Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Ponpon Chen | Singer & Jazz guitarist & Songwriter

I’m Ponpon Chen, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Taipei, Taiwan. In 2022, I made the bold decision to pursue my musical dreams in the United States. Music has been my lifelong passion, beginning with my exploration of classic tunes and forays into jazz on the piano at a young age. Additionally, I’ve honed my craft as a professional singer for over 8 years. Read more>>

BOY KATANA | Artist, rapper, singer, songwriter, designer

I was born in a small town called bullhead city then moved to flagstaff Arizona at the age of 4 with my dad. I grew up in nature, my dad was always working so I would roam the city by myself, getting into pretty much whatever I wanted to, developing my persona early on as a creative, I’ve always drawn, wrote stories painted, made art in general. Read more>>

Gustavo Chavez | Owner / Operator of carnitas el artista

I was born in San Pedro California. My mother was a stay at home mom and cooked the traditional food we serve in our restaurant today. I honestly felt punished eating what we grew up with on our table. I was a kid in a mexican household I wanted burgers and fries. Read more>>

Andrew Medeiros | CEO of Apotho Therapeutics, Actor, & Writer

I’m from Seekonk, Massachusetts. Owning a small business in Massachusetts, means a lot to me. Hard work has always been one of the shared core values of New England and I am proud to be from here. My parents were small business owners and executives my whole life. Read more>>

Lesley Ware | Founder Art to Ware and The Creative Cookie

I am from Muskegon, Michigan—a sweet little lakeside town in West Michigan. Growing up, I was constantly inspired by my parents’ sense of style. My mother’s sewing and my father’s knack for shopping for fine clothes profoundly influenced my fashion sense. Read more>>  

Poppy Gillett | Young Fashion Designer

Hi, I’m Poppy Gillett and I’m 12 years old. My journey in fashion started in Munich Germany. I was born there. See, my parents were ex-pats and I lived there almost half my life. The thing about Munich Germany is that the winters are long and cold.  Read more>>

Ashley Kermani | Real Estate Agent & Account Manager at Zentap

I am from the vibrant city of Beverly Hills, California, I am the product of a unique blend of cultures and experiences, deeply rooted in the resilience and determination of my Iranian heritage. My parents, who embarked on a transformative journey from Iran to America, have indelibly shaped the fabric of my upbringing. Read more>>

Frank Hegyi | Filmmaker

Born in Antarctica, one of only seven individuals to claim this unique origin, my upbringing instilled within me an extraordinary perspective on life and opportunity. Growing up in such an extreme environment, where survival hinges on calculated decisions and adaptability, has cultivated in me a profound appreciation for risk assessment and strategic thinking. Read more>>

Oscar Adrian Montes Iga | Master of Agave Spirits; Guild Certified Senior Wine & Spirits Instructor; Certified Spirits Judge

It could take a memoir to provide a full answer to this question. When we say, let’s start at the beginning, is it really the beginning? I feel there’s always background information to the luggage we carry. Read more>> 

Ray Camacho | Photographer

I’m from the San Fernando Valley. Lived most of my life in Sylmar and went to school in Pacoima and Van Nuys. I was raised in a slightly progressive, yet also conservative Catholic household. My Parents were big on chasing dreams but making sure I’m taking care of finances and that I have a safety net.  Read more>>

Alex Lockwood | Artist and Gallery Owner

I’m from Seattle, Washington. My Dad was born in Seattle – his family came to Northwest in the 19th C from Italy and England when Seattle was a logging and fishing town. My Mom was born in Germany and came to the US as a stewardess in the 60s.  Read more>>

Melvin Young Jr | Animation Production Executive & Content Creator

I am a California native who grew up predominantly in South Central Los Angeles. But I have moved around between Los Angeles and Orange County areas, typically changing grade schools each year. I come from a happily Christian family and attended an alternating mix of private Christian schools and public schools.  Read more>>

Isaac Westberg | Photographer

I am from a town in the middle of Wisconsin called Wausau. Wausau is a quiet, spread-out town, with a lot of nature to explore. Growing up my friends and I spent most of our time outside, adventuring, playing soccer, and biking around past sundown. Read more>>

Steve Nguyen | Founder & CEO of SNA Communications and SNA Films

I am a Southern California native, raised by immigrant parents from Vietnamese descent in Orange County. Having parents who left everything behind in a war-torn country to come to a new country with nothing but the clothes on their back, it directly impacted me with a strong sense of family. Read more>> 

Charli Arkle | Actress & Artist

I am originally from a small city in Western Sydney, Australia. I made the decision to pursue a career in Los Angeles at the age of eighteen, and I’ve been working in the industry here ever since! Read more>>

David Cruz | Meet Los Angeles Film Wedding Photographer David Cruz

I have called Los Angeles—the City of Angels, my home for the last thirty years but I’m originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, and moved to Westlake MacArthur Park in 1993, then to South Central, first near Vernon & Vermont and later to Gage & Normandie in 1995. Read more>>

David D’Luna | Lead singer, songwriter, and producer of Melancholy”

I was born and raised here in the San Fernando Valley. Growing up, I was a quiet and shy kid. So it’s ironic I ended up becoming a face-painted rock singer. At the same time, it made sense because I was always very artistic. I was always making something.  Read more>>

Gideon Cohn | Artist

I was born in Sweden and immigrated with my parents to Israel. Growing up on a kibbutz precluded me from realizing my of becoming an artist. This dream was realized in the early 90s. Read more>>

EDWINA THOMAS | CHEF/ OWNER OF YUMMY SNACKS TREATS & GOODIES

Growing up in Compton, CA, and attending school in the San Fernando Valley had a profound impact on who I am today. It was in the Valley where I first discovered my passion for cake decorating, a trade that has become a central part of my identity. Read more>>

Cassandra Pimentel | Film Director

Growing up in sunny San Diego, I had the best of both worlds – the laid-back SoCal vibes and the cherished traditions of my Filipino heritage. Though, this world also felt like a bubble and 8 out of 10 Filipino families seemed to follow a familiar script – mom rocking the nurse’s uniform while dad sailed the seas in the Navy.  Read more>>

Julie Laughton | Designer, General Contractor and CEO of Julie Laughton Design Build and JLGC

I am from a small town in Iowa. I started drawing when I was 10 and started oil painting when I was 12. Then I began technical drafting when I was 14. Along with all of this, I was playing the drums and the piano and became the youngest certified lifeguard at 14. In addition to that, I played tennis and did archery and skeet shooting. Read more>>

Laura Ishida | Singer-Songwriter / Musician – Lead Singer and Bass Player for The Howling Faith

I’m from Los Angeles – born and raised in Culver City. I’m the daughter of Mexican immigrants, which makes me 2nd generation Mexican-American. My background and my family’s journey to this specific part of LA definitely had a huge impact in shaping who I am today. Read more>> 

Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat | Leader in Finance, Tech & Entertainment

I grew up in South Africa during a time of oppression and inequality, when racism was the law, and oppression was just the way it was. I experienced firsthand struggles and hardships no being should endure. But, I also had the privilege of living through a revolution and transition to democracy and not many people can say that. Read more>>