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.

Cayla Lamar | Fashion & Portrait Photographer

I am from Decatur, Georgia and it’s a huge part of my business and overall creativity. Growing up I was able to meet different kinds of people who believed in different things, and I studied them. In a way the people in my community are my muses. Whether it’s the spiritual people at my local smoothie shop or admiring the array of fashion style in little 5 points. Read more>>

Keyuna Anderson | Personal Hair Stylist

I am from a small city in Florida called “Rubonia” where I grew up without a mother and father present my whole life so being the oldest girl, I had my younger siblings to look after and that included styling all of our hair. I became a stylist at a young age doing adult women and children of all ages hair. Read more>>

Christy Jordan | Pastry Chef

I am from Pine Bluff, Arkansas born and raised. My upbringing instilled gratitude in me. We should be thankful for not only the good days, but the bad as well. Someone somewhere is having a tougher time than I. Read more>>

KY LINDBERG | Mom, Wife & Nonprofit Executive

I was born premature, in a subpar hospital on the eastside of Detroit, in the early 80’s during the rise of the drug epidemic that plagued black communities. My parents were full of love but were resource poor and didn’t really have the tools in there toolbox to realize the American Dream. Growing up, I never really thought much about what I didn’t have or even what my parents did for a living. Read more>>

Alexis Jewelle | Licensed Esthetician, Spa Owner, & Intimate Product Creator

I am from Birmingham, AL. Being from Birmingham, sometimes we are stereotyped to be a certain way, we get overlooked, and sometimes people just think their isnt any talent in Birmingham. Although I still get stereotyped sometimes being from that city, just know that Birmingham is an amazing place filled with talented artists, wholesome businesses, and of course the best food! Read more>>

Katie (Kiara Cocky) Jackson | Reiki Practitioner & Content Creator

I’m so grateful to be from Long Beach, California. My family and my city have had such a major impact on the woman I am, and the work that I do today. As a large artist community filled with talented healers, musicians, mural artists and painters, dancers and small businesses, I always felt welcomed and encouraged to expand on my interests, Read more>>