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.

Ziyuan ‘zoey’ Zhu | Creative technologist & Multimedia artist

I grew up in China, immersed in a creative atmosphere. As my dad was working in the art industry, our home was always buzzing with the presence of artists, performers, and creators. This dynamic environment exposed me early on to the arts, allowing me to experience the world of painting, performing, and theater very hands-only. It wasn’t just about observing; it was about being a part of it. This unique upbringing deeply influenced how I approach design today, fostering a strong foundation in creativity and innovation​. As I pursued my studies in architecture and urban design in both Germany and China, I gained an even broader view of design. Read more>>

Celinda Chang | Guitarist (unpolished*, Pinktastic Plastixx, Hollywood Apocalypse)

I was born and raised here in Los Angeles and am a proud child of immigrants from Taiwan and Hong Kong who grew up as third culture kids in their own right and have certainly shaped me into who I am today. Here are some of the things they have taught me: Read more>>

Arman Mkrtchyan | Marketing Specialist & Entrepreneur

My background as an Armenian immigrant has profoundly shaped who I am today. Moving to Los Angeles, I carried with me values such as resilience, hard work, and community that are deeply embedded in Armenian culture. My family told me a lot of stories growing up about overcoming adversity and never giving up, which is why I never let myself give up. The businesses I have built such as YAN Marketing, were born out of this drive to excel and be successful. Read more>>

Mahelet Gezachew | Film & TV Development Executive & Creative Consultant

Growing up in Los Angeles as a first-generation Ethiopian-American, I was surrounded by a mix of cultures. My Ethiopian heritage, with its strong cultural and religious values, shaped a lot of my upbringing, while at the same time, I was navigating the social dynamics of American life. And over time, I developed a deep appreciation for my Black identity. This blend of cultures helped shape how I see the world and gave me a real sense of empathy and curiosity about how different identities come together. Read more>>

E La She | Singer, Songwriter, Drummer, Visual Artist & Activist

I was born in Newark, New Jersey to Brazilian parents in an immigrant neighborhood. When I was five years old we moved to Minas Gerais, Brazil where my parents are from. My childhood was filled with family, love and celebrations. When I became a teen, my parents and I moved back to the U.S. where I no longer spoke the language and did not have much family. I had an immigrant experience, despite being born in this country. I was put in ESL (English as a Second Language), struggled to make friends and was told to “go back to my country” on more than one occasion.  Read more>>

Anastasiia Terebova | Hair stylist

I was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, where I lived until I was 29. Growing up in Ukraine gave me a strong sense of strength, resilience, community, and a deep appreciation for humanity. The culture is incredibly rich and vibrant, especially in its art, music, literature, and dance. That cultural background shaped me creatively and gave me a unique outlook on life. Read more>>

Christina Ledezma | Beauty Influencer

I am a SoCal native and have lived here my whole life! I was born and raised in Los Angeles County, so for me, it’s home. My parents migrated from Mexico to the U.S. when they were young, making me a first-generation American. As a Mexican American, my background has played a huge part in my career. For example, California has a huge social media/influencer presence compared to ANY other state. I have been super fortunate because I’ve gotten a lot of amazing opportunities compared to other creators who live in different states. So when I decided to pursue social media, it was easier knowing I lived in Los Angeles because I had so many resources to help me grow! Read more>> 

Christopher Toussant | Learned music in life as well as school

I’m from California LA . My upbringing is in music. My sister is Michel’le from Death Row Records, My cousin on my grandmother side is James Brown, so music CD has always been apart of my life, I grew up singing in the church choir like most, leading me to doing my own thing in music. Although I’m still trying to find my particular sound in music the journey has been real interesting and fun. Read more>>

Zaida Marin | Designer/Contractor & Creator

I was born and raised in West LA. and my parents migrated from Guatemala. My parents were (what most would call) a typical latino mom and dad. My dad worked extremely hard and went from working multiple jobs for years until he was able to start and own his own company while my mom was a homemaker. My upbringing was very tough. Very sheltered. Parents were extremely critical and had High expectations and a “no- excuse mentality”. Although my parents were very tough – they were very loving and family oriented. Family get together’s and communication were extremely important. Read more>> 

Koji Steven Sakai | Writer/Producer/Professor/Baseball coach/Dad

I was born and raised in South Pasadena, CA. Most of the people in the “industry” aren’t from Los Angeles, so I consider myself pretty rare. When I first wanted to be a screenwriter/producer, I remember having a talk with my mother. She told me that it would be tough since I am Japanese American/Asian American (in a time before diversity was a thing), She said I would have to work hard and never give up. Those words have always stuck with me… that I could be anything I wanted to be, I just had to work for it and keep going — even when things seemed hopeless. Read more>>

Ben Pham | Drummer

I’m originally from Texas. I grew up in a small city there called Arlington. My middle school had a band program where I learned to play percussion. They taught us orchestral percussion, like snare drum, marimba and timpani. From there I joined the marching band in high school, playing the snare drum. Marching band had a huge influence on my playing and really set a good foundation. We practiced many hours and it really helped me develop a discipline to practice. After college I set my sights on performing drum set professionally. Read more>>

Matthew Cammarano | Social media marketer

I’m from the San Fernando Valley I believe the culture and the style that I grew up with completely impacted me today from my dress code my music choice I grew up a white boy between the cultures of the Mexican community and the white community and I am ingrained in both cultures and I love it it’s completely influenced my style my history grow up with graffiti even Sports a little bit and I’m super proud of. Read more>>

Mila Makeup | Permanent Makeup Artist

I’m a dreamer, mother, and nature enthusiast from Bahia, Brazil, currently living in Manhattan Beach, California. My upbringing in Brazil instilled in me a love for community and resilience. After moving to São Paulo to earn my degree in Visagism and Hair Therapy, I relocated to the U.S. in 2013, where I built a family and established my career as a permanent makeup artist. Read more>>

Tori Kwon | Designer

Where am I from? For me, it’s less about a physical place and more about a blend of experiences that have shaped my perspective. I come from a mixing pot of emotions, challenges, and perspectives that have instilled in me the value of empathy. Read more>>

Kira Brown | Professional Makeup Artist

I am from the upper Eastside of Detroit Michigan. Essentially i was brought up in diverse environment I have family who are highly educated some are traditional “9-5” workers and there is a fair amount of entrepreneurs. Which has given me a 360 perspective from every angle whether it was negative or positive, it led me to a path where i was able to experience a bit of it all and for 4 years i’ve been a professional makeup artist in the Metro Detroit area. Read more>>