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.

Aalam Janif | Co Founder Actisquad Fitness Group & President of Fiji USA Non Profit Foundation

I am originally from Fiji Islands. I was born and raised there. I went to school there and in 2007 we migrated to USA. Landed in Los Angeles and instantly fell in love with this city. I was in 11 grade and I attended Carson High School. I went to a community college and after 2 years I decided to start working full time to help support the family. Read more>>

Carlos Manuel Vargas | Classical pianist and educator

background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Santiago, Dominican Republic. I believe that the richness of my culture and its music has highly influenced my views on music making and my willingness to explore different genres. Because of this, at this stage of my career I have found lots of joy on including pieces from my native country and other latin american countries that share similar traits on my concert programs. Read more>>

MULEKE | Performer, Songwriter & Poet

I was raised Copperas Cove, Texas, where I graduated high school. I was a member of our marching band, which instilled my love for music. I feel like being from the South has really impacted my hospitality towards others and my ethics. I don’t ever want to lose sight of where I came from. I moved to Los Angeles 7 years ago following my mother’s passing. Read more>>

Emily Margarit Mason | Artist & Photographer

I spent most of my childhood in bodies of water in Florida. I was always covered in sand with pockets full of shells and rocks. I remember I would spin around in circles just to look at the clouds in a different way. Looking closely has always been one of my strengths, sharp eyes as my mum would say. Read more>>

Morgan Page | Actor/Producer & Singer/Songwriter

I am originally from New Jersey and was raised by the most amazing parents who are so full of love. They have been happily married for almost 50 years and have been my role models. I am forever grateful for them. They have taught me about hard work, following through, being a good person, being compassionate, and never giving up no matter what. Read more>>

wonderful Official | business

All of us are from Los Angeles and are natives to the city. Growing up in LA impacted us by influencing our music, perspectives and outlook in life. LA is a diverse city with different people on every corner who can influence you. Read more>>

Jabril A. Battle | Hip Hop Artist, Composer & Screenwriter

I was born in NJ, but mentally I “grew up” in NC, when I moved there at 22 yrs. old. Me, Crack, AIDS, and Hip Hop are the same age. These factors fostered a World of experiences and understanding and empathy for others, that I convey via Music and Content. Read more>>

Elliott Kluever | Photographer / Cinematographer

I was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. I grew up in a very “balanced” and blue-collar city. Davenport is a decent-sized city, but we also had those corn fields and pig farms about 15 mins north so there was a little bit of both worlds. Read more>>