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.

Chime Edwards | Content Creator | Writer

I was born in a small town in Mississippi, a place where the charm of the countryside was as palpable as the summer humidity. My childhood unfolded amidst the woods surrounding our home, providing a playground filled with wonder and adventure. One of my most cherished memories is walking barefoot in our backyard, relishing the soothing sensation of grass gently tickling my feet. Read more>>

Jamarian Jones (godlikejj) | Musical Artist

I come from Roanoke Rapids North Carolina, a small city with nothing really to do, so as a kid we had to be creative. My city and the people in it get a lot of credit for making me who I am today, because everyday was a lesson. Every kid dreams of becoming a superstar in some way, but when you’re coming from a population of only 15,000 people you have to dream a little differently. Seeing more headlines about crime than I saw about success made me feel like I wanted to be that story of success. Read more>>

Shar Michele | Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

I’m from the west side of Detroit, Michigan. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be an Entrepreneur. When I was 7 years old, I would make Kool-Aid (which was not very good), pour it in Dixie cups, freeze them, and then sell them to the neighborhood kids during the summer. At school, I’d buy candy for a quarter and sell it for an extra 5 cents. I have tons of stories like these. So, my journey to entrepreneurship started very young, even though I didn’t know what it was called at the time. Read more>>

Jasmine Hairston | Professional Makeup Artist & Content Creator

I am from Columbus, Ohio. I would say my background and upbringing showed me to stay focused on my goals and dreams. I grew up in a place where alot of people get complacent and get tired of going after what they wanted for themselves so that makes them settle for whatever life throws at them. I always knew what I wanted in life and my upbringing instilled that hunger in me. Read more>>

Kenneth Lowe | Artist, Director, & Musician

I am an Atlanta native and “Grady Baby” through and through. Atlanta has been my only place of residence and unless God leads me elsewhere, it will be my final resting place as well. Being raised in the South and the “Bible Belt” region of the country has been very influential to my upbringing. That influence began with my mother who faithfully attended church and consistently participated in many auxiliaries and ministries; most of which was singing. In all actuality, my mother was my initial music trainer who taught me everything she knew about singing Gospel music and the importance of its’ impact. Read more>>

Sydney Brooks | Student Filmmaker

I am from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, but I currently reside in Atlanta to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design. Growing up, I always had a love for anything to do with a camera. I can’t remember where the impulse to take photos came from, but I do remember how happy I was when I was gifted my first Canon for Christmas. My high school was small and didn’t offer any camera classes, so I was completely self-taught. Read more>>

Vanita Keswani | Art Educator and Administrator

My parents are from India and although I didn’t live there, we traveled several summers to see our family. I grew up between Okinawa, Japan, and different states along the Southeast. With the great amount we traveled, I grew up with a sense of curiosity and need to experience new cultures. My upbringing was a tug of war between Eastern and Western cultures. My parents wanted to remain true to our Indian traditions but I wanted to “fit in” with my Western friends. This careful and tedious balancing act led me to be more aware of the people around me and precipitated constant adaptation. Read more>>

Li Da9o | Future Hottest Upcoming Rapper

I was born and raised in Albany, Georgia and I graduated from Worth County High School in Sylvester, Ga, not too far away from me. I definitely thank all my teachers and mentors I was able to establish relationships with before I left. As a child I used to spend a lot of time with my grandma and aunty on my stepdad side when my mom had to work while I was out of school. I can’t really remember too much about then, but they overly loved me. They definitely helped my parents shape me into the man I am today. Ima forever be a grandma baby. Read more>>

Zayah Riley | Music Artist and Actress

I’m from the dynamic Tampa Bay Area in Florida. Growing up in a culturally rich and musically diverse environment shaped my creativity and passion for music. My upbringing instilled resilience, determination, and the drive to break barriers, influencing my unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Surrounded by a supportive family and a community that celebrated individuality, I learned to embrace my talents and work tirelessly to share my artistry with the world. Tampa’s vibrant culture continues to fuel my journey and inspire my evolution as an artist. Read more>>

Chloe Darby | Graphic Designer

Growing up in Chicago taught me the importance of giving back to the community, and that’s something I carry with me to this day. I always say, “If I have the skills to help, why not use them to make a difference?” That’s why I make it a priority to volunteer my time and talents at local churches. Read more>>