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.

Dona Georgieva | Fire Spinning Circus Performer

I am originally from Sofia, Bulgaria. I was born there and lived in Libya for two years before moving to the States with my family. A life of travel from an early age showed me how essential and beautiful diversity is. Diversity in the people we surround ourselves with, variety of thoughts and ideas, and of course diverse ways to express ourselves and create awe-inspiring art. I believe this open-minded upbringing inspires me for life to continue striving to make unique art for unique people. As a fire spinner, surprising and delighting my audiences with new tricks, props, and costumes really brings me joy. Read more>>

Alicia Kelley | Actress, Youth Acting Coach and Aspiring Filmmaker

I am from a small, one stoplight town in Indiana called Upland. Growing up in such a small town instilled simplicity in my heart. I spent much of my childhood playing outdoors, barefoot, reading books, playing piano, and doing chores around the house and my in my family’s garden (my mom had one of the biggest green thumbs of the town). Small town life also taught me hard work, genuine connections with people and the beauty of dreams. From a young age my parents taught me the value of hard work and delayed gratification. They had no idea I would end up pursuing a career in acting, but the work ethic they nurtured me has become invaluable to me. Read more>>

Meyakka MeMe” Sturdivant | Advisor & Consultant “

I’m one of those small town southern girls from the City of High Point. I grew up in the projects of Clara Cox and was raised by a single mother and the undying support of my maternal grandparents. They were hard working farmers and furniture manufacturing workers. I believe I first learned the art of entrepreneurship and independent hustle by watching them curate, grow and develop their own field of gardens. We had a little white, 5-room farmhouse and a man-made garden and chicken coop next to the house. The garden was a family “business venture”, though it was never called a business, that helped us learn how to build something with our hands, work hard daily with it, and feed our family and community without wanting anything. Read more>>

Marsha MJ” Banner | MJ the A&R”

I am originally from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a single parent, Belizean household, I was influenced by different genres of Caribbean music such as reggae, dancehall, soca and reggaeton while also gaining knowledge simultaneously about Hip-Hop and R&B from the city. A few of my favorite artists growing up were(and still is) Sean Paul, Spice, T.O.K, Busy Signal, Lady Saw, Wayne Wonder, Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond and the list goes on for eternity. From a young age, I knew music was my calling, something that I just gravitated towards and knew that’s what resonates with my soul. Read more>>

Crystal Brown, MBA | Business Development Consultant & Tax Accountant

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA! Yes, I am an original peach. On the eastside of Atlanta, I grew up in a low-income neighborhood called East Lake Meadows. As a child, I was raised in a Christian home by both my mother and father. As a result of my faith-based background and humble upbringing, I am the woman I am today. It is through Christ that I am able to accomplish all things. To put it simply, “I believe…If God is guiding me, there is nothing I cannot accomplish.” Read more>>

Scott Freeman | Executive Editor of ArtsATL

I grew up in West Georgia, in a little one-red light town near Carrollton. It was a nice way to grow up, in a place where times were simpler. It many ways it was like growing up in Mayberry. But I also got to see the not-so-pleasant seedy underbelly of rural Southern life. My dad was a school principal who integrated his school, and then a superintendent who oversaw the integration of an entire school system. I’d answer the phone at times to hear a voice snarl at me, “Hey boy, we’re gonna kill your daddy tonight.” Music became one of my strongest passions. Read more>>

Cesar Calzadilla | Real Estate Inspector

I am from Venezuela. My background in Civil Engineering definitely has a direct impact on my work as a Home Inspector since both are technical careers where the fundamentals of engineering greatly facilitated the understanding to become a Home Inspector. I obtained my engineering degree in Venezuela, which is why I do not have an engineering license here in the USA, but my upbringing helped me understand that I had to start again from cero, so i could use that background to develop another career in this country, and it was at the Home Inspection where I was able to find the perfect formula to channel my previously acquired knowledge. Read more>>