Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Hailey Chorn | Model & Car Enthusiast

I’m from The Woodlands, TX, and have moved a lot within Houston, TX area while growing up. I was raised by a single parent, my father, who later got remarried in 2010 which is when I moved to League City, TX with my new family. At this point, I was happy to have a mother figure in my life and two stepsisters around the same age. Read more>>

Citlaly Rodriguez | Florist

I was born in Guerrero, Mexico and currently live in a small town outside Houston named Porter. I entered the US when I was 8 years old and although it hasn’t been easy living in a foreign country, I am forever grateful for the doors that have opened for me throughout the years such as running a business. Read more>>

Paige Melancon | Home-Baker & Small Business Owner

I grew up in a relatively small town outside of Beaumont, Texas. My parent’s house is across the pasture from my mom’s parents and about a 5 minute drive from my dad’s parents, so I had a very close relationship with my grandmothers and was always in the kitchen helping them cook and bake. Read more>>

RANDOL MANJARREZ | CAR SALES & REAL ESTATE INVESTOR

My name is Randol M, and I was born in Mexico Monterrrey N.L. Currently a DACA recipient. my background impacted me in a lot of ways, from finding jobs at an early age where they won’t require socials, To wanting to have everything I didn’t have as a kid. Been a Mexican from having nothing. Read more>>