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.
Hope Amico
When I look at on overview of my artistic path, I realize I continue to to do the things I have done since I was a teen: write stories about my experiences, ask questions, and encourage others. I loved working as a art teacher at summer camps for kids but as I work more and more with adults, I notice that kids don’t need encouragement or permission to make art in the way that many adults think they do. Working with adults through art classes and my monthly postcard project, Keep Writing, I am teaching creative adaptation. Read More>>
Julia / Ayesha Yee / Mukherjee
For us, finding purpose has always been about acknowledging and committing to our passions, and though we may have many, reading has always been one of our greatest joys! We’re privileged to have gone to an elementary and middle school that truly nurtured and celebrated reading, offering incredible library resources. Additionally, many of our close childhood friends also loved reading, so books and reading became a central part of our friendship from the very start! Read More>>
Kimberly Simmons
I am a historian and community educator. I am also a member of a historic family and claim descendancy from passengers of the Mayflower as well as passengers of the Underground Railroad.
As a child I was a voracious reader and was very drawn to historical non fiction. I believe my heritage is what made me curious of the history,culture and stories of other people. Read More>>
Masen Baker
The Keigan Baker Memorial Foundation was started after the passing of my brother Keigan Baker, a Combat Controller in the Air Force’s Special Warfare program. Keigan had lived a life fulfilled through the love of the military and specifically Special Operations, training day in and day out with a plan of becoming a member of that community. Read More>>
Monika Demmler
This is a difficult question. I don’t really know if I found my purpose – maybe I found the way to my purpose. Especially nowadays, in a somewhat “chaos” culture, it is both more important than ever to go “your” way and at the same time with a daily overload of information, it is very difficult to find one’s true purpose. I think my purpose has always been there since I was a small child and did what I loved and still love to do which is creating. Finding your purpose in my opinion is more about finding “yourself” and seems to be a lifelong search. Read More>>
Stephanie Van Hoeijen
By accepting there is no purpose. That might sound silly or to some even depressing, but honestly, it’s a very liberating thought. It takes away all the pressure. Accepting the inherent meaninglessness of existence allowed me to finally stop searching for a pre-ordained path and start forging my own, doing whatever the hell I please while trying to be what I consider a good person. If there’s no cosmic script to follow, no religion telling you what (not) to do and no other people’s lifepaths to copy, then suddenly, everything is permissible, everything is a possibility. Read More>>
Teresa Flowers
Discovering my purpose happened unexpectedly in a photography class right out of high school, I was asked to create a self-portrait. I chose to do a double exposure with my mom over myself. When a well-known photographer in the community saw my print and asked me what it meant, I realized that my art was expressing emotions and secrets deep from within. Read More>>
Amy Vargas
For as long as I can remember, flowers have been a part of my life. As a child, I would spend hours outdoors, mesmerized by the delicate petals and vibrant colors. There was something magical about the way flowers could brighten a room, calm a troubled mind, and even speak a language of their own. I didn’t know it at the time, but those early moments would lay the foundation for something much bigger than I could have imagined. Read More>>
Danielle Tarmey
On the one hand it was by chance! Growing up, and into my 40s, I knew there were things I wanted to do with my life: be a mother, travel, and make a difference somehow. Other than that, it was a bit vague. I didn’t want a 9-5, I didn’t want a job that was predictable, and I didn’t want a job where there was no room for growth or learning. In other words, I knew what I didn’t want but not what I did want to do with my life. Read More>>
Victoria Dash
I originally worked in the dental field, but everything changed during my third pregnancy. I hired a doula, Xio, to support me through labor and delivery. It turned out to be a life-changing decision—quite literally. During labor, I experienced severe complications and nearly lost my life. Xio immediately stepped in, advocating for me and ensuring the doctors were by my side when I needed them most. Read More>>
Daniela Tapia Ortega
Finding my purpose has been an evolving process. Like for many of us, it has been shaped by both my personal experiences and my professional aspirations. As an MSW (Master of Social Work) graduate student, my passion for understanding human behavior, empathy, and the desire to make a tangible impact in people’s lives has always been a driving force. It was my experience of working in social services, coupled with the creation of my business, TLC Coffee Co., that really helped me find my deeper purpose. It finally feels like I’m where I’m supposed to be and it’s only going to get better. Read More>>
Jen Cushman
For most of my life, I have had two main areas of interest: Art and Spirit. Discovering, learning, integrating, practicing and upleveling my knowledge and skills for both mixed-media art AND all things metaphysical (spirituality and energy) have been my lifelong pursuit. Read More>>
Jenny Wan
“Thank you.” In the film Shoplifters (2018), watching her non-biological family enjoying themselves by the sea from a distance, dying grandma Hatsue mouths her gratitude. This moment is captured through director Kore-eda’s distinctive still, low-angled shot, accompanied by children’s reckless laughters and rich chords of acoustic guitar in the background. Read More>>
