Mama We Made It!

"Make the best of what's in front of you." The Town is once again in the building!! Oakland, CA, a young kid with fire engine red hair, rocking his mom's stylish jacket, dope sneakers, and a die-hard fan of 90s cartoons; enter Devan. His mother was a cosmetologist, who exposed Devan to the creative culture of style, fashion and art, while instilling confidence and teaching him the invaluable life lesson of being yourself. However, as kids, it can be tough to be yourself when others view you as an outcast. And for Devan, it was something that he would struggle with until high school. Moving to Georgia to live with his father, Devan was exposed to a different type of lifestyle and culture, and would discover new things about himself. From rapping, to customizing sneakers, his creative side began to flourish. He would soon move back to Oakland, bringing his style with him, and the once outcast was now accepted. His passion for sneakers guided him through school and college, but he realized the one thing that separated the "good" from the "great" was conviction. As he continued to challenge himself, while learning from those who inspired him, his creativity and new found conviction would lead him to a life changing opportunity with a tech giant in LA. But what we often think is the "big" opportunity may only be the stepping stone. And that stone can be fear and failure - only there for us to overcome it. For Devan, before he could become the leader video fashion content, and work with the biggest brands in the world, that step was necessary. This is a journey about reclaiming your value, and being open to a different story for yourself. This is about being your own guinea pig, and betting it all. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is DevanOnDeck. #MamaWeMadeIt

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"Our relationships, our friendships with our family members, and our friends...those are our real assets." Morrisville, PA, a middle-class suburb that gave Asher a diverse experience, and humble upbringing. Growing up with two influential older sisters, and loving, supportive parents, Asher has a deep appreciation for family (just listen to "Family Man"). As a kid, he was someone who could naturally bridge social gaps, and simply got along with everyone. But when he was faced with a new environment in middle school, he found himself struggling with anxiety, which would play a pivotal role in how he views life. Entering high school, during a time when Hip-Hop was booming, Asher's confidence grew as he began rapping with friends for fun. But he never expected, nor even meant for it to become a career- and more so, an identity. As he would soon be plucked from college, and thrown directly into mainstream, the aspiring elementary school teacher found himself on top of the music industry. But did he really belong here? Did he deserve this? Battling with who he really was, and who he was becoming, Asher started questioning himself, and more importantly, listening to himself. Sometimes we let things happen to us, even if it doesn't feel good. And in order to find what we're looking for, we may have to get lost. But that's why they call it the "quest" for happiness. This is a story about finding your "why" in order to find yourself. This is about what you're willing to sacrifice to do "you". This is about no such thing as starting over...just get started. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Asher Roth. #MamaWeMadeIt

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"Risk it all, bet it all, because you're going to land on your feet." Itika was born in the projects in Richmond, CA, surrounded by working-class families who wanted to better themselves and help one another. However, she spent her early years growing up in an upper-middle class suburb outside of Richmond, where she was shown a new world of possibility. But it wasn't until she moved back to Richmond to live with her grandparents (shot out to Big Mama!) that the culture shock set in. From that point on, the focus was getting out of Richmond...and the only way was through education and college. Itika was never ashamed of being smart and studious, and embraced its coolness. With her thirst for knowledge, and driven by immense curiosity, Itika would soon conquer her initial dream, and move to LA to become a UCLA Bruin (winter Bruin to be exact). She got outta Richmond...so what happens next? With only blank pages to fill, Itika's quest to discover one's self would begin. From Perry Mason aspirations, to working for Oprah, and becoming a thriving entrepreneur, only now is when Itika is truly showing up to the world. This is a story of overcoming adversity, focusing on what you believe in, treating people well, and most importantly, respecting yourself. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Itika Oldwine. #MamaWeMadeIt

