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

Hi Thaddeus, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process in starting “Hippy Potter” was to create a safe space and a built for under represented communities. A lot of the work I do aids in centering those groups and amplifying those voices and by starting this endeavor I am able to reach so many amazing people. places and things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I focus on creating bright and thought-provoking illustrations centered around amplifying Black voices while also focusing on diverse representation, black queer joy and other important topics. Using vibrant technicolor hues and expressive shapes. Mu journey is one of consistency and persistency, so a lot of practice and putting my self out there.

I would create daily challenges and series for myself and cultivate community around that.
I’ve learned that the biggest superpower is being yourself and making the things you love.
I want the world to be empowered and to know that being vulnerable is not a weakness its a strength.

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?
If my best friends were visiting Brooklyn, I would definitely take them to the Met Museum first, then we would get lost in Koreatown their are so many amazing shoping in the area, then from there we would go rollerskating in Manhattan, and visit the Skylar to get an amazing view of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout Austin Thomas and Laura Breneman. Both of these women actually were so integral in opening up a realm of possibilities for me to see and believe in. The idea that there is room and space for you and starting for the beginning is better than not starting at all.

Website: hippypotter.com

Instagram: instagram.com/hippypotter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaddeus-coates-3937a5138/

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