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.
Christine Wong
I’ve found that purpose isn’t something you suddenly discover; it’s something that takes shape through lived experience. For me, that clarity grew from navigating my own challenges and paying attention to what they taught me, including empathy, resilience, and a deeper awareness of my emotional needs. As I grew up in a Chinese American household, I began to notice the gaps around me. Read More>>
Lauren Sklaver
For over a decade, the start of my career followed a very traditional path within the financial services industry, where I built a strong foundation in Project Management and learned how to navigate complex, high-level environments. Read More>>
Frida Karsberg
I moved from Sweden to Los Angeles, leaving behind the life I had always known. I had built a career as a TV producer in a culture that felt familiar and safe, and stepping into something completely new took me a minute. The horses came into my life first. Read More>>
Hannah Collier
I found my purpose through prayer, dedication, and witnessing the impact my therapeutic candle workshops have on people. It is incredibly fulfilling to see how the classes affect each individually in a positive way—whether they are moved to tears, filled with laughter, or left feeling encouraged and motivated. Read More>>
Janelle Jones
Purpose found me in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon Google spiral. I was a homeschooling mom trying to find something meaningful for my kids to do — an art class, a coding workshop, a science camp — anything that would feed their curiosity and get us out of the house. What I found instead was a mess. Outdated Eventbrite listings. Read More>>
Holly Starr
My purpose didn’t arrive all at once—it revealed itself slowly, quietly, and patiently, waiting for me to notice. At its core, my purpose is to listen to and learn from animals while helping them heal, and to share their wisdom with others. Looking back, I can see it was always there, gently woven through every stage of my life. Read More>>
Dr. Jade Starleaf
I didn’t find my purpose in a single moment. It unfolded over time, often at the intersection of the things that challenged me most and the things that moved me most deeply. I started in music, which might seem like a very different path from clinical psychology, but in many ways it was my first training in attunement. Read More>>
Fouzia Singh
I didn’t find my purpose in one moment, it revealed itself over time. By paying attention to what energized me, the people I loved serving, and the impact I could make, I realized my purpose is rooted in creating confidence and empowering others. It’s something I continue to build every day through my work and leadership. Read More>>
Jacoby Ponder
I didn’t find my purpose in one moment—it was built over time through experience, pressure, and really understanding what I’m good at and how I impact people. For me, it started in the kitchen. Cooking was the entry point, but it didn’t take long to realize it was bigger than just food. Read More>>
H.L. Fahnestock
When I was a kid, my mom had a side hustle as a wedding cake baker. I’d spend hours in the kitchen, watching and munching on the leftovers. After a career in tech, I became a stay-at-home dad when my wife’s tech career took off. While I pursued my own creative business (furniture building), I also cooked meals and baked pies for my family. Read More>>
Mario Ledesma
I’ve wanted to be a hip-hop artist since I was around 13 years old. In the beginning of the journey, I wished to be rich and famous as the rappers that I looked up to at that time. During that period of my life, my self-esteem was probably the lowest it ever was. But I saw light at the end of the tunnel. Read More>>
City of Palms Open Mic CHASKAxFORTAI
Honestly, we found our purpose through frustration. Being from Fort Myers, we saw too much talent with nowhere to go no real stage, no real spotlight. It felt like the city had a voice but nobody was really listening. Even deeper than that, a lot of artists didn’t feel comfortable fully expressing themselves. Read More>>
ERICA JUY
My purpose was built little by little over more than 20 years, but it truly became clear when I arrived in the United States. I have always been passionate about creating experiences for people. I studied architecture, worked in graphic design, and even designed for the governor of Chubut province. However, it was in the world of entrepreneurship where I found my true calling. Read More>>
Garrett Ramos
As a Christian, I found and continue to seek my purpose in Jesus Christ. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior on May 13, 2009. A true Christ follower is someone who is going to pursue Him daily in all that he says and does. Once I truly understood my purpose as a believer, I realized my need to have the mind of Christ. Read More>>
Greg Chako
I found my purpose gradually, not in one dramatic moment. Looking back, it revealed itself in stages through experience, challenge, and the people I was fortunate enough to serve along the way. Music was the first doorway. As a young man, I discovered that playing guitar was more than learning chords or performing songs. Read More>>
Eloise Kim
It’s embarrassing to admit how long I stalled on this. I misread the question at first as “what is your purpose?” (which honestly, felt like a different kind of crisis). The meaning of purpose has changed a lot for me over the years–especially now in my 30s. Life forces you to be realistic and reminds you of countless responsibilities when you hit this age. Read More>>
Elizabeth Brown
