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.

Mikel Arrindell | Designer/Creative

I’m from Brooklyn and my parents are Trinidadian. That mixture of cultures and being a 90’s baby had the biggest influence on how I design and see the world. My mother is a self proclaimed fashionista and thought me how to dress and put outfits together or in her words “coordinate”. Read more>>

John Anthony | Backgrounds & Impact

I was raised in a small area of Dallas, Pennsylvania. My background wasn’t all that flashy or rough. I didn’t struggle nor did I have anything handed to me. A lot of my early life was generally basic/simple. Of course, I’ve had a lot of challenges, issues and complications throughout that helped shape who I am today. Read more>>

Daisy Austin | Vegan Personal Chef

I am from Bakersfield, an agricultural town about two hours north of Los Angeles. I grew up in a close-knit religious home where my two sisters and I were homeschooled through high school. Although we did not have a lot of money growing up, our lives were rich with fun memories together. Read more>>

Mercedes Van Pelt | Realtor

I was born in Redondo Beach and grew up in West Torrance. I came from a family that would be considered lower, middle-class and grew up watching my parents struggle with money always being tight trying to raise 5 children. Read more>>

Krystal Quagliara | Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Coach

I am from a place lovingly called “The Region”, where our local mascot is a Region Rat. It’s a uniquely diverse community in Indiana just outside Chicago. I think this is important to mention because I grew up in an area that really is a collaboration of arts, culture and diversity. Read more>>

Maggie Bard | Visual Artist

I grew up outside of Hartford, CT. I am the oldest of three and the only artist in the family, and my mom really cared about fostering my growth as an artist. We didn’t have a lot of money but I always had art supplies, and if there was some opportunity that would benefit my practice, she found ways to make it work. Read more>>