Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Ayelet Golz | Freelance Video Editor & Video Content Strategist

This is a complicated question for me. I was born in Israel, but moved to the Midwest when I was a toddler. My family lived in Rochester, MN, and moved to Milwaukee, WI, when I was in middle school. Those two places were so different, even though they’re both in the Midwest, and each shaped my experiences growing up. Read more>>

Lezlie Foster | Glass blower and glass bead maker

I was born in San Jose, California but my family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico when I was just 3 years old. Living in New Mexico exposed me to many different cultures and all of the creative expression available to me. One of my favorite places to visit was the Old Town area of Albuquerque. The many different artisans on the Plaza were always fascinating to me. Long ago there was a shop where a man would sit in the window and make beautiful glass pieces. On family outings to the Plaza I could always be found watching him with fascination as he created. I thought that was probably the best job anyone could possibly have! Read more>>

Tiffany Norton | Owner, Founder, and Formulator at Juniperseed Mercantile

People ask me why I make so many things, and I guess partly it’s because it reminds me of where I’m from, and partly because I couldn’t stop if I tried. I’m pretty sure I have DIY in my DNA! I am from a long line of makers, tinkerers, savers, fixers and cheapskates. I’m from cooks, teachers, gardeners, scientists, seamstresses, and engineers. I’m from creativity and hard work and girl power. In a very concrete way, my business represents my background and how it has shaped me. Read more>>

Chase Hunter | Photographer

I grew up in Boise Idaho, which is where I lived up until moving to Colorado to complete college. Boise is a town tucked away in the deserts and plains of southern Idaho at the doorstep of stunning mountainous terrain. Boise has a unique culture that is very laid back and full of people who love and respect nature and the outdoors. With Boise being a small to medium sized city, I often found myself venturing out into the deserts or mountains of Idaho with my father for weekend adventures of hiking and skiing. In retrospect, my consistent early exposure to nature as a child has helped to cultivate me into someone who can thrive and appreciate nature. Read more>>

Ethan Lee McCarthy | Musician/Visual artist/Booking Agent

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and have been interested in music for as long as I can remember. After being a musician from about 4th grade all the way up until my middle twenties I took the leap and began booking tours for other people aside from myself and now work for a booking agency that I am a founder of. I also tour the world playing music with the groups Primitive Man and Vermin Womb and will play the occasional solo show as Many Blessings/Spiritual Poison. I make visual art under the moniker of Hell Simulation. Read more>>

Mary Ann Craddock | Colorado Wedding and Portrait Photographer

I’m originally from the South, near Atlanta. I think my background plays a huge role – I grew up in the ballet studio and studied (and love!) both visual and performing arts. I earned my BSEd from the University of Georgia in Dance Education. After living up and down the bustling East Coast (from Boston to Florida), I’ve fallen in love with the quiet stillness of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I love aesthetics and always aim to create exquisite imagery while providing an excellent client experience. And a few evenings per week, I teach ballet in local Denver-area dance studios. Read more>>