My sense of purpose has been shaped through my faith and life experiences over time, not discovered in a single moment. I grew up in a Baptist church where I learned how to pray, serve, and lead. I was involved from Sunday school and Bible study to Mission Sunshine Band and the children’s choir. Read More>>
Herta Branding
I found my purpose by first realizing I was too far away from it. Trusting that inner voice led me to take a big risk and step into the beauty industry. What I discovered there was so much bigger than hair. Read More>>
Itzel Moreno
I started to understand my purpose in my early twenties, during a time when I was still figuring out who I wanted to be. Working at a small, women-run winery had a lasting impact on me. There was something powerful about watching women build and lead something of their own, it made me feel like that kind of life was possible for me, too. Read More>>
Jared Lachner
I found my purpose through art. It’s always been something that brought me a sense of peace, and in that peace I found clarity and direction. For me, that became a guiding principle—when you’re thinking about what to pursue, it helps to pay attention to the things that naturally ground you and bring you a sense of calm. Read More>>
Carolina Alvarez
My main purpose in life is to help as many people as possible, a realization I came to at a young age. I was born and raised in Colombia, and during my teenage years, I participated in a youth group that visited underprivileged areas. We fed children, provided them with clothing and toys, and taught them valuable skills. Read More>>
Garry Trent
Finding my purpose, or at least the basis of it, began after a series of unexpected conversations with my childhood friends. As adults we realized we were all victims of the same sexual predator. None of us ever spoke about it while it was happening because we were afraid. Read More>>
Elmina Michele Ryan
My path to finding my purpose didn’t happen all at once—it came together through both my professional work and personal experiences. As a health insurance broker, I quickly saw how confusing and overwhelming the system can be for people. What stood out to me most was how much they needed someone they could trust—someone to guide them, not just sell to them. Read More>>
Gabe Mathews
When I was a kid, I watched a lot of Casper the Friendly Ghost and The Real Ghostbusters, so I was probably destined to end up here one way or another. I also had an experience when I was young where I saw what I believe was an apparition of my grandfather, which stuck with me. That curiosity turned into paranormal investigating later in life. Read More>>
Juli Bouvel
At 41, I went in for a routine brain MRI after mentioning a strange tingling sensation at my annual check up. An hour later, while driving to lunch, my doctor called and asked me three questions in a row. “Are you walking okay? Can you see? Can you hear?” I said yes to all three, confused. Read More>>
Shannon Turner
This past Sunday April 19, 2026 was a movie at Treasure Chest Smoke Shop in North Fort Myers. It was the end of the first season of MC Shanty’s Competition and the event was celebrated with a Festival headlined by the competition winner, Daze Santiago, who is also the newest signed artist to Love & Loyalty Records. Read More>>
Mary Skinner Lotus Doula and Nanny Tibe
Mary’s journey in the birth world began generations ago. In 1875, her great-great Aunt Hilda served as a midwife, helping bring thousands of Goshute Indian babies into the world. The love of birth and supporting women runs deeply through her maternal lineage. Mary herself was born at home, with her 7-year-old brother assisting the midwife during her delivery. Read More>>
Alyssa Ceballos
I’ve always felt like people talk about finding their purpose as this big, incredible discovery, but for me, it was more like a language I’ve spoken since I was little. Looking back, the signs were everywhere… and I mean everywhere! Truthfully, I was never the type of kid to play with dolls or toys. Read More>>
Jeanette Jensen
For me it was linked to my faith journey. The Salvation Army is first and foremost a church- in which I was born and raised. My parents were pastors and administrators with The Salvation Army, so I had a front row seat to seeing what a helpful hand from a caring entity could do for those in need of assistance in our country’s communities. Read More>>
Chelsea Spagnola LMFT
I found my purpose by realizing I wasn’t satisfied helping people just “manage” their pain—I wanted to help them actually heal it. As a trauma therapist, I’ve always been drawn to the deeper work. Read More>>
Cherish Jackson
I didn’t find my purpose my purpose found me. As a little girl, I was always playing in my own hair. What seemed like a simple childhood habit slowly grew into me doing the hair of others. Even then, my purpose was quietly following me I just didn’t know it yet. Read More>>
Donovan Moser
I discovered my purpose through action. When I first began mentoring and coaching, I offered my time and knowledge at no cost. Over time, I was referred to others for my expertise, and I was always willing to share my skills with people of all ages. Read More>>
Naz Aurora
It almost feels as if I was forced to find my purpose. To be totally honest, I spent many years avoiding experiences that might cause me to revise the goals and future I had set my sight on. I thought I had everything laid out in front of me. Read More>>
Drew Taylor Cohen
I didn’t find my purpose all at once. It came together over time as I started paying attention to what felt true and what didn’t. I built a career in corporate, working with well-known brands and helping teams make strategic, informed decisions. People trusted me to see the big picture and guide the next step. But in my own life, I felt stuck. Read More>>