Melanie Perez
My purpose is to provide my children with a better life and show them that anything is possible. I discovered this purpose through the struggles I faced as a single mother—raising three children with little support, battling suicidal thoughts, and enduring the hardships of doing everything on my own. Read More>>
Derek Vanderwarker
In 2013 I suffered a combination of back, hip and lower leg injuries that took me on a multi-year journey to deal with the pain and exhaustion of working with the tangled mess my body had become. Often juggling more than one rehabilitation program at a time, and the frustration of not being able to walk, stand, or sit without being is pain, drove me to find an approach to healing my body and mind and to get off the endless carousel of doctors, physical therapists, LMTs, and acupuncture offices. Read More>>
Edson Florez
Do you remember a time before you could really remember? When inspiration came from building forts out of pillows and blankets? When the creatures in a nearby creek seemed to speak to you? Not in the literal sense—but then again, maybe? I guess a part of me still imagines. That part has been challenged in many ways over the years, but the truth is, I’ve been fortunate. Fortunate to practice what I’m good at, to create freely, and to connect with other creatives—sometimes by happenstance. And though my words are few, this is where I find my purpose. Read More>>
Evan Baranosky
A quote comes to mind, that I believe sums up perfectly how I found my purpose, is by Dr. David Viscott, who was a psychiatrist and author. He said, “The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.” Read More>>
George Herrera
This question coming out of 14 years of active military service was a tough one for me. I fell into conversations where needing to redefine who I was and what I was going to do (accomplish) next in my life, seemed to be the main topic. After 14 years of military service and not meeting my goal; to retire like my father with at least 23 years of honorable service, Read More>>
Grant Gaspari
It took me what feels like a very long time to find what my purpose is. I spent years working jobs I didn’t like and didn’t know what to do. For the longest time I worried about what I would do with my life and could never come up with any concrete ideas or plans. The combination of the right timing and injuries that ultimately led to me finding my purpose. I started making videos for fun with my friends on a couple old camcorders. I never really thought anything would come from it but as time went on I kept having more and more fun and wanted to pursue it further. Read More>>
Haley Douglas
I reflect on this question often, and the answer always leads me back to a lifetime of exploration—following different interests that, over time, found a way to seamlessly connect.
As a kid, I was endlessly curious and always outside, hands in the dirt, playing with insects. At one point, I even dreamed of becoming an entomologist. Bless my mom’s heart—she supported my bug obsession, even helping me create a proper insect collection, though she gagged and looked away every time I pinned them to the styrofoam. If I wasn’t outside tending my own herb garden, riding horses, or collecting critters, I was inside crafting something. Read More>>
Haoqian (eric) He
I discovered my purpose in the film industry during my sophomore year in university, through an unexpected opportunity to work as a boom operator for a friend’s project. At the time, I only knew I loved filmmaking and wanted to be a part of it, but I wasn’t sure what specific role I should pursue. Read More>>
Kassidy Slaughter
For me, I’ve had a unique journey with finding my purpose. I’ve always been deeply aware of my passion for film and acting since I was young. I was fascinated with television before I was even walking. I grew up with my mind absolutely set on pursuing a career in motion pictures. I found so much joy in creating in many aspects, and I always worked with what I had until I could work my way up. Read More>>
Konstance Patton
As an artist, it took many years to find my purpose, to find my voice. I come from an artist household, and as a young girl I could draw, I could paint, and I learned how to sculpt. I learned many techniques from brilliant mentors and artists along the way. So many books I read and tried to emulate, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Basquiat, O’Keefe, and all the greats, but the problem was, I didn’t know what to paint. Read More>>
Michael Burnside
I believe that we have a defining moment in our lives.
A defining moment defines you.
When I was a teenager, my parents were in debt with paying income taxes. I did not understand how people get into financial difficulties paying taxes. Read More>>
Najah Brown
I found that the foundation of my purpose resided in my earliest memories as a child. My intuitive interest in beautiful images and art had always drove my excitement for life. Before I knew what photography or the fashion industry was, I always gravitated towards museum’s, magazines, billboards, and different kinds of art. Growing up in New York City, I was quickly exposed to the many ways of artistic expression. Both through clothing and how people wore their personality down the street, and the many images and campaign photos that flooded every street corner through advertisements and posters. Read More>>
Shawn Tolleson
I really don’t think I found my purpose until recently. Haven’t been a follower of Jesus since I was 15 years old, I’ve known for quite some time that I am supposed to be a light in whatever environment God puts me in. Throughout my time in professional baseball, I won hundred percent identified as a Christian, people know that I was a believer, but even still, I’m not sure I even found my identity in Christ. Read More>>
Victoria Rosas
With God all things are possible Let’s just say—purpose found me.
