Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who is Va$htie Kola and what do you do?
A. Well, I'm an artist, director, designer. [I was] born and raised in Albany, NY. My parents are working class immigrants from Trinidad. I'm the youngest of three. I'm a Taurus and I love pictures. I've been directing since I was in high school, making mini shorts. I attended The School Of Visual Arts in Manhattan for Directing and Cinematography. I am also a photographer and I've been working on a series of portraits. I'm a creative consultant for major companies and design for my premier brand VIOLETTE.
Q. How did you first become interested in film and fashion?
A. I've always been inspired by all things visual. I remember always staring at this one painting we had in our living room when I was a kid. It wasn't that appealing, it was just a picture - but I was amazed by it. I was always drawn to images. Movies were always so interesting to me. People in movies had these different and creative stories. I felt emotionally connected with movies.
Then as I got older I became obsessed with (the old) MTV. Music videos were like drugs for me. The marriage of images and music was so great. I always knew I'd be an artist, but film made me think I could reach a bigger audience with my art.
Q. When did you realize, "I can make it" in those industries?
A. Around 12 and 13, I was still drawing. I started sketching clothing and knew someday I'd have a hand in that professionally. I was really inspired by skate/hip hop/couture themes, all the things that I liked. It's at that age when you start becoming who you want to be, experimenting with styles.
I'm not sure I thought I could "make it" in those fields, I just put one foot in front of the other. Its all I want to do so I have to make it work.
Q.What inspires you to make clothes and film?
A. For both it's everyday life and people. Every story is impactful and compelling when placed in the right light, especially in film. Films change my point of view always, they have this ability to teach you. I love that. In clothing, I get inspired by everything I see in normal life and not really by fashion. It could be an old lady sweater or a cup of coffee. Inspiration is everywhere.
Q.What do you think makes you successful?
A. A great sense of humor and endurance. I also just do what I want. I carry out the vision that I have for things. It's not right or wrong, it's just me. If I came out doing the things that other people were doing, I'm sure no one would care. There's something special about being true to who you are.
Q.What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
A. Honestly, going to college and having a career in an industry that allows me to use my vision rather than physical labor. I'm not putting those jobs down because I come from a working class family. I just know how lucky I am. I'm blessed to have opportunities that my parents did not. The women in my family that live in Trinidad don't have the luxury of higher education and I never forget that.
Q.How has your experience been as a woman in the film industry?
A. In any field it's difficult. So many areas are male dominated but in the entertainment industry it's much different, especially as a woman of color. You want to be friendly yet taken seriously. Too friendly can seem flirty and too serious can seem bitchy. Its always a balance.
I've always been such a tomboy. Being surrounded by male friends toughened me up for the world around me. It's still a surprise by how some men respond to me.
Sometimes I'm confused for video talent on sets and I have to be like, "Nah, dude I'm the director". It's like they can't imagine a woman who wants to be behind the camera and not in front of it. Its actually pretty funny to me. I love when people underestimate me.
Q.What does the future have in store for the industries you work in and what role do you see yourself playing?
A.Fashion and film is flighty so I'm not sure. I do see a lot more people becoming their own filmmakers and designers. It's a good and bad thing. It opens a lane for talented people who normally wouldn't get shine but then it also makes everyone and their moms think they can design and make movies...which leads to mediocrity. I dislike mediocrity.
As far as myself, I'm just going to be perfecting my craft, working on projects that matter to me. As far as fashion, I want to create a voice for ALL girls...especially girls of color. There's not really a streetwear brand or high end brand that incorporates us. Everyone else samples from our style and culture but none of them are about us. The brand will be inclusive of all elements (black or white) that inspire me. It's hood yet fashion forward.
Q. As the next biggest thing in film, who would you like to work with?
A.Wow. Thanks! I'd really like to work with Santogold, Bjork, Portishead, Radiohead, Kanye, Lupe, Morrissey. They're all favorites of mine.
Q. I see that you're a blogger and I must say that your blog is fabulous! Why did you decide to start one?
A. Thanks. I wasn't really interested in blogging. My friend that runs Riottt.com, the blog I'm featured on, asked me to do it. I was apprehensive but became addicted. It's a lot of fun.
Q. Share with us your words of wisdom for young directors and fashion designers?
A. Follow your heart and stay focused on your goals. Be persistent...they can't knock you for trying. If you have to intern at 30 and get coffee to show people you're serious, do it! Don't let your pride hold you back.
Q.What do you love most about New York City? And what is your favorite thing to do?
A.I love love love New York City. Everything is so convenient. If you need blood orange juice or a Starbucks latte at 3am, you can find it. This city is alive 24/7! On every block there's something different happening. You can go to your local deli and see Brad Pitt buying donuts or Fiona Apple using the ATM and you don't care. So many amazing schools of thought and art have been born in this magical place. New York is my true love. I mean, no one ever wants to run away to Albany to be a star. People run away to New York City! I love to just walk around and people watch. You see so many wild and crazy things going on.
Q.Lastly, tell us why you are fabulous?
A. Fabulous? Ha. I don't know about fabulous. I'm just me.
Photo Credits: Vashtie Kola
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