Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Shira Bettis | Cannabis Dispensary Owner

I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Baton Rouge is very community-based, and my “village” definitely played a vital role in my upbringing. My parents instilled the values of hard work and integrity in me early on, and I still carry those with me today. Both of my grandfathers were small farmers, so my interest in agriculture was piqued as a teen. I also had aunts, uncles, and other extended family and close friends who inspired and encouraged me along the way. Read more>>

Queen Zina Thrower | Author, Purposely Driven Inspirational Speaker, Entrepreneur and a Podcaster

I’m from South Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, Pa. I came up at a time, kids were seen and not heard. A time when adult party every weekend and the kid stayed out of sight. Because I was not raised by my parent, My Nana brought me up to love the Lord and treat people with the same respect I would want from them. My parent didn’t hug me and tell me that they loved me. So, when it was my time to have children, I hugged, kissed, talked and listen to them. Starting this journey of my life, becoming a best-selling author, a purposely driven inspirational speaker and an entrepreneur, I did it all loving the Lord and treating people with respect. Read more>>

Niah Willis | Entrepreneur and Business Owner

I was born in Charleston, SC but grew up in a military family and we lived mainly on the east coast. I spent a lot of my childhood moving from place to place having to connect with new people on a regular basis. I believe this became a huge part of who I am today. I love to meet to people and connect with others in different places and spaces, really flourishing love for hospitality. I was always cooking with my mom in the kitchen and setting up for get togethers, and eventually became the baker of the family. Read more>>

Danny McCrea | Videographer/Photographer

I’m Kingstree, S.C which is a small city in South Carolina. Me growing up there has built a reputation of respect, being dependable and a great communicator. All which heavily impact not only who I am today but helped my business grow organically. Read more>>

Nia Nicole | Loan processor & Vlogger

I am from Philadelphia, better known as Philly. I grew up on the west side of philly , and had a typical upbringing. My family was a middle class family, whereas we couldn’t get assistance, but definitely could’ve used it at times. My dad was an attentive father, and my mom was fashionable, and bought out the girly girl in my sister and I. My family also suffered the loss of my brother who was taken from us too soon due to violence in Philadelphia. Other than that tragic event my upbringing was very good based on the fact that my parents allowed me the freedom of being myself. Read more>>