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.

Charlotte Reece Stone | Photographer

I am originally from Richmond, VA but have slowly made my way down the East Coast. I definitely get my creativity from my mom- she is a brilliant and talented oil painter. Both of my parents have always been incredibly encouraging of my creative pursuits and I am so grateful for that. Read more>>

Lachante Bentley | Lash Artist

I am from Dade County. Born and raised in Miami, FL. I attended Hialeah Elementary, Downtown Miami Charter School, Miami Springs Middle School , and William H. Turner Technical Arts Highschool. I also cheered for Miami Central High School for two years so if you ask me, I’m a Rocket too. From high school, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Florida State University. Read more>>

Nicole Desir | Mental Health Worker & Fashion Blogger

I was born and raised in Lake Worth Florida. I am a first generation Haitian-American and with that came the typical “first-born” struggles. All parents wanted their kids to be doctors and/or lawyers and the first thing I told my parents I wanted to be is a baker. Although I was academically inclined growing up I always had a creative in me. I was grateful enough that my parents (specifically my mom) supported all those avenues of expression I wanted to try. Whether it was tap for two weeks or colorguard for years I was always supported. Read more>>

Alicia King | Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Owner of King Pediatric Dentistry

My family is of Cuban- Colombian descent. My grand father and father came from Cuba at a young age with nothing but the clothes that they were wearing in pursuit of living the American dream. I was raised in a household where hard work, dedication and love was evident daily. The perseverance that my family embodies is a reflection of who I am today. My grand father always played a very big role in my life, aside from teaching me to always be thankful for the opportunity to wake up every morning and live my dream of being a pediatric dentist, he taught me that laughter is the best medicine. Read more>>

MacKenzie Hennessey | Action Sport and Lifestyle Photographer

I grew up in the small town of Rutland, Massachusetts with my parents and older sister. We had 20 acres (mostly wooded) and I remember my afternoons were almost always spent outdoors; either walking the wooded trails, hanging out in the barn (we were lucky enough to grow up horseback riding), or playing catch with my dad in the backyard. Read more>>

Juan Etchegaray | Creative & Entrepreneur

Messi and Ginóbili are Argentines. And they got so far, precisely because they are Argentineans. Here the court is always sloped, in bad condition, with holes. But your passion leads you to face all these adversities. My country used to be one of the richest countries in Latin America, but for almost 20 years we have been stuck in a left-wing populism that, by seeking equality, managed to make the best talents and the best companies go to other countries. Read more>>

Peggy and Pat Essex | retired Music Educator/Performer and Patrick Essex musician and founder of the Bubba School of Music””

Let me preface by saying Peggy (I) is writing this answer .
Patrick and Peggy Essex are brother and sister. #2 & #3 of five children. We come from a long line of musical relatives that loved playing music. Although, none studied music they all played by ear and were quite proficient and entertaining. Pat and Peggy both learned to play the guitar at a young age. Beginning in high school I joined the Orchestra learning the viola. This is when I became totally consumed by music 24/7. Read more>>

Gioia Canelli | Sales Executive

Coming from a family of immigrants. My grandparents are Italians moved to southamerica after world war ii on a boat, my parents are Argentinians, I am Paraguayan and my children are american. Every generation moved to another continent or country. From a diverse background all I know is how to adapt, work hard and give my best. Read more>>

Gregory Royster | Chef and knife maker

I’m from Ft. Lauderdale born and raised around the Sistrunk area. Growing up we really didn’t have much but somehow my family made it work. We weren’t broke broke but we weren’t well off either, the neighborhood was a lot rougher than it is now. Our family just had that never quit attitude and God was always in the center of it all. So honestly if it wasn’t for my faith and never take no for an answer attitude I wouldn’t be where I am right now. All glory to Jesus. Read more>>