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.

Dana Harrison | Artist

I was born & raised in and around Charleston, SC. Lowcountry living definitely shaped my love for all things hand made! Throughout my childhood I would go down to the market on Meeting St. and watch the ladies weave baskets for hours! They were strong, proud women who genuinely loved their craft. In fact, every vendor booth was just full of beautifully hand made items & they were run by the makers themselves. I’ve been to a lot of markets, but nothing thus far has been quite as special or authentic as the Historic Charleston City Market. When I sell my hand crafted goods at markets in Atlanta today I always feel strong and proud and hope that some kid wanders over to ask me my story and maybe carry that same sense of wonderment with them throughout their life, too! Read more>>

Danielle Elaina | Model-Photographer

I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana and a lot of the rich culture has impacted who I am today. The city is filled with vibrant colors as well as personalities of the people who live there. I was always inspired by how beautiful my people are which led me to start taking pictures of people. There’s a story behind every face. Read more>>

Fancy surpris | Custom wig unit maker

I’m from Miami Florida, born to Haitian parents. I was raised by two of the strongest women, my mother and grandma. My upbringing definitely impacted the person that I am today! I was back and forth being raised by my mom and my grandma with no father figure around. I watch both women play both roles in my life but individually they taught me two major important things to know about life. My mom taught me survival by any means, My grandma Show me an example of being an independent women working hard for hers! Today I am the product of where I came from and what I strive to be is not just surviving in this world but working hard at something that I love to build for the future And to be successful. Read more>>

Shelly Crowell | MSN, RN, Author, Speaker, Coach & Self-care advocate

Hi Everyone! My name is Shelly Crowell. I am from a mixture of 2 small towns in the south. Iuka, MS, has an average census of 3000 people and is where I spent my childhood years. Cherokee, AL, which only has a population of less than 900 is where I would grow up during my teen years and ultimately graduate from high school. Coming from small towns, there was not much around to do. This was in the 70’s and 80’s. Family was very important and I grew up spending many hours with my grandparents and cousins. Read more>>