Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Jerrick Rose | Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Entrepreneur Dr. Jerrick W. Rose

I am from Brandon, Ms. My background and upbringing makes me who I am. My father was killed when I was three years old. My step father abused me and I was adopted out of foster care from my grandparents at the age of seven. My grandmother not only believed in me, but also thought me that I could be and do anything I wanted regardless of my circumstances. I was. taught several valuable lessons and My childhood traumas have molded me into the man that I am. Read more>>

Kim Miller | Personal Trainer, Fit & Happy PT

I am originally from Baltimore, MD which I think, makes me a tad tougher. I have memories as a pre-teen of my Mom taking me to not only Jazzercise classes at my elementary school, but also to the gym. Neither of us really knew what to do, nor were Personal Trainers really a thing in the late 80s, but we were still in there trying to do something for our bodies. I believe that foundation truly made me think differently about how I treat my body from that early age. Read more>>

Alexis K. Turner | AKT | Paralegal/Entrepreneur/Stylist

I am from a small rural town named Wadley, GA. Growing up in the country required me to learn to have patience and be able to sit still and let things come into play. There isn’t much to do in the country besides enjoying nature’s best, so you learn to make something out of nothing and watch it unfold. This helps with my creativity and strategy for my businesses a lot. Because the town is so small and everyone knows everyone, that help me understand the development of relationships and reciprocity. Read more>>

Vonshay Sheppard | Natural Hair Stylist & Beauty Professional

I was born and raised in metro Detroit, MI! As I traveled to other places, I noticed that inner city communities do not have the same access to all natural and organic resources as other higher class areas do. Which is why Beyond Glamorous Beauty Cosmetics specializes in creating clean, simple, & organic professional quality hair and body care products. Specifically composed of all natural or naturally derived ingredients. Read more>>

Justyce Mosley | College Student and Cosmetic Entrepreneur

I am from Sylvania, a small town in Georgia. Coming from a small town, I’ve always loved go travel and see more than what I saw at home. I enjoyed traveling and experiencing things that were different than my everyday life. This impacted the way I view life. Although there are some people that enjoy their small town life, I am apart of the group that wants more. Part of my upbringing, included much of travel and cultural experiences despite being in a small town and that made me always want to enjoy life and it’s wonders. I personally feel like that impacted my desire to start and run a business. I enjoy experiencing life and bringing joy and happiness to others as well through my creativity sparked by my experiences. Read more>>

Tiffany Burgess | Actor, Writer, Producer

I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee. I am the youngest of 4 children and the only girl. My grandparents and parents instilled in me the value of education and importance of hard work. I was also raised to have a relationship with God which is very important to me. I attribute my success to God’s favor in my life, the support and love of my family and friends, and my determination to succeed. Read more>>

Quintan Johnson | Apparel Company Owner & Blogger

Taking a RISK is the number one key to success in business! Yes, it can be nerve-racking but you have to step out on faith sometimes! Taking a risk for me was leaving my 5 days a week desk job to work in retail! I was so nervous but the change was necessary. I knew that I was going to own my own boutique but I also understood that I needed to learn how retail works inside and out. The best decision I could have ever made and will never regret it! Read more>>

Alaya Woodard | Realtor & Property Manager

I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. I would say this is one of my proudest accomplishments making it out of a city where not many people get to tell their success story. I was raised by a single mother and that is 100% were my drive comes from growing up seeing my mom make things happen without making any excuses. Read more>>

Landis Lee | Landis Lee | Owner of S-Class Mobile Auto Spa & President of The Gianna Lee Foundation

I’m from Saint Petersburg, Florida. My upbringing was the typical African-American single mom story. I didn’t have much but Ive always had more than enough love than i could ask for and assistance with anything needed. Growing up on the south side it’s the same sad song that too many are familiar with, nonetheless that is one of the main driving forces for me today. I was as determined to be different and make a difference then as much as i am now. Read more>>

Tiffany Michaels | Hairstylist/ owner of a salon

I was born in Trenton New Jersey and raised in Huntsville Alabama. Both of my parents are from the Caribbean. Growing up I didn’t have access to a lot of luxuries like going to a salon to get my hair done , which was something. I’ve always wanted to do. One of my sister’s Kim knew how to do hair so she kept me in the latest hair dos while I was in high school. I had a passion for doing hair but I became a parent at the age of 15. It took me years to follow my dream of becoming a hairstylist. I believe I had to go through so many trials to get to where I am right now. Which makes me appreciate this business even more . Read more>>

Tangy Shaw | TV Personality/Jack of all trades

Born and raised in Wichita Falls Texas. I was a pretty active and hyper kid! Known to be in drill team, choir, cheerleading and shotput & discus. I was raised to treat others at all times with respect and understand you have one life to live so truly “LIVE IT UP”! Read more>>

Taija Williams | Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Director

I’m from Sumter, South Carolina. I would like to think that my background and upbringing impacted every part of who I am. I have this love of community that is bred from the coastline of the South that is unlike any other. I feel it in my soul every time I come home. I attribute every beautiful thing about me to my family, that community, and the submersion of nature I grew up in. My morals, tenacity, and love of self all stem the South. Read more>>