Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Obi Nwankwo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Obi, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I would have to say that there are two main projects that have been most meaningful along my journey. The first one is Knotwtr Volume 1, which is the first campaign I ever worked on. That project was so meaningful because it sparked my interest in further pursuing the passion I had for fashion. While working on that campaign, I had the opportunity to produce, creative direct, style, write the full campaign, and cast models. Once I understood how much work went into it, I knew I wanted to do it because I was not one to shy away from it. By taking this bold approach, I saw that many doors began to open for me, and I met many people that I would not have met otherwise. From there, I became a frequent collaborator in the creative scene, and I began to be seen as more than a model. I started to be seen as a creative, and knowing that my own money went into it pushed me to make sure that everything was well-executed given the resources I had. Secondly, my most recent project is what I am highly anticipating. Originally, clothing was where I wanted to start, but it was summer at the time so I started off with releasing eyewear. I have been working on these designs for over a year and everyone will finally be able to see the “Knotwtr Winter Collection.”

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 an undergraduate at Boston College, I set 4 track and field records. I did very well in school, and being a student athlete gave me a lot of discipline. By the time I graduated in 2017, I was very satisfied with my athleticism. I grew confident knowing that I could be number 1 because I set my mind to it. I was also grateful for the opportunity to go to a great school and travel all over. I was able to go number 1 in high school and college, but I wanted to create a career around this spotlight aspect. It was motivating seeing myself on TV or hearing my name announced in a big stadium, and I liked the idea of making a living doing what I loved. Although there was a traditional path I could take coming out of college with a business degree, I decided to step out and pursue something creative. I couldn’t stand the idea of shelving the spotlight that I had built for so long. It felt like I would be stepping down, and that wasn’t a good feeling for me. My transition into the industry definitely started with modeling. People always told me I had a good look, but I never fully believed it until I started to pursue modeling. I heard I could do commercials, sports stuff, fashion, and more, so I started taking pictures. A few weeks after graduation, I applied all over and moved to Los Angeles. I had never visited LA, but something told me I needed to go there. I found success with modeling as I scored gigs with well-known companies like ESPN, and I eventually got signed with a modeling agency. As I had done in my high school and college years, I treated the whole modeling thing like a sport. That’s the only way I knew how to be successful, and I knew it worked.
After 2 years, I went full time with modeling and acting. For a period of time, I even moved to New York where I continued to model and act. Once the pandemic hit, I went back to LA. During this time, I focused on growing my fashion brand, Knotwtr. The name stands for “Knot Neglecting Our Talents, Willing To Take Risks.” The goal is to be non-conventional, stand out, and seek to be different. The brand is true to the motto in the way that it makes no attempt to replicate any other.
Now I’m almost coming up on 6 years of modeling, and I have to say it takes a lot of mental strength. In creative industries, you get a lot of no’s, and there are many ups and downs. Because of my background in athletics, I was trained for the highs and lows that the field comes with. One summer, I received 100 consecutive no’s, and I didn’t book anything. As ludacris as it may sound, that summer I decided to quit my job because I had faith in what I was pursuing. I had to continue working.

