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.

Shawn-Caulin Young | Storyteller – Actor/Writer/Director/Producer

I grew up in the desert outskirts of Farmington, New Mexico, a reservation border town on the outskirts of the Navajo Nation. I grew up in a doublewide trailer as the only white kid in my neighborhood, as most of my friends in the area were of Navajo, Ute Indian, or Chicano descent. My father was a rodeo cowboy turned racehorse jockey who taught me the importance of integrity and hard work. Integrity is one of my core values. Growing up as an outsider with this perspective taught me a lot about marching to the beat of my own drum while finding compassion and trying to understand those different from me. As a non-binary queer kid growing up in the 90s, I found safety and comfort in the lives and stories of those who were outsiders like me. My production company, Blue Cowboy, was founded to champion those people. We specialize in diverse stories about the themes of identity and resilience from the underdog’s perspective. Coming from humble beginnings, I carry the lessons of my youth with me every day. It has inspired me to heal and be a place for those seeking to be heard and seen. Read more>>

Toni Anthony | Salon Owner | Mentor | Travel Enthusiast

I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, alongside two siblings and a host of family. My mother is one of thirteen, and, as you can imagine, there was never a dull moment! Growing up in the 90s was monumental for me. I can still smell the wax from the pressing combs and the scent of the ‘Pump It Up’ spritz as it floated through the air before landing on a set of waterfalls. Like clockwork, every two weeks on a Saturday morning, I was at the salon, watching the hairstylists create with so much ease. Those moments brought a sense of community, peace, and happiness that I don’t think I could really put into words. You would’ve just had to be there! Read more>>

Nia Crooks | Custom Coaster Creator

I’m a Brooklyn Girl. Growing up I was surrounded by family members who always had small businesses. I understood the importance of being the Boss of you. Even working in the workforce, I watched various family members always have little side hustles to add extra income to the household. When I was in high school, I sold candy to students out of my locker to buy clothing. I knew then, I was bit by the hustle bug. Being a New Yorker alone, we are known for such a fast-paced lifestyle, and you either sink or swim. As a Pisces, I learned how to swim. Once I survived the lessons of my twenties and the woman-hood walk into my 30’s, I decided the move to Texas along with my older Sister. My childhood experiences and being such a well rounded individual allowed me to live and strive pretty much anywhere. I’ve lived a lot of places but Houston is where I wanted to plant my roots and become the Business Woman I am today. Read more>>

Ines Alvidres | Artist

I was born in the land of the “inexhaustible runners,” the Tarahumaras, in northern Mexico. I remember seeing them for the first time as a child in the markets of downtown Chihuahua and immediately felt a connection. Read more>>

Reign Boxley-Martin | Artisan Candle Maker

I’m a Texan through and through! I split my childhood between a town by the name of Hearne and Bryan/College Station. Most days were centered around church activities as my Dad was a preacher. Read more>>

Cynthia Aguilar | Actor

I was born in Monterrey, Mexico and I was raised in Houston since I was six years old. My Mexican culture influenced a lot of my artistic side mainly because our world revolved around Telenovelas, or soap operas. I remember gathering around with my cousins and interpreting and mimicking the actors we saw every day on T.V. Read more>>