Eric Pratt
I realized that while the world has many great classical guitar performers, there is a massive gap in how classical guitar is taught to the next generation. It quickly became clear to me, when working with kids, that the ‘old-world’ conservatory style of teaching—simply telling students what to do—was ineffective. Read More>>
Connor Foley
I was lucky enough to find my purpose in art and giving back to people. Through tattooing I am able to practice my art as well as help uplift and empower people by tattooing it on them. I am forever grateful to my clients for allowing me to be a part of their life’s journey, Read More>>
Amanda Marron
I found my purpose in event planning through something simple: keeping every thank-you card I’ve ever received. During the low moments, when things feel challenging, I return to those notes as a reminder of the impact of what I do and how deeply it’s appreciated. I also reflect on the bigger picture. How a single event contributes to our local economy and brings people together. Read More>>
Kamika Smith
How did you find your purpose? For me, purpose means being intentional and honest with yourself in everything you do. It’s what reveals itself in the depths of quiet moments, when you’re alone with yourself in reflection and overview. I’ve realized that purpose is fuel. Read More>>
Eric Schulte
I found my purpose the hard way, through years of living with pain that wouldn’t resolve, no matter what I did. I did everything right. I went to all the appointments, did all the physical therapy, saw the chiropractors, visited the orthopedic doctors, got the surgeries. And I still didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t feel strong. I didn’t feel confident in my body. Read More>>
Sterling Wilson
I’ve discovered my purpose through communi-‘tea’. Read More>>
Nakta Pahlevan
Finding my purpose was not a moment of clarity, it was a process of elimination, and ultimately, a moment of awakening. I began my path far from the arts. I studied at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran and later completed my Master’s in Biomedical Engineering at University of Birmingham. At that point, my life was following a very defined, logical trajectory. Read More>>
Asmita Runge
So much of who I am today is because of my lived experiences. After walking through a landscape of challenges that reshaped me, I arrived here later than I imagined. Photography is now my ikigai—my reason for getting up in the morning, the thread that brings joy and meaning to my life. Read More>>
Deja White
“What an unbelievable world we would live in if everyone were doing exactly what they were created to do.” ~ Oprah Winfrey That idea has stuck with me because it perfectly captures how I think about “purpose work.” For me, purpose is grounded in a few key indicators: fun, curiosity, impact, and a sense of ease in the environments I step into. Read More>>
Michelle Loyd
I found my purpose through service long before I found it through business. Helping people has always been at the center of who I am. My grandmother was a nurse and a mother of seven children, and her example showed me what strength, sacrifice, and caring for others looked like in real life. That mindset stayed with me. Read More>>
Jerry Ta
I found my purpose through my own health struggles. I was dealing with low energy, digestive issues, and that general feeling of just not being right. I kept hearing the same thing: that’s just what happens as you get older. I refused to accept that. I refused to capitulate. I started exploring different modalities on my own. Read More>>
Jennifer Henriquez
I knew from a very young age that I always wanted to help others. I am such a huge cheerleader for others and I love championing around others. I am so blessed to have had certain opportunities in my life and I always love to give that back. Read More>>
Sophie Bryan, PhD
I always knew I wanted to help people heal. Originally I planned to pursue medicine, but life had a different path in mind. I found my way to art school where I studied illustration, and discovered that creativity could be just as powerful as any prescription. Read More>>
Niyahh Robinson
I found my purpose and passion to do hair in my elementary school years. When I was younger I would stand in the mirror and do my own hair. Once I got to school all my friends and even friends of friends would ask me, “who did your hair?”. Read More>>
Michelle Thielen
After almost taking my own life, I audibly heard the voice of God. It stopped me in my tracks and sobered me up after 3 years of deep depression. I found my purpose through the journey out of that darkest pit. It was through postures. Read More>>
Kayla Sauer-Brown
I started KB Kuddles in 2021 after experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety following the birth of my son. During that time, I needed something that was just mine—an outlet where I could create, heal, and rediscover myself. What began as a creative escape quickly turned into something more. Read More>>
Gretchen Bosselmann-May
I found Pilates because I was injured. I started practicing due to a shoulder injury, and I kept coming back because it made my body feel better—stronger, more balanced, and more capable. At the time, I had no intention of ever teaching Pilates. I was simply a student who loved how it helped me move and feel. Read More>>
Chris Francesconi
From art perspective, I actually had to come back to it. I’ve always been a creative but I went about trying to create a life that was painted for us as children of the late 60’s early 70’s; college, job, house, and kids. Over the years, I never forgot my roots in art and creating, but it wasn’t a priority. Read More>>
