Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Teena Mobley | Certified Event Planner & Founder of TeeMo.

Teena Mobley was born in Long Island, New York. An advocate, media mogul and entrepreneur, Teena takes pride in the characteristics that help her achieve her goals; persistency and consistency. Currently, Teena works in the Partnerships, Promotions and Events department at CBS. With over six years of experience in events, marketing, and sales across entertainment, sports and non-profit, Teena has acquired a highly effective and versatile skill set in leadership and innovation which has sharpened her business acumen. Read more>>

Servontay Moore | Author

I’m from Frederick Maryland. I think this impacted who I am today being from a small town you have to standout and do something different so you don’t get lumped into a group and become forgotten . I also think being from Maryland breeds creativity so that’s where my creativity comes from ! Read more>>

Jacob Allinson | Photographer & Director

I was born and raised in Arkansas. My parents and family are very artistic so I grew up around visual art my whole life. Read more>>

Francene Breakfield | Educator-Artist-Authorpreneur

I am an original Georgia Peach. Born and raised in the ATL. I can not imagine being from anywhere else. I love the dope beats and lyrics of Outkast music, that special unique flavor of a Varsity Dog, and the Southern Hospitality of a true ATLien. Cool summer breezes on hot summer days. I grew up during the horror of the Missing and Murdered children, the craziness of Freaknik and the excitement of the 1996 Olympics. I have witnessed my city transform from a slow not so popular town to an urban Black Mecca. All of these things have helped to create who I am today. An educator, artist, writer, and authorpreneur. Read more>>

Charel Palmer | Mama, Wife, Friend, Business Owner and World Changer

I was born in New Orleans, LA spent my early formative years there and relocated to Birmingham, AL when I was in 5th grade. I grew up in Hoover, AL and then went on to The University of Alabama, and no we were NOT very good at football then, but we LOVED our team and I had a blast in college! UA is also where my husband and I first met in 1999, crazy how time flies! After graduation I went on to work for NewellRubbermaid but shortly after I made the move to Target Corporation. Read more>>

Eli Manos | Film Composer, Writer and Director

I was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I was born in New York City, but our family moved to Cleveland when I was 3 years old, I grew up studying piano and playing for various choirs, including the Singing Angels childrens’ choir and the Singer’s Club of Cleveland, and various high school choirs in the Northeast Ohio area. I’ve also played for, and sometimes music directed, many musicals including ones at my high school, Lawrence High School. Read more>>

Tony Moss | Conditioned Hearts

I’m from Newnan Georgia. My background and upbringing made a huge impact on who I am today. I grew up living in the projects and on welfare to being raised my grandmother. She was a sweet and giving person, but was big on discipline. She raised me to love, to care, and to be a giver. She passed away in 1989 but her words still resonate within me today. I feel as if God put in me a position to be successful and able to provide for my family and others why not do that. Read more>>

Natacha Gutierrez | Multimedia Artist

I’m from Brooklyn, NY and I was raised by a village. I come from a huge family, I have over 100 immediate cousins and family was always around growing up. I’ve had a strong support system and always felt motivated to explore a new hobby and give it all of my energy. I can be so passionate and no one could stop me. I am fortunate to have parents that have always believed in me and allowed me to try so many creative outlets growing up like dance classes, karate, softball, music and so much more with out feeling like I let someone down because I couldn’t stick to one thing. The truth is I wanted to try everything. I was given space to explore and figure out what makes me happy. Read more>>

Joshua Salmon | Artist & Creative

I was born and raised in Tampa, FL. Looking back at my childhood, being raised in Tampa was definitely a blessing. Both of my parents worked as full-time pastors so the way I was raised was much different from other kids. I still got to play sports, go to parties, and hang out with friends like other kids, but my parents have been big on morals and integrity. While they wanted me focused on school and my dreams, they also wanted me focused on making sure that my heart was always in the right place. Read more>>

Amanda Robinson | Owner & Candlemaker

I am originally from Philadelphia, PA but mostly grew up right outside of Charlotte, NC. When my parents decided to move our family to NC, I was very reluctant. I knew my life was going to change, but I never imagined how much, This move was a culture shock, to say the least, but it taught me a very important lesson; change is the only constant in life. This lesson has allowed me to take risk and not fear the unknown. So when I had the idea to start a business I didn’t fear it, I embraced it. Read more>>

FRKO | Illustrator

I’m from Stone Mountain, GA and spent a lot of time in Decatur when my parents divorced. I grew up in an all black neighborhood, in all black schools, and all black recreation sport leagues. When it came to art though I had to venture outside of my environment into the city where I was around all walks of life. I had culture from growing up in the 90s Atlanta and have never forgot it. Read more>>

Ayana Cummings | Percussionist & Composer

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Growing up in an area largely populated by Black people is something that I am constantly thankful for. My family, friends, classmates, and teachers looking like me helped to nurture a healthy level of self-confidence. Graduating from Alabama State University inducted me into a family that I will always be grateful for. It plays a major impact on how I carry myself today. Read more>>

Lakeasha Williams | Principal & Amazon Best Selling Author

I am from Brooklyn, New York. I grew up in the inner city during the height of the crack epidemic in the 1980s. Therefore, I saw lots of examples of what not to do. My parents also instilled a can do attitude in me. They believed in me, saw great things for my future, and that gave me hope. I believe that hope gives you vision for everything that you hope to accomplish with your life. Read more>>