We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars and rising stars across dozens of industries and we have always found their stories about who they were early on to be most fascinating. Below, you’ll find members of the community sharing their responses to this key aspect of their stories.
Ashley Cruz
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a free-spirited, hippie college girl who was vegan, always chasing new passions and trying to live in alignment with my values. I’ve always been empathetic, caring, and passionate, but back then those qualities were more repressed. Read more>>
Danielle Chappell
Before the world told me who to be, I was a dreamer, a nurturer, a quiet observer with a big imagination. I was the little girl who loved being outside, who found magic in the simplest things — sunlight through the trees, the rhythm of a new day, the comfort of holding someone’s hand. Read more>>
Terry Ribera
I’m answering this question mostly because I never really fit into the mold. The world told me I should get a corporate job, learn a trade, or start a family. I never did those things—and I don’t intend to. Not because there’s anything wrong with those choices, but because I believe it’s important to live life on your own terms. Read more>>
Victoria Faith Tinsley
I was a creative before the world told me who to be. I know that now more than ever, I was created to create for the sake of creation itself. I have always had so many loves and outlets of expression- writing, photography, styling, and visual direction. Read more>>
Seyshion Garcia
I’m not sure I fully remember who I was before the world started shaping me into who it thought I should be. But lately, I’ve been on a path to find her again, that version of me who was fearless, imaginative, and unapologetically herself. Running my business has actually helped me reconnect with that part of me. Read more>>
Ryan Walsh
I was the kid who zigged when everyone else zagged. I grew up in a very traditional, conservative Catholic household with a clear blueprint for how life was “supposed” to look. But even from an early age, I couldn’t help but question everything; why things were done a certain way, what rules made sense, and which ones didn’t. Read more>>
