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.
HERC GTH
Purpose is more of a driving life force than We realize sometimes. One of the most empty feelings We can have is to feel “useless”. Purpose is what we feel most useful for, and is not always an easy thing to recognize and can change throughout our lives. I realized when I was young in My search for Power and inevitably Wisdom that learning my purpose and fulfilling My purpose would be essential to My Success. I seeked Wisdom through reading and researching, and read a lot of religious text (Holy Bible, Quran, etc) and Meditated seeking strength and to find My purpose within. Read more>>
Gena Bradshaw
Life is a journey that leads you to beautiful destinations, which is how I found my mission and purpose in this lifetime. Although painful going through them at the time, I look back on all of the breadcrumbs that have led me to this moment. I am a young adult and a two-time cancer survivor, one of which was a near-death experience at the young age of three and a half. I was diagnosed with Leukemia at three and a half years old, a battle of will to live, will to die. This journey has set me up for my purpose in life which is to help others reclaim their health and transform their lives through a holistic approach. Read more>>
Drj Royster
I found my purpose by healing my trauma. Read more>>
Rose D’or
Knowing And Accepting That There Are Bigger Things At Play Than Myself. I Have Came To Understand That Anything I Say Or Do May Positively Or Negatively Affect Me Or Others. When It Comes To My Clients I Like To Listen To Them More So Than I Speak So I Do Not Get Distracted In The Process Of Doing Their Hair. Every Now And Then Ill Speak And Give Advices On Any Given Subject Such As Hair, Life, Love Family & Career. Read more>>
Melissa Randazzo
I found my purpose sort of on accident actually. I was undergoing fertility treatment after losing both of my fallopian tubes to Stage IV Endometriosis. I had had several surgeries and rounds of IVF and I was starting to lose hope. I started researching holistic ways of becoming pregnant and I stumbled upon crystals. I learned that crystals have healing properties and so I made myself a “fertility” bracelet using specific crystals and I wore it during my next round of IVF. Read more>>
Noelle Richards
Finding my purpose came to me in 3rd grade when I told the nuns at my school that I was going to be the pope when I got older. That was quickly shattered after they told me I could not be the Pope because I was a female. It’s safe to say that I knew from that moment I was created to help people. As I got older and wiser I recognized my purpose came from my own personal experiences and struggles. Experiences of my third grade teacher sometimes having me massage her shoulders and telling me I had good pressure. Read more>>
Ebony Simelton
“I discovered my purpose in creating joy for children through Slumber Happy, where I combined my love for fostering happiness in kids with the magic of themed sleepover parties. Through this unique experience, I found my calling in bringing laughter and unforgettable memories to children, making every celebration a dream come true.” Read more>>
Weston Robins
From the ages of 17-23 I struggled with addiction, substance use, anxiety/ depression and a slew of other challenges. During this journey I began to recognize that the choices I had made had led me to a dark space and if I was going to begin to allow light in my life, I would need to seek growth and holistic health by any means necessary. So I began to pour what little energy I had left back into my self care, nature, art and music. Read more>>
Lyn Pacificar
I am Lyn Pacificar, a practitioner of Katuuran’ and Albularyo? traditional medicine. I belong to the Indigenous Peoples ethnolinguistic groups of the Hiligaynon & Waray Waray, tracing my lineage back to my recent Ancestors. My upbringing was uniquely shaped as a first-generation Filipina-American in Los Angeles. In our household, my immigrant parents conversed in a mix of Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Waray, and English, cultivating a rich linguistic and cultural milieu for me. My journey has led me to a purpose where I serve as an authentic traditional healer, educator, and advocate for our cultural traditions and healing practices. Read more>>
Louma El-Khoury
There’s an overwhelming pressure today to identify and follow our single purpose, as if we are only destined for one pursuit throughout our life. But for many, purpose seems to shift across different life stages, perhaps each leading to the next. Read more>>
Scott Elgram
My girlfriend and I took a trip to Hawaii, a place I’ve visited countless times with my family. A place that was practically a second home. My girlfriend was already a photographer, she had her own camera and loved taking pictures of all the places we visit. Even then, I really didn’t see what was going on, this was before I really developed an interest in photography. I was just the good boyfriend that carried the heavy camera bag and tagged along while she took all the pictures. Read more>>
