We recently connected with Joy Gasaway and have shared our conversation below.

Joy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

A lot of my learning came from books or reference videos and a lot of just trying something and seeing where it goes. It took practice and playing around with different methods to find the one that fit me.

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 Joy, I mostly go by the name Kuma. That name solidified for me while I worked at a motorcycle shop and followed me into the dance and arts community. I am an all around creative. I am a professional street dancer, Founder of an international community event called “WeOnFyre Cypher”, Co-Founder of an international dance crew called “FyreNation Crew “, a model, owner of a luxury jewelry brand called Baruk, owner of a clothing brand called Seams Sew Legit, and I make everything myself for each of those brands. I love to create things that fit myself and others in a way that expresses who they are.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can definitely help creatives by shopping with them, giving them spaces to display their artistry and provide more resources to these artists. The concept of the starving artist Is only relevant because Society chokes out resources, importance, and proper funding for artists. Most people in the creative community struggle at some point because people who hire them are not willing to pay their worth.

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

My goal has always been to be fully self sufficient. I would love to be able to go into a closet full of clothing, accessories, and jewelry and see that my hands built all of it and it is all my style. I’d love to see that many of my handmade items are frequently worn on others as well. I would also love to see my choreography on a stage, commercial, movie. I’d love to see my crew representing in commercials and movies, and I’d love to see my event reach as many parts of the world as it can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://baruk-blessing.square.site/
• Instagram: Seams.sew.legit , baurk_blessing , _kumaofficial_
• Facebook: Joy Gasaway