Songs That Shaped Us

20-year-old Oliver works as a parking attendant at Multnomah Falls after returning to Portland from San Francisco. Their song, which they've known since childhood, resonates differently now as they navigate life changes and find stability with their partners.

33-year-old Nina, originally from Southern Thailand, first heard her song in an English class. Now she and her sister run a gluten-free Thai restaurant in Portland, recreating the comfort food of their childhood while accommodating dietary restrictions.

33-year-old Zach turned his high school screen-printing hobby into a decade-long career in retail and fashion. His love for "This is the Day" began during a casual day in Newport Beach and remains his perfect summer soundtrack.

42-year-old Deja founded Mutantis, a queer and trans-owned gluten-free vegan brewery, as a space for people to be themselves. Though the brewery is closing, she's transitioning to a new career as an electrologist to continue providing inclusive, affirming care.

54-year-old Lilith has lived in 33 different places, following her codebreaker father's IBM career. Her song connects her to Appalachian family roots, while her global experiences have shaped her spiritual views and definition of family.

Greta's family started their gluten-free bakery after her sister was diagnosed with celiac disease. Her childhood song reminds her of jumping on her parents' beds with her sister - the same sister who inspired the bakery's founding.