Deirdre Selby
I live my purpose every day, and it has morphed over time. This has not always been the case for me… as a little girl and through my teenage years I knew I was destined to be a teacher. Back then being a teacher was women’s work… and looked down upon, so I went in every other direction… ending up in finance and was miserable. Finally, in my mid-30s I was done with pleasing others, and I returned to school. The universe had a sense of humor and chose this time to gift me, my impossible only son. Read more>>
Makesa Stovall
Embarking on the journey to discover one’s purpose is an exhilarating and transformative experience. As I navigate the intricate path of self-discovery, I find myself drawn to the profound question of “Why am I here?” I have had time to unravel the layers of my purpose, exploring the essence of who I am and the impact I aspire to make in the world. My journey begins with a yearning for meaning—a desire to infuse my life with purpose that goes beyond the routine. Read more>>
Marie Moon
This started back in 2014, Vic & I were struggling to conceive, and being limited on income, skipping meals until our next paycheck, loosing my job, and trying to figure out our way, it was pretty tough. I vividly remember my cousin [who is now our hair and make up artist in our studio] asking me to capture her baby shower event, which I happily agreed to. I remember picking up the camera, feeling joy, and feeling this type of importance. Like this was what I was meant to do. Read more>>
DeCarlos McKinney
I found my purpose when I was just 16 years old navigating Atlanta as a gay black boy. The streets of Atlanta allowed me to go to school where I connected with a summer enrichment program that specialized in STEM exploration for underserved communities based at Morehouse College. Through my participation in this extensive summer program, I was able to build relationships with the other students who were involved and spent their summers dorming at Grave’s Hall, just like me. Through these eventful experiences (whether academic or recreational) I learned firsthand how influential I am and could be. Read more>>
PHAZE GAWD
I found purpose in providing a platform not only for myself but for the creative community in my city and beyond. Whether it be collaborating on music projects or sharing the stage with other talented acts I never wanted to limit the spotlight just to myself when I knew there was enough shine for everyone who truly wanted it. Read more>>
Layne VanLieshout
I came from a healthcare background; I knew for quite a while I wanted to help others in their health, even if I was unsure how that looked exactly at times. I went into the nursing field, became a Nurse Practitioner, and loved so many aspects of my job. The adrenaline, the intense situations, the ability to use critical thinking skills, working among brilliant healthcare providers in the interdisciplinary team — but a couple years in I found myself burned out and experiencing quite puzzling symptoms such as dizziness, near fainting, chest discomfort, palpitations, insomnia, exhaustion, and anxiousness. Read more>>
Kicki
I followed my heart. I know it sounds a little cliche … But for me it’s true. I discovered early in life that I have a gift for details. I can see most things and immediately deconstruct and reconstruct it in my minds eye. Makes me appreciate alittle more, the process that goes into producing finished products … and also gives me some kind of an edge in the services I provide, to either make it easier for someone else to understand, or to figure out ways to make things more efficient in their execution. Read more>>
Brandy M. Morgan
It’s funny how life throws us curve balls when we least expect it. This world that we live in will take you on the wildest of rides and still teach you lessons along the way. Some situations will teach you patience, some circumstances will show you kindness, and others will cause you pain. In each of these journeys, we must learn to find those hidden gems through all of the muck. It was within this muck that my purpose found me. I was facing federal charges because I chose to be in a relationship with the wrong type of person—someone whom I thought I knew. Read more>>
Sarah Leistico
I think “purpose” is a constant journey. Life has its seasons, and there’s an opportunity to focus on a purpose or something that calls to us in each iteration. What guides me in this season is the desire to share the magic of creating art outdoors and empowering folks to tap into inspiration and joy through their creativity. Read more>>
Kala Lewis
Finding my purpose as an interior designer has been a journey shaped by passion, experiences, and a deep connection to the art of creating spaces. It all began with a genuine love for design and the impact it has on people’s lives. Early on, I found myself captivated by the ability of well-designed spaces to evoke emotions, enhance functionality, and reflect individuality. Exploring various design disciplines and styles allowed me to discover the breadth and depth of the field, from classic to contemporary, minimalism to maximalism. Read more>>
