There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Olivia Pascale | Influencer, Model, and Entrepreneur

I was born in Manhattan, but raised in South Florida. I started modeling when I was 9 and I always say it was such a great way for me to learn professionalism at a young age. I learned how to conduct myself, how to take direction, and most importantly, how to handle rejection and not take it personally. I’ve always held that with me because that is a big aspect of being a business owner as well and I feel like I got great practice hearing “no” and not letting that stop me. Read more>>

Sebastian Espejo | Musician, Cook, and Fashion Stylist

I was born in Miami, raised in Connecticut and am of Cuban, Mexican, Irish, and French-Canadian decent. My food and lifestyle blog @preppy.in.miami encapsulates all of my heritages and allows me to reach out to family from all of those countries for fun and easy recipes! Being raised in Connecticut, I was brought up with New England cordiality and style which is also incorporated in my blog through my fashion choices! Read more>>

Angela Farid | Founder & Resourceful Rebel

My family is from the middle-east; We are from Egypt with some Armenian roots. My immediate family immigrated from their homes overseas to start a better, safer life in North America. Our upbringing is considered quite conservative to the western world along with being Coptic Orthodox which was very uncommon in Florida at the time. Our parents wished for us to have the “American Dream”, a graduate degree, most likely a lawyer, doctor, or engineer, and to live a stable life in the sunshine state. Read more>>

Sarah ELQA | French Artist

I am half french and half moroccan where I was born and raise. I worked as a stylist for ten years. Art is a family story because my ancestor is the french fauvist artist Maurice Devlaminck. A few years ago I decided to leave the fashion world for painting. My double culture and my artistic past has a lot of influence on who I am today. Read more>>

Aney C | Psychology Student & Singer

I am from from Chiriqui, Panama. My family is from Panama, and we moved to the United States in 2001. My parents are both an inspiration and a motivation for me. My parents struggled and worked tirelessly every day. They had to go through so many trials and tribulations just to provide a better life for my siblings and myself. My parents had an influence on who I am now. They showed me that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything. Not only that, but they taught me that no matter what position you find yourself in, you must always treat everyone with kindness. Read more>>

Carolyn Reyes Perez | Soccer Coach & Graphic Designer

I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. My parents and teachers taught me where discipline can lead you from the very beginning and on the other hand, Dominicans are people who thrive despite any adversity. As a child, I was always playing sports with the boys because most girls were taught not to take sports seriously. Now, at my age and with all the women empowerment that we are finally seeing nowadays, I’m here to offer women, a safe and healthy spot to play soccer. Read more>>

Joshua sims | Tour and Radio DJ

I’m from Miami,Fl my background and up bringing has impact me and so many ways being from a multi-culture family. I’ve got to experience both of best worlds it gives you a balance and an understanding of life and people of different ethnicities. which has really help me as a Dj. I can go from playing Hip-Hop to playing Afrobeat, Alternative Rock to Pop and Dancehall, Reggae, Bachata, Salsa, Reggaeton, and so on lol. makes appreciate and love all cultures it teaches you as well and have respect for it all. Read more>>

Nomad | Recording Artist/Produce

I am from Aurora, Colorado originally. I was raised in a working class environment from a humble family. We had to move around several times in my youth due to my Dad’s work. When I was younger, he was out of town often so my Mom, my sister, and I would hold down the house and each other. I found myself always playing music from most genres at a young age. Moving around a lot, I learned how to be adaptable, to appreciate the present, and be okay with relationships being temporary. Read more>>