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.
Sy’ere Furch
I found my purpose through what used to feel like pain. Growing up with autism, I often struggled to understand where I fit in. There were days when I felt like the world moved too fast for me, or like I was speaking a language no one else could hear. Read more>>
Yongxi (Vivian) Lin
My life’s purpose was not something I “found” all at once, it has revealed itself gradually, like a screen print emerging layer by layer. As a child in China, my mother told me fairy tales every night before bed and brought home stacks of cartoon DVDs. Read more>>
Marya Lowry
The German poet and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe advises, ‘Reach your hand deep into life, what comes up is your subject.’ As an actor and theatre voice teacher/practitioner in the university and professional theatre, I discovered, early in my career, the power and beauty of the free, expressive, uninhibited human voice. Read more>>
Dylan Delroy Davis
I found my purpose in life based on a dare. I had always been a movie ingest-er and art fiend, but I had never really let that surface as who I was – not yet. The crowd I was hanging out with dared me to audition for the school play in the spring. Read more>>
Adriana Harriel
I found my purpose through a combination of faith, experience, and perseverance. As a single mother, life taught me strength, resilience, and the power of grace. Working with children and adults with mental health and developmental disabilities gave me a deeper understanding of compassion and the importance of seeing the beauty in every person’s journey. Read more>>
Ray Ortega
I found my purpose through God. Through every trial, God was shaping my purpose. What I saw as pain, He saw as preparation. Every setback became a setup for who I was meant to be. In the breaking, He built me. In the struggle, He showed me my strength. My purpose wasn’t found in avoiding pain—it was found in trusting God through it. Read more>>
Airi Hachioji
I used to have a lot of insecurities about myself, and I wanted to help people who struggle with similar feelings. I realized that in order to share my thoughts and make a difference, I needed to have some influence. That’s why I started uploading videos of my daily life on YouTube. Read more>>
Yuvi Parmar
I found my purpose the first time I watched young people thousands of miles away use skills we had taught them to solve their own challenges. What started as a small effort at my high school grew into Empower and Connect, and with it my sense of what service could look like. At first, I thought leadership meant running projects myself. Read more>>
Rose-Gaelle Jolissaint
I found my purpose by following the thread of creativity that has always been a part of me. Growing up, I didn’t always have the words for what I wanted to do, but I knew I was drawn to beauty, to storytelling, and to helping people feel seen. Read more>>
FirstKings Love
For a long time, I thought I had to figure out my purpose on my own. I went through trial after trial, obstacle after obstacle—things that were meant to break me, distract me, and completely take me off course. Each time I thought I had the strength, I realized I was just surviving, not living. Pride had me blinded. Read more>>
Allyson Sanders
My purpose in life was shaped by watching my parents, grandmother, and big brother lead with kindness and compassion. Their example taught me the power of treating others with empathy and respect. Over time, it became my personal mission to carry that same spirit into everything I do—whether in my career, my business, or through volunteer work. Read more>>
Shannon Dohemann
When we started our small business, we had no idea where it would take us. Looking back, our plans were focused on growing a local brand and selling cute, comfy clothing. Now our brand, MADE IN MARIN, focuses more on the importance of giving back to the community we live in. And through that, we have found a deeper purpose in our own lives. Read more>>
Adrienne Pickett
After the 2016 election results, I was despondent and had a near breakdown. My children were young at the time, and I was constantly questioning what kind of world we were leaving them. Read more>>
Hyunju Lee
I believe every artist has a desire to reflect their world through their work. I, too, have a strong desire to do so, whether my work takes the form of a fine art piece, text, or film. We observe the world and gather narratives from what we see—news, exhibitions, other artworks, or even small design objects can all serve as inspiration. Read more>>
Sherry Shih
I didn’t “decide” on my purpose one day — I uncovered it slowly, almost like how an ink painting reveals itself on handmade paper. I grew up in Taiwan in a traditional, academically driven household where success meant top grades, respectable careers, and stable futures. Read more>>
Ethan Salmon
Ever since I was a kid, I loved to tell stories! I was constantly inspired by my favorite shows, movies, and games, and through some of my darkest days they were always a guiding light to look forward to. Read more>>
Kelly Sinning
