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.

Dotun Abeshinbioke | 360 Create & Entrepreneur

I’m Nigerian, grew up in London and I am now based in New York City. My West African background heavily influences my personal work, from photography to fashion to graphic design. I also explore West African themes in my work through hair, beauty, culture and use of everyday objects. Growing up in London, I attended an arts high school, which allowed me to dabble in different design mediums. Predictably, we learned about predominantly white artists. This naturally led to me jumping at every opportunity to create something I could relate to and that would be accessible to other West Africans. Read more>>

Dajpway Free Game Productions | Mix&Recording Engineer & Photographer

Im from SouthPark Tx. Located on the Southside of Houston. My ma raised me and my older brother for as long as she could on her on. Being in a house with a single driven parent thats all i knew was to work because that would be all I see my mom do. So I just wanted to figure a way that I wouldn’t have to work everyday doing something I didn’t love to do. So i started to train myself in different areas as far as Recording, Engineering music to eventually picking up a camera .. Read more>>

Malae Talley | Photographer & Owner

I’m from a small town called Spanish Fork, Utah! I lived in Utah for most of my life up until two years ago when we moved to Texas. I am the oldest of four and have very supportive and loving parents. I have to attribute so much of where I am and who I am today from my family. My Dad especially has always had a deep love of creating – whether it be music, art, visuals, you name it! Our parents enabled us to create at a young age and encouraged us to find our own mediums and creative tools. Read more>>