Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Jordan Antonuccio | Actor, Photographer, Videographer and Overall Artist

I was born in Pittsburgh and raised by a single mother who managed to work full time and still raise me and my two older sisters. We moved around a lot while I was growing up and I went to many different schools but all that moving definitely shaped who I am and only gave me more life experiences that I used to my advantage later in life. Seeing how hard my mom works and knowing I needed to pursue something greater in order to help my family has always been my motivation. Read more>>

Gudboy | Music Producer & Artist

I am from Boulder, Colorado. My house is in a nice little neighborhood surrounded by beautiful trails, parks, and water. It’s really a little paradise. Growing up here, I think a lot of the fun things I did with friends involved getting into nature. At a younger age, it was hide and seek in the trees and skiing a bunch. By highschool, my rebellion was kicking in full blast. I have some very fond memories of ditching class and going to the mountains. My friends and I loved just talking and being outside. Read more>>

Erika Hicks | Holistic Health Coach & Water Evangelist

I grew up on the East Coast, North West of Philadelphia in the suburbs and farmland of Bucks County. Living on a farm with chickens, ducks, a dog, and big fields of flowers as an only child was the best childhood experience yet I never really knew it until after college when I went back to those roots. I joke on my socials and to new people, I meet that I am an “organic baby” because when my mom had me and realized she was responsible for my health and well-being, she went completely non-toxic in the household, buying organic food, and had her own organic flower business and that was in the 90s before it was cool. Read more>>

Tiffany Renee Bear | Actor.Singer.Voice Actor//Casting Director//Director//Coach

I was born in Georgia and grew up in Maryland but my parents are from Long Island, NY. Isn’t that an adventurous start! As a working Singer, Actor, Voice Actor, Director and Coach many people assume I must have been a “theatre kid”. Many people who go into performing have a history of starting private voice, dance lessons and acting semi or professionally at a young age. But that is not my story. Read more>>