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.

Jami Jenkins | Architectural & Interior Designer

Although born in Denver, Colorado, I spent my growing years in central Indiana where our extended family lived. Many of my dad’s 8 brothers and sisters lived on the same country road, as did my grandmother, and we gathered each Sunday after church for dinner at her farmhouse. She would prepare the main meal – usually fried chicken or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and every side dish your heart desired – for the large family before heading to church. My cousins were my first friends and we developed a strong bond between us that is still there today, even though we’re scattered in different states. Play was innocent and creative, sometimes rowdy, but those memories are such a part of who I am today that I wanted to create a similar environment for our own grandchildren. Read more>>

Matthew Adam Metheney | Musician/ songwriter

I’m from Salem Center Ohio. A very small town in southeast Ohio. Everyone knows everyone and you treat everyone like family. I think that’s played a big part in who I am today. Read more>>

Wes McCraw | Music Producer/Guitarist

Although I’ve been living in Ohio for over 30 years, I was born and raised in a very small town in rural North Carolina called, Harris. Harris is located in what’s known as the “foothills” area of North Carolina. It’s located near the Asheville area. My earliest musical memory is of my father playing guitar to me when I was probably four or five years old. He once told me that, as a baby, I had Colic and would cry all night…sometimes keeping my him up till dawn. According to my father, the only thing that would quiet me down, was if he played the guitar. Now, is that the reason that a few years later I took to guitar and music like a fish to water? …who knows? But I like the story…lol. Read more>>

Angel Inspires | Inspirational Speaker and Mompreneur

I’m from Mount Vernon, NY. Home of some of the greats such as Denzel Washington and Heavy D. I grew up in a single parent household, the youngest of 4 children. I was afflicted by a series of life events which caused me to change my thinking. I realized that I did not want to be a product of my environment which consisted of anger, lack of empathy and violence. As I sat back and observed people around me and their actions, I concluded that vulnerability and transparency which was viewed as weakness, actually was a strength and key in personal growth and development. After changing some associations including individuals who had different upbringings and beliefs, I saw the behavioral differences and decided to take what I felt was necessary for me to apply to my life so that I could be as uplifting, impactful and transformative as possible. Read more>>

Amanda & Dave Klaehn | Owners of Thirty-Two 8 Inspired & Co.

I (Amanda) grew up around Portage Lakes, OH and graduated from Manchester High School in 2009. As a child, things were pretty smooth-sailing. My parents went to work, my older brother and I went to school, we’d go on regular family vacations and essentially coasted until 2005 when my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. After that, my workhorse of a father was forced to go on disability and my mother was faced with continuing to work full-time while also juggling the schedule of appointments, cancer treatments, and endless school functions for the kids. Looking back, I don’t know how either of them handled the stress they were dealt- but they did it effortlessly. Read more>>

Mz. JewCee | Erotic Advisor/Sexuality Coach

I’m from Cleveland, OH! Growing up I can honestly say that I did not think about living anywhere else. However, it was not in the cards for me to stay in my hometown for long… At sixteen years old my mother and I came home to find my father unresponsive on the living room floor. The scream that came from my mother’s lips has always haunted me. It was the sound of heartache, dread, sadness, fear, and so much more – something I had never heard before and now know oh too well when I attend family and friends homegoing. After hearing my mother call for help I went straight to the phone and called for a rescue squad. Instinctively I knew it was bad. I heard our neighbor come in the house and then I heard him break down in tears. …I was still on the phone. I heard his yells of agony, his mumbles of disbelief. I finally got off the phone and went into the living room. Read more>>

Minnie Lucas | Artist

Growing up my father was verbally, emotionally, and psychologically abusive. This past year I have been creating art about the trauma he has caused. I created these projects not only to help help me but to help others who have been in similar situations. I know a lot of people are not comfortable talking about their trauma and that’s okay. That’s why I decided to talk about it. I want to help others who have been in similar situations. Read more>>