We were lucky to catch up with Wiaam Shabi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wiaam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Of course I am a creative but im human first. Humanity is a strange phenomena that i have struggled with for a long time because I wasn’t very good at explaining who I was or what I believed. I learned that my form of expression came trhough anything and everything creative. I started with creating art but little did I know that my clothing spoke words people didn’t even hear. I turned my focus on refining exactly what words were sent across through my style and how to get people to hear what I had to say. I did not give up on art either, it aided me transforming my lessons in art to my fashion and finally to thee real world. After I had learned to play with it a bit, I realized that I was slightly afraid to misrepresent myself and show everyone what I create. My whole life has been a journey of misunderstanding, if it was towards myself or by others, which fueled me to progress even more. Now I am currently basing my brand and work for those whom are misunderstood or struggle to feel connected through fashion, styling and art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

As a kid I was constantly walking across my house, if its going to the kitchen or simply my parents bedroom to annoy them. In that process I would have to pass multiple paintings, sculptures, and more. Little did I know that all of the art I was taking in would impact me so greatly especially since they were created by my father. Growing up I had no idea these pieces were done by the man that brought me into this world, but when I found out years later, I had realized that I was pretty much born to be a creative and born into creativity. I loved anything creative since a young age, if it was identifying color in cartoons or simply criticizing my mother in her fashion choices while dressing me. I started with art, and slowly progressed through the creative field as I grew older. Dabbling in fashion, and multiple different mediums in traditional art classes. With creating, I learned that i always wanted to self express, to appeal to peoples minds by offering some kind of knowledge. If it was about me or the world I live in, it was knowledge.
I started exploring the business field when I spoke with my father weekly about the industry and how to apply it to your life, in a general aspect. My goal is to provide my clients with a few things, my first goal is a clear and easy manner of communicating, something that removes all the clutter of small talk and focusing on directly relaying my feedback to them and true opinion. I am honest and focused on making my client as satisfied as possible. If that is styling them, creating an art piece or simply designing a one of one piece. Through client satisfaction, I wish to inspire some kind of learning, education in my work and relationships is key.

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

I believe that the most rewarding experience in being a creative is the ability to reach the world through your own vision but that is not the only rewarding aspect that creatives benefit from. I believe that critiques and constructive criticism are on the same level as being able to reach the world through your own unique vision. The ability to take in other peoples opinions and perspectives aids in growing your own craft but also growing your personality. It aids in every aspect and it expands my knowledge base. Sharing your own designs and pieces also aids you expressing ones self and communicating who you are without the use of words, and i believe that is extremely powerful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes. Absolutely. The need to express who I am and where im from has always been my number one objective. The simple fact that I can tell my story and relate to people who feel isolated or believe they are alone is reason enough. I want to be an educator through the creative field or through fashion. If its educating people about my culture, race, or simply experiences, I want the world to learn something with me and learn something through the journey of my brand/creative output. I truly feel honored that I can use my skills and talents for a greater purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Amazighinsav