I love this questions, and it’s something I reflect on often! Honestly, I think I stumbled into my purpose by paying attention to the moments that made me feel most alive. In my work as a therapist, that’s been sitting with clients over the long haul and seeing the small steps add up to really big, lasting changes. Read more>>
Harley Johnson
Finding my purpose was learning to be okay with being uncomfortable, but also willing to be open to trying new things. When I started Misschif, I didn’t think I’d be where I’m at, but I continued to find ways to tell other people’s stories in a unique way. That’s my passion. Showcasing peoples stories and heart they have behind it in some shape or form. Read more>>
Vickie Wen
I didn’t discover my purpose overnight — it revealed itself to me gradually, as I challenged myself and reflected on my values. I came to the US when I was 16 years old and was eager to explore the new world around me, yet unsure of how to channel my curiosity into action. Read more>>
Janie Samaniego
My journey to finding my purpose was shaped by my family’s struggles with mental health and the challenges I faced growing up. As a young teen mom, I had to navigate uncharted territory and find ways to thrive despite the odds. Through this experience, I gained a new perspective and developed resilience, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility. Read more>>
Diamond League Pickleball Team
Our purpose wasn’t born out of a business plan — it came from standing on the sidelines of other tournaments, watching one person try to manage everything, and thinking, there has to be a better way. We’d all been players, coaches, and volunteers before. We’d seen how stressful tournaments could get and how easily the player experience could be overlooked. Read more>>
Deora Clairé
My purpose wasn’t found; it was cultivated. Read more>>
Misty Koopman
How did I find my purpose? Hummm….. I think that at the age of 47, I can better answer this question. I do believe I have finally found my purpose. Read more>>
Domonique Zen Hansen
It’s actually a funny story. Growing up, my mom thought I talked way too much, so she stuck me in theater camp. From there, it was like my life did a complete 180. Read more>>
Jacquelyn Ross
Well, cooking has been a passion of mine from since I was a little girl. Always in the kitchen with my grandmas and my mommy. It’s always been my outlet for anything emotion that I’m feeling; cooking is my form of art and the reason I keep going! Read more>>
Lisa Batitto
For years, my purpose looked a lot like achievement. I worked in public relations and marketing, helping organizations craft messages that moved people to act. I loved the storytelling, the strategy, the sense of connection. But somewhere along the way, I started to notice how many of us were pouring from an empty cup. I saw people burning out while trying to make a difference. Read more>>
Luke Schneider
I wanted to craft high-quality coffee with a mission from the beginning of Fire Department Coffee. It wasn’t until I met my friend Damien that we realized how much of a need there was to support our fellow firefighters who were sick or injured. Damien was a CAL Firefighter who was paralyzed when a tree fell on him during a wildland fire. Read more>>
Masiyah Imani
I found my purpose when I first began my healing journey. Through the pain, tears, and facing my shadow, I learned that I find strength in helping people. I always knew that my voice was powerful and could heal people. I learned that I had to be more intentional with my gifts and how I impact people. Read more>>
Jenna Genovese-Mikula
I’ve come to realize that finding your purpose is a lifelong journey. Purpose is about the path, not the destination. As we grow and change as human beings, our purpose continues to evolve. Read more>>
Ray Anderson
We all have a purpose and many of us have multiple. Most of us unfortunately go through life without finding it. It’s easy to do. People get trapped in their busy lives. For me life has always been busy. Ever since I was a kid I’ve thought of different inventions & as I got older I knew that I wanted to work for myself. Read more>>
Neysa Garcia-Muhammad
My purpose is something that continues to reveal itself to me overtime and evolve as I get to know myself in this lifetime. I used to think that my purpose had to be something that was a huge mission that everyday I was working towards. Read more>>
Sylvie Situ
I found my purpose by listening to both my intuition and my heart. For over 20 years, I worked as an Interior designer, pouring my creativity into spaces that changed how people worked, learned, and lived. But in 2022, I baked my very first sourdough loaf, and something shifted. Read more>>
Robert Eujean Ogden
My purpose was waiting for me where I least expected it… at rock bottom. I mean… I knew it for most of my life. It was gifted to me as a child. Somewhere along the way, I lost it. Read more>>
Julian Lindsay
By rooting my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, following his principles and doing my best to carry them out. I am, as we all are imperfect beings navigating this imperfect world, searching for our ‘purpose’ or ‘calling.’ To stir the pot early, I believe-you cannot find your purpose through your own willpower. Read more>>
Dr, Shinika McKiever
