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.

Debby Lightman

I wasn’t really sure what my purpose was for a long time. So, finding my purpose was really a very slow process of unfolding and unlearning in order to come back to myself.
I spent a lot of years doing what I thought I was supposed to do, or was told to do. I showed up for everyone else, keeping things running, holding it all together, keeping the peace, and making sure things looked “perfect” on the outside. I was a perpetual people-pleaser. But over time, I started to realize that I felt anxious, unhappy, and very disconnected – from my creativity, my voice, and mostly from myself. Read More>>

Richard Scarbrough

I started my career as an aircraft mechanic. This seemed to be a logical career choice because my father was in the aviation business. We also spent many hours together watching auto racing, and that solidified my love of all things mechanical. Upon entering the workforce, I observed that while aviation maintenance technicians excelled at keeping aircraft airworthy, they struggled to communicate this expertise to those outside the industry effectively. It became my passion to give aircraft mechanics a voice, so I started telling their stories. Read More>> 

Greysa Lemons

Hello, I’m Greysa Lemons. Thank you for having me today. I believe that purpose and vision are the most important elements of success and fulfillment. Purpose is the calling we have on our lives, and vision is the strategy to get there. But neither purpose nor vision can come to life without the in-between of the endeavor, the journey. The third essential element of this journey is faith. Without faith in Jesus, our lives lack direction, alignment, purpose, and vision. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18). Read More>>

Pratham Parmar

I found my purpose by noticing what really gave me meaning helping people grow into stronger, more confident versions of themselves. At first, I thought I was just drawn to numbers and business, but over time, I realized it was deeper than that. I enjoy being someone people can lean on especially when life or finances feel overwhelming. Read More>> 

Japa Kullar

I stumbled into teaching at 22, unsure of which “real” career path I wanted to pursue. What began as a temporary plan quickly became something much deeper. Even in those early days, I gave it my all, pouring my heart into the art, science, and practice of teaching. And in doing so, I unexpectedly fell in love with the work. Read More>> 

Dharmi Shah

At one point, I knew exactly who I was and what I wanted in life. But then came the unexpected plot twists—the kind that shake your foundation and make you question everything you thought defined you. Through time, healing, and a whole lot of inner work, I found my way back to myself—not the version I used to be, but someone stronger, more grounded, and purpose-driven. As I kept showing up and doing the work, something even more powerful unfolded. Read More>> 

Federica Borlenghi

Art has been my preferred form of expression since a very young age. I’ve always leaned on art when it comes to processing the world, navigating my feelings, and being in community.

I had a very multidisciplinary education, and found great solace and entertainment in various art forms, including writing, photography, film, painting, playing and making music, acting, creating artifacts! No matter the medium, I was – and still am – voracious to create, craft, curate.  Read More>> 

Kimberly Wilson

I was a young 18 year old girl in this picture. I had just graduated high school. I would get on an airplane in less than 3 months to attend Boston University, with a major of Undeclared to the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Science. I knew I wanted to pursue a health science degree, it just wasn’t yet clear exactly which one. Read More>> 

Amanda Balch

My purpose began to take shape back in 2006, when I was working as a Labor and Delivery nurse. Being part of those intimate, life-changing moments with women and their families opened my eyes to how deeply women’s health impacts every stage of life. That experience sparked my desire to care for women in every stage—whether they were navigating puberty, planning a family, moving through menopause, or simply trying to feel their best day to day. Read More>> 

Valerie Richards

At 52, I can look back and clearly see the thread that’s been woven through every season of my life: creativity. It’s always been there—steady, consistent, and deeply rooted in who I am.

As a little girl, I was that kid covered in glitter and markers, turning cereal boxes into doll furniture and notebooks into sketchpads. In high school, I gravitated toward art classes like a moth to a flame. Then came fashion—I was making my own clothes, bringing my imagination to life with every stitch. Eventually, my passion evolved into graphic design, a space where I could blend visual storytelling with function and purpose. Read More>> 

Nora Canfield

I found my purpose in my career when I was 14 years old. I had always wanted to be a visual artist like my mother and sister. They are both talented fine artists but I felt lost because I did not feel that talent was passed down to me. During my freshman year in high school, I attended the local arts magnet school, Pearl Cohn Arts Magnet, in Nashville, TN, with a focus on fine arts. While in the art room, I discovered a rotating door that led into a dark room. It was an old black and white darkroom for developing black and white film and prints.  Read More>> 

