Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Marcella Raneri | Dancer, Choreographer, Model, Pilates Instructor & Podcast Host

I was born in Brooklyn New York. I was raised in Dallas TX. We had to move to Dallas when my father started to get into some trouble. My father was in the Mafia so we had to live in Dallas due to some situations with that. We lived a larger than life lifestyle when I was growing up. When I was 15 my Dad got busted and was in big trouble. When that happened we lost everything. It was at this point in my life that everything changed. We had nothing and we had to fight our way out of that. I think because that happened to me it taught me work ethic and how to pick yourself back up no matter what happens in life. You have to work hard keep pushing forward no matter what. I have been a dancer since I was 2 yrs old and when all of this happened we couldn’t afford dancing anymore, luckily my director at the time didn’t let that happen I was going to have to work for it but it still gave me the opportunity to do what I love and I feel like that also taught me a huge lesson in not giving up. Read more>>

Kristal Sabbs | Realtor & Salon Owner

I grew up in the backwoods of Arkansas, on a rock road….. better known as Kerr Road. I had a good childhood, playing with my cousins everyday, learning from and being influenced by each of them; however, I always knew I was different. I don’t claim to be someone I’m not, nor do I claim to have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth because that’s not the case. I watched my Grandparents and my Mother work hard, which that same work ethic was instilled in me without saying. All I ever saw was everyone in my family work hard for someone else’s prosperity. Once I got a small taste of entrepreneurship, I knew making someone else wealthy based on my hard work wouldn’t be my destiny. I’m now the owner of 5 thriving businesses. Initially, the drive and motivation was inherent because I wanted to. Now that I’m a Mother to a beautiful 10 month old Daughter, the motivation and drive are due to her. Read more>>

Samantha Lee Bridwell | Musician

My mother was in the Army, so we moved the majority of my young childhood. I was born in Bethesda, Maryland then we moved to Germany, Georgia, and back to Germany where my Dad stepped up into the “Mr. Mom” roll as they would call it in the early 90’s. He was and still is the best dad. He really leaned into being the best dad he could be all those years Mom was gone. He made sure we still could feel connected with her, even though we were apart and had no idea where she was or what she was doing. I remember he gave my sister and I a tape recorder and we each got one tape to fill up and he would send them to her. They were filled with the sounds of my sister and I just chatting away as we were either playing or taking a bath. I would sing to her a lot, making up songs about my day. Read more>>

Monika Norman

I was born in Lorain Ohio…the oldest of 4, had always played around with hair until I went to beauty school, My great aunt had a salon in her home. I was living with her when I went to beauty school, so I guess I came by it honestly. My great aunt taught me a lot about “caring” for other people and started to mold me for the industry to come. Out of beauty school I started taking as many classes as I could find to advance my education. Enjoying it so very much…On the edge of all that it is today. We were involved in the beginning of everything. Such a happy time. Married and moved to Columbus Ohio and purchased my first salon at 25. I think you have to follow your passion…almost 50 years later, I still love what I do. Read more>>

Crushanda Hopkins | Pie Baker

I was born and raised in Dallas, TX and from the Pleasant Grove area. I grew up with a very loving and supportive family, and we’re still the same way today. My family plays an important part of who I’ve become, and the values they instilled in me have provided a solid foundation for me today. Read more>>