Today we’d like to introduce you to Koa Kuroda-mccormick

Koa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

It really started when I went to my first Hawaii Walls festival as a volunteer in 2023.

On the second day of volunteering, we had to do the standard of buffing walls (paint prep), and some other task. I ended up following my friend Jesse to Farrington High to help setup projectors for the artist. Only thing was, some of the projectors were back at the hotel. I made myself available, and took the artist that needed to go back so they were able to project their designs. The rest of that week onward I was just in so many places, helping with walls, making sure artists got their lunches and helping where there was need.

That week has created many opportunities, mentorship and relationships along the way. Most importantly it led me to the communities such as Creative Mornings, Spectra fest, Harbors Vintage, and many more. Where I now help them where I can.

This is where I am at today, because of the communities I found. All of them are out here creating spaces for creatives, entrepreneurs and small spaces to thrive, connect and cultivate community. In the end that’s what I want most, for our communities to thrive and to continue creating. This is where I keep growing and helping.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

No, it has not. I mean this in the best way, it comes with the territory. We travel routes that aren’t as stable, unknown and many consider “risky”. It’s not an easy path, no one is.

Most of my struggles are with myself. As many others, I grapple with ye ole imposter syndrome many times. Whether I’m worthy to be in the places I am and if I belong there. Going to therapy regularly definitely helps guide me, give needed structure, grounds to reset and see all the progress I make.

The one I struggled and anxious with the most was taxes and filing all the correct forms. Like DCCA, HI gov, etc. That scared me the most because when I was setting my LLC up, it originally didn’t go through. So I ended up with a late fee. So being knowledgeable and literate in that area if you want to handle that yourself is key.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I do many things, sometimes too many things and then I get overwhelmed. Lol. I work with many local companies and nonprofits, at this time Harbors Vintage and Creative mornings are my main bread and butter.

I specialize in pieces that combine community, architecture and skateparks. Of which you can see in my “Go Skate Day” 2023 and 2024 illustrations. Of these both are typefaces that I created. You’ll also find my illustration for Creative Morning Honolulu. Filled with many little easter eggs of the culture and communities that make up Hawaii.

If I look at this last question at face value, what separates me from others is the ability to start conversations and make connections. This is a skill that took some work to get. Just know I will alway be a community member striving to grow alongside and be accessible to my communities and it’s members.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I learned is showing up for yourself. I have an event you want to go to, follow through, go to it. That email that I just received, reply to it as soon as possible. That video I have to edit, finish it and post it. There’s a class with a new skill I would like to explore, take it. When I show up for myself and follow through, I am building that trust and confidence within myself to do what I say. There were many times prior where I have told myself I will do something and I did not show up. Tying this back to my story, I would not be where I am if I did not show up to an event that led me to be a part of Hawaii walls. If I haven’t finished any projects, I will have nothing to show to the readers. Show up for yourself no matter what in any way possible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koakuroz?igsh=MXYwYWprcnJmZm1tcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/genbreakers?igsh=MWpzYzNoeDBoajFxcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr