Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Andrea Orta | Actress & Writer

I was born in Venezuela but had to leave when I was 6 because of the political climate. Back then, things were more stable than they are now, but my parents anticipated it getting worse and wanted to get ahead of the wave. Because of this, I moved around a lot growing up, first to Singapore, then England, and Switzerland. I’ve found that my time in each country – whilst still being raised in a bilingual and Latino household – completely formed who I am today. Read more>>

Stavros Tsarouhas | Music Producer / Songwriter / Artist

I am from Chios, a Greek island that neighbors Turkey and it is famous for the Mastic trees, who only produce the famous healing resin in that island and nowhere else in the world(magic). My village, Kardamyla is a seamen and fishermen place. Most of my family and other families there are either captains, in the navy, or working in shipping. I was born and raised there till my teen years. Read more>>

Srimoyee Acharya | Painter and Founder of Srimoyee Handmade

I’m the first generation daughter of South Asian immigrants. I was born and spent my early childhood in New Hampshire, then moved to Texas, and have lived in California for the past thirteen years. My parents grew up during a time when passions weren’t prioritized and sacrificed a lot to move to the states. Because of what they went through, they have always been supportive of me and my passions, and when I told them about Srimoyee Handmade, they were one of my loudest supporters. Read more>>

Chris Bryant | Product Designer & Comedian

I was born and raised in North Carolina. As a closeted queer kid, with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder- I spent most of my childhood living in fear and not understanding the world around me. Technology always served as a vice for me growing up. I had no socializing skills, but quickly learned how to make friends on instant messenger and chat rooms. I grew up designing comics on photoshop, which created my life long love for product design and comedy. I learned that by making others laugh, and by using digital tools: I could find my own place in the world. Read more>>

Erica Gray | Portrait & Wedding photographer

I am from Springfield (near Eugene) Oregon. I was raised to never let anyone feel left out and to always be kind, honest, and humble. The environment I grew up in was surrounded by a “free spirited” type that was unpredictable and allowed you to be who or whatever you wanted. Even though my style didn’t tend to match up with my surroundings, I found a real love for fashion when I started modeling after high school. After 5 years, and having our first child, I switched behind the lens helping new models develop their portfolios. Read more>>

Colin Mitchell | 3D Environment Artist at Infinity Ward

I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but the majority of my upbringing took place in Massachusetts in a town called Natick, right outside of Boston. As a kid I had an obsession with technology and art. I would spend time after school taking apart computers or attending drawing classes with my friends. I am honestly grateful for my town’s education system and the diverse range of classes they offered because it allowed me to select a course that was more tailored to a specific path and industry rather than a general education. Read more>>

Paramita Bhattacharyya | Kathak Dance Exponent

I am from India and a Kathak danseuse trained in Lucknow gharana style of the dance form. I grew up in a small industrial town in the state of West Bengal in India. I belong to a family that practices Indian classical music and theater. I remember we regularly used to attend classical music concerts of renowned artists all year round. An upbringing in an environment where I got to hear singing and playing musical instruments made an impact in the young me. Read more>>

Jasmine Magdaleno | Esthetician

I was born and raised in Garden Grove, CA. My parents came to the U.S. when they were just teenagers in the 70s & 80s. Once they married, my mothers parents took care of myself, my sister and many other cousins. I have a huge family. Growing up, my parents both had small businesses and I think that subconsciously was in the back of my mind. I knew I wanted to be my own boss one day. My grandma instilled faith in me since I was very little. She always said with God, anything was possible. Read more>>

Joan Magnolia Diwa | Illustrator

I grew up in a small town in the Philippines. My family has a knack for being creative. Drawing, wood-working (carpentry), baking, crafting, etc. but the stigma of “there’s no money in art” also runs in our culture. So no one really pursue art career in their life. Until I came along. Being the rebellious one, I majored in Fine Arts in College. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising. After college, I worked as a graphic designer for 5 years. I still feel unfulfilled. My inner child still wants to be an animator. So I decided to pursue that dream somewhere else. Read more>>

Natalia Guzman | Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

I was born and raised in El Salvador. Always dreamt about living in the USA. at the age of 20 years old i got the opportunity to come live here in the US. I immigrated by myself not really knowing what the future had in store for me. I thank God every day for my luck, this has been home for me since 2004. My mom is my main inspiration in life. she worked long hours every day to give me and my sisters the best in life. Her example of work ethic and responsibility has been the guide for me during my entire life and career. Read more>>