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

Hi Janaya, how do you think about risk?
I feel like my whole life has been centered around taking risks. I’ve always been willing to do what others wouldn’t in order to reach a goal. Risk taking is an essential part of growth and success in your life. If you don’t take the risk, how will you know if your idea will work or if the gut feeling you had was right? When I decided I’d play volleyball in college in an unfamiliar city, I was taking a risk. When I dropped everything after graduation and moved to LA to pursue my dreams, I was taking a risk. I’ve never regretted taking risks, even when the results aren’t favorable. I’ll always be content with trusting myself. Since risk-taking has been such a vital park of my success in life, it only made sense for me to center my brand around the concept.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My brand is my baby. It came from such genuine, humble beginnings. I started making clothes because I genuinely didn’t have much money to go buy new stuff, but I always wanted to look good lol. My mom had taught me how to crochet years ago, so I just went with what I knew how to do. I got such a great response from it, and I began to fall in love with creating again. I feel like being an athlete for so many years (I played collegiate volleyball) really took me away from that passion I’ve had since I was a little girl. I’ve since evolved into other forms of clothing and making cut and sew items. Lots of risks, consistency, and faith got me to where I am today. I have a lot more to accomplish, but I am so happy at where I am right now. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Putting myself in uncomfortable situations really helped me grow and network with more like-minded people. I’ve learned that talent cannot take you to wear you want to be, it takes a lot more than that.

My brand is for girls like me: risky, free-spirited bad asses that always have it our way. We keep it sexy and fun, but most importantly, we keep it stylish!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I’m an LA transplant but I can name a few spots that I like to enjoy when I’m here.

I’m absolutely taking my friends to places with the best views in LA to eat like, Castawsay Burbank, Nobu Malibu, and Perch LA. But when it comes to drinks and views I love EP & LP, the Highlight room, Mama Shelter and the Ace Hotel.

I also love hiking and doing touristy stuff, so I’m definitely going to Runyon Canyon and the Santa Monica Stairs for a little workout.

LA also has some cute beaches, so I’d definitely take my friends to the Pier or something nice like El Matador beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God and my family have been so influential in my journey; however, I wouldn’t know half of what I know about design and fashion without designer/founder of Grayscale, Khala Jones. I’ve been her assistant for a while now, and she really took me under her wing when I first moved to LA without knowing much about me at all. I guess you can say she took a risk with hiring and pouring into me!

Learning from her and watching grow has been such a vital part of my journey in the fashion industry.

Website: www.asteriskthebrand.com

Instagram: instagram.com/asteriskthebrand

Twitter: twitter.com/asteriskbrand

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.