Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?

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.

Luke Copping

The world never told me I had to be a photographer. It had other plans. I’ve been a janitor, a machinist, a sandwich artist, a signmaker, and even a corporate marketer, basically collecting jobs like some people collect bad breakups. I first studied photography during a period when the industry was flipping upside down, and honestly, I wasn’t really in touch with myself either. Read more>>

Sofia Silva

Honestly, I was a scared kid. I had no idea what I wanted to “be” when I grew up. Everyone around me seemed like they knew what they wanted but all I knew was that I wanted to start my business, I just had no idea what business that would be. I was a horrible student and I never finished college. Read more>>

Aretha Morris

Before the world told me who I had to be I was always hopeful and believed in love. I believed in great possibilities for my life. Read more>>

Jon Ross

Ha. The real question is, who am I now, AFTER I was the person the world told me I had to be. I think from the earliest age the world (especially our Western material culture) tells you what to be… and how to act. I think the layers of that indoctrination and learning and adjusting to those expectations has to be un-wound. Read more>>

Young Keefa

I’m still myself! Nobody has creative control over me or my music. Read more>>

M real

I was curious, creative, full of dreams, unfiltered joy, and natural confidence. I was someone who acted from passion, not approval. Read more>>

Megan Muneer

I remember being very, very small- maybe two or three years old? And singing, making up songs and playing with flowers and sticks in my backyard. It was a moderate California afternoon, and I felt very deeply the presence of Benevolence. I simply knew that there were angels and guides all around me, although I didn’t have the words. Read more>>

Karen Israel

In my younger years, I wanted to get married and raise a family and I wouldn’t change any of that. While raising a family, I also juggled a demanding career as a licensed Physical Therapist.When I started my artistic journey, some of the people closest to me were not supportive so I found the needed resolve within myself. Read more>>

Romi Shepherd

As a young girl, I dreamed of love, romance, and family. I longed to be seen and to live the fairytale life. Before the world convinced me I wasn’t deserving or worthy of such happiness, I believed in those dreams. Now, I’ve rediscovered that girl within me. Read more>>