Stories & Lessons for Finding Your Purpose

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.

Rachelle Cochran

My journey to finding my purpose began at a remarkably young age – I was only 10 years old when I stumbled upon what would become my life’s passion. It all started with a simple realization: making people laugh brought me unparalleled joy. I was not the cutest or the smartest in my family so I carved out a path of my own that centered around spreading laughter. Read more>>

Phil Caragol

I was a frustrated bully in early grade school. At 52, I learned that I had undiagnosed ADHD. In those early years, I was a misfit, a perpetual motion machine plagued with racing thoughts, who didn’t fit in. I’m still ashamed that I took out my frustrations on schoolmates who would eventually become my best friends. Deep down, all I wanted was to be a nice, normal kid. Read more>>

Ilona Leclerc

My journey to finding my purpose was a process of self-discovery and reflection. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating beauty and sharing it with others. Whether through art, or any form of expression, I felt a sense of fulfillment in contributing something positive to the world around me. Read more>>

Trixie Leuck

This was the easiest part of building our business. Our brand was created by our love filled journey of adoption that brought our daughter into our lives. Hello Duchess named after our daughter, embodies the hope, joy and unconditional love that came with welcoming her into our world. Read more>>

Charmaine Joie

For 25 years, I worked in the fashion industry as a paid 9-5 employee following orders and doing the scripted duties I was assigned to complete. I did the work but never truly felt fulfilled as I relied on paycheck to paycheck just to get by day to day. It wasn’t until I experienced a tragic turn in my life as I experience a low point in my life. Read more>>

Porsha Hendrix

I totally found my calling when I started making stuff for my baby boy, Porter Lee. Sewing up cloth diapers and cute bibs was just the beginning. But you know what? Those burp rags I made? Turns out they’re super handy for way more than just baby messes! So, I got to thinking, why not make reusable paper towels for the kitchen too? Read more>>

Anne Lester

I was terrible with money growing up – whenever I’d get any money at all, it literally felt like it was burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn’t wait to spend it. Maybe because of that, or just because I was curious, I was also fascinated by the world of finance.  Read more>>

Carly Lake

My purpose in my life and art are very intertwined, as with most artists. I found my purpose in art by following my interests in life and getting involved with people in spaces I wanted to learn more about. This has taken shape through my long time interest in learning about ecological relationships and human interactions with land and plants.  Read more>>

Kwuow Oman

I found my purpose through trial and error, seeing what has fulfilled me most. Volunteering was the way I achieved clarity in my purpose. My purpose has a distinct undertone, but the means to achieve my purpose have change directly throughout the years. I simply chase what fulfills my heart the most. Expressions matter, but the means don’t. Read more>>

Jolie Rodriguez

My passion for photography came to be when as a young mother of 4 my husband died suddenly. We were lost and looking for something to make us whole again. Little did I know that booking our family pictures would put us on a path of healing.  Read more>>

Darla Zuhdi

When I first began writing, I was in my 20s. Four books were published in a series I wrote for kids aged seven and up called the Cat Detectives. I loved writing and often would immerse myself in the story as I was writing. This was when I realized I was a writer. I could feel myself becoming the story. Read more>>

Elaine Williams

I’d always loved performing and had done so professionally growing up in TX. When I moved to NYC to pursue theatre, people kept telling me I was funny. Finally I took a stand up comedy class. It was intimidating and frustrating.  Read more>>

Dana Childs

I had a bit of an “Eat Pray Love” moment, but with coconut rice instead of pasta. After climbing the corporate ladder and feeling like a misfit, I decided to sell everything I owned, pack a backpack and bought a one-way ticket to India. For over a year, I journeyed through SE Asia and Australia and studied multiple modalities along the way.  Read more>>

Torie Gehlmeyer

Finding my purpose wasn’t something that just happened overnight. It’s been a gradual evolution that spans my entire life. Throughout this journey, one constant has been following my heart and pursuing my passions.  Read more>>

Misa Pignataro

I am fortunate to be given the gift of health from my parents as they laid the foundation of healthy habits when I was young. My youngest daughter was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive at 1 years old. Thankfully we were able to over come that challenging time through food and use food to heal. Read more>>

