Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

 Brandon Wooten | DJ, Promoter, & Personality

I was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. Although I had a relationship with my biological family, I was in foster care & got adopted at the age of 13. Birth name Brandon DeShon Anderson but adopted and changed to Brandon BeJoun Wooten by my adopted mom Sandra Wooten ( all of our friends called her “Killa Kay” because she don’t play). My biological family taught me how to have tough skin, how to hustle, and how to just be me. My adopted family taught me structure, the little discipline I have, they also taught me a lot about building a strong foundation. So I got the best of both worlds growing up which makes me who I am today. I’m one of the hardest working DJs in my area and i plan to take it all over the world. All while honoring my biological and adopted family. My stage name is DJ Woo Beatz for a reason. Read more>>

Lance Pittman | Pastor

I was born and raised in the city of Detroit, growing up on the Northwest side, and am a proud product of the Detroit Public School system, graduating from “Sweet” Henry Ford High. My family lived in a two family flat with my grandparents living on the ground level, and my parents along with my brother and sister and I living upstairs for most of my childhood. Read more>>

Tiffany Tomlin | Creative director of Talk Number$

I’m from Ann Arbor, born and raised. I grew up in a home where I witnessed both of my parents evolve in Entrepreneurship. While both of my parents have cosmetology backgrounds one grew into carpentry and the other exercise physiology. Growing up I watched them both work hard becoming their own boss. Watching them inspired me to do the same. Read more>>

Mandy Haynes | Small Business Owner & Mom

I’m originally from San Diego, California. My dad’s side of the family all have roots here in Michigan. As a kid my grandparents owned a house on a lake in South Branch and we would come out and spend a couple weeks every Summer. Those are some of my favorite memories fishing and riding quads. My background has always been in management & business. My very first job in high school was at Hungry Howies where I quickly became a shift supervisor even at a such a young age. Read more>>