Meet EPMG.fiji

We had the good fortune of connecting with EPMG.fiji and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I started this project in the summer of 2021 as a distraction from my day-to-day life and as a creative outlet. After graduating from Stanford University with my BS and MS in computer science, I wanted an escape from engineering and found this project to be the perfect way to express my interests beyond tech. I had been thinking about starting this since high school because I’ve always loved discovering what people outside my immediate circle are into and helping them find new interests. I genuinely wish I had started this project five or six years earlier—one of my few regrets in life.

As our page started to gain momentum, it was incredibly fulfilling to witness people connecting with the content we shared, and the response we received was beyond anything we could have imagined. Around this time, I knew that this project wasn’t something I’d abandon after a few months; there were plenty of avenues to explore. Reading messages from followers and seeing similar accounts grow motivated me to keep going. When accounts like MSCHF, FaZe Clan, and Destroy Lonely started reaching out and supporting the page, it made me even more committed to the long-term growth of the project.

Now, I’m interested in exploring opportunities to expand the project beyond social media. A few months ago, I started making clothes. Although I haven’t found immediate success, it’s something I’m passionate about and want to continue exploring. In college, I hosted album listening parties and other small events under the name “Sheesh Saturdays.” My friends often made fun of this, but I think hosting real-life events for EPMG.fiji is something I’d like to try this year. These could range from small art galleries showcasing local artists to group movie viewing experiences or even go-karting sessions. Honestly, pretty much open to anything on this front. Be on the lookout for upcoming events, and if you’re interested in helping organize or have some fun ideas, please reach out!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your EPMG.fiji project, what can you share with our community?
EPMG.fiji is more than just an internet archive and moodboard; it’s a reflection of myself and my communities’ eclectic tastes and interests. From movies and music to fashion and niche subcultures, I strive to curate content that resonates with a diverse audience. I take pride in the vibrant community we’ve built and am continually humbled by the support we receive. One unforgettable moment was waking up to find out Shaquille O’Neal had shared one of our posts, highlighting the far-reaching impact of our platform. As time has progressed, we’ve had similar experiences with figures like Tony Hawk, Steve-O, Liam Gallagher, Kate Moss, and many others.

Along the way, I’ve learned that diversity in taste is what makes life rich and fascinating. Social media has become a lens through which I explore and appreciate the myriad passions that make us who we are. From the world of vintage watches to Japanese Pro Wrestling, every new interest I discover adds depth and excitement to the journey.

What began as a personal creative outlet during my transition from university to professional life has evolved into something much larger. I’m thrilled to document the cultural zeitgeist, but I recognize that none of this would be possible without your support. So, I invite you to join us, follow along, and share your passions with us. Together, let’s continue exploring what’s out there!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start by indulging in the vibrant culinary scene of Pico Union with street tacos from Kary’s Tacos. Next, I’d explore the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine at Joy, and if we’re up for an adventure, we could head over to the 626 Night Market. Finally, I’d suggest treating ourselves to Italian delights at Maccheroni Republic, despite the potential 40-minute wait, the food is definitely worth it.

For drinks, we could immerse ourselves in the speakeasy ambiance of Employees Only for expertly crafted cocktails. Then, for a nostalgic journey, we could unleash our inner rockstars at Break Room 86’s hidden karaoke booth. I have made a few Lost in Translation posts here following my own rendition of “Wonderwall”. We could conclude our night at The Prince, a historic bar serving classic cocktails in an iconic setting.

During our trip, we could explore the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking art collections at The Getty. Then, we could experience the stunning vistas of Santa Monica, reminiscent of scenes from the iconic video game Grand Theft Auto V. We close out our trip with a leisurely stroll along the bustling boardwalk of Venice Beach, followed by a visit to the picturesque Venice Canals.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire EPMG.fiji community. Without their unwavering support, we wouldn’t have reached the remarkable milestone we recently celebrated: our three-year anniversary on June 9th. It’s truly humbling to witness our community grow to over 100,000 followers across all platforms, with our content consistently reaching 10-20 million views every 90 days. Reading the heartfelt comments on our posts, witnessing the depth of connection people have with our content, and understanding why it holds such significance for them fills me with immense joy.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to some remarkable individuals who have been pillars of support and inspiration in this journey: Hidden.ny, Love.watts, Welcome.jpeg, Pentasprism, and Liljupiterr. Their guidance and encouragement, especially in the early stages, has been invaluable. Accounts like Liljupiterr and Love.watts have been around for over a decade and demonstrate that to succeed in this space, you need to be dedicated, patient, and observant.

While these are primarily virtual connections, I’m also grateful for my strong friend group who have been with me from the beginning, supporting the page blindly and faithfully. Sharing my experiences with them has been a source of great joy – most recently, I had the pleasure of taking a few friends to a Hugo Boss event during F1 Miami. They absolutely loved it and had a blast!

Website: https://epmgfiji.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epmg.fiji/

Twitter: https://x.com/epmg_fiji

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EPMG_fiji

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@epmg.fiji