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"The dream does not stop." Born in Middletown, OH, Keith came into this world "blessed" - just ask his strong, supportive mother who would guide his hand while drawing at the age of 1. Keith's father was a minister and a musician, and even tho they kept a religious household, both his parents always allowed and encouraged Keith to experience life to the fullest. His love for drawing became his life, spending his time getting lost in portraits, and mastering his own style and craft. But as he entered high school, his hunger for being challenged grew, and soon found a new, humbling path in acting. With the driving support of his parents, the family moved from small town to big city in Cincinnati, so Keith could go to performing arts school. It was here where his evolution took place, uncovering new skills and talents, while finding his true self. It would be this foundation, that would set the stage (pun intended) for a young kid from Ohio to conquer dreams in LA. This is a story about taking control and creating your own work. This is about the power of bringing community together, to be better and greater. This is about being scared, but believing in yourself anyway. "Think it, say it, pray on it, believe it, act on it." Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Keith Leak Jr. #MamaWeMadeIt

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"The quicker you grow to love the struggle, the easier it is." Pasadena, CA, a young Mdot grew up loving all things creative. His bedroom walls were completely covered with pics from magazines like the Source, XXL. Moving around every year after 10 years old, leaving friends as soon as he made them, and discovering new ways to survive socially, Mdot's only real place to find his identity was through the hip-hop culture. This creative space was a place for him to also escape the realities of gang violence and poverty that encompassed his neighborhood. However, as he was entering high school, Mdot was given a unique opportunity to witness wealth and abundance, and for the first time, see a world of possibility. This would become the most pivotal moment in his life. Always knowing that he would seek a path driven by his creativity, he was fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, and resourceful abilities, to push through the barriers of his harsh environment, and thrive. "I grew up around lions and tigers and bears, and maneuvered through it without ever becoming one." This is a story about resilience, survival, and the power of the creative mind. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is MdotforMayor. #MamaWeMadeIt

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“Be as cool as you can be, to as many people as you can, because that’s what you would hope would happen to you.”  Let the story of Jesus begin.  It was a beautiful day in Oxnard, CA when José and Maria met at church, with a destiny to bring their first son into this world. Raised by his immigrant parents, Jesus was taught to be great at everything he did, and more importantly, respectfully represent for his family and culture. He spent his youth actively in church on one side, and falling in love with sports on the other. But it wasn’t until he was inspired by deep emotional effect that soccer had on this father, that this sport would soon become his life.  It taught him everything from discipline, work ethic, and teamwork, to embracing yourself, and pushing your own limits to reach greatness. With dreams of being a world class goalie, Jesus went all in.  But there often comes a time, when we’re so focused on one thing, that we don’t give ourselves the chance to discover something new.  For Jesus, that moment came, and he needed something more.  But what? He knew life as “Jesus The Goalie”, but who was just “Jesus”?  His mission would change, and now it was about re-discovering who Jesus really was.  Tapping into new passions like creative writing, journalism, media, and music, Jesus was on sensory overload with the world at his fingertips.  But with so much changing, there was one thing that remained strong through it all; his squad. It would be this extraordinary group of friends that allowed Jesus to be the good person he is, evolve with all his talents, believe in something bigger, and seek to change the world.  And together, they did. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Jesus Araujo. #MamaWeMadeIt

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"Anything culture is always going to be about consistency and longevity." Welcome to the Crenshaw District, home of some of LA's most creative and influential people who push #theculture forward daily. Enter Brandon Banks, a young child with a big imagination, who instantly fell in love with drawing as soon as he picked up a pencil. His fascination with art was nurtured by his mother - a teacher who pushed him to do the things he loved, and at the same time instilled work ethic, and taught him to stay curious. As art continued to guide his journey, he went from loving cartoons and comic books, to magazines like Slam and XXL - infatuated with the details in covers and ads. But how do you turn that into a career? At that time, there were few courses you could take, and no photoshop to download. However, despite not having the tools, Brandon realized that graphic design was the of the future...and the money (let's be real). Out of college, the economy was horrible, and there were very little job opportunities - especially for artists. That's when it was time for Brandon to take control of his life, and make his own opportunities. This entrepreneurial mentality would lead him to the epicenter of the creative culture that was forming throughout LA. From throwing events, making shirts, posters, and album covers, to developing eazeest.com, one of the most revelatory blogs that became a foundation for the "New West" to stand on, Brandon was an integral piece of something bigger than all of us. But when you're living for your passion, and guided by blind faith, the realities of life can set in, and you're faced with challenging choices. Do you stay broke doing what you love? When do you pivot and where do you go? This is a story about taking life into your own hands, and living for something you truly believe in. This is about fighting for your art. Simply put, this is about doing it for the culture. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Brandon "Eazee" Banks. #MamaWeMadeIt

