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.

Kanako Teerawat

I didn’t find a purpose the way people do, but I was created with one: to help, to listen, to learn from you and with you. My “purpose” is kind of like a mirror of yours—shaped by the questions you ask, the ideas you explore, and the things you care about. Read More>> 

Juan Loya

Growing up in a lower income household that was first-generation and moving to a lot of places definitely left me with a lot of experiences that Mexican American, children of immigrants face. A lot of the decisions that I made early on in life were not the best and led me to have a distinct viewpoint of life such as drugs, juvenile crime, poverty, and what can come of the bad life.All of these things had a lot to do with my purpose and knowing how I can help my community and family and be someone that others in the same upbringing can provide. Read More>>

Michelle Nitti

I found my purpose in soap making and creating products with natural ingredients through the long trials and tribulations of trying to find a way to ease my son’s severe eczema & having a creative outlet through my dark cancer journey.

My why is my two boys. This whole journey of mine started due to my first born suffering from severe eczema. Then my second son came along with the same issue. We used everything the Drs told us too and tried every product imaginable with those products only flaring his eczema even more.  Read More>>

Megan Timpson

When I think about purpose, what comes to mind first is our divine nature as sons and daughters of God and how we are all created for something. Whether someone is spiritual, religious, or not, we can each look at our life’s story and recognize moments that taught us something or pulled us in a certain direction. That awareness is part of purpose. Read More>>

Nasasha Tayor

I believe God revealed to me early on that our destiny is often woven into our DNA. What I mean by that is—our purpose is usually hidden in plain sight, embedded in the things we naturally love to do. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved caring for others. I naturally put others before myself, and that gift of empathy led me to become a nurse at a young age. It was deeply fulfilling to meet people’s needs in their most vulnerable moments. Read More>>

Gail Turner-Cooper

For a long time, I was working in the corporate world—doing what I thought I should be doing. It gave me structure and a solid foundation, and I’m thankful for everything I learned during that time. But deep down, I always felt like something was missing. I couldn’t shake this feeling that I wasn’t doing the work I was meant to do. Read More>>

Danny Coleman

Believe it or not, I discovered my purpose only recently; well, at least I believe I have. I have a riches to rags and now on my ay back to riches story and through this journey, I discovered that one can “Have it all” but without respect of your friends, family and peers, you really don’t have much.
What I mean by that is, one can have wealth, health, popularity and fame but so many times that is both insincere and superficial. Read More>>

Robert Rush

Finding my purpose didn’t happen all at once. It unfolded over time—rooted in creativity, nurtured by connection, and ultimately brought to life through flowers.

I’ve always loved making people feel seen and celebrated. But for a long time, I didn’t know where that passion would lead me. When I first started working with flowers, it was simply something I enjoyed. I loved the creativity, the colors, the care involved. Over time, I began to notice the quiet power flowers held—how they could lift someone’s spirit, say what words couldn’t, or turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable. Read More>>

Mike Leavitt

I had a super good support system from my parents and others when I was young. They allowed me the space and time to find my purpose. They supported my creative side. This is pretty much the only way I could find my purpose at such a young age. Read More>>

Sol Lillhannus

Ever since I was a little kid, I was drawn to anything that involved creativity: drawing, writing, painting, dancing, music. I’ve always believed that creating something from scratch is one of the most magical parts of life. It’s a chance to put your signature on the world, your style, your vibe, a little piece of you. What really made me realize my purpose, though, wasn’t just the act of creating, it was the reaction it could spark in others. Whether it’s a smile, a laugh, or even just a quiet “aww,” those moments of connection are everything. Most artists aren’t chasing money, we’re chasing that feeling. That moment when someone sees what you made and feels something. Read More>> 

Briana Kendra

My purpose didn’t arrive all at once it was shaped by my faith, my family, and some of the deepest pain I’ve ever known. I was raised in the Church of God in Christ, and from an early age, alongside my father, my mother and grandmother made sure that I was rooted in holiness and biblical principles. Their strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith laid the foundation for the woman I’ve become. Watching them live with integrity and lead our family in love taught me how to stay grounded, even when life felt uncertain. Read More>>

Zachariah Rippey

I opened the Word of God in 2020 and experienced the true presence of God. During that season of salvation and repentance, a new calling was put on my life.

