Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

John Pullings | Model/Photographer/Creative Director

I’m a Model/Photographer/Creative Director. Located in Houston,Texas. My family have always been loving and supportive of me as an individual. Consistently pushing me to be my best self. We have not always been the most fortunate when it came to having finances, but we always worked hard to complete ours goals. The work ethic both my parents expressed inspires me daily to be the best at what I’m trying to accomplish in my life. Wether it involves art, wealth, or even self development. Read more>>

Zelma Singleton | Your Friend In Mortgage Lending

I’m originally from Northeast Houston, but grew up heavily influenced by Louisiana culture. In my community everyone was tight knit. Most people I was around daily were people and families that my parents knew as children from Louisiana, or they were family my members. My upbringing has impacted who I am today because I believe in always being who you are, treating everyone like family, and using your voice to speak up for yourself and others. Read more>>

Marianne Dublado | Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Photographer, and Blogger

I was born in the Philippines but raised in America. Coming from an immigrant background, and being raised in America gave me dual identities. My family in the Philippines taught me about hard work, humility, and the importance of family. My identity in America gave me the audacity to have reach for my dreams and goals. This season, I am learning about decolonization and learning about where I came from and how colonization has really affected my upbringing, even in the Philippines. Read more>>

Chance Cessna | Business Coach & Bestselling Author of Emerge

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL and was raised by a single father. My mother became ill when I was 8 years old so my father stepped up and took the responsibility and raised my brother, sister, and I. Seeing my father work hard to provide for us inspired this resilience in me to never quit. I wanted to become just like my dad who was an entrepreneur. I wanted to work hard to become successful and I was determined not to allow any obstacles to stand in my way. I am so grateful for my father’s presence in my life because it has made me who I am today. Read more>>

Tiffany Lindsey | Coach for Children & Adolescents

I’m from Houston and my background, upbringing and experiences have shaped who I am today. You can tell somebody to do this or give advice, but until you’ve gone through it yourself it hits a little differently and in some cases a lot. If you were to tell me years ago that I would be doing what I’m doing now I would not have believed you. Honestly, I never wanted to work with children, it wasn’t my choice. I decided to pursue other things I wanted to do, but ultimately it led me to where I am now, over 10 years later. Read more>>

Take da bag Wilson | Rapper

I’ve had alot of influences in my life my biggest is my mother from the food that was cooked to the music me my brothers and sisters where brought up on I also have alot of southern influences New Orleans la to be exact Read more>>