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.

Geretha Mayers Terrell | Wardrobe Stylist. Creative Director. Visionary. Investor

When people ask me where I’m from I always answer “everywhere.” My father was military so we moved alot and I don’t really have a place I would call my hometown. Home for me is where my parents are living. My background and upbringing impacted me in a huge way and made me the person I am today. I grew up with the most wonderful parents and family. A family that loved and nurtured me. My parents raised my siblings and I to work hard, be independent and love God. This allows me to be bold, fearless and confident in everything I do. My hope is that I will touch people’s lives through fashion and my other endeavors. I want to empower people to be exactly who God made them and celebrate their gifts and uniqueness. Read more>>

Channell Dawson | Certified Mindset and Life Coach & Licensed Christian Counselor

I am originally from Kenner, Louisiana a small but well known city about 15 minutes outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. If you ask any of my teacher from elementary to high school about Channell Maiden (Yes, my Maiden name is Maiden..LOL) they would probably wonder how I turned out because I was such an awful student. I mean from fighting to just being the class clown that was me. I was always into something that landed me in the principles office. Read more>>

Gerian Johnson | known as Mys Monet | Songwriter & Author

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. My mother, Annie Ruth, is an artist and because of her career I was introduced and exposed to a vast variety of art styles from visual art, poetry, and multiple genres of music. This eventually led to the my love of the arts. This also sparked my love for the community and service. Moving forward to the present, this impact inspired my own personal career path. Read more>>

MistaGoodBar | Host, Sound Selector, Producer and Creator of THE REMEDY, Houston’s premiere neo-soul radio program

I’m a proud native son of Newark, NJ. I was raised in home with a large family, and it was my uncle who sparked my love of music. He was a neighborhood DJ who threw parties in my grandparents basement, and I’d also watch him practice his art on his own time, and sounds he played transformed me, and still have a hold of me all of these decades later! Loving and sharing music is something I’ve done from a young age, and to be able to have a larger platform to continue to do that, and also knowing people trust me with their time and their ears motivates me daily. Read more>>

Yo’ela The Medicine Woman | Herbalist & Full Spectrum Doula

I’m from White Plains, NY. Specifically a town called Greenburgh which is a small predominantly black community. Growing up in this community had a positive impact in my life because we were exposed to black businesses, entrepreneurs, and HBCU at a very young age. I was taught early that there’s more to life then a traditional 9-5 job. The community provided a place for the youth to go, rather then being on the streets. The community provided swimming lessons, art classes, dance and music lessons, sports and so many other activities which shaped our lives and kept us busy. Read more>>