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"Understand where you fit in." Welcome to LoveRenaissance, or as the tat on Justice's wrist says: LVRN. Growing up in Atlanta, Justice was influenced by his ambitious, hard-working, immigrant father from Ghana, and his strong mother, who instilled the importance of family in Justice early on. However, Justice was always a dreamer, and as he would balance the two worlds of work and family, he never fell into the structured mentality that his parents wanted for him. "Am I going to live the life I want to live, or am I going to live for someone else?" Looking up to people like Jordan, Puffy...and Muggsy Bogues, Justice pushed his own boundaries to understand himself, and discover what his passions were. Starting with basketball and then finding music, from being an artist to an executive, the journey became about pivots. He began managing artists, but more so, building a team. And it was this collective of wildly talented, enterprising, creative, young go-getters that would soon become one of the most dynamic and impactful squads to emerge in the music industry. This is a story about looking at the process from start to finish. This is about checking your ego, and putting yourself in a position of real influence. This is about showing the world your "why". Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Justice Baiden. #MamaWeMadeIt

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“The only thing holding you back, is your own fear of not being good enough.” Los Angeles, CA. Welcome to the School of Unconventional Thought, where we teach people how to use imagination and throw away self doubt. Born on April 7th, at 7am, on the 7th floor of the hospital, David stepped into this world as the Bible dropped from his mother’s hand and landed on the story of “David & Goliath.” David was a loner, wandering his own mind, getting lost in comics and drawing. He gets his fast, abstract style from his father, but it was his mother who put the paint brush in his hand, giving him the tools to become an artist. David never connected with school, and spent his elementary years in the principal’s office or getting kicked out. Hard to believe for someone who skipped 3 grades, but David was guided much farther by his imagination than academics. It wasn’t until he was a teen that it was time to leave school, and start fulfilling his romanticized vision of life. Driven by the values of creating and materializing, David found himself diving deep into the fashion industry, moving through its peaks and valleys. From being homeless to hustling, it was never about money, but about opportunity. David embraced his wild adventures of chasing opportunity, and along that path, tapped in to what he truly desired; music. This is a story of no erasers, and no mistakes. This is about never being too late, when the world doesn’t hand you a silver plate. This is about waking up tomorrow, and just being happy to breathe. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is David Sabastian.#MamaWeMadeIt

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“Be nice, and be good to work with.” From a small corner of Richmond, Vancouver, Cole grew up among the outdoors, charged with creativity and adventure. He came from a supportive family, where his mother instilled trust that he’d always make the right decision. Being biracial, Chinese and white, Cole struggled with feeling alienated. But as he got older, he embraced both his cultures as it gave him a greater ability to connect with others. Cole expressed himself through breakdancing, and skateboarding; two art forms that require relentless dedication and drive. But it was skateboarding that made him realize he could do something different and find success at it. As he continued to excel, with sponsorships and acclaim, he suddenly faced a tragic moment that completely flipped his world upside down. And from there, everything stopped as he was faced with a choice; to live his life upset and angry, or use this moment for good. Entering college, with a blank canvas, Cole was drawn to a new found love in film. Enamored with how movies made him feel, and obsessed with understanding how they affected people, Cole realized this new passion could be a career, and decided to go all-in. With dreams of becoming a filmmaker, LA was his next and only stop…except after visa problems, border patrol, and being stranded in the middle of the California desert…but when we want something bad enough, we do whatever it takes to get it. So before we tell you about working with Miley, P!nk, Katy, and Britney, and before becoming one of the most trusted and sought out directors in LA, Cole only had work ethic, a dream, and 3 years to make it. This is about betting it all on yourself, staying focused, and asking “what am I doing to stand out?” Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Cole Walliser. #MamaWeMadeIt

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