“I understand now more than ever, that even if you see the path of success in front of you, you still have to take the steps to get you on your way. For years now, I’ve seen the right moves. I made the right calls in my head, but I was stuck in the sidelines, satisfied with just seeing someone else win. But now I am confident enough to understand that I could win too. I don't have to sit and watch as the days go by; I owe it to myself to play the game and take my L or dub gracefully.”
I went all in for this collection and bet on my art and work ethic for the first time in what feels like ever.I put my heart into these designs, my mind into the marketing and distribution, and my soul into this drop.
I’ve released clothes for years now, but it always felt like I was holding back. After the initial high of starting a streetwear brand, I began to feel jaded by my lack of success and started to believe people who thought that nothing amazing happens here. The LIFE AFTER: Naota collection is my way of saying once again to all those who didn’t believe in my vision that it doesn’t matter to me whether I fail or succeed.
This fundraiser was run by the youth. I took a step back and played the role of facilitator and pushed the SPiFFterns to take over because I wanted them to represent the people their age and inspire those in their generation to take action. Through their efforts, I hope that they’d grasp that there is always something that can be done to fight the injustices of the world and realize there is never a reason to feel like your actions don’t make a difference. We simply can’t afford to give up.
