There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Julie Sanchez | Founder of the Adventuress Soap Co

As a proud fifth-generation Coloradoan, I am incredibly fortunate to call Colorado my home. I am also a born traveler. Travel is in my DNA as the spirit of exploration courses through my veins, a familial legacy that has instilled in me a deep-seated passion for travel. This love affair with discovering new horizons began in high school when I did study abroad trips to Japan and China, sparking a lifelong fascination with diverse cultures. Post-college, my journey continued with a summer internship in Belgium with the State Department, opening the doors to a whirlwind exploration of Europe. Read more>>

Katharine Burton | Artist in oils with cold wax medium, gouache, watercolor, and pastels.

I was raised in the Texas Panhandle. My mother borrowed fine art prints from the local library and hung them in our dining room, rotating artists and telling us about the paintings. We frequently drove to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico to look at art. I began taking art lessons in middle school, continuing through high school, then studied fine arts at the University of Texas in Austin. Read more>>

Karrie Pittman | Owner-KarrieBelle Designs

I am proud to say that I am a fourth-generation Colorado native, born and raised in this beautiful state. Growing up in Colorado has had a profound impact on who I am today and how I approach my work. My roots here run deep, and this unique background provides me with an in-depth understanding of the local culture and market. I’ve seen firsthand how our state has evolved and how the needs of businesses here differ from those in other regions. This understanding is invaluable when helping businesses navigate the Colorado market successfully. Read more>>