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.

Shelby Renè

I’ve known my purpose from a very young age but I find that there’s something new everyday that either pushes that purpose or challenges it which makes for an interesting life. My purpose has always been to simply create. Whether it was putting down my handprints in glitter glue on my bedroom carpet when I was a child (sorry mom), making fan videos of my favorite tv shows into my teens, or writing out my feelings with words – I’ve always had a deep want to create what I felt was beautiful and needed in the moment.  Read More>>

Jini June

I never went looking for my purpose, rather my purpose was always calling out to me from a very young age.

Thursdays were my favorite day in elementary school, because that day was MUSIC day. I loved to sing and was fascinated by the piano. When my family would go to electronic stores, I’d waste no time finding the keyboard department and play. I learned to play piano by ear until (after much pleading) my parents formally enrolled me in piano lessons. I would sing made-up songs while walking home from the school bus. Read More>>

Sarah Wood

Honestly, I didn’t go searching for my purpose—it kind of found me. I’ve always loved playing the harp, and I noticed that whenever I played, time just flew by. It never felt like work; it just made me happy. That’s when it clicked—maybe the thing I love most is what I’m meant to do. Read More>>

Betel Aklilu

I initially set out on the traditional pre-med path, knowing I wanted to be in healthcare but unsure of the exact role that would align with my skills and passions. With an open heart, I explored different career options to gain experience and clarity. I worked as a medical scribe, gaining firsthand exposure to patient care, and later at a nonprofit, helping individuals navigate insurance challenges—both experiences deepened my understanding of healthcare. I also spent time working at a bank, where I honed my appreciation for finance, sales, and business. Read More>>

Tyrone Patrick Apostol

I found my purpose through life experiences. It’s kind of like Slumdog Millionaire, where all the answers were already laid out in front of him because of everything he had lived through. Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember—it moved me, motivated me, and gave me instant joy and freedom. It even gave me the courage to perform in talent shows, from breakdancing to lip-syncing. Music made it all fun, and I fell in love with the way it made me feel. Read More>>

Daniela Pelegrin

I realized what my purpose in life was when I saw the impact I have standing on a stage in front of an audience. As children our imagination can take us anywhere; we are doctors, astronauts or even superheroes. We can be anything we want to be, constantly changing the answer to the question of what we want to be when we grow up. This feeling often gets lost as adults, the feeling of unlimited possibility and creativity. I have found myself wanting to restore that feeling and give back what I found a long time ago. Read More>>

Blaaik Blackwolf

As a young boy in North Florida, snakes, lizards and despised critters of all kinds were everywhere. I developed a love for the unloved; fascinated by monsters and “villains,” routing for Godzilla, Skeletor and all the misunderstood. Naturally, when I heard heavy metal chainsaw guitars and squealing solos I was hooked.
I knew right then n there that playing guitar on stage was the closest to a warrior or barbarian I would get in the modern world. Read More>>

Tyra Brown

I found my purpose through my own lived experiences and challenges. I went through moments in my life where I felt broken, uncertain, and lost, but those experiences shaped me into the person I am today. As I began my healing journey, I realized that my struggles were not just obstacles but stepping stones to something greater. Read More>>

Hannah Marie

The short answer is, I found my purpose through prayer, exploration, and the voices of wise people speaking into my life.
The longer answer goes like this: As a high school graduate, my parents and I didn’t really feel like college was for me … but we knew it was important to keep developing and honing the skills and talents God had given me. So to start out, we just thought through what things I seemed to have a bent for and then looked for ways to further develop those skills.  Read More>>

Soynika Edwards-Bush

How did I find my purpose? I think my purpose found me!!! My love for art and children of all ages, has always been two factors of the making of me. My purpose is to continue to have a passion for art, and to share that with children. I want to create a place where children can truly be children, and create without outside factors and world views. Children should hold on to their imagination for as long as they can. Creating art, and going through that process with kids is such an amazing feeling. They are inspired by all the senses. What they feel, see, hear, and taste. Seeing them tune out the world, and get into that creative state of being is a beautiful thing. Read More>>

