Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Latisha – B.A.D Rhodes | Rapper, Model & Actress

I am from Los Angeles, CA. (South Central). However I live in Dallas, Tx. My background and upbringing impact me today by being “Bold & Determined” Always believing to strive for greatness even when the next person may count you out. Read more>>

Ilesh H Patel | Improving Entrepreneur

My parents migrated to Chicago from a small village life in India growing up on the farm in 1978. So, they ended up working in factories because they didn’t have the ability to get a formal education when they first landed in America. Growing up a in a working class home meant, we got all our basic needs happily fulfilled and parents did a splendid job on that. The problem was that I️ wanted more than the basic, I️ wanted others to respect my parents that they raised us (me and my brothers) really well despite not having a lot of money. I️ wanted to make my parents very proud of all the years of working at a factory. Growing up watching the Bulls and Jordan in the 90’s ignited a competitive spirit to become better and work harder. Read ore>>

Renee Dominguez | Photographer & Videographer

I was born in El Paso, TX on February 22, 1996 to a husband and wife with a 4-year-old daughter. Growing up in El Paso, as one could imagine, was not the most exciting experience. Besides the towering sight of the Franklin Mountains, there isn’t much nature going on. I’m a girl who loves her tall, oxygen-bearing trees. The first time I traveled to Oregon I fell in love with the trees there that I even got one tattooed on my arm. Besides going to the mall, the movies or Adventure Zone with my friends on the weekends, I spent most of my time with my family. I only have one older sister, but we have always been best friends, even when we feel like murdering each other. Read more>>

Joshua McDowell | President

Born to home furnishing industry veterans, I am originally from southern Missouri, I have lived in Branson (the country music show capital of the world) and then Springfield, until I was 11 years old. We then moved to Miami, total culture shock, but enlightening to learn about other cultures and dreams beyond the farms of Missouri. My dad and mom were the creative types, always an art project or a factory producing art, furniture accessories and lighting. This has a big influence on my desire to contribute to making spaces more beautiful. Spending a large percentage of my career in manufacturing lead me to the project management aspect of my current job in construction. Read more>>

Dillon Biggs | Dillon Biggs | Singer-Songwriter & Performer

I am a singer/songwriter living in Austin, Tx. I moved to Austin 3 years ago, shortly after releasing my crowdfunded debut EP, Cakewalk. I was born and raised in Cypress, Tx. My parents brought me up in the United Methodist Church, where I got my start performing: participating in church musicals, talent shows, and playing keyboard in the youth band. I had my first showcase of original songs when I was 17. I furthered my music education through private lessons and some college. I later attended a local artist development program to focus on my songwriting and recording skills. While I had many avenues to hone my musical talents, I felt restricted expressing myself authentically as a gay man. Read more>>