Chajuan Jones

Well, 6/9/2020 I was fired from my job. I was racially profiled. Covid was at large. My job fought me for unemployment. My best friend was dying from cancer. I tried to help her find natural remedies to help her, but she believed in her Dr and she has/had so much faith in the Lord. She knew if it was Gods will it was his way.  Read more>>

Laura Youngbird

I was a determined and curious child. I disassembled my mother’s sewing machine (maybe to try to figure it out?). I remember that I tried and tried to tie my own shoes, until I figured it out. I was always experimenting and often bringing my sisters into the plan. Read more>>

Christopher Booher

The purpose of the Vanity house from the start had always been to create a safe place and a lasting presence for the LGBTQ+ in a major city that was seriously lacking in inclusivity. We began by brining regularly scheduled drag brunches to a community that was not always ready or open to it. By our 6th year of business we offer almost 4 shows a week any given week. Read more>>

Frances Cause

I found my purpose both through listening to my heart and nurturing my mental health to put myself in a position to realize my dreams. I asked myself… if I could do anything-regardless of money-what would it be? I had mentors who said if what you are doing is your passion, the money will follow. Read more>>

Sara Heald

Self-Reflection: I take time to introspect and evaluate what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. I reflect on my interests, values, strengths, and passions. Exploring Passions: I explore various activities and hobbies outside of work. Through these experiences, I discover what resonates with me on a deeper level. Read more>>

Carolyn Ricks

I found my purpose by first acknowledging the fact that no one is perfect. I allowed myself to completely heal from the wounds and scars in my life. I asked God to forgive me for everything that I did in my past and he did just that. Read more>>

Madison Muszynski

I’ve always wanted to make a difference. At first, I thought it had to be on a large scale but realized it’s the little actions that add to the change. I’ve always had a passion for the environment and reducing my carbon footprint, so as I expanded my knowledge of fashion and design it heavily focused on sustainability. Read more>>

Ana Cervantes

Purpose is a seed planted in our hearts. I believe that using your heart as a compass is inevitably followed by finding your purpose. When we allow our hearts to lead the way, it’s as though the universe conspires in our favor, guiding us unfailingly towards our purpose.  Read more>>

Martha Isabel Castrillon

I was really lucky, I found my purpose from a very young age when I was barely 8 years old, in a very concise way and without touching on topics such as the extrasensory, religious or transcendental, I had an experience, a precise event, which would subsequently direct all my future activities;  Read more>>

Kyanna Tamborini Bryan

It’s a beautiful thing to love what you do and to find purpose in your passion. I was fortunate enough to work my way into the marine mammal field after graduating with a degree in Marine Biology. I thought I was fulfilling my purpose through contributing to manatee conservation and marine mammal research across Florida.  Read more>>

Froswa Booker

When I was a kid, I aspired to become a doctor because I wanted to help people. I considered various career options, but I kept coming back to professions where I could positively impact others’ lives. I started working in the nonprofit sector since it allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to my community alongside others. Read more>>

Maria Maxwell

Throughout my journey to find my purpose, I have always been drawn to the idea of empowering and instilling confidence in women. As I searched for my dream job, I constantly asked myself “why?” Why did I want to make a certain amount of money? Why did I want to perform specific services? The answer I kept coming back to was connection. I realized that my true passion lies in connecting with others and making a difference in their lives. Read more>>

Serena Arvayo

My name is Serena Arvayo. I am 31 years old and born and raised in San Jose, CA. I am a single mom of a 12 year old son named Ezekiel, aka “Zeek.” Zeek lives with profound level 3 Autism, ADHD and is non-verbal. I found my purpose through my son. Read more>>

Manny Valenzuela

I am an outgoing person, however I’m not the one who wants to be the center of attention. I have deep thoughts and emotions that are only shared with close family and friends. But I do express these thoughts and feelings through my work. It is my way of expressing all those things I hold inside. Read more>>

Mary Rush

I was born emergently 3 months early weighing 2lbs 5.5 oz, and my parents always told me how resilient I was, and that God must have a special plan for me. Even as a child I enjoyed helping others, whether it was helping my younger brother, or reading to the children in the church nursery on Sundays. Read more>>