Brandon Dang

Finding my purpose within the EDM/DJ scene was automatic, it was something I always wanted to do growing up just for the love of the music, so when 2019 came around I got my first ever DJ controller and the rest was history. There is no doubt that I felt some kind of fear or doubt if I was capable of doing something like this but after watching countless tutorials and practicing in the confinements of my bedroom, Noodz was born and the pure love and joy I got from playing out tracks that I love, gave me a purpose. Read More>>

Sofia

Prior to opening night of Hymnal we had been rehearsing for about a month and a half. We were in an incredible spot and I knew they were going to blow the roof off the place. My only concern was what our tech rehearsal was going to look like. For those of you non theater people, google defined Tech Rehearsal as “a rehearsal that focuses on the technical aspects of a performance…Actors and production staff run through the show with the lighting, sound, scenery, and special effects.”  Read More>>

David Cohen

After rediscovering my love of art while pursuing a degree in the social sciences, I decided to go to art school to see if I really had it in me to be an artist. After art school, with seemingly no real work skills and a family to support, I fell into the community arts non-profit world and found a place that made so much sense to me on so many levels. For the next 25 years I had a productive career, assisting artists in the promotion and exhibition of their work, learning to be an impactful leader, but most importantly, building community where the artists and their creativity was the glue that connected everyone. Read More>>

Amy Wike

I think the idea of having a sole, grandiose purpose is an unknowable and maybe self-indulgent concept. I’m less concerned with finding my purpose and more focused on staying attentive to my values and how I impact those around me. It’s a natural part of life for our values to shift and change, so I try to stay aware of my internal landscape. Ultimately, I want to live a life and make work that enhances my own experience and the experiences of those around me to the best of my ability. Read More>>

Sue Day

I have ADHD. With that, I’ve never followed a traditional path. In fact, my path has been so full of twists and turns (and ups and downs), that I’ve received quite a bit of criticism for my changeability.

Now, I certainly haven’t done everything right, but my journey is what it has been and I am here because of it. And not only that, but despite appearances to the contrary, my purpose has always shone like a beacon in front of me. I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference in the world. Read More>>

Emily Veak

My path to becoming a hypnotist actually began in the field of psychiatric care. I started as a behavioral health technician and later worked as a program therapist at an Eating Recovery Center for children and adolescents. Eventually, I transitioned to a role as a Behavioral Health Specialist at the Children’s Hospital. During that time, my plan was to pursue a doctorate in psychology — but something about that path never quite felt like the right fit. Read More>>

Cornealia Palme

My purpose in founding Empower Her Environmental Wellness, Inc. comes from my deep commitment to supporting and mentoring women, particularly those who need extra guidance and opportunities, while addressing the critical intersection of environmental wellness and personal well-being. Read More>>

Chelsea Hunter

I would say that the purpose of my art is to increase representation or normalize nude bodies of various types of people. In this world we are often fed content that feature people who are thin and/or white. There’s of course nothing inherently wrong with being either of those things but I want people who have different skin colors and different body shapes to be able to look at my work and see themselves there. That will always be the main priority of my art. Nothing makes me happier than when someone walks up to a piece I’ve done and says “wow that looks like me!” Read More>>

Maryna Slynko

Since childhood, I’ve always liked beautiful, well-groomed nails.

