We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Austin Abaca. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Austin below.

Austin , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Growing up, I always believed I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, thinking that becoming a doctor would be my path. However, on the first day of senior year during my anatomy class, I realized it wasn’t something I was passionate about. It just didn’t resonate with me. I always had a creative eye, even in how I dressed — fashion was my way of expressing myself when I didn’t have the words. Clothing and sneakers gave me the freedom to communicate my personality and style. This realization helped me find my voice, which I had struggled with as a kid, and ultimately led me to explore capturing my life through photos and videos. Fashion was the gateway to discovering my true creative passion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Denver, CO, but recently relocated to New York City to pursue my passion further. I still travel to Denver frequently for both family and business, maintaining a strong connection to my roots while expanding my opportunities. Growing up in an Asian household, I was held to a very high standard. When I told my family I didn’t want to be a doctor, it put a lot of weight on my shoulders to prove that I could still create a successful path for myself.

I’ve always had an eye for fashion, and I found myself traveling to New York often, sourcing clothing for new trends and clients. That led me into personal shopping, where I made industry connections that many others couldn’t. I became known for sourcing rare and sought-after garments that others found difficult to obtain. However, I quickly realized that this pursuit was expensive, and to sustain it, I needed capital. This motivated me to explore multiple revenue streams, from reselling sneakers to personal shopping and growing my social media presence. I also embarked on various business ventures with friends and family to keep funding my passion.

I am proud of breaking the cycle of expectations and choosing to follow my own path, becoming what I wanted to be rather than what others expected of me. At the same time, I’ve managed to make my family proud. I’ve also learned the incredible power of social media and the importance of building genuine connections, and I’m grateful for the people I’ve met along the way. What sets me apart is my dedication to sourcing exclusive fashion items and the relationships I’ve nurtured within the industry, which allow me to provide a unique experience for my clients.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society should prioritize valuing their contributions in real-time. It’s essential to appreciate and uplift creatives while they’re here, rather than waiting until their work is recognized posthumously. This means actively engaging with their work—whether that’s sharing their creations, promoting their projects, or offering referrals. Genuine support helps sustain the creativity and passion of these individuals, allowing them to continue to innovate and inspire others. By acknowledging the impact creatives have on culture and showing love while they’re active, we create an environment where their contributions are celebrated and supported, which fosters growth for the entire creative community.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One resource I wish I had recognized earlier in my creative journey is the power of our peers. Often, we overlook the fact that the people around us are some of our greatest resources. Early on, I was hesitant to ask for help or guidance, thinking I had to figure everything out on my own. In reality, those in my circle—whether they were colleagues, friends, or industry connections—were a wealth of knowledge and support. Reaching out, asking for advice, or simply sharing ideas can open doors you never expected. Collaboration and learning from those around you can significantly accelerate your growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: A_Abaca303
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinabaca
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@austinabaca