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.

Marredia Roberts | Boutique Owner, Financial firm Co-Owner

Marredia Roberts Co- Owner of AshRoq Financial. CEO of Confident Curves Showroom. I’m from Carthage, Tx, a small town 159 miles east of Dallas. I grew up in a single parent household, raised amongst a close knit family. Although there isn’t a set receipe for achievement, I was taught to work hard for what you want, the world owes you nothing. Breaking generational curses started in 2011 for my family, with me being a first generation college graduate receiving my Bachelors degree from St.Edwards University. I’m also a first generation business owner, but I don’t plan to be the last! I teach my two girls to be open minded, have drive, be outspoken, & to never give up. I’m appreciative of where I come from, but I know exactly where I’m going. I’m still building my empire and making a way for those that come after me. Read more>>

Harvey LaCount | Clothing Designer & Artist Manager

This is a question that I sometimes do not know how to answer. I was born and Partially raised in Dallas, TX. Moved back forth from Dallas and Tallahassee, FL. I’ve also lived in Houston, TX and spent the most conservative time growing up in Atlanta, GA. With all of this moving around and being around different people from different areas, I feel it has help me become more understanding of people. With moving around that much you run into a lot of different personalities at a young age, and helps prepare you on how to handle with different demeanors. Read more>>

Camryn Stafford | Executive Director of Turning Tables Inc.

I have been extremely fortunate, having immense access to dance for the majority of my life. Dancing since the age of 3, I have had the wonderful opportunity to train at Dallas Black Dance Academy, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, The Ailey School, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Joffrey Ballet School, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. While I am extremely grateful to have experienced these opportunities, I recognize that many others do not have the same access and opportunity to dance. There is a great contrast between how I viewed dance and how minorities and those from underrepresented communities may view dance. Because I am surrounded by dancers and artists alike it can become easy to take advantage of the constant access to resources, while dance may be viewed as implausible for other minorities with less visibility. Read more>>

April Hopkins | Artist & Designer

I am from a small town in central Wisconsin. Growing up, my parents have always been supportive of my art. The Midwest is full of hardworking, salt-of-the Earth people, so I have approached my creative career in a very pragmatic way. I went to an affordable state school and studied Industrial Design. I wanted to make sure that if I was going to be an artist, I would do it in a way that allowed me to have a stable income. Being a product designer first has given me a great set of tools and experience for being a self-employed artist. Read more>>

Sean Lyles | Pastor of The Outpour Christian Church

I was born and raised in Memphis, TN and I think the things that immediately come to mind regarding my hometown is music and church (Also, barbecue but that’s a conversation for another time). And I think having grown up with that surrounding me it helped feed my desire to know and follow Jesus and help others in the process. Add to that my family background and I think it was a foregone conclusion that I would be involved with ministry to some capacity. Read more>>