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.

Julbert Abraham | Entrepreneur

24 years ago, I came to the US from Haiti. I had no money, no network, no friends and I didn’t speak english. I can say growing up in Haiti and being around my parents and family had a huge impact on my upbringing and who I am today. They still the power of perseverance, hard work, surround yourself around the right people and be resourceful. Read more>>

Tymisha Harris | Multi-faceted Performer- Singer-Dancer-Actor-Puppetry +

I am originally from El Paso, Texas. Born and raised there for the first 20 years of my life. When I was six years old, my mother was killed. My maternal grandmother and great- grandmother raised me along with an entire community of folks. With love, understanding, compassion and an adventurous spirit, they all taught me that my life didn’t end with a murder. No one’s life is easy, and that I am still destined for greatness. From EPT, I moved to the mecca that was Orlando, Florida after the 20th birthday. (It was to be the next Hollywood) I jumped right in and did as much as I could, because I wasn’t taught any differently. I knew I was the thing missing in these events or “productions.” I still feel this way. Read more>>

Rodesha Johnson | BSN, Registered Nurse and C0-Owner of Thrive Wellness & Hydration Lounge

I am originally from a small rural town in Maryland. Growing up, I encountered lots of challenges including ones with my health. A lot of time during my childhood was spent in hospitals. That is where my fascination with medicine and admiration for nurses began. My true calling in life is to help others. This has to have stemmed from the fact that so many people have helped me in various ways. Read more>>

DaShean Porter | Singer-Songwriter

I was born and raised in Charleston, SC—the “Holy City.” It’s a pretty small but diverse city. I didn’t travel out much as a kid so I would say the Gullah Geechee culture influenced me in a big way. There was definitely a lack of solid resources when it came to creativity and music which impacted my perspective on success and what it means to be successful. I quickly realized I had to have a DIY mentality and became inspired to be one of the people bringing resources back to my city to help build up the arts community. Read more>>

Osew Ocean | Fashion Designer and Model

Im originally from New Jersey! I grew up primarily in North Carolina though. Grewing up with brothers made me very tom boyish on the inside but on the outside I was extremely prissy and I got that from my mom. I lived in a household where we was always ablate freely express ourselves whether it came to what was on our mind or the clothes we wanted to wear. I feel like that’s what made it easier for me to be a “dare devil” in a sense when it comes to what I wear or what clothes I decided to produce. Just growing up in a safe space where I always felt like I could openly be myself Read more>>

Abdulsalam Bello Oluwapelumi | Graphics Designer, Creative Content Writer, Video Editor and Virtual Personal Assistant.

I am Abdulsalam Bello Pelumi, from Lagos City, Nigeria. I am a Graphics Designer, Creative Content Writer, Video editor and virtual Personal Assistant. I have a Diploma in social work and Administration and currently studying sociology at Lagos state university. I came from an average income earning family and was born and raised in a rural community in Lagos City, Nigeria. I grew up in a Community that’s full of young talent but the system has failed alot and killed lots of dreams in them. Read more>>