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.

Shotgun Shane

I’m from East Tennessee, born and raised in Morristown, Tn, spent alot of summers in Sneedville Tennessee, Where everything is country and we have the smokey mountains, lots of trails, and good fishing! My background and upbringing played a huge role in my music. I remember my younger years trying to just rap about things that I didn’t have no reason at all rappin about, and I had family friends tell me that I should incorporate the country livin aspect in my lyrics, and once I started doing that, BAM! I finally had something. Read More>>

Kelli Mcclung

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Eventually at age 12, I moved to Lake Lanier in the little town of the beautiful Flowery Branch, Georgia! I grew up living on a houseboat (this was way back when no one lived on houseboats!) I was known as the “boat” girl in high school and little did I know at the time all the amazing memories I would make over the years on that Lake with friends and to this day I have NEVER moved away from Flowery Branch. I went to dental hygiene school right out of high school and did that a few year full time.  Read More>>

Alma Cisse

Samwel Muhoro Mbui, popularly known by his stage name Alma Cisse, is a Kenyan Afro-Pop recording artist, actor, dancer, pianist, and businessman. Born in Naivasha and raised in the less-privileged neighborhood of Kasarani in Nakuru County, Alma Cisse’s humble beginnings have played a significant role in shaping his sound and artistic journey. Read More>>

Shawitekia Johnson

I’m from a small town Thomson, Georgia where most people work just to make ends meet. It’s tough to find a decent job that allows you to truly maintain your household without needing some sort of assistance or picking up a second job.

I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but for a long time, I wasn’t sure what path to take. I had multiple talents and was using them for side hustles here and there. But preparing taxes stood out it was the most lucrative at the time. Read More>>