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.
David Bianchi
I have always had a purpose and a desire to be great. Throughout my life, I have had several ventures in my entrepreneurship but I’ve always had the knack to be an actor. I began performing at a very early age, but not until my mid-20s did I decide to pursue acting as a professional career. Read more>>
Nigel Knutzen
It’s funny, growing up I had no particular interest in theatre, or school for that matter. I dropped out when I was 15 years old and spent the next ten years training in martial arts. Obtaining a black belt in Kenpo Karate and a black belt in Taekwondo. Read more>>
Erica Bowles-Day
Sometimes, purpose follows pain, kind of like sunshine after rain. In my 19 years of motherhood, there have been moments of the deepest joy, and moments of grief that took me to my knees. Each of those experiences; which range from being a single teenage mother, secondary infertility, and postpartum depression, to marrying a man who loved my firstborn son as his own, finally getting pregnant again, becoming a doula, and founding the Mommy Mentor Club; gave me a deeper understanding, conviction, and clarity of what my passion and purpose is. Read more>>
Susan Ramirez
I believe that every one of us wants to find our purpose, yet so few of us are willing to take risks to find it. That was certainly my story. I found my purpose through a long journey of being in service to others–it is where I found my greatest joy. Chick-fil-A may have coined the term “It’s my pleasure” but it really was my great pleasure to be a helper. I had no vision to start a nonprofit, much less a national one. Read more>>
Sheena Sharapata
I was diagnosed as migraines with aura for 18 years from 8 concussions while playing competitive soccer. I had to forgo an athletic college scholarship offer in high school due to an array of head pain symptoms starting at age 14 and at age 32 when shocks and stabs started in my ear, eye and temple, I sought medical attention. My doctor advised on a new MRI with and without contrast in the hope to get a proper diagnosis. Read more>>
Sophie Serrano
I only now know what my purpose is in my late-thirties … it takes time to figure it out. To find something you’re good at, that you enjoy, that you’re passionate about, that can earn you a living. My purpose is a merge of things, but at the center of it is creativity. I must be creative to feel fulfilled and happy. Read more>>
Callie Smith
My journey to becoming a wedding planner began with a deep-rooted appreciation for the significance of family and the transformative power of love. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the joy and fulfillment that comes from celebrating life’s milestones surrounded by loved ones. These experiences laid the foundation for my belief in the importance of creating meaningful moments that bring people together. Read more>>
Jessica Chiapa
My art has been a great escape and form of expression, creating a new painting with a blank canvas with any material gives me the opportunity to analyze myself from my roots. I found in my ancestors and in nature the true value of existence, which led me to a self-knowledge that I would like to reveal in depth. Read more>>
Bella Waters
I have found my purpose as a creator and individual by defining what it is that I value in my life and choosing to actively lead a life rooted in those values. Living my life value forward has made me feel much more clear on the path of entrepreneurship. Seamlessly blending confidence with intention I find my purpose in that space. Read more>>
Kira Solomatova
When I was almost eight, I used to play school with two neighbors who were a bit younger than me. I already knew how to read, so I taught them the ABCs. We met nearly every day, and it was a lot of fun practicing together. Read more>>
Betsy Archer
When I was 14, I was kicked off my soccer team for being “too big”. I learned at that young age that my body was a problem that needed to be solved. Constant dieting, supplements, punishing workouts were the backdrop to decades of my life that left me hungry, injured and completely depleted in the pursuit of some obscure unobtainable ideal. Read more>>
Mela Yeager
I’d like to say that my purpose found me, I just had to get out of my own way. From an early age, my profound interest in fashion and modeling propelled me to experiment with garment design and emulate iconic poses from America’s Next Top Model in the mirror. Read more>>
Juan “Tides” Bodelón
I was the type of kid that cycled through different extracurricular activities and would eventually drop all of them, so when I told my parents I wanted to play an instrument at age 12, either bass or drums because I figured there already were too many guitarists, I suppose they didn’t think much of it. Read more>>
Mollie Wolf
The first moment I remember experiencing passion for something was the first time I took an improvisational dance class. I was 9, and my mom had been trying to find an extra curricular activity that excited me – she had signed me up for so many clubs and teams of various sports over the years, but nothing grabbed me and I always found some excuse to quit. Read more>>
Dr. Andy Ramos
As a healthcare worker, many of us find our purpose in life through helping others in need, restoring their quality of life, or coming along side someone through a difficult season in life. The desire to serve others is something that I had as a dream of mine since as long as I could remember. Although my childhood goals of being a doctor may have been similar to other children’s goals, my life did not look similar to theirs. Read more>>
Chad McIntyre
Finding my purpose as a photographer and film director may have been influenced by various factors such as my creativity, passion for visual storytelling, and a desire to share your unique perspective with the world. Ive been inspired by iconic filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, known for his suspenseful storytelling and innovative techniques. Read more>>
Danielle Foutch
I found my purpose in the care and love of animals due to the way that I grew up. I always had at least 12 dogs and several other critters roaming around my house as a kid. Nothing made me happier than the love and affection I got from my pets every single day. I had a super sweet Pomeranian gifted to me when I was in the 10th grade named lexi. Read more>>
Kate Penn
At this time in my life, I believe my purpose is to create permanent artwork on skin, to allow my clients feel like the best and most beautiful version of themselves. For many years I dreaded the question “What do you want to do with your life?” Read more>>
