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.

Markus Kaulius | Investor, Serial Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author, Global Speaker

My backstory, while challenging when I went through it and, in some cases, for decades following, is a key reason I am who I am today. A broke and broken family scarred me for years. A 6’4, 120 lb body plagued me for years. Read more>>

TINA REDMOND aka TRACC | DJ, Podcaster, Music Mix & Media Producer

I’m Tina Redmond formally known as DJ Chic Chick now Internationally known as TRACC THE DJ or TRACC for short. I was born in Los Angeles, but raised in Inglewood, California, a city where dreams take flight quite literally, thanks to its proximity to the LAX International Airport. Read more>> 

Myeisha Smith | Creative Designer & Website Developer

I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, spending my early childhood in the uptown areas with family and later moving to downtown New Orleans and New Orleans East. Growing up in a household of five seemed normal to me. Read more>> 

Danny Rossi | Song-writer, creative, aspiring copywriter.

I am from a suburb in Metro Detroit called Sterling Heights. I was raised in a pretty standard city, Christian parents, homeschooled, and sheltered. I think the way I was raised allowed me to become pretty sensitive to people and learn about them in a way that is pretty intuitive. Read more>>

Shun Cheng Hsieh | Industrial & Footwear Designer

Hello, I’m Shun Cheng Hsieh. I was born and raised in Taiwan, where my interest in industrial design took root around junior high school. Inspired by designers who cleverly solved problems through research, aesthetics, and design skills, I aspired to join their ranks. Read more>>

Nolan Acosta | Motion Designer

Aloha, I am from the beautiful islands of Hawaii, where the word ALOHA is more than just a greeting but a way of life. Growing up in Hawaii, known as the “melting pot” of the world, I was fortunate to be immersed in a culture that values kindness, compassion, respect, and appreciation for others and the world. Read more>>

Yakubu Izuagbe | DJ and Music Producer

I was born in the U.S. to a father who was invited on a full scholarship from Benin City, Nigeria and a mother who is a walking miracle. My journey began blended with cultural diversity. From the halls of Oregon State University to the streets of Nigeria, the landscapes of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Great Britain, my upbringing was a patchwork of experiences that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t imagine at the time. Read more>>