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

Nanaekow , appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Yes, so when I was younger I knew I wanted to be an artist but the idea was discouraged because at the time not many people knew of the many avenues you could take in becoming an artist. Especially since the type of art I wanted to make was drawing and painting. I didn’t know how I was going to be an artist I just knew I wanted to create artwork. As I got older I got into photography which I made a bit of a living off of. Deep down I knew drawing and painting was my passion. Creating strange characters in my sketchbook and on my class work was something that just came natural for me. So in 2020 I created a brand where I could combine my love for photography drawing and painting as well as my other interests like film making and fashion. I wish I hadn’t allowed others to tell me I couldn’t make a living making art because I think if I had realized it was a possibility I would’ve taken art more seriously. I would’ve increased my skills in drawing and painting and started selling more pieces. I sell pieces now but I imagine if I knew it was possible when I was younger I would be a more established art brand.

Nanaekow , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into the art industry through my own interest in making artwork. I knew I had something and I wanted to share it with people. I love drawing and painting and I wanted to use that to support myself financially so I made BOYATPLAY. BOYATPLAY is an art brand where I sell my work through original pieces, prints, stickers, t shirts and other merchandising. I’m often told my work is very strange which I take as a compliment. I like that my artwork is eye catching and causes people to think and wonder what my pieces mean. I think that’s what sets me apart from others in my field. I hope others feel free enough to make what they want to make because there’s people that would love to but can’t. If you have the means to do it I say go for it because you never know what could happen.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yea so originally BOYATPLAY was focused primarily on fashion. I would have a theme for a season and the design would reflect that season. I did this for about 4 seasons. Although this was a fun model I noticed my art started to take a decline. I didn’t feel as creative as I once felt and this in turn affected my clothing sales. Last summer I was invited to be part of an art show and I fell in love with art all over again. I wanted to change direction and be a more art focused brand rather than a fashion brand. So towards the end of last year I decided that I was going to shift my focus and be more involved in my art community and focus more on selling art pieces rather than clothes.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The overall journey leading up to BOYATPLAY I think shows my resilience. Making art is my biggest passion in life. I don’t have to make a living off of it to do it. It’s something I just have to do. The fact that I’ve been drawing since I was 4 and have been invested in trying to make art for as long as I have shows I love this. I love creativity. I don’t care if no one sees my work. I see it and I love it. That’s all that matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: boyatplay.co
• Instagram: @boyatplay.co
• Twitter: @boyatplayco