Meet Yaw! He is originally from Ghana but has lived in Kelowna for the past six years. If you've seen the clothing brand Basement Heads, then you're about to meet one of the minds behind it all!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I don't know if I have a favourite person. I just love joking around, and really diving into the people around me. I want to know what they think, and why they do the things they do.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
For coffee, I love going to bean scene to draw and people watch.
If I need advice I go see Brandi at Gypsy Soul, that place is home to me. She's mentored me through this whole thing, and if I want to laugh I go see Bobby at The BKRY.
Describe yourself in one word.
One word, um passionate. I think that's the best way to describe me.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I sort of want to be everywhere but lately I saw this picture of this big stone hand coming out of the earth in Chile, I sort of want to see that.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Summer days I'm always going night swimming. I find a new album and just go to the beach, I love being near water.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd love it If we could feed everyone in this world.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love for the art community to just keep growing, and for the community to see these people and embrace what's happening here. There is so much talent here it's crazy. I have been blessed to get to know groups like PNC, Kamar Burke, Teon Gibbs, Kin Folk, Edge, Dushun Wilson, and even our little brothers Cory, Elijah, and Indigo these people inspire me. These people make me want to work harder.
When they come over I can't help but look at my life, or this opportunity and not think I am blessed.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We get the opportunity to try.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- I would love to design a building or even just help, because my dad never got the chance to really accomplish his dreams.
- I would love to write and direct my own film, and be able to showcase it.
- I can't wait for Basement Heads to just go as far as I believe it will go.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Basement Heads, We love our job so much.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Well we have been dreaming of this since we were 14.
What is the goal of your business?
We would love to be known worldwide, I know I'm suppose to be humble at this moment, but if your going to do what we are doing then why not be honest. We want to be able to create, create on the highest scale.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
website, email, Instagram, Facebook
You can purchase online, and at Zumiez in Orchard Park.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle is understanding patience, we have had to sacrifice a lot, but we can't imagine a life without art.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think I would tell myself that it's OK to fail, it's OK to want the world and to believe in myself. I can be very hard on myself.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Try everything, do what you really want to do even if money doesn't come right away. Just try and learn to laugh at yourself, it's really all good, you got one life.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
I would like to spotlight KIN FOLK @kinfolknation.official
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
