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.

Elizabeth Beuke | Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I grew up in old town Katy all my life till I graduated high school. My first introduction and interest in photography happened when I was a young child, my Dad worked with photography for his job at the time. I remember him taking a lot of pictures of my brother and I as we were growing up. As I got older, I took a photography class in high school, where I learned on a 35 mm. Also while I was in high school, I was discovered by a local modeling agency at a concert. I was always told I could be a model because I was tall and skinny. Read more>>

Fortune Onwunali | Actor, Poet, Content Creator

Growing up in a Nigerian household my family struggled finically. So, the education you receive and the job you pursued had to benefit the whole rather than the individual. In the eyes of my parents, becoming a doctor, engineer, or lawyer was the only reasonable career that could achieve that goal. To add to that pressure, I am the only boy in my household, therefore, I was considered the up-and-coming breadwinner. So, I learned to disguise myself and stick to the status quo. Read more>>

Deja Randle | Digital Creator & Entrepreneur

I was born in Chicago, Illinois, but I have lived in Minnesota majority of my life. I’m the youngest of 3, and of course the only girl. So you know how that goes. Growing up I was very guarded, and protected by my family. My family has always been very supportive of me and any endeavors I choose to engage in. I never realized how much I valued that until I got older. Because of that love, support, and protection I wasn’t afraid to do anything I set my mind to. And from there I became the go getter I am today. Read more>>

JD GATA | Artist, Producer, Dj and Audio engineer

I’m from Alief Southwest Houston, Tx. I grew up with everybody, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Indian and Pakistan. Having friends and classmates that all were from different backgrounds helped me understand how to communicate and relate to other ethnicities. I learned at a early age that most of us are more alike than different. I learned about different food, music and entertainment. I come from a big family. Read more>>

Alessandra Volker | Patchwork and crafts instructor & Inktense pencil artist on fabric

My name is Alessandra Volker. I’m 49 years old and I’m from Brazil. when I was a kid I loved to paint, color and make things with my hands. I also loved watching my mother and grandmother crocheting and knitting. I thought the activity was awesome. You could make beautiful things just using a yarn and needles so I always asked them to teach me. I think when you have family members who like crafts, you end up being influenced by them. Read more>>