Originally, I planned to work in the criminal justice system. I attended Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut, where I completed my first semester as a freshman. I was passionate about criminal justice, but life had other plans. In my junior year of high school, I lost my father. His passing deeply affected me, carrying over into my senior year and my first year of college. Eventually, I transitioned to online courses, searching for direction and praying for guidance. Read More>>
Angela Box
From as early as I could remember, I always felt like I was supposed to be doing something “big” with my life. As a child growing up in Oklahoma City, I knew I loved acting — and I was good at it. My goal was always to head to Los Angeles after graduating college — so I was always in a rush to get on with that part of my life. Read More>>
Anna Zieleniewska
In 2020, my friends and I made a spontaneous decision to bring a fundraising event to Austin in support of the largest Polish nonprofit. We were filled with enthusiasm, but blissfully unaware of the complexities involved. Due to unforeseen circumstances, what was meant to be a collaborative effort quickly became a one-person operation. Producing the first fundraiser, managing all logistics, securing sponsors, obtaining permits, and coordinating every track turned into an immense challenge. Read More>>
Catherine Monzon
To say I have completely figured out and lived my purpose would mean I have nothing left to live for so in may ways I believe my purpose is still unfolding and revealing itself to me by the way of my thoughts, interests, and intuitive impulses. I have always known since I was a little girl that I had a mission to help and be of service to others, and I’ve been living in that purpose professionally as an educator and in my personal interactions as a Reiki Master, but I don’t think I’ve fully “arrived” to that feeling of “okay this is what I was born to do, my job is now done.” Read More>>
Joanie Parsonsz
My mom played a huge role in my mission to elevate and celebrate women. Because
she grew up in a time when her career choices were limited secretary, nurse or teacher,
she always told me that women—and specifically her daughter—could do anything they
wanted. Read More>>
Leeann Ditomaso & Samantha Paros
Our journey to finding purpose began with a series of meaningful experiences that opened our eyes to the impact we could make. From the moment we witnessed the beauty of S2C, we realized that with a lot of hard work & dedication, we could transform lives. Each experience deepened our understanding of others’ struggles, igniting a passion for services that aligned with our values. As we shared our time and resources, we discovered not only the joy of making a difference but also the profound fulfillment that comes from fostering connection and hope in the nonspeaking community. Read More>>
Nikita Gupta
I found my purpose through one of the most challenging times of my life. When I was searching for a job, I felt completely lost. I faced rejection after rejection, and no matter how hard I tried, nothing seemed to work. It was exhausting and disheartening. I remember questioning my worth and wondering if I’d ever find the right opportunity. Read More>>
Anya Shakh
I experienced what was possible in my life when I got outstanding coaching. I saw how everything I thought I knew was not as it seemed. The types of relationships and situations I experienced in my life were not ‘just how it was’ but a direct reflection of who I believed myself to be (which at the time was lacking in self-worth and self-belief). As the coaching process began I suddenly started seeing new possibilities and experiences open up to me. Read More>>
Bryon Johnson
Through my journey of recovery, I discovered a deeper sense of purpose—one rooted in giving back and helping others find hope in the darkness. My path led me to Shine A Light, an organization dedicated to homeless outreach in the tunnels beneath Las Vegas, where so many struggle to survive, unseen by the world above. Walking through those tunnels, meeting people who have been forgotten, and offering them resources, compassion, and connection has given my life new meaning. It’s a reminder that just as I found my way out, I can help light the way for others. Read More>>
Alyssa Zonghetti
Finding my purpose hasn’t been some big “aha” moment—it has been a journey of experiences and impactful moments combined that have led me on my path. I used to think purpose was something you just find one day, but I’ve realized it’s something you create by showing up, doing the work, and following what lights you up inside, and that over time, this can change and present itself in many different ways. Read More>>
Carrie Auerbach
I grew up in Buffalo, NY and moved to Philadelphia in 1982 where I raised my son who still lives there with his wife.
I decided to change my world nine years ago and move to St Petersburg. My life dream always was to live without snow amongst palm trees! Read More>>
Raél Ba
Once I realized your purpose is something you already have in you, it became an obvious discovery. I’ve found that a purpose is when one utilizes the gifts that have always come naturally to them in a way that provides a value and service to the world. And for me, that would be crafting my knowledge of story, entertainment and the ways humans learn into work that educates and inspires others to make a change. The moment I made this discovery, was when I figured out that what I loved doing made others feel good too. Read More>>
AJ Lindstrom-Oye
I didn’t find my purpose all at once – it unfolded through experiences that shaped me from a young age. I’m adopted from South Korea, and my parents divorced when I was two. My sister and I had a challenging childhood, growing up with very little, alongside emotional and parental instability. Those early experiences created a deep desire for stability and security, which drove me to put myself through college, attending nights and weekends while working full-time to earn my B.A. in Finance. Read More>>
