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.

Eli Orth | Art Director & Owner

I spent most of my childhood in the remote wilderness of Somerset County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where my parents had purchased an abandoned 18th-century ship captain’s house on the shores of the Manokin river. Over time, they’ve fixed up the property and made it a wonderful place to live and visit, but during my childhood, the seclusion of our home meant that my only interactions with kids my age were at school. While at home on the weekends and during the summer breaks I found solace in video games, books, and especially animation. Through these mediums, I discovered a profound joy of storytelling that had me creating worlds and storylines with anything I could get my hands on- Lego, stuffed animals, and art supplies. Read more>>

Daysia Chanelle | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter+

My name is Daysia Chanelle, I’m from Queens, New York. I have a unique blend of Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Cuban heritage. My diverse background has sculpted me into an open-minded individual, embracing the tapestry of cultures woven into my family history. Growing up in the Catholic school environment, particularly in the choir, unveiled my passion for singing. It was within those hallowed halls that I discovered my voice, and I would retreat home to translate my emotions into song lyrics etched in notebooks. Inspired by the church organ, I immersed myself in the world of piano, adding depth to my musical journey. This upbringing not only fostered my musical career but also shaped my spirituality, creating a harmonious blend of diverse influences that define who I am today. Read more>>

Char Curry | Author, Relationship Advisor, Healer

I was born and raised in Northern California. I’m from The Bay Area, but went to school down in the valley. I was born into trauma as the product of 2 drug addicts. I was born addicted to multiple drugs: crack, heroine, alcohol & marijuana. At the age of 2 months old I stopped breathing due to having a “baby stroke” and they brought me back. Due to the pregnancy being so harsh on me, physicians declared that I’d always have learning disabilities & school would be difficult for me, yet I was always one of the smartest kids in the class, as well as in gifted classes. In high school, I was my IQ was tested multiple times and was always above 140. I say this to say I guess God’s power trumped they’re professional predictions of me. LOL Read more>>

Fareed Rasheed | Vegan Food Content creator & Travel blogger & Truck Driver

Originally from Washington DC but I have been living in Georgia since elementary school. My grandparents they owned a restaurant and that’s where my love of food began before that it was just eat to survive nowadays I appreciate it more. Read more>>

Selena Evans Miller | Professional Makeup Artist

Hello, my name is Selena Miller, and I would like to share with you, how my background and upbringing, made an impact on who I am today. From the time we are born, we are a part of a family and as we grow, we begin to realize that, and where we are raised, and how we are raised, has a profound impact on your life. Granted we have no choice in this matter, but we do have choices on what we choose to do and be in life, even though some circumstances, are extremely difficult and even dangerous. I was raised in a upper middle class African American family, in a white suburban community. I went from grade school to high school, in white school with a handful of black students. Read more>>