My serious introduction to the profession happened when I was in my third year at law school. During the summer break in 2010, my dad supported my favorite hobby and paid for a professional manicure and pedicure course. After completing the course, I immediately started working in a salon — taking clients by appointment or during my free time after classes. Read More>>

Cyber Posix

When I was smaller, my family and I went to my uncles house. He had a drumset just sitting there in the corner, and me just being a curious kid decided to play it. Apparently it was enough for my uncle to pick up his bass guitar and start playing along and from then on I went into drum lessons! The piano was actually my first instrument but I didn’t like it at all and stopped all lessons, so it took a good amount of convincing my parents to let me try the drums. Read More>>

Shelby Palmer

I have always had a passion for working with kids and fostering their development. However, it wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly felt like I had a purpose in this world. They are my reason for everything that I do. Opening Little Lions Den allows me to bring my knowledge and experience to other families, but I think what makes it extra special is the nurturing environment that we apply to the families that come in. We have built a community here, helping each other through all motherhood challenges, and that is priceless. Read More>>

 Alec Ganesha

I discovered my true purpose after my mom passed away in 2014. In my grief, I found myself once again turning to art as a way to cope with life. Looking back, I realize that art has always been a deep passion of mine. I remember, as a child, creating a yellow coffee mug with three elephants for my mom in 2002. Twelve years later, I found myself drawing an elephant again—this time as a way to process her loss. In that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue art professionally. My goal is to keep my mom’s memory alive through my work, allowing her spirit to live on in every piece I create. Read More>>

Lilian Santini

I didn’t wake up one day with a clear sense of purpose. There was no big “aha” moment, no perfect plan. Instead, it was a slow process that took years of trying, failing, learning, and listening to what actually made me feel alive. Read More>>

Dillon Dillon De Rozairo

I found my purpose through a combination of personal experiences, challenges, and a passion for making an impact. As a first-time startup founder, I experienced firsthand the hurdles entrepreneurs face, from taking an idea through product development. That journey, along with my involvement in Omaha’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, showed me the importance of providing the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities to early-stage founders. Read More>>

Robert Stephenson

“In 2021, I embarked on a transformative journey through Ghana, Togo, and Senegal, sparking a profound connection to the continent and its rich artistic traditions. I had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of indigenous artisans, witnessing their sacred processes firsthand and receiving the gift of handmade textiles and their history. I understood that this indigenous craft and knowledge hold wisdom that has provided safe harbor, cultural strength, endurance, and mental security to people for centuries.  Read More>>

Todd Allan

In my work with clients, I focus on seeing them become more focused on what matters in their lives through the intelligent use of their digital tools. This goes back to my curiosity about how people managed their lives in productive ways, dating back to the days of the Day Runner and Franklin Planner. This is one track; the other is a massive curiosity about technology. My first computer was right at the beginning of the personal computer wave. Since then, I’ve experimented with many technology platforms, including Windows/Microsoft, Apple, and Google. I’ve combined those two tracks into my clients’ systems and processes. Read More>>

Camille Kirksey

I found my purpose in the rhythm of homeschooling—the ups that felt magical, the downs that made me question everything, and the steady in-betweens where growth quietly unfolded. Homeschooling wasn’t just an educational choice; it became a deeply personal journey. In navigating my children’s needs, I was also uncovering my own. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just guiding their learning—I was building a world that centered emotional wellness, empowerment, and unapologetic authenticity. That’s when it clicked: my purpose is to be a world builder. One who helps others create spaces where they—and their children—can show up fully and freely as themselves. Read More>>

Erica Davidson

I have always loved animals, but I did not find my true purpose until about 3 years ago when I began volunteering at a local farm animal sanctuary. At that point, I had been vegetarian for many years, as killing and consuming a beautiful creature I loved did not make sense to me. But it wasn’t until I met a rescued dairy cow named Lily that I fully understood and acknowledged the depth and soul of all creatures and the need to protect and stand up for them, as they are unable to do so for themselves. Read More>>

Princess Booker

I found my purpose in life through the trials that once tried to break me. Every hardship…every moment of pain, addiction, loss, and struggle became a stepping stone to something greater. My journey of survival and redemption wasn’t just about overcoming; it was about discovering the strength within me to empower others. Through my story, The Chronicles of S.H.E., I realized that my purpose is to heal, to inspire, and to remind others that no matter how broken the past, there is always a path to restoration. God didn’t just bring me through—He called me to be a light for others walking the same road. Read More>>

