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.

Julian Joel Sykes

My name is Julian Joel, Motown Country Artist and I was Born and Raised on the Eastside of Detroit, MI. I was Raised in a big family (4 brothers and 1 Sister) and we grew up in the church. My Father is a Pastor and my Mother sung and taught us to sing growing up. Everyone we were around were musicians and preachers. In our household we listened to Gospel, Rock, Rhythm & Blues and Soul music. I listened to country music from my Grandfather. These influences guided me into who I am now which is Country/Soul Artist. Read more>>

Sarah Noelke

I am Sadisfied, and I am from Livonia, Michigan.

There are three huge principles I’ve learned over the years that have majorly impacted who I am today and the branding of my business. Every important value I’ve brought into my business is one that I learned from my Dad and how he raised me and my siblings. Read more>>

Donia Mannino

I am of mixed heritage; my mother hails from Nigeria, while my father is Italian. I was born in Nigeria and spent the majority of my adolescence there. Growing up in a Christian household, my life has revolved around Christ. For me, Christianity transcends religion; it is about the person of Jesus. Learning to be Christ-centered daily has profoundly impacted my life. I came from humble beginnings, having very little, and for a time, it was just my mother and me until we relocated to Italy, where I spent most of my life. Growing up in an environment that demanded hard work to achieve one’s goals has been a solid foundation for me. Over the years, I have embraced the mantra of “dream it, believe it, and pursue it.” Read more>>

Dr. Jonathan Lazar

I’m from Grand Blanc, MI. I’m the youngest of three. My Dad owned (still does) an engineering company and my Mom was a nurse. I was a really sick kid. I required surgeries for cancer and for digestive trouble. I was medicated, had tubes in my ears, and my medication list kept growing. When I was in undergraduate school and was applying for medical school, I realized, “I’m taking all these [nine] medications and I’ve had all these surgeries, and I’m not any healthier than I was before. In fact, I think I’m getting more sick every year.” A mentor of mine suggested I look into becoming a doctor of chiropractic. I wasn’t very interested in that field, but looked into it to be polite. I was intrigued and interested. Having been under chiropractic care for several years at that point, I knew I liked and respected the profession, I just never thought I would be part of it. I went to chiropractic school at the Fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. During my time there, I explored some really cool specialties within Upper Cervical care. While I was looking into it, I started receiving this highly specialized care and within one year of starting this care, I was off all nine prescription medications! It was the most powerful experience I’ve ever had physically. Read more>>

Christopher Moore | Real Estate Professional

I grew up on the Eastside of Detroit, MI, in a low-income neighborhood where poverty and the impact of drugs were all too common. My family didn’t have much, but I was always taught that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. While I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do at first, I was determined to create a better life…not just for myself, but for my future kids. My goal has always been to break that cycle and ensure they don’t have to face the same challenges I did. Read more>>