We had the good fortune of connecting with KOFI BOATENG IBSEN and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi KOFI, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from a small town called North Kaneshi in Ghana, West Africa. I certainly believe my upbringing in Ghana had a huge impact in helping shape who I am today and how I see and take in the world. I come from very humble beginnings. I was raised by my mom, my Grandfather and Grandmother as well as a whole village of Aunts and Uncles. The traditions, values and lessons that get passed down to you are priceless and invaluable . My past is what drives me to be great today.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
BLK STAR UNTD is my quest and personal mission to unite the Black Star with the world. So eveything I do daily, is focused and driven by that. I think my purpose is what sets my work apart from other arts and brands. Every piece tells a story and speaks to the wearer in a way of empowering them to own their cool and to be their aunthentic selves. What I am mostly proud of with the work I create is how I am able to honor my African roots by using the textiles and honoring the symbolism and colors of the West African culture in an authentic way; while being able to still incorporate who I am today in present day America. I think that is pretty cool because my work truely speak to who I am the communities I represent. In a way it is what reminds me that I am staying true to myself as well as connecting with the world through my mission.
Fashion is a connector and a way for us all to communicate without words; and so having the ability to create styles that last over time and give people stories to tell forever is dope to me. How many times do we see past oldschool styles evolve and become the new waves of today and are cool again, that is because they take us back into retro time and we have memories and feelings attached to those nostalgic vibes. It is what makes fashion so unique and impactful. Fashiin has the ability connect our past with our present; hence our montra, The Fashion Revolution.
This journey has not been easy,but it has been fufiling and rewarding. Entrepreneurship is never as easy and as sexy as advertized on social media, but it has given me a sense of purpose to create a lasting legacy for my family as well as a sense of pride, carrying the light of a whole continent. Now, that is powerful enough to help you overcome any doubt or obstacle. Additionally, if you are resilient and never give up on your vision, I believe you will untimately achieve your goals and dreams and I plan to do that.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in San Francisco so if I had a bestfriend come to visit me in the Bay, we would definitely have some fun.
I am a huge sports fan so we will have to hit up some games. Either Warriors, Giants, or 49ers depending on what season it is.
Pier 39 is always a great place to walk around and find some good seafood if you are into that. It is a tourist attraction so have to pass by there just to say you did.
We do live in wine country so there is no vising San Francisco without taking a trip to Napa. I’ll have to lean on my wife for this one though. She is the wine connoisseur in my household but she will take care of us no problem.
We will definitely be going to Oakland to check out some of the Bay Area Culture and art around the Town, including grabbing some BBQ or Soulfood depending on your mood.
Plenty of beaches around here or down the Pacifica and Halfmoon Bay coast. There are plenty of places to pull over to grab a drink or a bite.
House of Nan King is always a go to spot for some Chinese food.
Another must try is the Bluestore, for a classic Bay Area introduction to “Hood-drinks”. This is where they put a collection of personalized mini size drinks in a ziplock bag, give them some crazy name like the CuttyBang and send you on your way to a good time with a styrofoam cup full ice.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
They say it takes a Village, and that is so very true with my story. I want recognize my mom and my grandparents for instilling our cultural values and traditions in me at a young age. My roots and experiences growing up in Ghana are the foundation of my identity and everything I do. My wife definitely deserves a shoutout as well. For holding me down and allowing me to dream and take risks. Its not easy being an entrepreneur and a dreamer, you definitely need a supportive partner if you are going to last in this game for the long run. It can be a lonely journey. I owe a shoutout to other Artists and Creatives, like Destiney Mohammed of Cultured Diapers for introducing me to you all and for the opportunity to tell my story.
My brothers Kachiside Madu of Make it Madu Images, Kwame from PanthaStudios, GavinQwest from my Heroics days. My brother Paul De Leon for believing in my vision early on as well as Eric and Julio Locon from Emaculatelivin for brotherhood and grinding it out together. There are many more, but these people definitely need to know the impact they have made along the way.
Website: BLKSTRUNTD.COM
Instagram: blk.star.untd
Facebook: blkstaruntd
Youtube: BLK STAR UNTD
Image Credits
KACHISIDE MADU