Kayobi

First, a few basics

Kwabena Oppong Boateng Aka KOB

What’s your story? What do you do and how did it start? How long have you been doing what you do?

Kayobi – pronounced (K – OW – B) is an apparel and accessories company created to tell the African story and that of the Diaspora through positive, vibrant and thought provoking imagery.

The word ‘Kayobi’ translates from Japanese as ‘Tuesday’, this is in reference to my name Kwabena Oppong Boateng. Kwabena is the Twi name given to a child born on a Tuesday in the Akan Tribes of Ghana, coincidentally ‘Kayobi’ sounded phonetically similar to my initials ‘KOB’. Why a Japanese word? I have always had a love for the Japanese design and art aesthetic ‘kayobi’ therefore was the perfect play on words.

Founded in Accra Ghana on 08/08/08 the collection has evolved from a T- Shirt line to include bags and iPod cases. Now designed and produced in London we are happy to present our first collection entitled ‘its always summer in Africa’.

Describe a typical (or atypical) day in your life.

I am not an early riser because I am always up late in the office (the internet). My day usually starts at mid – day with some gospel, Bible reading and prayer – most of the time this is done whilst concurrently checking emails, Facebook and twitter and street wear fashion blogs. Most of my business is online driven so keeping up to date on trends and competition (motivational buddies) is essential. The rest of the day evolves around creating new designs, materials for publicity, online networking and popping out to post orders. Food also plays a big part so I would probably cook something.

What is an important part of your business or creative process?

At the inception of the business the most important aspect was the creative process ie. Firstly getting the idea from God, sketching, researching online about the concept, finding inspiration regarding the idea and finally designing it on Photoshop and Illustrator. However the growth of the enterprise and my move back to the UK has changed my perception of what is important – I am learning how to run a business not an idea – so there is more importance on business structures such us stock, marketing, branding and customer service.

What are you working on currently?

On the design front I have almost finished next years collection which includes new designs such as ‘Make Eba not War’, ‘Make Jerk not War’ and the ‘Everyday we hustling’ ants t-shirt and many other secret designs lol. As we grow I am finding that the creative aspect of my enterprise comes naturally and so I have to put more effort into the business aspect of things. So we are currently working on ways to keep the online shop stocked with enough quality products that will cater to all sizes and styles. I am also working on finding innovative packaging that gives the customer a unique experience whilst telling the brand story. We are also working on introducing badges, stickers, silk screened and painted art into the collection.

What is the work you’re most proud of?

I am proud of all my work, I try not to put out anything I would not wear or buy if someone else was selling. However the most popular design is the ‘Make Fufu not War’ shirt. The designs that required the most effort was the ‘Gye Nyame Paisely’.

How do you get the word about your hustle?

I religiously go on blogs like the hundreds and hypebeast. This might sound weird but I make it a point to find like-minded people on social networking sites and I pay attention to what they say and do that way I stay informed.

Where do you find your inspiration and/or motivation?

I am a child of the early 80s and my inspiration comes from my childhood in Africa. Most of my designs have messages that are inspired by the daily struggles and celebrations of people mainly in Africa and also from other cultures. I do allot of research on other designers, street art, African music album sleeve design from the hi – life and Fela Kuti era and traditional African art.

My motivation stems from my strong desire to rebrand the image of Africa and the African Diaspora by portraying, positive and truthful images.

Are there any people or organizations you look up to? Why?

I look to G. Kofi Annan of Annansi Chronicles and Annansi Clothing fame. He is a pioneer in the field of African ‘street wear’ and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Jamhuri Wear, Zulu Rose and African Armure for creating wonderful garments that eschew the beauty of Africa.

I respect The Hundreds clothing line because they started with nothing and have made it whilst uplifting other brands around them. Benny Gold and Johnny Cupcakes for their ingenuity in designing and branding.

What are some resources you’ve found invaluable to your work?

My iMac is the nerve centre of Kayobi’s existence; without it and the Internet we would not exist. It has Photoshop and Illustrator for designing and everything else from publicity to sales is done online. I also always need a pen and diary nearby because need to write or draw down ideas as they pop into my head.

What is your dream project?

I would love to take my imagery to a larger audience ie art galleries of giant billboards, there is soo much ignorance out there about Africa and I believe that kind of exposure will help educate people.

Where do you plan on going with your business/hustle?

I would love to grow Kayobi into a lifestyle brand providing innovative quality products to people of all races and colors.

What are two or three things you find difficult on your path to your dreams?

Financing the business is the biggest obstacle I still face today. Without adequate funds the wonderful designs cannot be produced on a large and profitable scale, quality and innovation becomes stagnant and your customers lose interest eventually. The rest of the year will be spent on securing finance to grow the brand and expose it to the masses.

Since I have no background in graphic designing or fashion everyday is a test on how quick I can learn a new skill or apply non related work experience to the Kayobi hustle.

The other demanding thing is being a ‘one man army.’ I always refer to Kayobi as ‘we’ because I consider my family, friends and customers as part of the Kayobi Family, however the day-to–day running of Kayobi from the conception of ideas to hand screen printing shirts falls on my back. This can be draining I will be looking for some help in the future.

How do you deal with these challenges?

It’s not easy, sometimes you feel like giving up but friends and family are always supportive and praying for help from God always works. If it’s your dream and it means more to you than money then you will always keep on pushing. PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens.

How has this so-called recession affected the way you conduct business?

Well firstly I am currently looking for a day because I moved back to the UK and it’s very hard. Jobs are oversubscribed and it’s very frustrating. I am blessed to have Kayobi keep me busy so I don’t feel the stress of unemployment. It will be nice to have a regular cash stream so I can grow Kayobi to where I want it to be. You know there is a recession when customers prefer to meet and collect their purchases rather than pay for postage.

How has your dedication to your hustle affected your personal life (family, friends, school, relationships, faith, etc.)?

My family has been more than wonderful with supporting my hustle and have invested time and money into it – God bless you all. I must admit I have had less of a social life since working for myself, I have gained a better appreciation of the value of time and try to add a component of business even during times of leisure.

Devoting so much time to an ideal always causes problems with relationships, if the other party is not 150 percent behind the idea it causes friction.

Regarding faith I think God is happy with what I am doing but will definitely like more time to chill with me and I know ‘he’ wants me to hurry up and launch the Christ Cartel Clothing line.

What is something you know now that you wish you’d known before?

I wish I had put down a financial plan of how I was going to run Kayobi and saved or borrowed money towards it.

What is something you’ve learned on your path that you would share with anyone just starting out?

Dream it, Plan it, Do it. There is no point in having a dream without realising it, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy and you will learn as you go, each journey begins with one step but you must take that step now because tomorrow is a Blessing so use your Gift today.

I have learned it is not easy but who said life is, just seek eternity and work your way towards it and all things shall fall in place.

Photography by Sefa Nkansa