Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Misty Castaneda, Founder of For Purpose Kids, located in Winter Park, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

For Purpose Kids is committed to helping kids and families journey through a world of global cultures with diverse characters and imaginative stories that build empathy, connection, and belonging.

Our handmade, all-natural cotton, fair trade Global Kidizen dolls and stories cultivate wonder and acceptance of others around the world by highlighting similarities and celebrating differences through storytelling and play in a unique and fun way.

Our customers are kids and families that share our vision of a future where children experience love and acceptance over hatred and fear, where we all feel empowered, as global citizens, to engage in conversations that matter, and where child-like wonder and curiosity extends into adulthood to create a world full of empathy, connection, and belonging.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Misty Castañeda, and I'm the Founder & Cultivator of Wonder at For Purpose Kids, a social enterprise that connects my passion for working with children and traveling the world with my background in sales & marketing and early childhood education. As a Mom, I wanted my son to grow up in a kind & compassionate world, where differences are celebrated rather than feared, so I created For Purpose Kids to teach him and other kids how to connect to the world around them and inspire them to become the next generation of global citizens. With a background in early childhood education, I understand not only the benefits of planting seeds of empathy and compassion at a young age but believe that being a power of example for our kids is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

As a passionate global citizen that has traveled, lived, and volunteered around the world, I also know the amazing things that can happen when we learn about others & cultures around the world. As we listen to and wonder about each other's stories, we come to understand that we are all much more connected and alike than we are different, regardless of borders, cultures, colors, and religions. I am motivated every day to continue growing this vision of belonging and acceptance through play and storytelling, and believe that our work of creating the future we want for our kids will never stop.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I've kept showing up, especially when it's been hard. The roadmap for an entrepreneur, particularly one dedicated to shifting minds and hearts, is not easy. Success can be defined in many ways, and for me, success is continuing to show up, day after day, knowing that what we are creating matters.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things I've learned to deal with as a business owner is the naysayers. In my experience, many more people are willing to strike down an idea than there are willing to champion one. And when you find the rare "champion," take notice, as they are usually the ones that will keep you going when things get hard.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Stay true to yourself and lead with your heart.
  2. Follow your passion, not the money.
  3. Keep going.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It is a privilege for me to follow my passion and be a part of a team of storytellers, educators, designers, parents, and caregivers passionate about creating imaginative stories & toys that build empathy, connection, and belonging. While the road is not always easy, I am continually grateful that this is the one I get to follow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://forpurposekids.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forpurposekids
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forpurposekids/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-castañeda-60051a7/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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