Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

John Salak | Videographer & Music Composer

I come from Czech Republic which is a small country in the hearth of Europe. I have always been a little bit different then other people around me. Creative, diligent, effective nad workaholic 🙂 I started my own business in 2002 right after high school graduation despite all people around me tried to convince me to go to college. I was never a fan of schools because i like to learn effectively the important knowledge to reach my goals. Read more>>

Allison Sannuto | Model and Content Creator

I think my bringup has had a large impact on my life, my morals, and where I am today. I grew up in a really small town north of Tampa called Spring Hill, Florida. In my hometown everyone knew everyone and life seemed to be very simple and people were content with a regular life. Since as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of more. Read more>>

Reina Da Ripper | Artist & Entrepreneur

I’m From Miami, I Grew Up In A Neighborhood Called Robinhood But I Didn’t Go Outside Much….Lol….I Was Raised By My Grandmother And Single Mother, And Life Was Hard But We We’re Always Blessed Enough. Growing Up I Had To Learn That We Were A Little Less Fortunate Than Those I Grew Up Around Or Came Across And That Just Taught Me To Work Harder For What I Wanted. Read more>>

Marilee Nies | Boutique Owner & Creativity Coach

Born in Northern California, I grew up observing my father who was very entrepreneurial minded himself. He would always encourage: “You can do whatever you put your mind to.” “Work hard, take care of people, and always put family first.” As a kind, gentle natured person, he loved connecting with people and teaching us as kids how to always strive for our best. Read more>>

Kuti Martínez | Photographer & Visual Artist

I am a Spanish artist born in Madrid. As a child I lived in a big eclectic world.I come from an artistic backdround. At the end of Franco dictatorship, my father was among the first to explore the arts and such opened one of the first art galeries in Madrid. Not only he traveled all over the world to collect beautifil pieces of art but he was himself a painter . Our house itself was a beautiful piece of art and always under creative activity. Read more>>