There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Caterina Nix

I’m from Chile, and building a career in music here is very hard. The whole system is focused on making individuals who bring money into the equation. So, the “ideal” here is to go to college and get a degree on a “traditional” occupation. There’s not a lot of room or support for artistic careers, and culturally, arts are generally conceived as an accessory to society, not as something necessary.  Read More>>

Daniel Marsh

I’m from the great state of Michigan. I think that growing up in a place where people are known for being raised with family oriented values and a strong sense of community shaped the way I approach both life and work. There’s a deep rooted pride in supporting one another and showing up for your neighbors. Those values have stuck with me after moving to Los Angeles, which can sometimes be a different climate to navigate in that way. I hold those values close, and I implement them in the way I work with teams on creative projects. Read More>>

Nika

I’m a first generation American, my family immigrated to the United States from Ukraine. Not knowing a word of English looking for a better life and trying to escape a deeply difficult environment, they raised me to honor our culture, pursue my passions wholeheartedly, and continuously expand my knowledge in whatever path I chose. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I grew up in Sherman Oaks, and it’s incredibly meaningful to now run my Aesthetics practice in the very place I’ve always called home. Read More>>

Ashley Lucas

I am from Los Angeles, California, and I come from a very diverse background. Growing up, I constantly experienced change — from moving between my mother’s house to my father’s allowed me to see life through many different lenses. These experiences taught me never to fear change, but instead be able to. adapt to all envoiorments no matter what it comes with.

As an adult, I have learned that change is a constant part of life. It’s important to continue growing, and to be well-versed in navigating different situations and communities. Read More>>

Albert Kurniawan

I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, where I grew up on a mix of traditional culture and Western music. That blend lit the spark for my music journey. At 18, I moved to the U.S. with a dream and a drum kit, ready to chase something bigger. It wasn’t easy, but every challenge pushed me to grow as a musician and as a person. That mix of roots, risk, and relentless drive still fuels everything I do today. Read More>>

Frida Martinez

I was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. My whole childhood we lived on the not so nice parts of Long Beach living check by check with my mom and four siblings. I saw my mom and older brother struggle majority of my childhood. I always told myself I wish I could do something to help. Seeing how we struggled and how hard life was made me who I am today. I work day and night, weekdays, and weekends to help not only myself but my family. Working hard everyday to not see my mom nor myself struggle with anything. Read More>>