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.

Kemi Oyebade | Multidisciplinary Artist

I’m from Georgia, but I’m a second-gen Nigerian-American born and raised in the US. My paretnts immigrated from Nigeria to the States back in the 80s, paving the way for our family here. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to colors, lines, and shapes. You could say I saw art in everything, from clouds to funky patterns. My dad would also draw pictures in the children books he would read to me when they weren’t any. My parents also encourged my artistic side as a child by enrolling me in Art Instruction School back in the day. Read more>>

Chris Schmidt | Chef

I was born in Tampa, FL and spent most of my child hood up and down the east coast. I was fortunate enough to call Atlanta and the surrounding areas my home base. Being raised in the south presented me with so much food history, culture and amazing food. I have been gone for almost 20 years now, but the south will always be home and will always inspire me.  Read more>>

Marcus Cabrera | Musician/Producer/Artist/Dj

Im from Connecticut and spent time in nye raves! Having the difference of peace and quiet in Connecticut and staying in the woods vs spending days in New York has shaped my love for mixing natural sounds and instruments with mechanical//sounds that are more mechanic and alien sounding! Also being online and being in communities via online chats and meeting people all over America + The world has shaped my love for music and had an impact because I now take interest in music from all over the world but also try my best to deep dove into new artist and new sounds and such to get inspiration from. Its a mix of the natural mixed with online/technological/alien esque that has shaped me. Read more>>

Jackie Brooks | Owner & CEO

I come from Marquette, located in the heart of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is a remote area known only to a few people. Our community is built on hard work and perseverance. My father, Chris Brooks, established our agency, previously known as Bottom Line Marketing, in the UP 23 years ago. At that time, there was no real need for an agency in the UP, as there was seemingly not enough business to support it. However, with determination and a fantastic creative knack, he quickly became the leading advertiser in the market by representing the top clients. I was a junior in high school when my dad decided to venture into entrepreneurship, and unfortunately, I discouraged him from doing it. I was young, foolish, and selfish. Nonetheless, he will tell you that my words motivated him even more to succeed. Today, I have bought out my dad, sister, and brother-in-law in the business that we all grew together. From a one-man band, we have grown to over 70 employees representing clients in 38 states. Without my dad’s vision and the heart, discipline, and tenacity he demonstrated in starting this company in a small town, we would not be the company we are today. We still follow the same principles he established, with the same golden rule: “We want to work with clients we would invite into our home for dinner.” Read more>>

Wezrez Cosplay | Cosplayer, Crafter, Model

I’m originally from a small town in New Jersey, where I grew up as a creative kid that loved to play pretend and make things with my hands. In my teens, I was a bit awkward and shy, so I found myself frequently watching TV shows and playing video games. I found out what “costume play” was in 2011 when I stumbled on a forum of people dressed as characters from my favorite videogame, Left 4 Dead 2. I quickly convinced my mom to take me to an anime convention called Otakon for my birthday in 2012 so I could see what cosplay was about. I definitely wouldn’t be the cosplayer that I am today without my parents’ support. They were my convention chaperones until I was about 16, provided me a sewing machine so that I could learn to sew cosplays on my own, and have continued to support me and my cosplay into the present day. Read more>>

Dru Smith | Filmmaker & Photographer

Born in Denver, Colorado, Dru Smith is a filmmaker looking to touch the world through the art of film and photography. Since a young kid, Dru has always had a heavy interest in photography as his grandfather was always capturing the moments they shared together. through film photography and video. Read more>>

Rebecca Peebles | Artist, Curator and Creative Facilitator

I’m originally from Chesterfield, VA south of Richmond. My parents were both educators and we lived a very DIY life of cooking, home projects, landscaping, etc. I guess I learned that I was capable of many types of tasks and that strength (of body and character) should be put to good use in community, neighborhood and family. I always remember innovating creative projects as a young person. My twin sister and I were taught to be loyal and reliable, honest and hardworking and, I think my parents’ greatest achievement with us is teaching us to serve and be stewards of our home, community and the environment. For me, community development and healthy personhood are priorities now after years of ambiguity over what it means to “make it” as a professional artist in some exhibiting or performative way. I still treasure sharing my art work, but now, my artwork is all about creating and fostering belonging in personal and collective mental health and community. I make art that inspires belonging in this humans-on-Earth-club and I want to create more access to creativity and arts’ transformative, healing and connecting potential. Read more>>

Hana | Hair replacement specialist/hair designer, Aveda Concept Salon owner

I am an immigrant. I am North Korean and Japanese. My mother escaped North Korea at 11 years old – she’s my hero. She demonstrated her ability to survive my whole life until she passed away at 62. She demonstrated the ability to nurture and protect another human being with all her might. I learned that commitment and dedication from her. I learned to be honest and to never divert from integrity, and to become a well-rounded human being. Because she did this for me, I had every chance to prosper in all ways. I appreciate my freedom that the U.S. has given me. Read more>>