Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Anke Bodack | Designer & Sustainable Retreat Owner

I am from Germany and grew up in Munich. My dad was the head of design for the German Railways (DB) and my mom was at home, cooking delicious organic meals from her garden and also very creative. She would sew me any dress or anything I imagines for example. We would travel a lot, mostly by train and spend great summers in southern Europe. My dad would always bring friends, family or even people he met on the train home. Then my mom was hosting them and it seems every week there were some visitors. We would have great dinners on the patio or in the kitchen, that is the I am now centre of the house. I am now in Encinitas California and run my own sustainable B&B I designed with some great architect friend of mine. Read more>>

Luke Lintott | Lifestyle Consultant, Yoga Teacher, and Personal Trainer

I grew up in rural Northern California, and am proudly queer, creative and intuitive. Although I now radically love myself, this wasn’t always the case. Before accepting myself, I turned to alcohol and struggled with a problematic relationship with food, others and myself. I experienced anxiety, insomnia, and did not love the person staring back at me in the mirror. Luckily, after losing a 9-year relationship, my job, and exploring my identities, I found yoga, wellness, and a community that brought me higher. Read more>>

 Joshua David | Carpenter & Entrepreneur

I was born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana, in the heart of the Midwest. As the second oldest of four children raised by a single mother, I learned early on the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. My mother worked tirelessly to provide us with opportunities, embodying the principle that service to others is not just a necessity but a rewarding and fulfilling life path. Read more>>