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.
Danielle Henry
My purpose is to inspire and expand the hearts and minds of people globally by awakening their understanding of self, and I use Food as Medicine to do it! I teach people the importance of looking to NATURE for their nourishment, and I offer them practical steps to successfully and sustainably fulfill their wellness goals. Read more>>
Julia Kestner
I first started dabbling in hand lettering about 10 years ago, around the time I moved to San Diego. I was going through a really difficult time and was struggling with depression, and I just started writing some quotes and phrases that gave me hope. I started sharing my work online, as well as my story and my struggles living with mental illness, and I realized that so many people were going through similar challenges. Read more>>
Jiawei Fu
I believe purpose emerges from our everyday experiences and the stories we hear from others. It is both a conceptual and tangible force, capable of deeply affecting us. I find purpose in the small details and moments that inspire me to delve deeper, improve, and keep moving forward. Purpose is like a small deity present in every second. Read more>>
Lisa Phillips
My purpose has shifted over the last few years. The foundation has always been helping other to become successful in the Arts and Entertainment Business but recently through deep and validating connections with others who have gone through similar abuse on their journey to success, I found my deeper purpose. Read more>>
Noelle Robinson
I wish this could be answered in a conversation face-to-face over a honey latte, but I’ll settle for writing out my answer. I want to define purpose in two ways: defining what I do and why I do it. I have always had a proclivity towards design /creativity in some form: playing dress up with Barbies to creating a floor plan of a hospital to creating a themed dorm room in college. Read more>>
Lillian Morales-Laster
Finding my purpose has been a personal journey of self-discovery, reflection, and growth. Beyond my professional career, my community work has been instrumental in shaping my purpose. Here’s how I found mine, along with some tips that might help you on your journey: 1. Reflect on Your Passions and Interests: Early on, I realized I had a passion for fostering supportive environments and advocating for social change. Ask yourself what activities make you feel most alive and fulfilled. What issues or causes are you passionate about? Read more>>
Victor Melchor
I found my purpose by just experimenting with my craft (filmmaking & photography). Over the past 5 years, I’ve worked on a variety of different projects, starting out with short films, music videos, mini documentaries, and now I’m putting most my effort into creating photo and video tutorials on social media. I realized the thing I love most is actually teaching. Read more>>
Brittany Woodham
Growing up, I always felt my purpose was to help others, but I wasn’t sure how. Over the last few years, I’ve realized that my true calling is to help people heal from challenging situations and past traumas. As a counselor, my early years were tough, working with children in DCS custody, foster care, and individuals struggling with addictions. I trained in EMDR and began doing trauma work, but something still felt missing. Read more>>
Moosa Edible Dried Fruit Tea Infusions
Born and raised in Ecuador, we three co-founders (Emilio, Samanta and Fernando) at Moosa are driven by our desire to share the vibrant, healthy flavors of South America with the world. Inspired by the pure, additive-free fruits from local farmers, we saw an opportunity to introduce Americans to a healthier, flavorful alternative to sugar-packed beverages. Our unique edible dried fruit tea infusions allow people to enjoy a refreshing tea and then savor the real fruit, providing a double delight of taste and health. Read more>>
Manuela Sánchez Goubert
The journey to finding my voice was a gradual process. Early in my career, I discovered that the stage was where I felt most at home, where I could truly express myself. However, when I arrived in New York, the city that embraced me, I was uncertain about how to find my unique voice in jazz. It was when I began to intertwine jazz with my cultural roots that I truly found my voice. Read more>>
Jesstyne Johnson
I think in some ways I’m still discovering my purpose but I know I was created to create and to bring others into that world. It’s what makes me come alive the most. It’s what the Lord has confirmed to me in times of prayer with Him. It’s what’s been confirmed through other people & the feedback I get about my art and classes. Read more>>
Bucky Bassette
