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.

Crystal Wilson | Founder and Director of ASE’ Academy

My lineage as I know began in Arkansas. Both of my parents grew up in a small town in Southeast Arkansas. They were a part of the second wave of those who migrated north due to better economic opportunites and life in general. When I was about ten, they decided to move back to Arkansas. Read more>>

Genell Holloway | Health/Medicare Insurance Broker

I grew up in Franklin, KY on a farm. We raised pork and beef as well as crops. I was diagnosed officially with severe hearing loss at age 5 years. Nonetheless, I attended a regular public school taking regular classes. It was a struggle at times. Read more>>

Ahmed Elsalakawy | Professional wrestler & Professional Wrestling coach

I grew up in Port Said, Egypt. I grew up involved in a a lot of sports so it helped a lot with discipline and respect which I feel helped a lot In pro wrestling and being able to be coachable and where I’m from we are kinda known for liking to joking around and we don’t really take ourselves seriously which also helped me in wrestling were you take your work and business seriously but not yourself too serious. Read more>>

Bethany Reid | Photographer

I was born in Crown Point, IN which is a suburb of Chicago, IL. My childhood was spent equally between the Chicagoland area and Olive Branch, MS (just outside of Memphis.) Both sides of my family are from Chicago, but my dad’s side had mostly migrated to Memphis, so between that and the demand for his business, we moved frequently.  Read more>>

Chris Holland | Composer, Musician & Luthier

I’m from the Midwest originally. In high school, I moved to the Atlanta area, and, after I got married, I moved to Nashville, TN. So, by the time I was 15 years old, I had lived in 7 different cities. Atlanta was my favorite city to live in because I loved the mix of mountains and water, and the variety of activities I could get into, including an active mountain biking community, and a thriving music scene. Read more>>

Sterling Davis | Business Owner

I was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, a place that holds the essence of my humble beginnings. Growing up in a lower-class environment with parents facing their own struggles with addiction, I learned the true meaning of resilience and the importance of forging my own path.  Read more>>

Shanderia Montgomery | Accountant

I am from Humboldt, TN, and my upbringing has been significantly shaped by the influence of my grandmother. As the oldest grandchild, I shared a close bond with her, and she played a pivotal role in molding my character.  Read more>>

Sannecia Davis | Boutique Owner & Creative Director Fire On The Runway Arkansas Fashion Weekend

Hello my name is Sannecia Davis and i’m from Conway Arkansas. I struggled with a drug addiction that stripped me from everything I once loved including myself. Opioids ended up being my drug of choice. Read more>>

Daphne Marcelle Lee | Professional Dancer on Broadway

My name is Daphne Marcelle Lee and im currently a dancer in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway in New York City. My mother was a dancer and I ended up following up in her footsteps. I had no desire to be a professional dancer and thought of being a doctor. Read more>>

Jennifer Sargent | Tapestry weaver and sometime weaver of scarves and maker of drawings

I come from the suburbs of London, England. and I think it is more my revolt against my upbringing that started me on my present journey. My family’s expectation of me was to get a steady job with a reliable paycheck but instead I studied textiles at Hornsey College of Art in London, focusing on designing for industry. Read more>>

Dr. Rhonda Shaw | Senior Researh Associate/Rodio Show Host

I spent my childhood in Whiteville, a quaint rural town in Western Tennessee. It was the kind of town without a traffic light, where people were identified by the side of the tracks they lived on, metaphorically speaking. People were kind and loving, and folks were always willing to help each other. Read more>> 

Jazmaine Norris | Cosmetologist

I’m from the windy city, better known as Chicago, Illinois. I was raised by both of my grandmothers while my parents went through transitions in there lives. Being raised by two of the most powerful women in my eyes, has given me the outlook i needed in this life. The wisdom they installed in me has made me better as a person but also a business owner. Read more>>

Kenneth Lowery | Spoken Word artist

I was born in South Carolina and raised in Nashville, TN and my Geechee roots and city upbringing molded me into poet I am today. By finding the poetry in the difference between the deep rooted culture of the low country and the city. Read more>>