Joseph Schulz

To answer the question about how I found my purpose, I’d start by talking about my love for reading and learning. Over the years, I’ve realized that each book I read, every article I come across, and the lessons I pick up along the way have shaped me. But one book, in particular, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, gave me a deep shift in perspective. Frankl’s reflections on his experiences in the concentration camps and his insights into finding purpose, even in the most dire circumstances, resonated deeply with me. Read More>>

Hippie Mike

My name is Hippie Mike and I am a Skateboarder for Life.
In 2003 I started working for the City of Surrey teaching skateboard lessons and working in some of the local Youth Centres, just hanging out with kids and being a positive role model, I was a sponsored skateboarder in my mid 20’s and owned a small skateboard company that just promoted skateboarding in general. Working with children changed me into a new person that I didn’t really know existed. I started skateboarding and snowboarding in the mid-80’s, I had always been pretty hardcore growing up and didn’t really consider myself to be the most positive role model at all times Read More>>

ORLY LOBEL

I love campus life and in retrospect, it almost seems inevitable that I found my passion in the multiple hats I wear as a university professor. I love research, teaching, and institutional leadership and on campus is where they all converge, making academia feel like more than just a career but a calling. I have always been drawn to the intersection of ideas and impact—how scholarship can inform policy, how teaching can inspire future leaders – lawyers, advocates, jurists, activists, policymakers, and educators, and how institutions can serve as engines of social progress. Read More>>

Tyler O’Shea

In 7th grade, I got cut from the school baseball team.

It sounds like a little thing now, but back then, it was devastating. I still remember standing in that locker room, scanning the list of names ten times before realizing mine wasn’t there.

As the other kids high-fived and congratulated each other, I slipped out the side door. Read More>>

Bea Alvarado

Finding my purpose wasn’t a single moment of realization—it was a journey shaped by passion, experience, and a deep love for creating unforgettable moments.

I’ve always been drawn to celebrations, but my true calling became clear when I realized how much I loved not just planning events but crafting experiences that make people feel special. My journey in the event industry began in 2012, and in 2021, I took a leap of faith and started my own company, Petite Soirée. That was the moment everything clicked—I wasn’t just planning events; I was designing emotions, memories, and moments that last a lifetime. Read More>>

Steve Moon

I was saved at an early age. I always knew my purpose was something other than following the ways of this world. I don’t like the ways of this world.
I tried the corporate world for a while and always knew i didn’t fit in. There is more to life than a 401k, a 9-5 job and all those things. God calls us to serve Him, not the world Read More>>

Xuefei Liu

Finding my purpose through music is a long and non-linear journey. I didn’t start music because of a personal calling–I started because my parents put me into piano lessons while I was six years old. Growing up in a non-musical family, where none of my relatives were professional musicians, I never imagined that music would become my life’s purpose. Nonetheless, my family had a deep appreciation for classical music. My father always played classical recordings in our home, filling the space with the sounds of great composers.  Read More>>

Cadaris DeLoach

Since a young age, I’ve been around and involved in music and fashion. Therefore; it was easy to gravitate towards, once I knew I was capable of creating and releasing music and apparel. Read More>>

Ashley Mallary

My purpose is rooted in my faith in Jesus and my desire to make the world a better place through kindness. Before starting my business, I was chasing all the wrong things—more money, nicer things, and a life that, at the end of the day, felt empty. But when the idea of serving others through wedding planning came to me, I knew I had found the Kingdom work God was calling me to. I believe purpose is realized when your work is bigger than yourself. One of my favorite quotes to live by is, *“This too shall pass.”* Even as seasons change and my role shifts, the seeds of the Spirit we plant will continue to grow. Read More>>

Nanakidme

Since I spent a lot of time alone as a child, I naturally found myself drawing to pass the time. When I drew, I became so absorbed in the process that I lost track of time. It was during these moments that I truly fell in love with drawing, and I developed a dream of pursuing it as a lifelong career. Read More>>

