Below you’ll find the stories and lessons of some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs, artists and creatives in the community and how they found their purpose.
Jayne Jones
For me, purpose didn’t arrive as a gentle whisper—it crashed into my life like a storm. Two years ago, I survived not one but two life-threatening medical emergencies related to diabetes. I remember lying in that hospital bed, my body failing, and realizing that sugar—the ingredient so many of us treat as harmless comfort—was literally killing me. Read More>>
MARK KORLEY
I found my purpose by walking through a blend of professional experiences and personal callings that initially seemed to run in different directions but ultimately converged. My background in leadership, management, and operations gave me a strong sense of responsibility for order, excellence, and stewardship. Read More>>
Jen Peeples-Hampton
When I think of purpose, my mind and imagination pan to the word ‘Intention’. Intention requires me to be deliberate and action-oriented. I will say the road to purpose is almost never linear, and for my story– it has required me to design my ‘Why’ through reoccurring themes in my life. I’ve found that I am naturally drawn to philosophy, knowledge, and self-discovery. Read More>>
Aaron Forst
I find purpose in building things that last and helping others do the same. As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand the risks, sacrifices, and rewards that come with creating something from the ground up. That journey gave me not just a business, but a calling to create opportunities for others to thrive. Read More>>
Deb Caron
This is such a great question. I often say my purpose found me. Today, I am a professional sound healer, yoga teacher, Reiki Master Teacher and spiritual coach… but all of that couldn’t really be birthed until I went through some life trials (as we all do). Read More>>
Juliette Kristine
I manifested my purpose by choosing to surrender what looked right and instead align my life with what felt true. At 20, not long after my mum passed away, I was offered a highly sought-after role in luxury marketing. On paper, it was everything I thought I should want. Read More>>
Alona Lukianchenko
Thank you for such a great question. For me, finding my purpose was not something that happened overnight. I’m 31 now, and I’ve tried myself in so many different fields—law, marketing, hospitality… and for a long time, I used to think: maybe I’m doing something wrong, maybe I should have figured it out earlier. But when I moved to the U.S. Read More>>
Rebecca Minelga
Purpose exists in the space where prowess meets passion. It is the integration of expertise in a given field and an enthusiasm and excitement to excel. Finding it, then, is both a journey and an exploration, with a fixed end point and also a lifelong investigation. For me, passion was born fairly young. Read More>>
Sam Westfall
When my time in the Army came to an abrupt end due to medical separation, I knew I had to find a new path. I gave a few things a shot—returning to mechanics, working at a Harley-Davidson dealership, and then diving into IT, which turned into a 20+ year career. Each role taught me something, but none truly fulfilled me. Becoming an entrepreneur changed that. Read More>>
Amber Upchurch
I discovered my purpose after having my first baby. Birth and postpartum completely blindsided me; it was more overwhelming and transformative than I ever imagined. The support I received from my doula carried me through, and I knew I wanted to give that same support to others. Read More>>
Fernando Mönke
The basics consist of learning, enjoying and sharing. From this premise, one can find motivation, plan and continue building from the passion and conviction of doing what one truly loves. Read More>>
Kwami Lee
Well first and foremost, I think a lot of people overthink purpose. I read a book a few years back about it, and it said something to the effect of reaching out to 5 people you trust. Ask them to tell you what they feel like you are naturally good at/what your calling is and you’re all set. I’ve always been around art. Read More>>
Leslie Tucker
I found my purpose by reflecting on a lifelong, quiet calling toward philanthropy—a deep desire to give back and make a meaningful difference—even though I didn’t fully recognize it until recent years. Read More>>
Zachariah Rippey
God called me to start the I Like Birds Podcast when I was discovering Jesus and diving deep into the scriptures. I launched a podcast to help others grow in their faith while I was growing in mine. Read More>>
Lindsay White
As a mom of three, I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming the breastfeeding journey can be—especially when the world makes you feel like you’re doing something wrong for simply feeding your baby. I found my purpose because I had a situation where I was shamed for openly breastfeeding in public at a wedding. Read More>>
Mark Holland
I found my purpose by listening to my heart and doing what brings me joy. Not everything you do in life you’re going to want to do, but if you keep in mind that, when the time comes, you can do what you love and what fulfills you. For me, that is writing or performing music. Read More>>
Juanita Londono
Juanita Londoño, a fashion stylist and creative entrepreneur, who discovered the power of self-care during a challenging chapter in her life. Through affirmations and daily rituals, she experienced firsthand how beauty could become a tool for healing and empowerment. The defining inspiration came during a heartfelt conversation with her cousin Dani, who has Down syndrome. Read More>>
Lindsay Spurgeon
My purpose really emerged from a dynamic and evolving journey through my nursing career. It all started in Emergency and Trauma Nursing, which then led me to Pediatric Trauma. That experience shaped my core values and drove me toward a deeper calling. My path of self-discovery continued as I transitioned to a Neonatal and Pediatric Transport Nurse. Read More>>
Ellisha Griffith
For me, finding my purpose wasn’t a straight path it was born out of struggles, setbacks, and the constant search for something deeper than just survival. I’ve been through seasons where fear, doubt, and uncertainty seemed louder than possibility. But every challenge carried a lesson that shaped me into who I am today. Writing became my safe space. Read More>>
Adriana Martinez Grau
I realized my purpose when I started making changes in my own home and helping some friends improve theirs with simple, practical advice. At first, it felt more like a hobby than a career, but over time, I discovered how much joy and impact these transformations brought. Read More>>
Dinorah Dozal-Carpenter 
My purpose and creativity come from above. My faith in God has guided me through life and led me to the work I do today. My mother and grandmother set a great example of hard work and following your dreams, and their support has always inspired me to embrace my creative gift. Read More>>
