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.

Marcus Brown | Intuitive Healer, Advisor & Author

I am originally from a small town in Florida named Mount Dora where I spent most of my growing years in the Foster Care system. My background plays such an important role on what I do as well as who I am today because it shows my drive and resilience to overcome any obstacles that I may face. Having a sports background, playing D2 football at West Liberty University, I use a lot of that same grit during my Spiritual advising and 1:1 session. I now help others with some of the tools I’ve gained along the way and love being able to inspire others with my story. Read more>>

Maria Buena Rhia Whitfield | International Make Up Artist

I am originally from Manila Philippines. Known as the island country of Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. And surrounded with more than than 7,000 islands and islets lying about 500 miles (800 km) off the coast of Vietnam. Being an Artist is in our blood as the Philippines is a home to a long and rich history of excellence in visual arts. My mother is a Make up and hair stylist during her younger years and a full time teacher. And how my background impacted me now as a Make up Artist is through courage and believing yourself. Read more>>

JAntho CHO | Musician, Entrepreneur, & Energy Worker

I’m from Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up, it was a mix of different aspects that influenced me throughout my upbringing and helped shape me into the person I am today. Kansas City is high in crime, so it’s a lot going on in the streets. My mother was a single parent, and taught me a lot from a very early age. She put me in different classes and activities to enhance my speech and vocabulary, and also led me to learning Spanish at a very early age. I started playing basketball around age 5, and baseball around age 7. I also grew up fighting a lot, and slowly started getting introduced to more street activity through people I linked up with. Read more>>