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.

Kiersten Rae Lasley

Who was I before the world told me who to be? A child of God. It’s easy for me to get swept up in searching for my identity in success or in my craft, but it’s an endless search that will never lead to an answer. Read More>>

Ray (Rachel) Smith

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a girl who simply loved creating but didn’t know where that fit into the 9to5 expectations of life. I hopped from job to job trying to find the passion I saw in others but nothing brought me the joy that creating did. Read More>>

Jon Worthy

I think until I really found music and performing I was always just a little hesitant to be myself. I was always self contained so my true essence wasn’t coming out. And honestly I didn’t even know what my true essence was, but I always felt a little out of place. Read More>>

Tim Angsten

This question strikes at the heart of what it means to live authentically, for both men and women. I’ve always been a rule-breaker. Not in a reckless way, but in my refusal to let others dictate how things “should” be done. When I discovered music, it became my anchor, my rebellion against conformity.  Read More>>

Quantez Baugus

I was just a kid, trying to figure things out, ya know? My aunt raised me, and I was just trying to live. I started drawing back then. I drew pictures all through middle school. Then, in college, I got into photography and graphic design. I was just taking classes to get by. It didn’t click until later what I was meant to do. Read More>>