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.

Liz Derr | Comedian

I’m originally from Northern NJ and the culture there is unlike anywhere else. I’m not a die hard New Jersey lover but being from there is it’s own unique brand of messed up. My surroundings paired with the fact that both my parents are autistic and I was victim to a lot of neglect, typically goes one of two ways, deep dark depression, or humor as a coping mechanism. Read more>>

Subbound Maniax | Music Artist

I’m from a neighborhood called Brownsub in Miami, Fl. My up bringing made me who I am today, I was raised by a single mom who did the best she could. I always loved music and football which both has played a major part in my life. Read more>>

Michael Giorgi | Rock Musician, Online Personal Trainer, and Event Coordinator

I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida- a city I am very proud to be from. Ask anyone that knows me well and they will likely confirm that being from Tampa is one-third of my personality. I still go back and volunteer as an Entertainment Coordinator for Gasparilla Festival of the Arts! Read more>> 

Mami Okamoto | Portrait Photographer

I was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. Growing up in Hiroshima, even though we had our tragic history, we were taught that the acceptance and forgiveness are the key for the humanity and that’s what we need to pursue. Read more>>

Fidel Omil | Freelance digital artist & Model

I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya in an area called Eastlands. I developed an affinity to art at a very young age, constantly filling up every book I could find with pen drawings. It got so excessive that I ended up drawing on some very important books that my belonged to my parents. Read more>>

Yeong yuh Lin | Illustrator & Designer

Growing up in Thailand as a Taiwanese girl, my childhood was like the colorful picture books my mom collected for our living room. Due to my multilingual environment, speaking Mandarin at home, and switching between English and Thai at school, Read more>>

Iamyunghot

I am from Atlanta ga a Grady baby to be exact but I’m born an raised I’m the real definition of Atlanta but I would describe my upbringing as world war 2 but for the most part I got involved in the street activities since the age of thirteen I learned very early the value of money an what it could do for my life an the changes that it could make my mom always had a job Read more>>

Nyah Melvin | Food, Travel & Entertainment Blogger

I’m a true Atlanta native. I was born in Atlanta. I been here all my life. I had the true experience from visiting the Fox theater, Fernbank , eating at The Varsity from viewing Christmas lights at Centennial Park. Read more>> 

Elisabet Pramono | Interior Designer

Born multiracial in Jakarta, Indonesia, I have been naturally exposed to different cultures and traditions since I was little. With Indonesia being one of the most ethnically diverse societies, I was always able to experience and analyze how different cultures interact and view spaces in different ways which influenced me when designing my projects. This inspired me to pursue a degree and career in Interior Design! Read more>>

Lemar Wilson | Educational Leader & Author

I grew up in Astoria, Queens with my mom, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. My father wasn’t around, and later in his teenage years, he passed away from a drug overdose. Growing up in the projects, I saw a lot of drugs being sold and used. My brothers were in and out of jail, so the male figure in my life was who I saw on TV. Read more>>

GME Tay Official | Recording Artist/Musician

I am from Lorain,Ohio Southside to be exact. My up bringing wasn’t too bad just regular kid who had big dreams on being successful in life. I always been into music when i was little so as i got older i learned more skills & ideas on how to perfect my craft so i can show the world my art. Read more>>