Veronica Camarena
we are born with 1 purpose. but it takes time to figure it out. well atleast for me it did. I always loved teaching, as a young girl i would set up a chalkboard i had created with taping papers to the wall that could write on and desk and chairs for my sisters to sit & be my students, I would teach them & give them homework. i began at age 14 having summer jobs where i was a teacher assistant at age 14 in a kindergarten class. as an adult I went to college & became a teacher for my career. so i always was into teaching but sometimes would try other kind of jobs just to see if i liked it better but would always return to teaching. Read more>>
Nikolas Anders
Honestly, it was an accident. I didn’t even think about it until it was mentioned to me that I was already doing it. That’s how I know God puts people in my life for a reason. Read more>>
Galo Daniel Medina Huamani
Since I was a child I always had the desire to communicate and be an influential person. I had the desire, I had the energy, but I didn’t have the tools. It was at that moment where I looked for a person who had the results that I wanted to have, those results that I admired. That’s how I found my purpose, surrounding myself with people who are passionate about telling extraordinary stories, because I believe that to find what we are passionate about we have to leave our comfort zone. Read more>>
Angelique Strawderman
I found my purpose after having my beautiful daughter. Once she was born, I knew I wanted to stay at home and take care of her and spend as much time with her as possible. However, the real world catches up eventually, and bills need to be paid. I knew I didn’t want to go back to an office setting and put my baby in daycare, so I really started thinking hard on what I could do to balance time with my daughter, and still help cover the bills. Read more>>
Fredrianna Harris
I don’t think I found my purpose . My purpose found me . It found me in my most vulnerable moments . It caught me off guard and took ahold of me in the most genuine way . My purpose was calling me . I won’t ever forget the day I knew I was suppose to be a writer . It was sophomore year in Morgan park high school . 2008 maybe 09 . I was walking to my locker and I saw this door that was open . In the classroom was a group of poets . They were trying out to be contestants in louder than a bomb . I walked in that room out of curiosity and became who I am today . Read more>>
Alli Farudi
I think finding purpose in life comes from finding what you’re most passionate about. My love for photography has been life long but I think certain experiences in life made it more clear that it’s what I wanted to do. Growing up I always loved photographing and capturing moments. Then my first year of marriage my husband and I moved to Belgium and all I wanted to do was capture the beauty of everything we saw traveling all over Europe, never people focused. A year later we came home to California and I was pregnant with my first baby. Read more>>
Erin Taylor
Our purpose started to reveal itself as soon as we opened our doors – while initially we invited local artisans to join us to fill space and have our shoppe not look empty, we quickly realized that helping our communities small businesses grow, learn, and thrive was going to be our mission and main purpose for many years to come! Read more>>
Carla Daniela
I found my purpose at the young age of 9 years old when I was watching a TV show about fashion designers. I was fascinated by fashion and how designers created original clothes, sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns they design. I wanted to make people look and feel beautiful by designing beautiful clothes. Since I was a little my interest and purpose grew, I started trading toys for fabrics. Read more>>
Shun Johnson
I found my purpose as I was going through a difficult time in my life, I have been diagnosed with Cancer previously but this time it was something different. I found myself in a closer relationship with God and on this journey, I would like to believe my life purpose here is to show love and light to others, and also to receive it, while leaving a legacy behind me. I also hope that part of my purpose it to bring a change, or break a pattern, and I’m determined to help make a change or at least leave a mark, so nobody else goes through it alone and without support. I found my Purpose through my Pain…… Read more>>
Rob Hammer
The photography industry is a crazy place filled with a lot of amazing and generous people. There are also a high percentage of people/business’ that just want to bleed as much out of you for as cheap as possible. Dealing with that for any amount of time will force you to reevaluate what it is you want out of your career. Do you just want to be rich and famous or do you want to collaborate on projects that are genuinely meaningful with other like minded people? If money is all you seek, then there are a million ways to get it while selling your soul day after day. For me there has to be more than a paycheck. Read more>>