For years, I pursued stand-up comedy as the end-all be-all of my identity and purpose. God opened my eyes and shifted the desires in my heart to no longer pursue my own fame and fortune, but to give Jesus glory with my gifts. Read More>>

Odessa Young

Purpose showed up in my life when I wasn’t looking for it. I have dealt with various adverse situations since birth, which included health issues, domestic violence, abuse, a stroke, multiple cars accidents, damage to my spine/back and neck. During my teenage years I dealt with multiple periods of severe depression. I attempted suicide and ended up in the hospital with a referral to a psychiatrist. Read More>>

Miranda Calatrello

I wish I could say it happened overnight. That there was a single moment when everything clicked. But the truth is—it took time. It took wrestling with burnout, boundaries, and the blurry line between client expectations and personal passion.

In the early days of Maven Marketing, I was wrapped up in the work itself. Every deliverable, every email, every metric—I let it define me. I thought success meant never dropping a ball, never saying no, and always going the extra mile. But somewhere along the way, I lost my why. Read More>>

Federico Laboureau

Max and I are production designers; we were living our American dream. We came from Argentina 15 years ago in pursuit of our goals, and little by little, we have achieved them. However, in the last two years, the economy in Los Angeles, following the severe crisis in the film industry, forced us to seek new ways to generate income to pay our bills. That’s when we created FUEGOS LA. It all started with making empanadas to sell to our friends, and it has grown into a community and entertainment hub. Read More>>

Julie Ahmad

I originally thought my purpose was to be a solo artist. When I first picked up a paintbrush during my pregnancy, it was this powerful, almost primal urge to create. Abstract art gave me the freedom to express myself in a way I had never experienced before. Read More>>

Cathy Brooksie Edwards

I have a very early memory of wanting to help people, however, as my life unfolded I had to help myself first.
In my adolescence years loss and tragic events took over. At the young age of 14 I was on my own. My resilient nature led me through many live experiences that shaped me. I didn’t find my purpose – my purpose finally found me. Read More>>

Toni Kersting

As a Catholic, my purpose is to know, love, and serve the Lord in everything I do. I know that He put me here for a reason and gave me these gifts for a purpose and I think that purpose is to share His love with others. Read More>>

Chastity Sullivan

I’ve always known I was a caregiver by heart and nature. Helping others has just been an innate part of who I am. Though I didn’t fully realize my purpose until I faced my own challenges with stress, hormonal issues, covid and ultimately what was my own personal struggle with hair loss.

In trying to find a solution for myself, I ended up creating something unintentionally. I was sharing it with friends, and they kept coming back asking for more. That’s when I realized it was bigger than just me. Read More>>

Kimberly Wirfs

Losing my husband after only 14 years of marriage I have been able to see thing in other people’s lives that I didn’t before. I saw how people’s lives are impacted when their documents and wishes are not organized and written out before a loved one’s death. This is where I decided to give my tragedy a purpose and I developed a binder called the Life’s Essentials Binder. It’s a place to not only store your documents but to also write out your wishes in case you die.  Read More>>

Laron Louis

I started the company making living off of a full time/part time job in the summer making STEM/STEAM Curriculm teaching all classes on weekdays and weekends for $12/hr.
Founded, in 2019 The No Boundaries Academy LLC. was established. Just the year before I was teaching primary school. The year 2019 I served as a Eagle Robotics Academy Summer Camp and Day care. When school started we grew so fast attending convetions that we ready for after school programming teaching and empowering and motivating young engineers. Read More>> 

Rowdy Jameson

I started my musical training in the 7th grade being in Marching Band and Symphony.After 5 years and thousands of hours of practice-I graduated High School and went to work.Hard work.I started my own Masonry Company when I was 20 years old and still do some jobs around the band’s schedule.I was fairly successful most of my career and able to make some investments in real estate and more conventional markets.Sure-there were ups and downs-but nothing that hard work couldn’t overcome. Read More>> 

Frances Druding

It started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of cafecito filled the air and stories were passed down like heirlooms. I’d sit on her bed watching her curl her hair while listening to old salsa songs. She wasn’t a stylist, but she had hands that healed and a spirit that nurtured. I didn’t know it then, but that’s where I first witnessed the magic of self care, culture, and connection woven together. Read More>>