Cassy Carpino
November after a long delay in the application process. I started supply and quickly worked up to a contract teacher within a year. The biggest response from the schools? I worked. I showed up and did my job with confidence and capability. Read more>>
Venus Johnson
I was on indeed apply for jobs and got the call back from a Mental Health Facility. I didn’t think much of it, I went to the interview and got the job offer. Initially the job I got hired for was a behind the desk kind of job, one day I went out on training with a coworker and we did street outreach. Read more>>
Dani Frank
I grew up in a home where my father was very successful and my mother stayed at home to care for me and my three other siblings. I was raised thinking the most important thing in life was being successful. In second grade I won 1st place in the state of Georgia as a gymnast and went on to be a competitive tennis player. Read more>>
Scott Sayre
It’s a little like saying you have a point you want to get to, and each time you take an action you move 1/2 the remaining distance between you and that point. You never really get there but you make a gradual approximation and get awfully close. Read more>>
Ranesha’Dior
I’ve always been an entertainer my whole life but In 2016 I had undergone the biggest open heart operation in the world the very 1st pericardialplasty with a bypass after discovering I was born with my heart in my back with no pericardium. Read more>>
Heather Roma Wicks
Finding my purpose took some time and was definitely a long and winding road. And as you’ll see I am a serial entrepreneur and have so many passions! I’m almost 45 now and since I was in grade school I thought my purpose was to create fashion; and I did do that for many years. But I realized that because of how fast paced and demanding the industry can be and how the fast fashion brands have no problem knocking off us small designers, that maybe that life wasn’t for me. Read more>>
Peric Fang
Growing up as an Asian American, I was expected to pursue a stable corporate career. After college, I started working as an auditor at a Big Four Accounting firm, where the long hours left me unfulfilled. Pursuing an MBA at USC Marshall, I learned how digital platforms were transforming traditional sectors. Read more>>
Kate Bird
My journey in photography began during my childhood, when my parents gifted me my first camera. Capturing moments with friends and participating in local photography competitions ignited my passion for photography. Although I initially viewed it as a joyful pursuit, my parents cautioned me about the challenges of turning it into a career. Read more>>
Jacobie Williams
Rekindle my relationship with God when I really figured out what I wanted and needed to do. Growing up with a single mother with 7 kids watching her working 2 and 3 jobs to provide for us in a bad environment. And last my son of course, grownup with a father figure drove me to be a good father. Read more>>
Latrice Thomas
I discovered my purpose when I realized I wasn’t alone. Recognizing that my experiences echoed those of many other young women navigating similar challenges was pivotal. Parenting holds immense significance, particularly when you’re a teenage mother grappling with the responsibilities of raising a child without full awareness of the potential long-term repercussions. Read more>>
Daylajane Mays
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to help people and the way they would be so appreciative and happy when I did something for them, gave me excitement inside. I also, found purpose in my pain. Being in foster care at an early age of my life caused me so much pain, I had so many unanswered questions and confused on why was my siblings and I in that situation. Read more>>
Ziyan Yang
I believe that our purposes stem from impulses, dreams, and desires. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be surrounded by music, on stage, and in the spotlight. That initial passion guided me toward discovering my own purpose through the world of art. Read more>>
Anne Hungate
Finding my purpose took me at least 20 years of my career. I grew the fourth of five stair step children. There was always some activity and excitement in the house — but keeping order with that many moving pieces meant my siblings and I were raised with an abundance of rules. Read more>>
Aahana Paul Celine Bono
We originally created our podcast as an opportunity for us to discuss topics we feel aren’t talked about enough in settings like public schools. The podcast gave us an avenue to learn and share our knowledge over complex social issues as well as topics deserving more coverage. We value equal education as well as access to resources for young communities. Read more>>
Tania Denise “T.D.” Edwards
I found my purpose through a journey of self-discovery and faith. It wasn’t a single moment or event but rather a gradual unfolding guided by my relationship with Jesus Christ. As I navigated life’s challenges, I turned to prayer, reflection, and seeking guidance from scripture. Over time, I began to realize that my experiences, passions, and talents were all interconnected, leading me to a deeper understanding of my purpose. Read more>>
Cody Galloway, Megan Trask NA
This is a great question and honestly has been our north star throughout this roller coaster experience. No matter where we’ve been in TULA, the purpose and the “why” have remained consistent. As two moms who were struggling to find balance while managing careers and care giving we understand the issue we are solving for incredibly well. Read more>>
Lisa Small
Over the years I’ve been a part of, and led, many teams. I was always frustrated when I knew people had big visions or more potential and couldn’t create the steps to achieve those visions. I began to become dedicated to helping others grow through the recognition of their strengths, building their self-confidence, developing daily discipline and prioritizing actions which set their feet in the direction they desired. Read more>>
Han Cassera
My journey to discovering my purpose has been a journey shaped by a multitude of experiences and transitions. Graduating high school early led me to follow in my father’s footsteps, embarking on a path to become a physical education teacher. Read more>>
Kaitlin Murphy
Growing up, I thought I knew what I wanted to do, I wanted to become a police officer like my dad and grandpa and continue the family “legacy”. I continued to work toward that goal until I had my daughter, and had a change of heart because I wanted to stay home with her. I stayed home and became a stay at home mom of 3 littles. Read more>>
