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.

Raven Raven

I’m from Beaumont, TX, specifically the Southend/Charlton Pollard neighborhood, a place where community feels like family. Growing up in a close-knit environment taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and looking out for those around me. My parents emphasized the importance of education, instilling in me the belief that knowledge is the foundation of opportunity. That mindset has shaped my approach to both personal and professional growth, pushing me to continually seek learning opportunities and never settle for mediocrity. Read More>>

Lisa René

I’m from Anderson, a small town in central Indiana. My early years were marked by deep trauma, which I unknowingly buried until plant medicines helped me uncover and heal it years later. Growing up, I faced relentless bullying in elementary and middle school, and when my mom passed away when I was 14, I believed God had abandoned me. For a long time, I felt lost, disconnected from love and my own voice. Read More>>

Charlie Garabedian

As the singer and one of the founders of the band, I was the only musician in a family of athletes so it was a little tricky getting started. I always knew I wanted to be in a band since before I could even talk. When the Emo scene hit in the mid-2000’s, with bands like Taking Back Sunday, Escape The Fate and The Used, I was instantly hooked and knew I had to be a part of it. Read More>>