We asked insiders and experts from various industries to tell us something they think outsiders are unaware of and we’ve shared a few of those responses below.

Marina Laparte | Founder – Tin Marin Brand

I’m from Mexico City, and from a young age, I was raised with more than one culture and tradition in my house. I loved it because it meant I was from more than one place and my identity didn’t have to match everyone else’s. My grandparents were of Spanish descent on one side of the family and all my family was born in Mexico, so in my house, I grew up learning about both Mexican traditions as well as Spanish culture that my grandma grew up with. When I was 8 years old, my family moved to Bentonville, AR in the United States, this impacted me from an early age because it added a new element of who I was becoming at a very early age. I didn’t speak much English so this became a challenge I faced and learning to adapt to a new set of norms, traditions, and language of course. By the time I was 10 my family moved to San Diego, CA, and once again I was facing a shift in who I was supposed to be. Where did I identify I was from and what place was considered home for me. Read more>>

Andrea Paulus | Visual & Graphic Designer

I’m from Eagle River, Alaska, a suburban city outside Anchorage, Alaska. My mom was a teacher and my dad was a marine biologist and later a commercial fisherman. Although most of my childhood was spent in Eagle River, we also travelled up and down the West Coast for a year, learning remotely, and lived out on Unalaska, in the Aleutian Chain, for several years. I think my upbringing was challenging, but we were always doing new things and having new experiences which is still a big part of who I am now. I rarely sit still and am constantly looking for new things to learn, and love to have new adventures. As a visual designer, this is integral to being successful and creative. As a person, it’s given me the ability to be positive, inspired (even if we’re in a pandemic) and to lead a fulfilling life. Read more>>

Lola Objois | Educator & Entrepreneur

I’m from the south of France, a country with vigorous academic standards. My paternal grandparents were both high school teachers, and education was always a priority in our family. They had high expectations for all their grandchildren, expectations I fell short of. High school was not easy for me. I struggled to navigate school and homework, friends, and parties. I suffered from anxiety, and probably a little ADHD. I would fight with my parents about why – why on earth – was I required to take classes I wasn’t interested in. How was I supposed to be motivated to do well in these courses? It was a nightmare – for all involved. As a college student, I did a little better. I had an amazing physics professor during my freshman year who help me connect with my learning. I did well in my engineering courses and became a tutor and instructor. Being a student myself at the time, I understood the struggle of learning. I watched the disconnected manner in which my professors introduced new material and I craved better instruction. There had to be a better way, right? I wanted to be better for my students; I wanted to relate to them and guide them, step by step, so that they would succeed as I had. Read more>>