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.

Pedja Kovačević | Musicologist, curator, music producer and founder of Soundologia

I grew up in a bucolic town in Central Serbia. It is a beautiful spa, blessed with natural resources such as mineral water, clean air, and rich marble deposits, the perfect place to live and raise children. I spent the whole day outside without my parents watching over me and playing with other kids. Looking back, I remember my childhood as mesmerizing and unforgettable. The town is still safe today, but there aren’t as many kids hanging out as there used to be. Read more>>

Rachel Rusenko | Artist, Vocalist, and Community Builder

I was raised in Casablanca, Morocco, from ages three to sixteen. Being immersed in such gorgeous geometric detail so prevalently, from hand carved wood and plaster ceilings, to intricate metal work and mosaic patterning, has informed my penchant towards geometry and symmetry. Islamic people believe in honoring the divine through abstract shapes instead of human representation. Though I do not directly copy these patterns, I aspire to echo the visual pleasure found in balanced and mirrored shapes. Read more>>

Linda Liz Díaz | Founder & Creative Director of 33:3

Growing up in Costa Rica instilled in me a deep-rooted eco-consciousness, which has become a cornerstone of my design philosophy. At 33:3, we’re dedicated to leading the charge in inclusive, adaptive innovation. Our commitment to a sustainable future is evident in every aspect of our designs. From utilizing recycled yarns to opting for versatile cuts and eco-friendly printing techniques, we prioritize minimizing environmental impact without compromising on style. Read more>>

Shannon Crosby | Curated Plant Shop Owner | Artist | Event Coordinator

I am originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area. My family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida when I was about to start middle school. I feel as though both Boston and St. Pete foster creativity in immense ways. There is art to see everywhere, and so many interesting things to do and see. My mom would bring home photocopied arts & crafts activities for us to do before the internet was ubiquitous. We went to museums, went on history tours, and my mom even gave tours of lighthouses in Boston. She later wrote and self-published a book on lighthouses too. Later as a teen and young adult, I saw the transformation of downtown St. Petersburg into the vibrant art district it is today. Read more>>

Oliver James | Influencer, Motivational Speaker, & Literacy Advocate

I am from Pennsylvania, born and raised. My background and upbringing shaped everything about me today, from the good to the bad. The bad is that my school experience growing up traumatized me. I graduated but was functionally illiterate. The good is that from all the hard things I endured, it made me a strong person and being strong allowed me to go on this journey to learn how to read. Read more>>

Jasmine Villette | Owner & Barista

Prior to forming Villette, I worked as an interior designer in the commercial and residential industry. I grew up surrounded by the city’s dynamic coffee scene and would frequent local coffee shops when shopping or meeting with clients. During this time in her career, she honed her skills in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces mastering the art of creating a strategic design that keeps customers coming back. Read more>>