We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Boubacar Diallo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Boubacar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY in Flatbush. However, I am originally from West Africa a country called Guinea. The first risk taken was my father bringing me to the States at the age of 2 without my mother. The risk had to be taken in order for me to get an education and different opportunities because back home there were none and my father wanted to give me a fair shot at life. Eventually, throughout the years I graduated High School & College. Now once I graduated College majoring in Finance I was expecting some type of high paying job but things didn’t work out that way. I did internships and different temps job but still nothing. I thought to myself now i have to create my own opportunity. I tired doing at home cleaning business and many others things. I always been creative since young and one of my good friends inspired to start doing clothing designing. So, I decided to take the risk there with no prior experience just faith and ideas. Me taking the risk to start Last Throne is what got me here to tell my story. Many ups and downs but the risk was worth it.
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
My name is Boubacar Diallo aka Leo. I am an only child. My older sister passed away when I was 1 and half years old. She was 4 years old. Growing up as an only child music and anything with art was my safe place. It was where i expressed myself and related to others. At times I can be a loner. I feel like the fashion side of me came from my. mother and the business side from my father. I feel like God brought the clothing brand to me because after college I really believed that I would have been working in the corporate world. One of my good friends started a clothing brand called LoMein before me and it inspired me. Shoutout to LoMein Fresh. Overtime the clothing brand name came to me “Last Throne” Many people ask me what does it mean. Last Throne means we all are Kings & Queens of ourselves first, and that it is only one of YOU so appreciate your uniqueness. There will never be another you again in life. Be yourself be who you are thats your gift. You can have multiple children as a parent but each child will have their own uniqueness and story. Overall it is to inspire people to embrace themselves and no matter who you are you have something special to contribute to the world. Believe in yourself and love yourself. The art of the brand comes from ideas I see in my head and give it cool twist. Last Throne is really a book each shirt I design is page in the book and is broken down in chapters. Right now I have a Cover Page which is the Logo and one page each of chapter 1 & 2. Each chapter has 8 pages and there are 8 chapters. Why 8 pages per chapter? because my birthday is 8/8/88. Right now I have T-Shirts, Hoodies, and different types of hats. Currently working on new design so Im excited about that. I just want people to believe in themselves and if you have a passion for something go for it life is short. No regrets. Be the best version of you. I believe just being me is what sets me apart because it is only one me. I believe whatever I put my mind to i can accomplish with God on my side. Im proud that I had to courage to follow my heart even with the ups and downs i never doubted myself i kept pushing thru. I want potential clients/followers to look good in my clothes and that it inspires them to never give up and know that really anything is possible just have to go for it. It wont be easy but it can happen. Also for myself try to push myself to stay creative come up with some cool ideas and share it with world. Leave a legacy behind.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For Me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is seeing your ideas come to life. Being able to express and free myself through images. Everything comes from a thought first and thats where the magic happens. You can think of anything and when you finally bring it to life the way you envisioned it is like giving birth. When your ideas connect with people thats a different type of feeling. Sometimes it helps heal the pain it is like therapy letting it all out through the art. You connect with God closer when you creating something real. Most of my ideas come from him in flashing images. Most importantly inspiring anyone pursuing a dream or passion.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my opinion I feel society can best support artist, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem by providing platforms where solely creatives can come together and interact consistently . Where they can share ideas and depending on what kind of art you doing you can meet someone there to collaborate with. More talents shows in the community where people can donate whatever they want to help fund some artist. Help promote true artist even if the artist is not popular yet as long as their work connect to you individually. Offer programs in schools or wherever for where artist can come and learn new skills like learning how to draw or a new instrument, you never know what that new learned skill can do for the artist in the long run. I love what “CanvasRebel” is doing we need more of that. A place where artist can speak their mind non judgmental.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lastthroneclothing.com
- Instagram: lastthroneclothing
- Facebook: Last Throne Clothing
- Other: Email: [email protected]