Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Israel Torres | Filmmaker, photographer, content creator @israel.films

My name is Israel Torres, known as @israel.films on social media. I was born in Jalisco, Mexico. Growing up as an immigrant in the U.S., I quickly realized I didn’t have the same privileges as others. This became even more apparent when I applied to college and found out I didn’t qualify for FAFSA. That pushed me to work even harder, jumping straight into the workforce and building a career without the support of higher education. Read more>>

Shambhavi Jha | Film Director/ Sound Mixer

I’m from a small town in India, where I grew up in a conservative family with traditional values. My background has had a significant impact on who I am today. Coming from a place where creative careers aren’t always encouraged, I had to work hard to pursue my passion for storytelling and filmmaking. My family’s strong focus on discipline and education helped me develop a strong work ethic, while my background in Hindustani classical music shaped my artistic sensibilities. Read more>>

Tobias Forrest | Actor, Singer and VO Performer

I was born in San Francisco, raised in Hawaii and have lived in several states. After graduating Valley Forge Military Academy, I attended Northern Arizona University to focus on music and art. A few months after my final year, I had a C5 spinal cord injury diving into shallow water at the Grand Canyon. Following rehab, I began painting and got an MS in psychology. I then had the opportunity to move to California for research at UCLA and soon after was encouraged to try out for a Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship. It was my first audition and I ended up winning the award which changed my life and direction. 20 years later, in 2023, I won the first Christopher Reeve Acting Award at the Media Access Awards for my role as “Patrick” in the film “Daruma”. Read more>>

Jamie Wang | Filmmaker and Sound Designer

Though I’ve been blessed with the most loving parents in the world, my true companion growing up was the television. From a young age, I immersed myself in a kaleidoscope of film and television genres, captivated by the magic of storytelling. Whether I was navigating the challenges of a tough school day or savoring the tranquility of a weekend, stories became my lifeblood, illuminating my path and lifting my spirits. Read more>>

Mike Arbios | Makeup FX Artist & Model Maker

I am from northern California (Stockton). When I was 14, Star Wars came out. After seeing it for the 37 time, I decided I wanted to build creatures and models for the movie industry. When I grew up, I moved to the Los Angeles area to pursue special makeup effects. Within a few years I was working for the top fx artist in the industry, Rick Baker. Ten years later I was in the Bay Area (Marin) working for George Lucas’ model shop, Industrial Light and Magic. I was incredibly shy, but I just couldnt let these great incredible opportunities pass me by. In doing so, I became more confident in my profession, and that shy little kid who could only quietly dream about Hollywood made it a reality! Read more>>

Pargoal Arab | Food and Travel Blogger

I’m from California, but my family is from Iran. I grew up in two cultures, which influenced my upbringing. Food plays a role in this because my family’s food was different from outside (American food). Read more>>

Frances Almonte | Professional Makeup Artist

I was born in the Philippines and my parents brought me here to the US when I was 2. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family of engineers and I wanted to follow in my dads footsteps. At the same time, I was an active child with a passion for dance. With dance practices, came dance competitions and that is where the beginning of my love for makeup started. When college came around, I was in a sorority and lived a very social lifestyle. Being surrounded with a bunch of women wanting to put makeup on each other, I started to play around more.  Read more>>

Ruby Shanahan | Visual Artist

I was born and raised in Los Angeles to parents in creative fields; music and art direction/graphic design. My closest friends are in film, music, illustration, animation, fashion design, writing etc. and being able to work with each other and participate in each others artistic endeavors has provided a lot of growth and understanding in finding a niche. Being surrounded by people pursuing passion over wealth has opened up so much space for me to feel more secure in the uncertainty of any career in the arts and the many creative interests and pursuits I still hope to explore further as I get the chance. Read more>>

Tyress Christine | Makeup artist/Hair styleist/Script writer

Growing up in an abusive household, I found solace in watching MTV music videos and fashion shows, which not only provided an safe escape but also ignited my passion and talent for makeup artistry, hair styling, and fashion. I was born in Sacramento, but I moved to San Francisco at 22 after getting my cosmetology license and then getting excepted to the Art Institute. It’s there in SF that I truly found home, embracing the vibrant culture and opportunities the city offers. Read more>>

Vinicius Amaro | Founder Pinche Loco Original (P.L.O)

My name is Vinicius Amaro, born and raised in Brazil in the city of São Paulo, I’m 37 years old and I’ve been working with design for around 23 years, creating art for some clothing brands. I have a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Fine Arts of São Paulo and since then I have been developing this work focused on Californian culture for some brands. Read more>>

Francis, Olaoluwa Ogunleye | Medical Doctor, Physician Associate & 5x Author

I was born and raised in Nigeria. As an immigrant to the United States, where i came from has thought me the value of hard work, dedication, resilience, Grace, self reliant, and humility. All of these have contributed to my journey so far. Read more>>

Ayleen Rodriguez | Makeup Artist

I was raised in Temecula, a small town in the IE, and later moved to San Diego. I am super grateful for my parents, they definitely had a huge impact on who I am today. Growing up, I remember my mom telling me to set 10 personal goals on a notebook each year and once the year was up, I would see how I would accomplish most of those goals. My parents also told me to pursue a job that I truly enjoyed. My parents came to the US at a young age and owned their own businesses, so growing up my father taught me all the behind the scenes of owning a business which definitely has contributed to running my own makeup business today. Read more>>

Tiffany R. | Social Media Lifestyle Creator & Social Media and Community Marketer

I was born and raised in LA to a family of Iranian parents who moved here when they were young to escape the dangers of the Iranian revolution, especially since they were targeting Jews. As I grew up I continued to have that vigor to move forward through the challenges of life. Since the age of 9, I’ve been enamored by social media. My original plan was to go to law school to satisfy my family’s expectations and make all the sacrifices that they’ve made for me worth it. In the Jewish Persian community, generally, there are two paths med school or law school. Read more>>

Aaron Bueno | Art Director & Creator

Hello my name is Aaron Bueno, also known as Chief Steeze. I’m born and raised in East Los Angeles to a Filipino mother and a Mexican-American father. My personal cultural background in combination with the Chicano culture that echoes through East Los Angeles and the affluent nature of Los Angeles as a whole, has had a major impact and influence on who I am today as a person and as an artist. I take great pride in being an Angeleno representing the community that I’m from and being a positive influence to anyone who comes from a similar background as me. Read more>>

Phia Sucevich | Aspiring Professional Dancer & College Student

I am from Portland Oregon, and grew up in a remote dance studio with the same group of girls for 15 years. My studio was very heavy on technique training, I would be in the studio around 20 hours a week, working the same steps to perfection. To this day, I take my technique and strength extremely seriously and will work on a step repeatedly until I feel confident. When I was 10 years old, I joined a junior Tap Dance Company which brought me to Los Angeles. Read more>>