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.

Carmen Carpenter

I’m originally from Texas, and I’ve always had a creative spirit. Some of my earliest memories are sewing clothes for my dolls, making friendship pins, and getting lost in beadwork and painting. That hands-on creativity was a constant in my life, even as my path took me far from home. Read More>>

David Detrinidad

I am from Miami, Florida. My background was about going to church when I was a kid and as a teenager. I already was a good person but watching anime instilled in me to be a good person. I also grew up playing video games so it is a part of my life and watching anime! So I make content now based on gaming and anime which I love! Read More>>

“Bloody Mari” And Cameron Dahl

I was born into an artist family in Fort Worth. My mom had a huge impact on me! She was very adamant about not partaking in activities for validation, but instead for self expression. I danced and was in community theatre for 17 years. I think constantly being exposed to different types of art and surrounding myself with other artists shaped how I wanted to spend my life. – Bloody Mari Read More>>