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.

Madhuri Bandari

I used to be shy and quiet—quite the opposite of the personality I have today. But traveling changed everything. It reshaped my personality, broadened my horizons, and completely transformed the way I see the world. Today, I’ve traveled to 17 countries—some with friends, some solo—and now I’m living independently in the USA, constantly seeking new experiences and embracing everything life has to offer. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would do all this. Read More>>

Flavia Tomaello

I was born in Argentina.
I had a difficult childhood, with family disintegration and absence. I started working at 12. I think that whole journey, which was very difficult at the time and has left its mark, definitely shaped the person I am today. And, of course, the professional I am today. Read More>>

Sue Weller

After working in the corporate world for many years a good friend bought me Pilates sessions as a birthday gift. I was hooked. After that, I left the corporate world and certified as a BASI, Body Arts and Science International teacher. I went on to do my Gyrotonic certification and studied massage and metaphysics which I include in my teaching. I have been teaching for over 20 years now. Read More>>

Kimberly Murray

I grew up in Colorado Springs with my 3 siblings and parents. My family faced a series of challenges while I was growing up, including chronic illness, parental conflict and separation, addiction, abuse, financial struggles, and constant stress. It is due these difficulties and recognizing the impact they had on me and my relationships, that I sought therapy for myself during my second year of college. My therapist was my saving grace, helping me heal old wounds, set boundaries, and build the life I wanted and needed. Read More>>

Steven Smith

I was introduced into tattooing at a young age leading to growing up in the industry. My dad tattoos as well, and that’s how I got into it. I did my first tattoo at 10 years old. Constantly spending time in the shop trying to further my craft. Being around so many phenomenal artist. It all has helped me, with gaining so much knowledge from multiple people and environments. A lot of people assume I’m older after seeing my work and the talent I have. My past has made me into the thriving artist I am today. Read More>>

Margaret Mizushima

I grew up on a registered Hereford cattle ranch near Hereford, Texas, before moving to a registered Limousin ranch near Saguache, Colorado. My brother, sister, and I raised 4-H show cattle to promote our family’s business, and I learned the responsibility of performing daily chores associated with animal care at a young age. As a herdsman, my father pursued innovative aspects of ranching, such as nutritional programs and artificial insemination using selection of nationally known herd sires to improve a cow’s progeny; and he dreamed of a future embryo transfer program to enhance the breeding potential of a super-cow, one that demonstrated excellent bloodlines and phenotype. Read More>>

Damien Brady

I’m from Parker Colorado, and being here means all outdoors. I started in 2020 when my grandpa first gave me an old camera on one of our hikes and I fell in love with it so I started out with wildlife/landscaping photography. fast forward to Spring 2022 a friend asked me to come film and take pictures for his basketball team and that’s what I did the whole summer. Later on I set my mind on a business because I really love sports and filming/photographing. So in the fall of 2023 I started doing it for my high school and I took off with it eventually buying a better camera and now I am where I am today with my own business and thriving getting contracts all around the state of Colorado. Read More>>