Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rjay Wagner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rjay, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m extremely pleased with choosing the path that I knew was for me. I’ve worked many regular jobs in the past and I hated every minute of it even when I’m making money. I think I’m happiest when I do what I love and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I never wanted to be a artist, this is just who I am truly. It is how i express my feelings and emotions. I don’t have the freedom when I’m working a regular job and the way this world works you either work for someone or you work for yourself. I will never regret or look back on making the decision to work for myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Rjay The Florist. I am Belizean American, born and raised in California. I grew up in Pasadena and would often stay with my grandma who lived in Los angeles, right off of Manchester, not too far from downtown. My name «The Florist » pays homage to my grandma. When I was younger we would work in the yard pulling and planting different plants and flowers. These are memories I will hold close to my heart forever.

I am a artist, I have always been a artist ever since I was young.
On June 29th (6.29) I created my own universe. I named it ROSE.
ROSE is love, The stem is the foundation. The thorns are a representation of pain. The petals are a representation of joy. The true balance of love, Pain and joy. You can’t have one without the other. I express my feelings passionately, and I believe it is something everyone can relate to because everyone experiences this in their own ways.
Rose from the ground up.

6.29 is a museum that ROSE lives in along with other artist who share the same passions and ideologies. 629 is a timeline that showcases art throughout time, experiences and memories that were once ideas. 629 is an entity that showcases different cultures and lifestyles. 629 is something that people can wear, feel, see, hear, question, and most importantly think about.
629 Loves All
629 F*ck The Rest.

I express my art in various ways; Through Garments/Pieces, Music curation, Films, Photography, Poetry, community and collaboration. I ask that whatever it is I am expressing you pay attention to the details. There is always a story being told. There is always something to think about.

WWW.629LA.COM

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The hugest impact on my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy has been traveling around the world. Living in different cities. I’ve been living in france for a couple months and before this I was living in Switzerland. I’ve been so inspired by the lifestyle and culture. Communicating my art to someone that doesn’t speak the same language or live the same lifestyle but is still able to relate and understand is a beautiful feeling. I Will never forget my first fashion show, it was in Geneva, Switzerland. I learned so much from that experience. Being able to see the different environments can open your mind up to so many different things. Recieving a foreign currency for something you have created is truly an amazing feeling. I will never forget recieving making over 1000 Chf and seing that purple bill. I can never forget, this young lady who was so inspired by my art she made her mom drive her 3 hours to my pop up in Lausanne so she could support and show love. She didn’t even know me but she found the page through social media. I’ve had events and exhibitions internationally, from California to London and London to France.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect as a creative is finishing a project start to finish. Having an idea and turning the idea into something that can be «  consumed » or « understood » Every step is rewarding from thinking to doing. I enjoy the whole process.
I believe that is truly something powerful and beautiful. Expression is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.629LA.COM
• Instagram: @629LA @RjayTheFlorist
• Twitter: RjayTheFlorist

Image Credits
RjayTheFlorist