Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.
Lisa Nasca | photographer
I am from western new york. Its absolutely beautiful here. Every season has its beauty. And yes, even snow is gorgeous! The sunsets…there is nothing like a wny sunset. I lived by the lake, and always took pictures of the beach and sunset, which started when I was about 17. When I was young, our families home flooded in the refinished basement. All of our pictures were ruined. Anything of my brothers and myself, captured as babies and toddlers…destroyed by the water. I always felt…pictures are so important. Capturing a special event, wedding, birthday, even a simple candid of the day has such feeling when you look at that picture. Read more>>
crissie elep | entrepeneur
I was born in Manila, Philippines in 1978. Cooking and feeding my community has always been a part of my life. At a very young age it was very important for my mother to teach us good work ethic. She taught us how to prep and cook our native foods. She would make a pot of food for us to the go out and sell to our community. Something obviously stuck as both my sister and I love to bake and cook. Read more>>
Trey McMillan | Farmer of the sea
I am from Charleston, SC. I was born and raised in the same waters in which I make a living now. My grandparents on both my mom and dads side of the family were also Charleston natives so I was taught a lot about the water and how it is a grocery store if you know when and how to look for certain things certain times of the year. I learned a lot from my parents that would transfer over to life, but I learned A LOT from my grandparents (my Grandfather PAPA in particular) about things that were fun as a child (like crabbing, fishing, picking oysters, etc..) that would later transfer over in life and set the foundation of my venture. Read more>>
Mike Matli | Stallion Squad Owner and Athlete, Strength Coach
I’m from Colorado Springs, Colorado. I had strong family values growing up and that has really helped in my adult life being the best father and husband I can be. I’ve gone through a wide range of challenges and adversities throughout my life and alot of those times I had to get through them on my own which I believe is why I have a strong character now. Read more>>