Mykyta Kravchenko
I found my true purpose when I got closer to God. I had been agnostic for most of my life, and after living about nine months in the United States, I was working three jobs and felt so lonely and burnt out. At the time, I didn’t really have close friends I could go to or just spend time with. Read More>>
Amin Lalani
Purpose is like a moving target; as you learn new things in life, your target changes. My purpose in my life changes almost every year, from being a visiting faculty member to a philanthropist. Read More>>
London Alexander
My purpose? My purpose is to have fun. To create things that make me laugh and to go on adventures that make me say ‘I can’t believe I just did that.’ And if it pisses some people off along the way, even better. When I tell people that I travel around the U.S. Read More>>
Jordan Willaby
Interior design has been something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember, but finding my purpose goes way beyond design. From a young age, I feel as though God has gifted me with creativity and the ability to find beauty in the ordinary. Read More>>
Jessica Rodriguez
I feel incredibly lucky to bring together all the things that I love through my work at SNAP — philanthropy, swimming, kids, and community. Throughout my 15 year career as a Pediatric Physical Therapists, I have had the pleasure of working with amazing nonprofit organizations, meeting passionate colleagues and supporting the growth and development of children and families. Read More>>
Deborah Hicks Midanek Bailey
I didn’t so much find my purpose as build it. From an early age I learned that courage alone was not enough to get through 13 elementary schools, for example. Survival was not enough, I needed to learn HOW to survive with top grades to give me a shot to freedom and self determination. Planning and process make courage effective. Read More>>
Vanessa Daly
Finding my purpose hasn’t been a straight path. It’s been more of a journey of discovery. I’ve always been curious about people and drawn to understanding and supporting their mental health, which is why I pursued psychology. But along the way, art became an unexpected but powerful part of that journey. Read More>>
Barry Rosenthal
As a child I was athletic. Nothing exceptional. I enjoyed sports because it was fun. Anything that involved play, chasing a ball or just competing with myself to learn and improve my skills. Academics bored me. Learning by rote meant memorizing facts and dates. Where were the concepts behind these great events. Read More>>
Hot Love
What brings me purpose is being able to express experiences that occurred in my life. Regarding love, family, identity, change, introspection, relationships, into songwriting. So, I can help heal somebody who feels the same way but, doesn’t have the tools to express themselves. Struggling with communication from an early age, it was challenging for others to understand what I was trying to say. Read More>>
Bethany MacLean
How I Found My Life’s Purpose For a long time, I thought purpose had to be something you chased down — a destination waiting at the end of endless striving. I searched outside myself, trying on different roles and listening to other people’s ideas of who I should be. Read More>>
Alex Mounir
I’ve found my purpose through Christ alone. Every morning I remind myself in the mirror: I am a child of God and my full identity is in Him and His unconditional love. Everything else flows from that — being an artist, a son, a brother, and a friend. That foundation gives me my ultimate purpose, and from there my secondary purposes flow through my art. Read More>>
Vili Hickey
When people talk about “purpose,” I think we first need to ask what that word even means. For me, purpose isn’t a single destination or job title—it’s a feeling. It’s that electric sense of aliveness, the quiet joy that comes from knowing your work is in service to something bigger than yourself. Over the years, my purpose has shifted as I’ve grown. Read More>>
Leanne Pilgrim
I would consider myself a lifelong learner. I am always trying new things and am open to new experiences. I actually fell into my original career path. I intended to enter college as a pre-med student, then changed my major to psychology on a whim. Read More>>
Damian Luis Costa
I moved from Uruguay 15 years ago and I dedicated the majority of my time in the US working more and more, always chasing the dollar thinking that was the right way to build my future. Read More>>
Candice Dillard
Storytelling has always been a part of my life. As a kid, I would dress up, create characters, and make little videos just for fun. By the time I was in elementary school, I had started a YouTube channel where I vlogged and experimented as a creator. At the same time, I began volunteering in my church’s media ministry. Read More>>
Tiffany Baillie
Honestly, I didn’t just “find” my purpose—it slowly found me. For a long time, I just followed what felt good: making art with my hands, surrounding myself with beauty, and sharing those little sparks of light with others. One day, I realized those simple things weren’t just hobbies—they were the pieces of something bigger. Read More>>
Naphaphorn ‘Huang’ Tan
I think I’m still on the journey to fully discovering my purpose, but dance has always been something that keeps me grounded and motivated. Read More>>
Jennifer ‘Suki’ Otsuki
Like so many, I didn’t realize I was walking my purpose until I finally stopped resisting it. For me, that purpose is to nurture and nourish others through food. Not just to fill a plate, but to hold space, to heal, and to remind people they belong. I went to culinary school right out of high school, and kitchens became my classroom. Read More>>
Sammy Hammer
When I was young, I used to love solving riddles. Little pieces of word-jungle that I got to untangle in my own brain, competitively attempting to solve its meaning as fast as I could… The catch is that I was never any good at them. Read More>>
Megan Harris M.
As many creatives know, it can be a bit difficult to find our exact purpose in life. Growing up, all I wanted to do was create, whether creating beautiful visual art or compelling works of prose and verse. Whatever the medium, I just wanted to create. Read More>>
Nosym Tillmon
Since I was 7 years old and was able to rap to a crowd of over 200 + people, and actually understand the words that were coming from my mouth, being able to truly realize that the words that I spoke were touching souls positively and saving lives (shoutout to my dad lol), I started to find my purpose. Read More>>
Terence & Rasheda Davis
I found my purpose through my relationship with Jesus Christ. The Word of God says, “Lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Me, and I will direct your path.” I had a written plan for my life prior to my relationship with Christ. When I accepted Christ, He began to reveal His plan and purpose for me. Read More>>