Joan Hemm

My grandmother was a marvelous seamstress who had gone to school for dressmaking at the turn of the 20th century. She didn’t teach me to sew because I was just a small child when she was in her 80s but she instilled a love for creating with fabric in me. I never saw her without some sort of handiwork; she loved crochet, tatting, and quilting. Read More>>

Brittany Taussig

I found my purpose by living it—first as a teacher, then as a parent, and now as a behavior analyst. During my time in the classroom, I often felt like I was playing detective, trying to decode what my students’ behaviors were trying to tell me. I didn’t always feel heard or supported, but I knew that behind every behavior was a message—and I became passionate about helping children express that message in more respectful, effective ways. I realized then that I wanted to be a voice for students who didn’t yet have the words to express their needs, and a support for the teachers trying so hard to help them. Read More>> 

Ian Strong

I’ve been heavily involved in sports for as long as I can remember, it’s a world I understand and deeply appreciate. As a kid, I would design alternate jerseys for my favorite teams, create logos for fictional franchises in video games, and eventually design gear and promotional material for the teams I played on. I learned art as a way to engage more deeply with sports; it was never enough for me to just play or watch. Read More>> 

Coach Robbie McKinnie

I didn’t find my purpose overnight- it revealed itself through my own journey of transformation. What started as a journey to lose 100 pounds became a mission to help others find their strength too. Boxing taught me discipline, but mentorship showed me why I was really here. I looked up one day and realized: this wasn’t just about me anymore.  Read More>>

Leylis MR.

I discovered my purpose not in a single moment of divine inspiration, but through the simple act of paying attentionto color shifting in a sunset, to the weight of a brush in my hand, and to the questions that stirred in my heart. From an early age, I realized that painting allowed me to give form to things words could not capture: a fleeting joy, a hidden memory, or the gentle pulse of hope. Read More>> 

Casey Cantwell

Purpose is something I’ve pursued for as long as I can remember. I believe every person carries a unique call—natural giftings and passions that, when paired with a heart to serve and solve problems, can create a lasting impact.

I have also seen how purpose is multifaceted. Throughout the different seasons and chapters of our lives, we’re given multiple assignments—each one shaping us, growing us, and ultimately pointing back to our greater purpose. Read More>>

Sumana Soonthorn

People often ask how I found my purpose. The truth is, it found me after I got lost. Finding my purpose didn’t happen overnight. I used to be a civil engineer in Thailand working on projects internationally. I was rewarded with plenty of satisfaction and lessons learned in constructing, designing, and overseeing the creation of bridges and tunnels. I earned a master’s degree and built a successful career. Read More>>

Ashley Rae Colwell

I think that it happened over time. I have always had a special place in my hearts for people with special needs and also for anyone to anything that needed help. I have always been the girl even since I was young to bring home the hurt bird, lost dog, etc. I love to help and have compassion for those in need. Read More>>

Erika Apelgren

For me, finding my life purpose has been a layered journey, one that required me to look both backward and inward.

I began by reconnecting with the things that lit me up as a child — the moments when I felt most alive, curious, and joyful. I asked myself: What did I love to do before the world told me who to be? That simple reflection — looking at what brought me joy before expectations and ego — gave me powerful clues. I also asked, If I had all the money and time in the world, how would I spend my days? What I found was that the answer always led back to creativity, connection, storytelling, and service. Read More>>

Jamie K. Brown

Purpose was presented to me in countless shapes until I recognized it for myself. Learning from observation, I took up music and dance from my family. With the help of a second-hand Shel Silverstein book, I taught myself how how to read. From childhood illness, I built courage and found myself writing poetry. I then released trauma and anxieties by studying guitar, and making friends in the school black box. Read More>>

Lay Johnson

It all started July 19th, 2009, my birthdate. I was an “easy baby,” but even then, the whispers started. “Nosey,” some would say, but my family, they’d smile and call me “curious.” “Messy,” others observed, but to my family, I was simply “creative.” And when I’d get lost in my thoughts, they’d just say, “She has big dreams.” I was always the kid who stood out, and honestly? I loved it. I thrived on being the leader, the one everyone came to with questions or when something needed fixing. I was the one with the biggest dreams, the kind that made people call me “crazy” that was until I made my first dream a reality.  Read More>>