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.

Rich Bomb | Rapper

I’m originally from Louisiana. I grew up in two different cities. I was born in Baton Rouge and partially raised in New Orleans (Westwego). Both areas I grew up in were poverish. I grew up between the hood and the projects. I saw a lot, hookers, D-boys, crackheads, violence, abandoned houses, drugs, police brutality, experienced racism…heard a lot of gun fire. I’ve had a gun placed to the back of my head when I was only 17…I had to grow up fast and be street smart. I was raised by my grandparents and grandaunt (Sista) who lived in Baton Rouge; In Westwego I was raised by my cousin Cookie, which is practically my mother. I was adopted around age 1, because my biological mother was too young and too wild to care for me; Also she was only just a baby herself, she was 14 and I was kid number 2. Read more>>

Nailah Barcelona | Photographer, Graphic Designer & Creative Director

I was born in the Philippines and raised in Los Angeles, and this background has had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. As a first-generation Filipino-American immigrant, the experiences of my upbringing have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a drive to overcome challenges. Read more>>

Olga Ferrara | Fashion Influencer

I am from Crimea ,used to be Ukraine . Back then (20 years ago) was no fashion in Ukraine and I always was stand out with creative outfits
When I won. Green card and moved to NY i want to do what I loved Read more>>

Cassius King | I am a Director, Producer, and Specialty Motions Operator.

I’m Cassius, born and raised in the Bay Area, now residing in Los Angeles, CA. Founder of The Cinema Junkies and Improvized Rentals (a subsidiary of Improvized Productions, LLC.) based out of LA. President at Future Filmmaker Foundation, a non profit organization devoted to working with underserved kids and communities. I’ve always had a passion for expressing myself through visual story storytelling. I have a deep admiration for movies and films that can draw out all kinds of emotions. I come from a construction background and understand that the tools I use are also a direct reflection of how much pride I take in my craft. I want the best tools possible that will make my job easier and provide the look I need for what is intended from a cinematography aspect. Read more>>

Suri Hernandez | Creator of Biuchic- Mobile Boutique

I’m from Puebla, Mexico. My parents didn’t have the opportunity to finish elementary school. They struggled to survive, pay bills and feed three children even though they do everything to help us to go to school. When I was around 7 years old, we move to the city. I remember one homework assignment which required me to interview some of my relatives and I found out that no one was finished collage, it was then when I decide to go to college. I set a goal to be the first person on my family to do it and I did it. Read more>>

Wenxu Zhao | Visual Artist

I originate from China, and the nurturing environment of my hometown profoundly shaped the visual artist I am today. The care and affection I received from my family, friends, and teachers created a backdrop for a carefree and happy childhood, a pivotal influence on my artistic journey. Read more>>

Kate Watson | Actor

I was born in Oahu, Hawaii and grew up there until I was a pre-teen. Today, it still feels like home. I have a profound reverence for Hawaiian culture and the land. Living with the “Aloha Spirit” means to live with compassion for everything and everyone. The Aloha Spirit is at my core and fuels my passion as an artist. As a young child I was fortunate to study ballet for many years. Ballet taught me discipline, precision, tenacity and grace. Read more>>