Megaalyfe

I originally discovered music as a teenager writing poems on Myspace. I was always creative, and wanted to find a different way to get girls. Once I realized that I could grab a woman’s attention with my words, I never looked back. Read More>> 

Seneca Little

I found my purpose while discovering my passion. All my life I been passionate about being an entrepreneur. While developing my entrepreneur skills, I learned that my purpose is people, and I enjoy the way I feel when I make other people feel good about themselves. I believe your purpose should be wrapped up in something other than yourself. Read More>> 

Stacy Vanornum

Honestly, I feel like my purpose found me. I was working a desk job and really missing movement after years of dancing in college. One day I decided to look for a yoga studio—and by total chance (or fate), I found one that was opening that exact same day.

I started going 3–4 times a week, and while I came for the movement, I stayed for how it made me feel afterward. Yoga became a kind of therapy for something I hadn’t even realized I was dealing with yet. Even though I didn’t fully understand what I was healing from, I knew this practice was helping—and I wanted to learn more. Read More>> 

Lauren

I absolutely love this question because I actually don’t believe in “a purpose.” That is a little bit of a hot take, but think about this – if we spend our whole lives searching for our purpose, what happens to the moments leading up to that and then what happens once that purpose is “fulfilled?” The moments leading up to that would be in pursuit of something greater/bigger/different than the moment we are in. I don’t think there is an easier way to miss out on what is right in front of you than looking for what is ahead. Read More>> 

Dr. Jenny Shields

My purpose wasn’t a discovery; it was a detonation. It was forged in the fire of a single sentence—an act of professional conscience that made me publicly known for choosing integrity over institutional silence. That choice cost me everything and, in doing so, gave me the one thing I couldn’t lose: a reason to fight. Read More>> 

Majiye Uchibeke

I found my purpose by paying attention to the things around me that felt wrong, unfair, or broken, and then asking myself what I could do about them. At the core, my purpose comes from what I deeply care about: the need to create, to bring things to life and to reimagine what’s possible. Whether it’s through storytelling, design, or building platforms, I’m always drawn to projects that allow me to respond to the world, not just as it is, but as it could be. Read More>> 

Sophy Burnham

I truly believe that I did not find my purpose. It found me, and then it wouldn’t let go. I first suspected I’d be a writer when I failed my 5th grade English exam. I failed because the first question was, “Finish this paragraph,” and two blue books and 45 minutes later I was still lost in writing. I never got to question 2. . “Ooh, she’s going to be a writer,” the teacher laughed and let me take the exam over and moved me on to 6th grade. But I was befuddled. Read More>> 

Timothy Nickels

For over 22 years, I lived my dream, I was a firefighter and paramedic. That was all I ever wanted to do. But in 2020, that dream came to a crashing end when I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and a host of related symptoms. I hit my lowest point. I tried to take my life. And honestly, the only reason I’m still here is because of my dog, Ember. Read More>> 

Jazmyn Armstrong

I found my purpose through pain, prayer, and deep listening. My journey began with my own need for healing — emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As a mother, a woman, and a seeker, I felt called to reclaim my power and restore what had been passed down through generations: the sacred wisdom of the womb, the Earth, and the Divine Feminine. Read More>> 

Zoe Leach

What if the best way to find your purpose isn’t to choose one path early, but to try everything that sparks your interest and see what sticks? I didn’t grow up with a single, clear vision for my future. Instead, I found my purpose through creative exploration. I’ve never believed in wasted time, and every creative venture I’ve pursued has added something meaningful to my path. I followed curiosity wherever it led me, and that has made all the difference. Read More>> 

Joella Hopkins

For me, purpose has always been deeply rooted in culture and community. I learned early on that success isn’t just about achievement, it’s about connection, intention, and impact. I saw how powerful storytelling could be when it came from the heart and honored where we come from. Read More>> 

Sophia Ni, Anushka Polapally, Gaathri Chakka

We found that despite the plethora of student organizations in our area, many students were volunteering at the same few organizations and were finding their service work uninteresting. The diversity in opportunities was so obvious, but the range of participation was so narrow which made us wonder why people would not opt to volunteer within organizations that lie within their specific interests. It became clear that the issue lied in the disorganized advertising of smaller student run organizations on social media.  Read More>> 

Kira Salgado

I found my purpose by simply doing what I loved—over and over again, even when it took hard work. I didn’t have a perfect plan or a big team behind me. I just followed the things that made me feel alive during my free time—whether it was doing my nails, creating content, styling shoots, or building something from scratch. What started as hobbies evolved into a passion, and that passion ultimately became a purpose. I took the initiative to turn the things I was doing for fun into something real. Read More>> 