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

It has always been my vision to create something on the grandiose scale of a traditional European fashion house. I would love to create something similar for African fashion that’s globally recognized. I would like to see African fashion respected in the same way Louis Vuitton or Gucci is respected. A person who drives my creative journey is my grandfather. I would love to share with the world who he was as a person. When people understand who he was, they’re better able to understand me because I’m an extension of him. I believe that love follows love, and he had a lot of it. That’s where a lot of my personality and kindness comes from. Seeing how my grandfather raised my mom, I could see how she turned out to be such a happy person. Their joy rubbed off on me, and that’s something I want to continue to spread.
My grandfather also encouraged me to pursue fashion. From a young age, he supported everything I did, and that allowed me to dream. My desire to pursue fashion was the last idea that received my grandfather’s stamp of approval before he passed, and that was really special for me. My family never told me I couldn’t do something, but they would always give me a range of perspectives to think about when I made decisions. At the end of the day, they know that I am not one to stray from something I have set my mind on, and they have always allowed me to pursue my desires. It’s a good feeling when you come home, and your family is fully supportive of the things you’re working on.
My other mission is to prove to myself and others that my goals are achievable, and success is possible. I seek to be respected just as those I look up to, and that is something I value greatly. For example, the other day I was in line at a grocery store. I was the first one in line, but I noticed that someone who came after me was being served before me. In an attempt to be respectful, I let it go. This happened with another person who came after me, and after they were served the attendee directed his attention to me. I voiced my dissatisfaction with the way I was treated, and the other customers tried to let me go ahead of them. I didn’t like the idea of them giving me permission to be treated with common courtesy. The attendee apologized and I left. I always think to myself that things like this wouldn’t happen if I was someone like Jay-Z. I believe that aside from his name and reputation, Jay-Z carries an energy that demands respect which I think is key.
There are so many different kinds of doubt including financial, personal, spiritual, and so on. I believe that the spiritual one is the most important because it is the bridge between all things. Faith is what allows you to fulfill dreams; it is literally the belief in things that are not seen. Simply visualizing an end goal or an idea is what allows you to elevate. You have to know and believe that you will get to that next level. Some people will put limits on themselves, and allow those to drive their mission and actions. Whatever is true to you will be reflected in the things you do and accomplish.
At the end of the day, everyone has their own journey, and faith is what grounds me. It is not a requirement to be the wealthiest person, and I understand that what is given to me is what is for me. Being greedy in any form will always end up backfiring, so I just aim to work hard and remember God is in control. Sometimes there’s no explanation for blessings and we just have to be grateful.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’ve been able to work for myself for the past few years, and it allows me to have more control in certain aspects. For example, having the freedom of creating my own schedule is rewarding. Having the ability to create a work environment that aligns with my lifestyle is something I’m thankful for. As I started to get serious about pursuing a creative career, I made some big shifts in my life. I started a vegan diet at the time, I was working out more, meditating daily, and being more consistent in working toward my goals. Meditation, deep breathing, and prayer especially have given me life, and I aim to do them every morning. I feel that the quiet time is essential because nowadays, we’re so stimulated by everything. During these moments, I get a lot of downloads and I see a lot of things. When I meditate consistently, I feel so much better. When I need an extra boost to start my day, an ice face mask or a cold shower after the gym always helps. The cold alerts my senses and it gets my body going. To get my mind going, I’ll usually listen to some morning motivation. Hearing words on how to be great as I get ready makes a positive impact on my day. After doing one or more of these, I am wide awake at that point with no coffee needed. When I don’t get the opportunity to do any of my morning routines, I try to remember that showing up is the best thing I can do.
Lastly, after working for many people my whole life, I have seen how rewarding it is to pour back into my own endeavors. It feels good to see my efforts directly impact me, my goals and my future. Knowing that I’m choosing to work hard and wake up early motivates me because no one else is there to tell me to get up, get out, and work. My job also gives me the flexibility to travel while working, and that is something I genuinely love to do. Taking time off is equally as rewarding because I can always make

Contact Info:

• Website: Brand: www.knotwtr.com Talent: www.obinwankwo.co Production: www.obistudios.co
• Instagram: @knotwtr @itsobinwankwo
• Other: TikTok: @knotwtr TikTok: @itsobinwankwo

Image Credits
Creative Director: @itsobinwankwo Photographer: @taleahmeshae Videographers: @vincebouss_ @alenkajtezovic Production: @obiistudios Production Coordinator: @flyexecutive @kai.strachan Production Assistant: @michellelessin Production Location: @taggroup_ @timmytayo Sound Design: @daniel.ross Doberman: @rudeboykels @husslethedoberman1 Talent: @itsobinwankwo @eliasjaysea @moestuck @bananahgram_ @chris.quartuccio @whistleee @isybellabond @timmytayo @flyexecutive @kai.strachan