Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Trang Huynh | Permanent Make-Up ArtistTrang Huynh | Permanent Make-Up Artist

The story I’m about to share is heavy, but important in understanding how it has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m second-generation Vietnamese. My parents immigrated to the United States in 1979 shortly after the Vietnam War for the chance of opportunity and safety. During this time, many surrounding countries around Vietnam refused aid to fleeing refugees due to racial tensions and political unrest. Thousands upon thousands died from drowning or starvation, but this didn’t stop them. Read more>>

Gloria Navarro | Purchasing Agent

Sunshine, sand, an ocean breeze… all the blessed elements you may think of when hearing the location of San Diego, California. It’s where my mother had to decided to grow her independence after finding out she was pregnant with twins at the tender age of seventeen. Being a Philippine immigrant; she had the California American dream of working in a sunshine filled neighborhood with a small cozy house and a grass front yard to enjoy with her future kids. Whether it took working three jobs, no sleep, a missing father figure, my mother dedicated her time and efforts to meeting her dream. Read more>>

Crystal M. Lee | The Magical Bellydancing Voice Over Artist & Retired Disabled Veteran

I grew up in the Washington DC metropolitan area and am from a huge family. My mom is Filipino, and my dad is of German/English descent, both are 100 percent American. I have one younger sister and over 300+ extended family members. My parents ensured I was well-rounded, enrolling me in multiple activities: martial arts (Goju Ryu and Jujutsu), numerous styles of dance (tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, Filipino folk, Hula, Tahitian), theater arts camps, soccer, modeling, violin, etc. It appears my whole family had been grooming us (me, my sister, and cousins) to be performers at a young age. Read more>>

Wes and Nathan | Singer and Drummer of Thundermaier

We are from Poway, CA. Nathan(drummer) played alto saxophone and Wes (singer/guitarist) played trumpet in middle school band together. Having a disciplined musical upbringing through marching band, concert band, and jazz band in school has helped us stay disciplined in songwriting, recording, and performing while holding down full time jobs. Read more>>

Dr. Jen Nelson | Sports chiropractorTurtle | Artist & Musician

I am born and raised in San Diego. I left for 8 years to attend graduate school and start my first two businesses before returning back to San Diego. The beaches were calling! Being active was like brushing my teeth within my family. We always had gym equipment in the backyard, we spent very little time inside or at home while traveling for sporting events, my friends and siblings all played multiple sports, and in San Diego you can pretty much play outside all year long. At this point in adulthood, there are very few days a week that I am not active, I spend time at the beach grounding and meditating, Read more>>

Luis Chacon | Content Creator

I was born and raised in Chula Vista. My upbringing consisted of waking up to the smell of chorizo and eggs. My grandparents had a heavy impact on my upbringing and my love for the kitchen. My grandpa would arrive from his month-long deep-sea fishing trips with fresh yellow tail so we’d have fresh seafood. Before I even asked for food my nana (San Luis) pulled out leftovers from her butter container and heated up the cast iron and got creative. There comes a time in life where you never forget a meal or the smell of a kitchen and I learned that from them and that’s the impact I want to leave on others. Read more>>

Turtle | Artist & Musician

I was born and raised in Imperial Valley California where its mostly crop fields, deserts and its really REALLY hot there. I lived there until I was age 17 and Moved to San Diego with my mom and 2 brothers. The jobs in the imperial valley are mostly agriculture, law Enforcement, and medical. There is not many opportunities that exist in the valley for creatives and musicians like myself. I stuck out like a sore thumb. Not a lot of kids around me shared the same interests. For as long as I can remember I have always been hyper, creative and had this passionate spirit in me. Read more>>

Maleeka Harris | Celebrity Private Chef

Im from Long Beach, CA, Bixby Knolls to be exact. I take a lot of pride in being where I’m from, Long Beach has birth so many stars and I really feel like I’m up next. The beauty of Long Beach is that there is so many cultures intertwined together. At a young age I was introduced to many cultures and cuisines that have helped me develop into a very skilled Chef. Read more>>