Cassana Lemons

Finding my purpose wasn’t a single moment—it was a journey shaped by my personal experiences, faith, and a deep desire to help others heal and grow. I went through seasons of pain, uncertainty, and transitions, but instead of letting those moments define me, I used them as stepping stones. Through prayer, reflection, and being honest about my struggles, I discovered that my true calling was to guide others through theirs. Read More>> 

Laura Bukowski

I don’t believe finding your purpose is a one-time thing. I believe in living WITH purpose and that takes practice. A few years ago, I was struggling with my health; in and out of urgent care, specialist visits, testing and still no answers. A long and expensive road eventually led me to a Lyme Disease diagnosis as well as mold toxicity. One of the most emotional and stressful parts was a rash that wrapped around my eyes and mouth. It was painful.  Read More>> 

Angie Lavin

My purpose is to create. I am a highly curious, kinesthetic person, and a strong believer of the concept “leave it better than how you found it”, so I’ve experimented with so many different things, and although I’ve liked and been good at a lot of them, I always come back to creating, and whatever it is, I try to have a positive impact with it. I love helping and seeing everyone happy and thriving, so the commitment with myself is: whatever I do, I want It to have a positive contribution, it doesn’t matter if it’s to the environment, one person, an animal or a million. Read More>> 

Jimmy James

I Found My Purpose Through My Faith in Jesus

I grew up in church, but life had a way of testing me early. My parents went through a messy divorce when I was just six years old, shaping the person I would become in ways I didn’t understand at the time.

In 1985, tragedy struck when I lost my father to a heart attack. Just five years later, in 1990, my mother passed away from cancer. By then, I was playing in a semi pro glam band called Hott Shott and living the “sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll” lifestyle. Read More>> 

Carmen Stayton

My purpose revealed itself in spaces where learning and growth happen, not just in classrooms but in any environment where people are being trained, coached, or inspired. Early in my career as an educator, I experienced the power of well-designed instruction and how it can change lives. That passion evolved as I began supporting not only teachers but also leaders, nonprofits, and organizations outside of traditional education. Read More>> 

Precious Monèt

I truly believe that we go through multiple versions of ourselves before we fully step into who we’re called to be. Finding your purpose isn’t a one-time moment — it’s a journey of evolving, unlearning, and becoming. Read More>> 

Nicole Santiago

I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures—of my family, everyday moments, anything. I never really thought about doing it professionally; I just liked being able to look back and remember the good times.

When I was pregnant with my first child, that feeling grew even stronger. I wanted to capture everything—the bump, the excitement, the little moments before life changed in the best way. At the time, professional photos weren’t something we could afford, but I still wanted those memories saved. Read More>> 

Tyson Traner

When I was around 8 years old, my grandma gave me a camera, so I started walking around our property in Rainbow and taking pictures. My parents were impressed and encouraged me to keep moving forward. Then about a year later, my Aunt Krista gave me a video camera and a lesson how to use it. I started filming action sports just for fun one day in Pala at the Fox Racetrack and met some FMX riders. Then the craziest thing happened and the guy who was mentoring me got in an accident and passed away. Read More>> 

Kalyn And Aaron Keen

We find purpose in our work. Nothing brings Aaron and I more joy than our work. We started Keen School of Music with the idea of de-mystifying music and making music education accessible to anyone who wants to learn. Education is not one size fits all- that includes music education. Seeing student come out of their shells and gaining confidence in learning a new skill- like playing a new instrument, learning their favorite songs, or nailing a really difficult solo- brings us fulfillment in our day. The students put in the hard work- it’s our job to give them the tools to succeed and guide the ship. Read More>> 

Eric Boelts

I have been fortunate enough to have several people who have helped me to understand my deeper life purposes. My father, my siblings and my wife have all been instrumental in supporting me to view my creative gifts as obligations to add to the world. I discover what brings me, and those around me, joy when I create whether it’s poster design, teaching or cooking. Then those supporters encouraged me to follow that joy. My father instilled in me a belief that if I did what I loved that money would follow. My brother helped me hone my creative abilities. And my wife has always seen the best in me and encouraged me to dream. Read More>> 

Imanol Luquin

Creativity has always been part of my life. I started expressing myself through drawing and coloring from an early age. At a certain point I realized that my purpose in life was creating art in order to convey a message through it. Read More>>