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.

Jess Cowden

I am a Colorado Native! I moved to South Florida for the majority of my twenties, where I was introduced to the event industry! From a makeup artist, to a catering coordinator, to a yacht party coordinator. South Florida was definitely a different world, with lots of glam! I moved back to Colorado in 2018 and got certified as a wedding and events planner. After interning with other planning and floral/ design companies, I launched my business in 2020! I am literally half mountain girl/ half beach bum. I have traveled the world, met amazing people, and learned so much about other cultures and personalities. I am always up for an adventure and ready to take on any task that comes my way! Read More>>

Tuck Nuisance

I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, but spent most of my childhood in Highland, Indiana. My early years were anything but stable I bounced around a lot before my family eventually settled there. Growing up in a hostile environment, I became no stranger to the streets, the struggle, or survival.

Violence, poverty, and the absence of support systems shaped me early. I witnessed things no kid should ever see and went through things most never recover from. I lost a lot of friends to the streets, to prison, or worse. Truth is, if I hadn’t moved back to Fort Collins, where I currently reside I’d probably be dead or locked up too. Read More>>

Violeta Juarez

I was born to two Nicaraguan parents, speaking Spanish before I ever spoke a word of English. My earliest years unfolded under the warm sun of Miami, Florida — surrounded by family who were always dancing, laughing, snapping pictures, soaking in life’s joy.

At twelve, my story shifted to Schertz, Texas, where the quiet of small-town life met the complexities of growing up. I went through an abusive marriage — a difficult, shaping storm — but even there, in that hard season, something beautiful bloomed. I found my love for photography. Read More>>

Marina Galarraga

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I moved to Denver, Colorado three years ago for my husband’s job, and that’s when a new chapter began.

Back home, I was lucky enough to discover early on that I loved communication and creativity. Throughout my career, I explored different roles, and instead of narrowing down, I embraced being a “mix” — of skills, passions, and experiences. Argentina gave me the gift of flexibility: in a country where things shift constantly, doing business means staying creative and adapting fast. Read More>>