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.

Kat Carr | Lifestyle Photographer

I am from Herndon, VA- a suburb of Washington DC. I grew up with an older sister, Julia, my dad, worked for the FBI as a special agent and my mom was a stay at home mom, always around for my dance competitions as a young girl. My parents always told me to follow my dreams and to do whatever my heart desired. Read more>>

Sierra Sebastian | Licensed Nursing Assistant, Pre-Med Student, Freelance Dancer/Model

I am from Laguna Beach, California. I was raised in Mission Viejo, California until age 10, relocated to Arizona with my family and have been in the desert since. Both locations have allowed me to be grounded through my surroundings of the ocean and mountains. Read more>>

Melissa Montanez | Chef/Caterer

I was born in Chicago, went to high school in Bangkok, lived in San Francisco for 15 years and San Diego for the last 19. My dad is Thai and my mom is French American. I am very fortunate to be multi-ethnic and to have lived in so many diverse ‘foodie’ cities. I believe it was the years I lived in Thailand that opened my senses to the importance of delicious fresh food. Read more>>

CYNTHIA CANNON | Beauty Artist & Educator

I am originally from Mexicali, MX. My mother brought me and my little sister here when I was 6 years old. She brought us here because she wanted us to have a better upbringing. As a 1st generation Mexican and Illegal immigrant at the time I spent most of my childhood wishing I could do better and I always wanted more. Read more>>