Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, like many actors, was inspired by the shows of her childhood. Unlike most actors, her primary muse was Barney. “Something about watching that purple dinosaur interact with those kids really spoke to me,” she laughs. “But I…
Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, like many actors, was inspired by the shows of her childhood. Unlike most actors, her primary muse was Barney. “Something about watching that purple dinosaur interact with those kids really spoke to me,” she laughs. “But I…
There is nothing more satisfying than obtaining progress in one’s personal growth and professional skills at the same time. Visual artist Tong Wang developed his client-oriented principles and established his own minimalist trend in the exploration of visual art. Being…
Both music and acting ignited Andrew Gower’s imagination. Music provided him an alternate language with his family. “I was born in Liverpool. Any scouser would say music is a constant in the city,” he says. “Growing up, there was always…
Marta Hobbs was forced to abandon her old life to immigrate to America. Seemingly endless hardships greeted her. “Arriving in America at 13 was traumatic, lonely and terrifying,” she recalls. “I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t know the culture,…
Ines Tazi is unafraid to make her opinions heard. “Growing up in Morocco, I have seen people fighting for their rights since birth,” she remembers. “I am immensely grateful to have been surrounded by many strong women in my family…
In the blink of an eye, Lexi Hensler was on the brink of death. She reflected on what she would do with her future…if she was lucky enough to have one. “It had a profound impact on me – when…
Rachel Slawson firmly believes that becoming the first openly bisexual Miss USA delegate was a case of divine destiny. “This was one of the greatest dreams of my life, and watching it come true after many years of hard work…
For The Collection, connection supersedes all else. “Our band relationship has always been the top priority for us, and the friendships have really come before the actual music for us,” explains singer and writer David Wimbish. “So most of us…
Music was often Roskamala’s only solace. “The beginning of my music journey started when I was very young,” she says. “I spent my childhood alone a lot. My parents were worried about me being kidnapped. I didn’t get to stay…
Trista Croce stumbled into her dream job by chance. Sometimes good things do come out of unpaid internships! “I discovered my love for event coordination when I was in college,” she says. “I had to do a non-paid internship and…
Nothing elevates a performance like the magic of the orchestra, as orchestrator Macy Schmidt will tell you. With a single flourish, you can be swept away in a sea of sonic delight. “I’ve always been so moved by the way…
Sam Hollander’s wayward adolescence was anchored by music. “As a kid, I was pretty lost,” he admitted. “I was a terrible student, bad athlete, etc., but I was a complete music freak. I collected records the way other kids hoarded…