Meet Samuel Boakye | Creative Director

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

Hi Samuel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to tell my story through the lens of fashion. Being first-born generation from an African Immigrant family in New York, I grew up in a space called the “in-between.” I was constantly living in between two different worlds; my African culture and my American culture. At times, they would fuse, and at times they would clash. At times, both cultures didn’t fully accept me as their own. I was an alien to both worlds. Nonetheless, the experiences that I went through in the in-between space is what has shaped me into the person I am today. Fashion and art was just a vessel I chose to tell my story through. Thus, my brand Kwasi Paul was born. It’s a fashion brand that explores that “in-between” space. We tell our stories, experiences, and conceptual ideas through the clothes we create.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My DNA is embedded into the brand. In this world nobody’s DNA is the same. I think that’s what sets my brand apart from everyone, but at the same time people can relate. Starting a brand was not easy at all. The hardest part was probably Brand identity. You have to look yourself in the mirror and figure out who you really are really ask yourself what is the sole purpose of what you are trying to do. Once I figured that out and created a team of people that saw the vision, things started to flow. Biggest lesson I learned is remaining true to yourself and being consistent. Also the “why” in what you do is more important than anything else. I’m hoping that the brand can create conversations and implement projects that will create a bridge and unite people of the African diaspora.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ghana. I always feel free and renewed when I’m in my parents country, Ghana, West Africa. I don’t have a favorite spot, I got favorite spots. It really depends on my mood. If I wanna go out to eat, I’ll go to Bondai restaurant in Osu, Accra. I always look forward to the Afrochella festival that takes place in Ghana during the December festivities. In addition, the beaches are amazing. Labadi beach is a very popular spot, it’s a must see. You also have to go see the landmarks, like the castles, parks, museums, and more. Tribal Travel Club, which is a travel concierge group can take care of all your travel needs and experiences. My bro Aaron Duah of takes care of booking all my flights. The people of Ghana are one of the nicest people on this earth. Ghana is definitely one’s heaven on Earth.

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?
My parents deserve all the shoutout. Kwasi is my father’s name, and Paul(ina) is my mother’s name. My brand is the by product of those two individuals. Without them there would be no Kwasi Paul clothing line.

x

Website: www.Kwasipaul.com

Instagram: Iamsamboakye

Linkedin: Www.LinkedIn.com/samuelboakye

Twitter: Kwasipaulbrand

Facebook: Kwasipaulbrand

Image Credits
Photos by Emmanuel Boakye-Appiah @kwameblue