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.

Derrick Frohne

I was born in Florida although in my adolescent years I remember Sevierville Tennessee to be home and lived 3 minutes drive from Dolly Parton’s parents’ former farmhouse on Millican Grove Road in the middle of nowhere. Growing up surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, I would hangout in Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, where I developed a deep appreciation for nature, creativity, and community. During the summer months, my family would fly me to Florida to be with my father’s side of the family in a little Swiss restaurant that my Oma founded after she moved from Ibach, Schwyz. These environments gave me a strong sense of purpose and humility.  Read More>>

Candace Cotton

I was born and raised here in Dallas, Texas. I’ve always been a creative, artistic and “do it yourself” girl growing up; I believe I got those qualities from my Dad. Since fashion and beauty became an interest at a young age, my family would tend to call me “Diva” when I was around. However, I did not tap into the beauty industry until after college. Graduated in 2008, became a traveling makeup artist 2 years later; by 2011, the beauty industry was calling my name to begin building my business. I received my Esthetician license and was able to merge into a completely different lane. This journey has allowed me to now own and operate Heart of Glamour Studio, my own wax and beauty studio. Read More>>

Elizabeth Gray

I am from right outside Springdale, Arkansas, in the Ozark Mountains. Growing up have such fond memories connected to music and the arts. From going to the local Grape Festival and listening to live, local music, to attending plays at the community theater nearby, it instilled a strong connection to creativity and art. My entire family has a very strong drive to succeed, including having multiple entrepreneurs, and people excelling in their fields, and that was certainly passed down to me. Read More>>

Gil Hinojosa

Born in Chicago, but North Dallas has been my home for over 25 years. My upbringing was deeply rooted in music—I played in orchestra, band, jazz band, and even rocked a stage in a rock band for the senior talent show. I played the upright bass in orchestra and jazz, and I’ve also been known to wield a tuba and a sousaphone—yeah, the big goofy brass beast that coils around you like a snake from Anaconda. Read More>>