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.

Sambrina Dunlap | Houston Certified Permenant Makeup Artist

My name is Sambrina and I was born ad raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although many people have the automatic perception about “Vegas” being the party city or “sin city” and many people don’t know that actual people are Las Vegans. I was raised in a very rough area in Las Vegas called North Las Vegas. My family is the core to my success in life. My mother, who raised me as a single mother with the help of my belated grandmother is what created the independency and strong will that I have today. Read more>>

Daphne Wilson | The Tax Educator, Entrepreneur, & Consultant

My husband and I are from two very different backgrounds. I am from a small town in Louisiana known as Lafayette or “Cajun Country” if you will; while he is from the home of the blues and a street named Beale that some believe can talk — Memphis, TN. While it appears highly unlikely that the two of us should join together in business let alone marriage, our upbringing is actually what unites us. Read more>>

Lydia Oxley | Brand Marketing Manager and Event Florist

I was raised in rural Indiana around few people my age and a lot of nature. My grandmother grew sunflowers the size of my head and my dad, being an engineer by trade, taught me the value of solving problems. This, combined with my mom’s shared ability to connect with people from all walks of life inspired me to see flowers as a means of connection to others and design as a skill that can be measurably improved. Read more>>

Telicia Fogle-Simon | Visionary & Leadership Strategist

My hometown is right here in Houston, TX. Actually, the northeast side of Houston in Trinity Garden. Back when I was growing up we had a group of people that was always looking out for us. Either it was grandparents helping out to ensure we had what we needed when moms and dads were still figuring out life, or it was the neighborhood nanny (woman that gave you a safe haven from the streets). Read more>>