Jenny D Arzberger

Discovering my true calling in design emerged from a deeply personal journey—raising a special needs child. Determined to give my child the best environment to thrive, I delved into creating spaces that cater to unique needs and foster growth. This experience unveiled my passion for inclusive design, guiding me to establish a firm dedicated to crafting environments that support all individuals.  Read more>>

Rebeka Breder

Ever since I was a teenager (I am currently 46 years old), I knew I wanted to be a lawyer for animals. Not necessarily because I always loved them, but more so because I always believed they deserved much better protection and rights than they have. Read more>>

Alejandra Alarcon

It took me a lot of years, love, empathy and self-knowledge; to find my purpose; now I can say that my purpose is to be true to myself. Read more>>

Denise Lamoureux

I owned a restaurant for 26 years. I bought it when I was 29 years old. in 1989. During that time, I got married and I had two boys. I divorced when my children were young, Early in my marriage, I had begun to suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks.  Read more>>

Becky Thompson

I am deeply passionate about health and wellness. I believe that taking care of our bodies and ensuring optimal well being is essential for a fulfilling life. My journey in becoming a lymphatic drainage specialist began with a personal interest in understanding the body’s natural detoxification process.  Read more>>

adriana shuman

The not-so-simple answer is this: by embracing silence. What I mean by embracing silence involves taking solitary walks often, without talking, without a specific plan, simply stepping out of my 8-story apartment building in the evenings and wandering up the hill towards nature, walking as much as I desire.  Read more>>

Whitney Hill

There are some seeds that need darkness to germinate, and that’s how it feels like I came to my purpose. I was at the lowest point in my life after a divorce and an international move back to my birth country, with no job, the career I’d built upended, and living with my parents again after being independent for years. Read more>>

T.W. On Demand

By relentlessly pursuing perfection! Read more>>

LaMal Mack

The day kicked off on a rough note. Waking up for work felt like a drag, especially being away from my family as a Truck Driver. Despite being a Regional Driver, the constant urge to transition to a different profession lingered.  Read more>>

Koach Keisha

During the pandemic I wanted to help in a major way. GOD said to me-to become a Life Coach. I had Know idea what I was to do as a Life Coach. Fast forward, it has been a joy & purposefully serving others. Read more>>

Victoria Sueiro

Finding my purpose was a journey that began about a year ago when I had a vision to bring a European style to Austin, Texas. Being someone who has always been cautious of the sun and the impact it has on my skin, I wanted to create something fashionable that also offered protection. Read more>>

Noam Peri

I started writing at a young age, primarily due to my mother’s insistence on learning to read and write. Writing became an essential aspect of my life as I grew up. I wrote stories and songs, but I never took it any further. Read more>>

Kim Carter

I would respond that it found me. Based on my past experiences of trauma and abuse, layered that with self-degradation, low self-esteem and self-worth, countered with societal tools of discrimination against women, biases towards women of color, and this huge thing around class and caste systems, I would definitely say that my purpose found me.  Read more>>

Vernita Parker

I would say, my purpose found me. As far back as I can remember, I have always had a deep interest in people and their stories. What made them special, what got them excited about life. I have always had a curious nature and I love learning.  Read more>>

Candice Erickson Perham

I found my purpose through a journey that was anything but easy. It wasn’t until 2018 that the I began to fully understand that all of my life’s experiences were culminating at the same time. In that tumultuous time, I began to unravel the intricate web of how my family dynamics and childhood shaped not just my thoughts, but my very physiology along with the understanding that I was an empath.. Read more>>

Elaine Torrance-Gingrich

In a lot of ways, my awakening journey began with the passing of my first husband in 2003. To say my world was shattered would be an understatement. We had 3 young daughters and I had felt the better parent died. I lost my identity. I was so defined as his wife and mother to his children that I had lost who Elaine was. Read more>>

Vincent Manzullo

I found my purpose through failure. Through failures in life, you get to know yourself more and understand your purpose. Failing allows for you to readjust and sharpen your skillset. Failure also can lead to confidence as you can only go up from failing. You cannot be afraid to fail in any facet of life. Read more>>