I was able to find my purpose when I suddenly became tired of not knowing who I was and why I was here on earth. Up to that point in my life I had done everything I felt everyone else wanted and desired for my life. I had tried college, worked, went into the military, finished college with my MBA, and hit corporate America. Even in all that I had accomplished, I still felt as if something was missing. Read more>>
Irina Navarrete
I am honored to share this part of my story. The star of this story is my Charity Nonprofit organization “Houston Volleyball Group” that I love with all my heart. Sometimes to find a purpose we need to go through difficulties and challenges and this what was happening to me all my life. Read more>>
Andrea Sok
I am a storyteller and after a career in nonprofit marketing and communications where I was introduced to so many interesting, inspiring, and innovative stories, I knew I had to find a way to help people share theirs. From small businesses to startups to nonprofits, everyone has a story to tell they just need a little help. Read more>>
Alicia Nolan
August 17, 2022 my world turned upside down. My wife died by suicide. It was a nightmare that I never thought would be my reality, but it is my reality now. That was the day that my new normal began. I call it my new normal because everything changed that day. Everything that I thought my future was going to be, my family, the way my brain operated, and my motivations all changed. Read more>>
Joan Marie Galat
My purpose stems from my interests that have grown from two activities. The first is reading, which has been expanding my world since early childhood when I first experienced the satisfaction of choosing my own books at libraries and bookstores. Holding a book is like holding an opportunity. You don’t know where it will take you, but you know that when you’re done you will have gained new perspectives and experienced “aha!” moments. Read more>>
Candace Monaghan
Our family farm dates back to 1900. First being in the tomato canning business, then beef farmers who transitioned into a dairy farm for 92 years and currently a beef, straw and hay operation. Having a legacy like that and carrying it on is where “my purpose” began. Supporting and carrying on what my family before me had worked so hard to accomplish meant a lot to me. Read more>>
Elizabeth Rosenberg
Between layoffs, burnout, toxic work cultures, political and social unrest, and constant culture wars, people are on the search for purpose now more than ever. It doesn’t matter if you’re a billionaire 3x founder or an hourly unionized worker. The quest to answer “What is my purpose? Why am I here? What is it I’m meant to do?” has and will continue to be all consuming for so many. Read more>>
Lisk Feng
During my teenage years, I wanted to become an illustrator. I was deeply passionate about learning various techniques. I was so dedicated that even while showering, I would think about how to create a water reflection in Photoshop. As a high school student, I focused on improving my digital illustrations. After high school, I pursued illustration in college and began to dream of creating my first book. I received commissions during college and felt that this was my true purpose. I worked extremely hard to achieve my goals. Read more>>
Karuna Schwartz
My purpose is to bring the timeless benefits of meditation to as many people as I can in this lifetime. I came to meditation, like many people, with a little bit of skepticism and a lot of hope. I hoped that meditation would fix all of my problems, but of course, I realized very quickly that it wasn’t a magical elixir. Read more>>
Shayla Paradeis
It was always there, it was simply a matter of listening deeply to myself. There were things in life I thought I was supposed to do. And while doing them, I would often drift in my thoughts to a mountain stream in Montana. Eventually I answered the vision and moved to the place I dreamed of in Glacier National Park. Read more>>
Marie Seaman
I found purpose by failing. I failed the Arizona Bar Exam. After receiving my Doctorate in Law, publishing a thesis on prison reformation, and completing a three-year clerkship for a top Phoenix law firm, I dedicated a year to take the exam. It did not come easy. In fact, it felt like I was swimming against the current most days. I put in more study hours than some of my colleagues, so why couldn’t I pass? Twice. Read more>>
Jill Sitnick
While I have always been an educator at heart, one of the most defining moments in my life was when, after easing out of my enhanced state from an MDMA therapeutic journey to heal PTSD, I sat up and simply told my doctors I wanted to write a book about the therapy to help explain it to others. It was that simple. Read more>>
Charlecia Joy
I believe that finding my purpose has been inspired by many factors. One of my main inspirations has been my mother and her ability to nurture my talents. She recognized my gift for art at a young age and saw how creating art made me happy. She was so proud of my earlier works; she always showcased them at our home gallery, aka the refrigerator door. Read more>>
