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.

Palenque Doddington | Actor

Growing up in New Zealand, I was immersed in cultural influences that subtly shaped the way I perceive and interpret the world, and will of course influence my art. While English is spoken widely, the nuances of expression, storytelling, and character portrayal can vary significantly across different cultural contexts. Read more>>

Cory Hodge | Driver & Electric Unicycler

I’m the knee baby of the family – the third boy out of four boys to a single mother. I was born and raised in Carol City in Miami, Florida. Growing up in Miami, I grew up around a lot of different people and cultures. Miami is a melting pot of people and ideas that have manifested greatness. Read more>>

Monica Hackett | Founder & Lead Designer

I moved around a lot as a child after my parents got divorced, but for the most part, I can say I’m from West Orange, NJ. I have four siblings—an older sister, two younger sisters, and a younger brother. I’m a girl from the north but I’m a country girl at heart. I moved to Atlanta, GA in 2016 and have been here ever since. Read more>>