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.

Allison Warrell | Amateur Bodybuilder

I grew up in Dallas (Lakewood) for my entire childhood. I was raised by a single mother of 3. Our father passed away when I was 7. My mother has been a huge impact on my life. As someone with achondroplasia dwarfism standing 3’11” she taught me that size was something physical. It is about Mindset: Adust, adapt, overcome and defy odds. She let me be me! Read more>>

Damondray Christle | Actor & Filmmaker

So I’m from Dallas,Tx. Growing up in Dallas you either played sports you were a musician but, you did something. I believe the kids I grew up around we were all made to be great at something. Whether you found that out sooner or later . Read more>>

Kerian Massey | Illustrator, Painter, Muralist and Graphic Designer

I grew in Danielson, Connecticut, where old victorian houses were dispersed amongst salt box houses and dilapidated barns. The ever changing seasons always peeked my curiosity, as each new cycle brought with it glorious shifts in colors and sensations. Read more>>

Ahdaja Fletcher | Business owner & college student

I’m from Dallas,tx the oak cliff area born and raised it definitely played a part into who i am today. Being from oak cliff being around other kids who looked like me was easy yes but it definitely had it’s time we’re the picking on another defiantly got to me but didn’t break me it made me into a strong woman who don’t fall for anything and stand up for myself so I thank it all Read more>>