Tamara & Jesse Furgason
Our purpose at Everlasting Candle Co. was discovered through a blend of passion for creating memorable experiences and a drive to innovate. We have always cherished the moments of gathering friends and family, where the warm glow of candlelight plays a central role. However, the limitations of traditional wax candles—their short lifespan and the mess of smoke and soot—left us wanting more. Read more>>
Keji A
My journey to finding my purpose began with a simple yet profound love for riding in expensive cars and the experience of having a private chauffeur. There’s a certain allure in the luxury of being driven, allowing one to enjoy the journey without the distractions of driving. This lifestyle resonated deeply with me, sparking a passion that would eventually shape my career and business aspirations. Read more>>
Camila Greenberg
I was actually an actress for almost 20 years, but the instability was so challenging that I found myself broke, suicidally depressed, and losing hope. I finally surrendered to the Universe/God/Source and asked to be led. I let go of side jobs and lived on credit cards and faith, waking up every day listening to my intuition and going wherever it told me to go. Read more>>
Alyssa Nicole
Your purpose is in your heart, so you find it when you consciously heal your heart and allow it to open up. Everything we go through, our traumas, our mistakes, and our heart breaks can cause us to close ourselves off. We stay in our comfort zone in fear of getting hurt. We do anything to avoid pain, so we end up staying in unfulfilling situations, and we miss out on a lot of pleasure. Read more>>
Rosalee Kidd-Mighty
Purpose is, the reason for which someone is created or exists or something is done or created (Oxford dictionary, paraphased). My main purpose in life is to do the will of my Creator, God Almighty, as per 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, I should do all to the glory of God.” Read more>>
Anda Pho
I initially started my career in investment banking and finance, largely influenced by my upbringing. With two immigrant parents who sacrificed everything for my future, practical and secure career choices were highly valued in our household. However, I soon realized that my true passion didn’t lie there. Read more>>
MikeAnthony Torres
I found my purpose based on how I was raised by my mother! She taught me at an early age to give back and to help others no matter what. I have established a company to where we host some of the biggest festivals and events in my city and we include a nonprofit organization to help raise money and awareness for their foundation. Read more>>
Rebekah Kim
I heard an entrepreneur once say, “I start with the end of the story. I’m filling in the script that gets me there.”Questions of mortality and existential moments are a visceral reframing of reality–they can be enlightening and terrifying. I saw end of life scenarios playing in my mind, dialogues examining a life lived. And then it hit me—the shame of my excuses defending my fears and doubts. Read more>>
Josie Axelson
Thank you so much for having me! This is such a great and deep question. I think I’ve followed a lot of different paths that have led me to my ultimate purpose; to bring forth connection through storytelling. To help people feel like they are not alone. I love that the human experience can be so transformative when we simply see each other for who we truly are. I grew up performing and sharing stories with others on stage and through film. Read more>>
Marquette Shaw
Finding a purpose for Savannah’s Got Food came from seeing the need to tell the story of Savannah. When I arrived here I seen a community buzzing with culture. At first glance it was filled with tourists, restaurants, shops, and a beautiful waterfront. Then I found out some of the deepest secrets like being the largest slave port, having at least 300 voyages bringing over 23,000 blacks to Savannah and being the first planned city in America, I knew there was more to learn. Read more>>
Katie Wilson
Originally started as a way to give back, I spent 12 years running a charity golf outing that raised almost $100k. I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many amazing people, nonprofit leaders/founders, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters! A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare lymphatic disease, which made me re-evaluate my purpose, how short life is, and what makes me happiest. Read more>>
Jasmine Bridges
Growing up, I always knew I had a higher purpose in the world, and a big part of that was going to be of being of service to people. I had no idea that it was going to relate to cooking or anything with food, But as I grew up watching family members like my god mother, my grandma, and my father cook, I knew that I grew an interest in cooking. Read more>>
