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.

Eliza Moreno | Makeup Artist

I am a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Houston, TX. Before I can tell you about my background I have to fill you in where my parents came from. My parents immigrated to Texas in 1984 from Guanajuato, Mexico with only a few belongings in hand. They sacrificed their home to start a new life in an unknown place to give us a better life with more opportunities. Growing up I saw how hard my parents worked to provide us with little joys of life; whether it was a new toy or new shoes to wear on the first day of school. Without knowing it, my parents taught me to always work hard to achieve my goals. If you want something go after it! This instilled the passion for the hustle I have now. I have even been told I am married to my career because I am always working haha! Read more>>

Célia M Dargie | Fine Art Painter

If you see a painting, a drawing or a mural of a sassy, colorful one eyed lady with a glass of wine by her side, you found an original Celia M Dargie! I’m French, self-taught, female painter who doesn’t relate to any painting style ‘box’. I paint who I am and how I feel, every painting contains a piece of my world. An organic expression of the complexity and beauty of my life experience. Well mostly wine, travel and yoga, haha… I think being successful is being able to show and share your passion. Ultimately, if you love what you do and can live off it, you are successful! I trusted the process and was lucky enough to show my art in Europe (Paris, Venice, Brussels…) at Art Basel in Miami and hopefully many more. Read more>>

Shauntae Benton | Creator of House of Merci

Texas Girl in the House! I am originally from Cedar Park Texas, north of Austin Texas. I was enamored by the church ladies hats and kitten heels at an early age, always trying on my nana’s outfits. As a teenager I worked in a small town boutique in the back inspecting the styles and pricing. This helped me understand the quality of the materials used to create these styles as well as pairing different pieces together to create a whole look. I worked as a stylist/sales associate until I graduated high school. Working in retail, I developed a keen sense of the client, their buying patterns, style preference and customer service awareness. After college I started my career in the aviation supply chain arena. I thought that corporate life would suppress my love and focus from women’s fashion. Well that did not happen. Read more>>