I didn’t set out to find my purpose. It became clear through the work I was already doing. From volunteering to serving on boards, I was always drawn to helping people and building community. Over time I realized that service wasn’t something extra in my life. It was the center of it. Working in philanthropy made that even clearer. Read more>>
Jen Allen
I found my purpose in one of the hardest ways imaginable — through the loss of my son, Daniel, to suicide in 2023. That grief could have destroyed me, and for a while, I wasn’t sure if I would survive it. But I made a promise to myself and to Daniel that his legacy would be my success and not my destruction. Read more>>
D’Vode Reed
Growing up I watched my father run a business. I watched the challenges, the hard work and dedication he put into his business but also watch the success and accomplishments he achieved. I knew then I wanted to follow in his foot steps to become an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Kelsey Pilgram
That’s the age old question. One of the questions that gets burned into our brains, especially as women I find this to be even more true. It took me a long time to figure this out. I always thought that I had to push myself into a brink. Read more>>
Anastasia Osho
While studying Fashion Merchandising as a sophomore in college, I found myself among friends gathered in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to reveal the unique gift He intended for each of us to use for His glory. The very next day, I noticed a profound shift in my singing—my voice was stronger and more soulful than ever before. Read more>>
DESTINY MCKOY
I found my purpose by finding myself in God. For a long time, I thought my purpose was to climb the corporate ladder, be the perfect wife and mom, and hold everything together flawlessly. I was doing all the “right” things, yet still felt empty and exhausted. Read more>>
Catherine Glynn
As strange as this may sound, ‘benign envy’ is actually where my inspiration began. When I was a young woman in college, taking my first-ever acting course, our Professor pulled aside a young man after the term ended and told him how amazing he thought his work was. Read more>>
Mikaela Fisher
Working in the beauty industry and building relationships with people, really has brought my purpose to my attention. Over time, it grew into something bigger with opening a non-alcoholic bottle shop. This is the butterflies-in-the-stomach kind of work. My purpose is helping people not just feel good on the outside, but on the inside, because that’s what really counts. Read more>>
Kim Sorrelle
A few years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. 4 months later, my husband, my love, but it was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Passed away 6 weeks after that. Single at 47 was never part of my plan. I had to figure out this new life, and how to live it fully and completely. I wanted to know home what love truly was. Read more>>
FURKAN TAN
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been deeply affected by spaces not just how they look, but how they feel. As a child, I would rearrange the furniture in my room constantly, not just to try something new, but because I noticed how much my mood changed depending on the layout, the light, the color. Read more>>
Makenna Meehan
I found my purpose through hands on experience and a genuine love for design. My first job at a local party store introduced me to the event industry, and allowed me to explore the creative side of celebrations. That experience opened the door to planning events on my own. Read more>>
David Fan
I didn’t start in real estate—I was pre-med, then moved into medical sales. Both taught me discipline, communication, and how to solve problems under pressure. But I wanted to build something of my own and create true time freedom for my family. Private Money Lending was my first step. Read more>>
Dennis Bradley
I discovered music at a young age thanks to my mother, who encouraged me to learn an instrument. She was a self-taught keyboardist, and I took up the saxophone but quickly changed to guitar. The more I learned about music the more I loved it. It’s been a life-long passion for me and has given me a purpose in retirement. Read more>>
Mrs. Melanin Reigns
Honestly, my purpose found me in the most unexpected way. It all started back in high school when I found an ankh lying on the bathroom floor. I didn’t even know what it symbolized at the time, but I felt drawn to it, almost like it was waiting for me. From that day on, things around me started to shift. Read more>>
Heather Annis
I feel like my purpose is shifting and evolving as I go through life. What I have found though is that it has always involved healing through art and sharing that with others. My first love, and something that I will always come back to is dance and movement. Read more>>
Simone Middlebrooks / Pastor Cedric Halbert
Simone Middlebrooks I didn’t find my purpose. Pain dragged me into it. I was minding my business trying to survive divorce, betrayal, fake church folks, loss until one day I realized God wasn’t gonna let me die in it. Everything I went through was training. Every breakdown was a setup. I didn’t pick this life. It chose me. Read more>>
