We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Cam Wilson | Fashion Designer

I’m from Fairfield, CA, it’s a small town on the edge of the Bay Area about 40 minutes from San Francisco. I think growing up in a smaller town, with less things to do always pushed me to look for creative outlets to fill my time a lot more. Also growing up in such a diverse area I was lucky to be so exposed to so many people and cultures, it helped mold the lens I see the world in now. Read more>>

JJ Murray | Fashion Model, Influencer, and Dignitary

I was born and raised in New Jersey and New York City, where I’ve spent most of my life. My upbringing has profoundly shaped me, surrounded by a loving and supportive family, a close-knit community of friends, and mentors who have guided me throughout my career in fashion as an emerging model, personality, and dignitary. Read more>>

Kai Milla | Fashion Designer + style Connoisseur

“I was born and raised in china and Virginia , where I was deeply influenced by the vibrant Asian cultural heritage and strong sense of community. My upbringing in a family that valued creativity and hard work shaped my passion for design and innovation. Read more>>

Lakhvir Khinda | Chef & Owner

I’m from a small village called Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Growing up on our family’s 45-acre farm had a big impact on who I am today. My father was a farmer, and my mother was an amazing cook who used all the fresh ingredients from our farm. Read more>>

Camila Morena | Professional Dancer

I’m from Brazil, and my upbringing has profoundly shaped who I am today. Dance has been a part of my life since day one—it’s a huge part of our culture and has always been my passion. Growing up in Belo Horizonte, one of the main cultural centers of the country, I started dancing at four years old. Read more>>

Gage Tilly | Game Designer

I’m from Fairbanks, Alaska, which is sort of a shrinking half-rural, half-urban town. Growing up in that environment is what motivated me to go into game design, since the games I played growing up helped my friends and I deal with the day-to-day of living there. Read more>>

Axel Rivera | Cinematographer & Photographer

I am from Jalisco, Mexico. I also feel very fortunate that I grew up in the city. Guadalajara is a place full of artistry, passionate people and beautiful spots to get inspire from all around. In addition to this, my house and my parents encourage me to be creative. Read more>>

Jimena Soto Mejia | Fashion, Textile and Costume Designer

I’m from Mexico City and I believe that is one of the most important characteristics about myself. Growing up in the capital of the country has its advantages starting with the fact that I got to live a thousand different lives in all the spaces that the city holds. Read more>> 

Kaita Mrazek | Creator of The Listening Movement

I was born in Minnesota, spent 15 years in Santa Barbara, CA after college, and recently moved to Austin, TX. My journey began with a double major in Dance and Psychology, initially aiming for a career in Dance/Movement Therapy. However, I chose the path of professional dance, supplementing my passion with fitness and dance teaching gigs. Read more>>

Clara Kaluderovic | Co-Founder and CEO ex2, Co-Founder Infinity Data

Technically, I am from New Jersey, but I can’t really claim it as my home. Growing up, my family moved around so much that no state felt like home until we sort of settled down in Texas. But even then, we were always on the move, traveling for fun and exploring new places. Read more>>

Aaron J. Anderson | Actor, Artist, Son

I am from Houston, Tx and it’s impacted me in every way. It’s helped shape my morals and foundation. It’s given me my swag and confidence, and Texas as a state offers you this grounded feeling. Read more>>

Ruolin Tu | Multidisciplinary Experience Designer

I don’t have the typical “artist overcoming obstacles” story. As a kid, my future aspirations changed daily—from scientist to comic artist, lawyer, and even coroner. I always wanted to be a polymath, fascinated by the vast expanse of knowledge and skills to master. Read more>>

Collin Keller | Artist/Songwriter/Producer/Touring Musician

I was born and raised in the beautiful ski town of Vail, CO. I definitely took the views growing up in a place like that for granted. Being surrounded by so much natural beauty from season to season, it was natural that my town had fantastic programs and opportunities for skiing and other outdoor action sports, but it lacked any true music program. Read more>>

Emeline

I grew up on the south coast of England in a quaint little village. My mother is an artist and always encouraged us to be creative. I was always making art and crafts out of nothing, recycling all sort of things to make new art, clothes and other stuff. Read more>>

Nii “Prince” Engmann | Teacher, Choreographer & Dancer

I’m a first-generation Ghanaian-Canadian raised in Toronto, Canada. Culture is reflected in everything I do. I grew up in a predominantly Ghanaian community. We have such a vibrant culture that is so unique and shows itself in our music, clothing, body language, speech etc. Read more>>

Zachary Simonson | Artist & Educator

I grew up in a small town in Southern Wisconsin, which I think had a lot to do with my temperament and my appreciation for the outdoors. Both of my parents are biologists, which only strengthened my love for the natural world. Read more>>

Journey Kan | Movement Practitioner & Writer

Although I was not specifically named Journey after the ‘70s rock band, I really am a “small-town girl” from Walnut Grove, California. My younger brother Forest and I grew up with our Chinese school teacher mom named Lili, who immigrated from Taiwan as an adult, Read more>>

Can Huang | Game Designer

I’m a lesbian who grew up in a very traditional family in China. After I realized my sexual orientation when I was 14 and tried to talk about it with my parents, it was a disaster. From my family’s perspective, homosexuality conflicts with traditional Chinese culture and is unaccepted. My sexual orientation is ashamed of my family. Read more>>

Jeri Mae James | Actress, Model and Online Creator

I was born and raised in a small town in California, and now Los Angeles is the city I call home. Much of who I am today is thanks to my frequent exposure to classic films, plays and television as a kid. Read more>>