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.

Charvelle | Actress, Writer, Model & Tarot Reader

I was born in Maryland, and after 9 years there my family moved up to Connecticut for the next 9 years of my life. I always have a hard time deciding on which one I claim as “where I’m from” but I am grateful that I got pretty even time split amongst each side of my family. I was raised by young parents, and so I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who always encouraged my artsy side, and wanted me to shoot for the stars. Same with my parents – they always encouraged me to go for whatever I wanted and that anything was possible for me. Read more>>

Al Chang | Director/Writer/Editor

Growing up in Los Angeles’s Korea Town as the oldest of three boys and a first-generation Korean-American, my life was deeply influenced by the cultural shifts that followed the post-L.A. riots. During those formative years, I developed a strong desire to pursue acting, which was ignited by watching movies like Goonies, Sandlot, and Mighty Ducks. However, it felt like a distant dream, and I had no idea how to take the first steps into that world, so it remained a mere afterthought. Read more>>

Lu Garibay | Music Producer / Vocal Producer / Rec and Mix Engineer

I was born in Mexico, in the city of Guadalajara. Grew up surrounded by art, books, music, having the fortune of being the youngest of three sisters in a family that loves to learn new things. I started playing classical guitar around 6 or 7, and singing everything from classic rock to boleros. I get the love of singing from my father and my grandma, who would take our her songbooks every time I visited and would teach me her favorites. Read more>>

Kerla Pamphile | Creative Director/ MUA

I’m born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but I’m Haitian. Growing up Haitian and in NY i was always thought to hustle and to make what you have work the best way you can. That impacted who i am today and the way i started my career as a creative director because i always looked for a way to make beauty out of anything. I can create and make a shoot work with barely any budget or supplies. Read more>>

Iryna Kyianchenko | Artist & Art historian

My journey began from my earliest days in independent Ukraine. This country, which gave me life, has always been my greatest inspiration. Raised in a land of independence and love, where the values ​​of freedom and creativity were held dear, I was fortunate to have parents who supported my dreams and gave me the opportunity to choose my own path. And when I chose art, I realized that it was the best way to express myself and help others unleash their potential. Read more>>

Jesua Rodriguez | Fashion Designer

I am a Honduran immigrant who arrived in the US when I was just a child. Growing up in an underprivileged and turbulent household presented its own set of challenges. My early years were far from what many would call a “typical” childhood, with memories often clouded by trauma and the added complexities of my immigrant status. I matured faster than most, facing adversities that demanded resilience. Yet, I refused to let these experiences define my trajectory. Read more>>

Fiorella (Lingxue) Xiao | Product and Interior Designer

Originating in the captivating landscapes of Henan, China, I’m a designer whose roots run deep, influenced by a heritage that cherishes both history and artistry. My journey across continents – from China to Italy and finally to the creative hub of Los Angeles – has sculpted me into a versatile designer, blending diverse aesthetics, cultural insights, and business acumen. Read more>>

Roman Nicholas | Dancer, Model, & Content Creator

I was born & raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, more specifically San Jose, California. I grew up with all older brothers & always felt the need to be macho. I was the only one out of my brothers who disliked playing sports or doing typical boy activities. I was a very creative kid growing up & I really enjoyed all forms of art, from singing, to dancing, to music, the list goes on. I am grateful that my parents allowed me to express myself how I wanted as a child & allowed me to find creative outlets that I enjoyed. Read more>>

Akira Tashi | Screenwriting & Script Supervising Yogi

I come from Los Angeles, California, where I was born and raised by my grandmother, alongside my sister and brother. My grandmother had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. She was a strong, bold, and fearless woman who hailed from the South. Her influence on me was significant. Read more>>

Alyssa Mann | Actor/Writer/Fitness professional/Candlemaker

I’m originally from Howell, New Jersey. My mom was an art teacher and my dad was a salesman. We didn’t grow up with a ton of money and working hard was always a value in our household. I wasn’t given anything, I needed to work for it. If my parents could have, I’m sure they would have given me 100k to start my fitness or my candle business but it just wasn’t a possibility for them to do so. So, I knew from a very young age that everything I wanted in life I needed to be prepared to get myself. Read more>>

Gavin Hudner | Songwriter & Producer

I’m from Los Altos, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley which is known for creativity in technology but not necessarily the arts, and yet, I was raised in a very musical household. I grew up listening to a lot of jazz, which developed my musicianship skills without me even realizing it. I loved being in musicals as a kid and had the leading roles in “Oliver!” and “Aladdin” at my local community theater. I enjoyed musical theater until I realized I am a terrible actor, so making the jump to solely music was easy after years of singing. Read more>>