Liz Canty
I have been a runner for nearly 10 years, and enjoyed this hobby as my alone time, mental health check in, and one of the few things in a day I did just for me. On top of work, completing my Master’s degree, training and just “getting through the week”, I felt I never had time to participate in anything bigger or more important to the community. I also realized I had a platform (through my shoe sponsor, Speedland) and the outgoing personality to join causes and do some extra good in the world. Read more>>
Dr Alison Curdt
I find my purpose in doing things that I enjoy that also serve and help others. Through coaching golf, I find an intrinsic satisfaction helping others enjoy the game, demystifying the complexities of the sport, and educating athletes on how to perform better. I find this gets me excited to start my day, knowing that others will find some joy in golf through my involvement. By helping others, I feel I have a purpose in the industry and its valued. Read more>>
Amy Green
Having faced the profound heartbreak of three losses with my partner, Isaac, prior to the birth of our first child, I encountered the immense challenge of finding adequate support during such a trying time, despite my background as a therapist. This personal journey of healing fueled my determination to make a difference in the field of perinatal mental health. Read more>>
Brianne Valentino
I found my purpose early in life by surrounding myself with artists in school. My aunt gifted me a pink polaroid camera when I was 10 years old. From then I found myself immersed into photography, later taking classes in high school. Photography was my first joy and love giving me purpose in life. I majored in photography in college. After college I began to paint. I further immersed myself into painting after several family members were diagnosed with cancer. Read more>>
Thanos Willey
Hi! I am Thanos. In case anyone is curious about my name, yes. I am named after Thanos from Marvel’s Avengers. My dad has always been a big Marvel fan. Back in 1992, he got a copy of my birth certificate signed by Stan Lee. I never met Stan. However, I have the utmost respect for him and his achievements. Read more>>
Kerri Brown
I made a decision in 2023 to begin donating “Adopt Me” dog bandanas to animal rescue organizations all across the country. I noticed in social media photos, that these homeless pets needed a way to stand out and get noticed. We like to send bandanas in vibrant colors and unique designs, in hopes that it will draw attention to their photos. This is our way of giving back and making a difference in the lives of these homeless animals. Read more>>
Jamey Kahl Lennane
Finding my purpose has been an introspective journey that has ebbed and flowed with the events of life. My passion to succeed has been strongly influenced by my roll as a mother My son River is the reason why I work so hard to become successful, creating a life that focuses on time freedom and flexibility. Outside of my professional life, I seek passion through adventure and move with the intention of personal growth. This is found through diving, beach and waterway cleanups with local non-profits. Read more>>
KARLY JEWELL
Music has always played a huge part in my life for as long as I can remember. My late Grandfather was a song writer so I had been watching and learning the craft of music and how to write songs from a very young age. When I started writing songs and connecting with people through song, I knew this was my purpose to share and to create. I had always struggled with jobs and trying to figure out what I wanted to be, until I realized I’m already doing what I’m meant to be doing I’m an artist and I have been my whole life. Read more>>
Stephen Cawelti
My purpose is to help people and provide education that benefits them regardless of whether they retain my services as an attorney. Before attending law school I got a degree in psychology and child development. I went on to work in the entertainment industry. My knowledge and work history showed me that there are a lot of high-tension areas that affect families. Read more>>
Tanya Rose
I was raised in the midwest just outside of Chicago. before the internet and hashtags, where midwest winters will add strength to any character. I was the middle of 5 kids, with 3 step siblings from my mothers second marriage. Our house was unfinished and was literally bursting at the seams. We were raised in a conservative religion, levels of hierarchy, no holidays or birthdays and secular education was not encouraged, nor was associating with people who thought differently. Read more>>
Frances Ledgewood
Working at a party store in high school opened my eyes to the world of invitations and paper goods. The creativity, joy, and personal touch that went into creating beautiful stationery captured my heart. It was in this vibrant environment that I discovered my passion for bringing people together through the art of paper goods. Read more>>
