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.

Rhonda McTyre | Plus Model, Body Positive Advocate, Inspirational Influencer, Speaker, CEO & founder of IG Live Model Check In

I’m from a small town from East, Texas called Jefferson. I grew up in a big family of 8: 6 boys 2 girls. Raised by a single mother who worked her behind off to help put food on the table and care for her kids. Growing up in a small town wasn’t too bad, Everyone pretty much knew your first and last name and who your mom or dad was. My Mother taught me how to get by in life but didn’t prepare me for the process of how to get by in life such as savings and investments for your future. But she taught me how she grew up. I never thought in a million years I would be modeling in magazines, walking runways, or becoming beauty of the month for a major magazine. My story to every young girl even older you can be saved and slay a runway. As I reflect on where I came from it help mold me into the woman I am today. My testimony will help impact many still struggling. Read more>>

Kaneesha Worthington-Beasley | Artist & Creative

I am from a small town , Jackson, TN, but I currently live in Mckinney, Texas. Growing up, my family was always supportive of my interest with the Arts. I would say my mom played a big part of it as well, because she was into creating arts and crafts for our home or church. My mom would decorate our home to match from the curtains down to the sliver ware on the table. If she couldn’t find what she needed in a store, she would make it on her own. This fostered my love and passion to be a creator. I would write poems, make cards, sew pillows as gifts, and even up-cycle my clothes by sewing them to look different. Also, if I needed somethings for my dolls, like clothes or accessories- I would make something on my own out of things I would find around the house. Read more>>

Cher Smalley (Cher Virgo) | Lash skin and body by Cher V. *aka* Purplekisses Extensions

I am a Dallas Texas-born resident for 42 years, I am one of those people that’s from a little bit of everywhere, From al walks of life ..West Dallas, Oak Cliff Pleasant grove, and South Dallas, So my upbringing played a big impact it was unique raised by family But yet raised with morals and taught respect my Aunt Betty Carol rest her soul did that, Introduce me to GOD… My background is why I am who I am today I have always been into beauty and hair, at the age 11-12yrs old, Hair wasn’t my passion but beauty was, Lashes and Skincare and makeup, I remember walking the halls Lincoln High School with the Biggest hair and longest eyelashes lol Shout out to the class of 9T8!! I was a young Mother at 14 yrs old so my dream was still there but was on line 2 lol… at the age 34 years old, When I Birth my daughters, that’s when I knew I needed to go on and pursue my dreams for to give my babies the life I didn’t have. I’m a mother of 4 2boys 2 girls. So with that, no matter where you are from, and how you were brought up your Dream is your Dream and it’s up to you to Pursue it! Choices!!! I’m just gonna stop right here..it can get emotional.. Read more>>