my body completely crashed. My energy tanked, I was sleeping 12+ hours a day, barely making it through my day, and missing out on time spent with my husband, friends, and family. Joint pain, digestive issues, skin problems—you name it, I was dealing with it. And yet, every doctor I saw told me I was ‘fine.’ Every test came back ‘normal.’ But I knew this wasn’t normal. Read More>>

Dani Schiess

I found my purpose, firstly, by feeling unfulfilled. That was my indicator that I wanted more and wasn’t living in alignment with my values (which I didn’t even know what those were at the time). I decided to question my unfufillment and get curious about it. What was allowing me to feel unfulfilled? What did fulfillment look like for me? How would I know I was living a fulfilling life? Through those series of questions, I realized that living with purpose would allow me to feel fulfilled. This realization began my search for my purpose. Read More>>

Gavin (gavthadon) Villanueva

I found my purpose by doing what I love. I’ve always loved music and had a passion for it. I had always wanted to make music and I finally did a few years ago, I made some songs. I realized I had potential when people started liking the music I was making. It gave me a sense of purpose when I felt like I didn’t have one at the time. I had no idea what I wanted to do, it felt like I wasn’t good enough at anything or smart enough. Music was my escape from the world and also became my purpose in the world. If there’s something you love doing, then DO IT! It doesn’t hurt to atleasr try and maybe you’ll find your purpose you’ve been searching for! Read More>>

Daniel Jimenez

Purpose, what a weird thing, in a way it’s ever changing, once you reach a goal, it’s time to find another and another, and in a way it keeps the wheel of our existence moving.
I’d say purpose is linked to our talents, to that we naturally gravitate towards. Read More>>

Ian

It took a winding journey and a lot of failures to find my purpose. It’s also not easy to describe. After getting out of the military in 2018, I did a lot of soul-searching, wandering, working at dead-end jobs, and inner healing work with therapists and mentors. It’s been a long and sometimes-difficult road that I couldn’t have mapped out. This healing and growth hasn’t happened linearly or in a nice, methodical fashion. It’s been messy and difficult at times, and full of setbacks.  Read More>>

Andy Mason

I didn’t find my purpose. My Purpose found me. I never wanted to be a Barber, I ran from it. If you’re familiar with the story of Jonah then I consider myself to be the Jonah of barbering. No matter how much I tried to run and escape being a barber. My running was futile. For example; me going to college and getting a degree or finding a non barber related job. I ended up right back in the barbershop. Based on my rate of success and growth in the shop eventually made it a no brainer that this is where I belong and also due to the fact that no one taught me how to cut hair my natural inclination to the craft made it even more evident that this is what I’m called to do. Read More>>

Birdies In The Outfield

Firstly, Brandon and Jomel strongly believe their purpose in life will never be fulfilled. Their desire to give back to the community and to create and ever lasting change in both the worlds of golf and social media grows with the ability to affect more change. Read More>>

Martin Norbury

It was thrust upon us unfortunately. In 2010 my career was on the incline. I had sold my business(es) in 1996 / 97 and joined the parent company. After learning the ways of the corporate world I was headhunted to turn around an ailing corporate which we did and received industry plaudits and awards. We were expecting our first child in 2010, but unfortunately she died at birth. As you could imagine this event changed everything. I left corporate life and started my own business again, just so I could be near my wife. My clients originally were from the same sector and I noticed how little family time they had as they were working all hours. Read More>>

April Harrington

For me, finding my purpose has been a journey of aligning my passions, experiences, and the impact I want to have on others. I’ve always been driven by a desire to build community, create opportunities, and uplift people in meaningful ways. That’s why real estate has been such a natural fit—it’s not just about buying and selling homes; it’s about guiding people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives and ensuring they feel supported and empowered. Read More>>

Kerri L

I have two major passions in life: music and medicine. But, my first love was music. Music was something I started at age five, taking Suzuki classes on the violin and the viola. Growing up, I tried every sport imaginable, but the result was always unsuccessful. I found joy in not only practicing my instrument but performing for others. I saw how music could be intertwined in so many areas of life. As I grew older, I continued to play violin and viola in many settings, including in orchestras that toured the world and Carnegie Hall. Read More>>