Morgan Mead

My purpose has been clear for as long as I can remember; nourish peoples souls and lives through outstanding food, service and atmosphere through experiences for memories that will last a lifetime. No problem. It really is simple when it comes down to it. Growing up in a family owned farm-to-table restaurant, I was raised with the expectation that food is a source of joy and comfort, and at its heart is the kitchen. The dining room is where your guests are at home; they’re comfortable in the atmosphere provided and well taken care of. Read More>>

Carter Pugh

I don’t think purpose is something we have to chase—it kind of finds us, usually when we’re not even looking. It changes as we do. For me, writing showed up at exactly the right moment—when I wasn’t expecting it, but when I needed it most. Read More>>

Nolin Feller

I started out making treats in early 2022 after battling struggling with some mental health issues. It was suggested that I find an outlet, and I have always felt at home in the kitchen. Valentine’s Day was right around the corner, and a friend suggested I make chocolate covered strawberries. I decided to try them, and they were a hit. So much so that I eventually fell into the world of treat making and the rest is history! I now use treat making and baking as my therapy. It’s a great way to deal with my health issues while also making sweet treats that others enjoy so much. This business has given me great confidence, pride, and fulfillment that I never could have imagined. Read More>>

Shannon Hough

My purpose is deeply rooted in my own journey through trauma, survival, and healing. I served in the Navy with pride, but my life was forever changed after I was sexually assaulted while in uniform. In the aftermath, everything I had worked for—my dreams, my career, my sense of self—was shattered. I lost the will to continue serving my country. I lost the will to live. Read More>>

Hunter Cook

The concept of having a purpose is interesting to me. In my mind, purpose is “what you’re meant to do.” I think that purpose can also evolve over time, or at least how you fulfill that purpose.

I remember that I always wanted to be in a science field. My family gave me a couple of those children’s science kits, one with a microscope and slides, as well as a chemistry kit. As I grew, my love of the sciences didn’t fade, but it did evolve. Throughout high school, I found that I had an affinity for understanding others and was able to be highly empathetic toward what others were experiencing. I didn’t think much of it at the time, beyond “people like telling me stuff, and I’m not sure why.” Read More>>

Katina Douglas

I found my purpose in art through my own healing journey. For years, I struggled with trauma, but in 2020, at age 47, I discovered healing through painting. I began painting my anxiety, fears, and growth, and soon realized I was transforming—healing in real time. Read More>>

Olivia Conte

Finding my purpose has been a journey filled with passion, resilience, and the desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. It all began during my childhood years when I first discovered the world of beauty and self-care. I was always fascinated by how a simple makeover or a skincare treatment could transform someone’s mood and confidence. This initial spark ignited a passion that led me to pursue a career in esthetics. Read More>>

Megan Davis

For years, I’ve been searching for a purpose, much like everyone else. I’ve always wanted to do something with my life, and in my free time, that could potentially make a difference in the lives of others by changing their perspective on something negative to something positive. There are many things that people hate simply because they do not understand them, and one of those things are spiders. However, despite their sometimes disturbing appearance, I’ve come to learn that these creatures are simply scared and delicate animals within a massive, and sometimes lethal, ecosystem Read More>>

 Steaphen Fick

I started swordfighting in 1989 and spent 11 years training and fighting around California. In 2000 I was approached by my wife’s friend to teach her son swordfighting. I was able to help this young man learn to deal with the challenges of his life using swordfighting as a way to illustrate these lessons. Read More>>

Monique Rardin Richardson

I discovered my purpose through the defining moments in my life that transformed me. We all have events that altered who we were or shaped us into the person we are now. Unfortunately, some of those circumstances were and are through trauma.

The traumas I’ve endured have deepened my empathetic nature. After significant internal work, I felt compelled to share stories of people and places to help others navigate similar life-altering moments. Read More>>