From California to ‘Who Dey Nation’ in Cincinnati, Ohio: Finding Growth One Conversation at a Time

Born as a twin, I grew up with a unique way of seeing the world—and expressing myself. Speaking in plurals with, “We were born in California,” or, “We grew up in Solvang,” was second nature. It wasn’t until my late teens in 1987, when I began transitioning into adulthood and individual independence, that I realized this habit might confuse others. Imagine meeting someone who says “we” constantly, with no apparent companion—it was no surprise that people thought I either had an imaginary friend or was a little eccentric!

Reading people’s reactions and even fielding direct questions like, “Who is we?” taught me an early lesson in communication: it’s vital to adapt to your environment and understand what your audience knows—or doesn’t know—about you. While the plural speak made perfect sense in my world as a twin, continuing it would have required me to explain my life story to every person I met. That realization nudged me toward clarity and awareness in how I expressed myself, both personally and professionally. My response to the question of where I am from is now, “I am from Solvang, California—the Danish Capital of America.” No more plural speak!!

This seemingly small habit opened my eyes to a larger truth: personal and professional growth often begins with recognizing the little things about ourselves—our habits, quirks, and communication styles—and how they shape the way we interact with others. Whether in casual conversation or a business setting, understanding your audience and tailoring your approach is essential for meaningful, productive exchanges.

My life journey has taken me to many places that shaped who I am today. It began in California, where I was born and raised, and then took me across the world. I spent a decade overseas, living first at RAF Croughton in the United Kingdom, and then at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. These experiences gave me invaluable global perspectives and adaptability. After returning stateside, I spent a brief but transformative period in New York City, where I immersed myself in the hustle and diversity of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Now, I’ve settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, a city filled with Midwest charm, strong communities, and passionate sports fans—the heart of ‘Who Dey Nation.’

Each phase of this journey brought its own lessons. Moving from California’s laid-back culture to the structure and international diversity of life overseas, and then transitioning to the vibrant pace of NYC before finding a home in Cincinnati, I learned how to adapt, connect, and grow. These moves weren’t just about geography—they marked milestones in my personal and professional development.

What I’ve learned through this journey is that growth doesn’t always come from monumental events; often, it’s in the small, everyday moments of adjustment, awareness, and learning. From the way we introduce ourselves to the way we navigate new environments, every step adds to our education, craft, skills, and experience. It’s these cumulative experiences that ultimately shape us into individuals who can connect, communicate, and succeed in our personal and professional lives.

Moving to Cincinnati taught me to embrace change and find opportunities for growth in every corner of life. And if there’s one thing I’ve carried with me, it’s the value of clear communication and the ability to adapt to the needs of those around me—lessons that continue to inspire both my personal journey and my professional work at Tipton Studio, LLC.

Here’s to finding growth, one conversation at a time—‘Who Dey!’