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.

Swayde Wilson | Actor

I’m from Detroit Michigan my background came from my mother and father my mother was a singer and my farther was the business minded one. It impact me a lot growing up always wanting to be the business man like my father and being in the line light business like my mother. Read more>>

Tracey meyers | Executive Pastor, Podcaster, Transformational Speaker

I am a ’70s baby born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, in a two-parent household. I also spent my summers down south with my grandparents and many cousins. This allowed me to have both of both worlds. Growing up in the city with both parents gave me the confidence, street sense, and savvy that has been advantageous for me. I can show up in the world with an inner strength established in my home and community. Visiting the South allowed me to slow down, let my guard down, and experience Southern hospitality, fresh air, and down-home cooking. I learned the value/appreciation, quality, and duality of life and family. I can be around diverse people from various backgrounds and cultures and still be me. Read more>>

Karen Gayle | Business Owner & Coach

I am a native of Atlanta and grew up in a very entrepreneurial household and family. I am a fourth generation entrepreneur. From my great grandfather to me, every generation had business owners. My mother was the youngest of 14 children, and she along with just about all of her siblings owned their own businesses. My father also had businesses as well and taught us the value of working for yourself. So, it was natural for me to enter that world as well. Being exposed to all types of buisnesses from an early age planted the seed. Seeing firsthand the planning, work ethic, discipline and focus put me on that path. The business lessons are really life lessons that have carried me throughout my career — Treat people fairly. Do it right the first time. Learn how to manage your time. Be proactive. Be an analytical thinker. Trust God. Never give up! Read more>>

John Walton | Director, Producer & Music Creative

I’m from a small town in Middle;Georgia call Forsyth Georgia.. Monroe Co between Atlanta & Macon.. population of 4000. I grew up around a lot of strong, black women that I learned a lot from.. I watched them gather the community. I watch them feed the community. I watch them be like a parent figure to children that weren’t even their children. They took a lot of us places that we never would’ve gone if they hadn’t cared enough to do it for us.. I guess I picked up a lot of the characteristics without knowing until later in life, but for the most part being in a small town with no inspiration and motivation, I think the TV inspired me to be more, because that was all I had. Read more>>