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.

Miriam Dudley | Photographer

Since I can remember, I loved taking photos. I got my first camera at the age of 6 and filled so many albums with printed photos over the years. Becoming a professional photographer was not only a wild dream, but totally out of reach as life got busy and I never pursued chasing my dreams. This changed in 2019 when I moved from Germany (my home country) to Colorado to be with my husband, who I met in Germany. This was a huge step for me, as I was leaving behind a career as a Marketing Manager in the fashion industry, but also all of my friends and family. Read more>>

Brandy AKA Mystical Fries | Spiritual guide / Energetic alchemist / Entrepreneur

I come from a family of artists, educators, and entrepreneurs. Being born in Greeley, Colorado, it was a small-town type of world. There wasn’t often much to do without imagination and getting in trouble. You always had to leave town or drive for hours to expand your horizons on whatever it was you were looking for, or so it seemed. I like to think of Colorado as having a more open-minded community but growing up in a small town also came with hardships of expectations. Read more>>

Alaizabel Cray | Cosplayer, writer, model, and performer

I spent my childhood in a tiny town in Southern California that was located on national forest property. I went to a tiny elementary school where there were only six or seven kids per grade. I was a very awkward kid and didn’t have a whole lot of friends growing up. I always seemed to be off in my own little world. Three years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism which helped partially explain why I was such an awkward kid. And now that I know why I am the way I am, I own it. I embrace all the things about me that most people decide are unusual. Read more>>

Garrett Young | Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Producer

Being from southwest Colorado, my background and upbringing has had a large impact on who I am and the music that I create. I have spent all but four years of my life living on and working my family’s ranch. This I believe has contributed to my love of outlaw country and rockabilly music, as well as my resilience and work ethic. In addition, Colorado has fueled my love of mountains and skiing which are a recurring theme in many of our original songs. The time I have spent away from ranching was following another passion of mine, surfing. Read more>>