Afsoon was born and raised in south Nashville.  Her parents came from Iran to study in the United States in 1979 just before the revolution and never returned because of the national political turmoil. When she was 13 years old, she started working in the family’s dry cleaning business on Murfreesboro Road during the hot Nashville summers.  Most days, her father would leave home for work at 4 a.m. and return home for dinner after 6 p.m., always with a smile on his face.  Afsoon appreciated the reason for his long hours – to provide for his family. She was inspired by his strong will and tireless effort to live the American dream.  She learned the values of hard work from her father and grace and compassion from her mother.  Her parents were always helping people in the community.  She wanted to be like them.