There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Jomier Augustine | Founder and CEO of Two Percent Lifestyle & Athletic Trainer

My name is Jomier Augustine and I’m from Atlanta, GA. I played many sports growing up and my parents were both in the military so I was constantly moving locations during my childhood years. I believe that the constant change from different areas prepared me to adapt toward any environment. Read more>>

Bernie Gracieuse | artist

I come from a lineage of people who put meaning in the word freedom, being a Haitian person there’s a large history of resilience, strength, creativity, community and humanity. That history is something that I carry with me through my work. Read more>>

Angelica Mackin | CEO/FOUNDER & SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Well, I am from a small town called Kannapolis, North Carolina. I mean literally you can throw a ball from one side of the city and have someone catch it on the other side. I was raised in a home full of women. My great-grandmother, mother and grandmother all took a part in my upbringing. Read more>>

Nicole Lin | Motion Designer

I’m from Taiwan, and I majored in advertising during my undergraduate years. Because of the connections between advertising and motion graphics, I had the opportunity to explore motion graphics and found my passion for it. Therefore, I came to the US to study at Savannah College of Art and Design to specialize my knowledge in Motion Media. Read more>>

Joshua Cain | Photographer | Videographer | Live Streamer | Graphic Designer

I am from a small suburban town located near Atlanta, Georgia. I feel as though my background shaped me in a positive way. I grew up in a household with a cultured and supportive family that always cared and sought out opportunities for me, I didn’t live in a bad area, and I enjoyed the teachers and students that I surrounded myself with as I’ve attended public school throughout my life. Read more>>

Louisa Hurst | Artist and Dentist

I grew up on a farm in the North Georgia Mountains with my brothers and sisters where my love of nature and its bounty began. Time was spent out-of-doors with family where creativity was encouraged and necessary. Read more>>

Fara Wilson | Entrepreneur (social media influencer and small business owner)

I’m originally from Haiti (born and raised). My cultural roots and value-system certainly have had an impact on my desire to succeed — in all aspects of my life. I did not, however, follow the traditional career path most Haitian parents would prefer for their children: medicine, law, engineering, etc.. Read more>>