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.

Addison Baker | Photographer, Creative Director, A&R, Podcast Host

I’m from Tulsa, OK. I grew up with amazing parents and an incredible sister who always encouraged me to chase my dreams from an early age. Whether it was academically, in sports, or creatively, they never held me back and made sacrifices to put me in the best position to succeed. Read more>>

Lee Bolden | Content creator and Creative director

I’m from the Dc, Maryland, Virginia area. Growing up in the dmv has taught me mental dexterity and drive while also remembering to stay humble. This mentality has allowed me to flourish in Los Angeles where it’s extremely fast pace and you can easily get swept up in the glitz and glam. Read more>>

Jewan Goo | Research Based Photographer & Artist

I’m originally from Seoul, South Korea, a place with a complex and layered history, especially given the experiences of colonialism and rapid modernization. Growing up in South Korea, I was surrounded by a culture where historical memory was both pervasive and, at times, selectively told or censored. This environment shaped my understanding of how history can be manipulated by political agendas and led me to question the narratives presented to me. Read more>>

Peter Barnett | Electronic Musician

I’m originally from Manitou Springs, CO. It’s a little kind of artsy-hippy town next to Colorado Springs, which is famously the opposite. As kids, it felt like there wasn’t much to do, so we hiked around in the woods, smoked weed, and played music. My parents landed in this town because they didn’t really fit the mold, and they employed the attitude (that I think a lot of millennials were raised with) that we should pursue what our hearts called for, and never really pushed us towards college or specific careers or anything.  Read more>>

Ruda Lee | Concert Violinist

I am from Seoul, South Koreaㅡthe Gangnam District where ‘Gangnam Style’ came from; also a fantastic place for energy and lively vibes! People often have preconceived notions about the upbringing of Asian violinists. However, my musical journey has been quite unique and creative. I grew up in a home filled with melodies—my grandmother sang along to my mother’s piano, and I often jammed with my mini violin. My father had a fantastic collection of LPs that introduced me to a diverse range of music from different eras. This exposure nurtured my emotional connection to sound and allowed me to express my feelings naturally through my best friend, violin. Read more>>

Brandi Powell | Writer, Producer, Storyteller

I’m from a tiny, two-stoplight town in West Virginia. I grew up resentful of living in what felt like a very remote part of the country (I was an angsty teen!), but I now know how lucky I was to call it home. My hometown is full of blue-collar, hardworking people who are as resilient as the ancient Appalachian mountains that cradle them. People there move slower and make more with much less than people in the city. They are storytellers at their core – from fables, to ghost tales, to exaggerated memories. The oral storytelling tradition is strong in the montains, and perhaps influenced me to be a writer myself. Read more>>

Luther Gray | Community Leader & Dance Instructor

I’m from Bakersfield, California. I grew up on the southeast side of the city, which is known as a high crime and low-income area. My upbringing in “the hood” has had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. Witnessing the challenges faced by those living in underserved communities firsthand has fueled a strong desire within me to give back and support those less fortunate. Read more>>

Eric Feiner | Eric Feiner | Realtor & Wealth Builder

I am originally from Brooklyn, New York and then just outside of the city in New Jersey. I attended school in Washington, DC. I believe that I was always a ‘city” person. The fast pace of so much going keeps my brain and thoughts very active. This impacts me today in that I am very inquisitive, and love too meet new people and learn about them. Read more>>

Kathryn Tubbs

I was born in Cypress, CA, and attended Cypress High School, I went to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL for undergraduate, got my MFA in printmaking at CSU Long Beach, and afterwards studied Cultural Studies at Claremont Graduate School. I started my career teaching art at Whittier College, but quickly found I was happier in the business world. I have since worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years, all the while making art in my free time. Read more>>

Pooja Mistry

I was born and brought up in Surat India where at a young age, my parents played a key role in helping me discover my passion and skill for music. Even before I had realized my own affection for music, my parents identified my hidden talents and natural inclination towards music and helped to kick start this journey. Read more>>