Meet Mark Bankamwabo | Owner & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Bankamwabo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
For me it’s keep going always. Giving up is never in the thought process, it can never cross my mind. The mind is powerful and those frequencies can not find its way back so I tend to dead it to my subconscious before giving it the slightest chance. I’ve learned from the late Nipsey Hussle you will always be closer to your goal or dream now versus when you started, so why stop? And for most folks on their journey everything won’t happen over night. But why give up and dismiss the experience, the knowledge and the connections yet to encounter? These are the things we tend to over look and ironically end up holding the most value when everything is said and done.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Man the accomplishment I’m most proud of today would have to be being able to give back. We recently were able to donate $1,000 to the Black Youth Organization funded in my home town of Portland, Maine. Just to be in a position to help leaves me at a loss for words because I didn’t see that specific moment play out when I first started out. But to even get to that point wasn’t easy per say but definitely worth it. Lost friendships, distanced myself from a lot of people to pursue these dreams and most don’t hold the mind capacity to see the greater picture. And in that there is a lesson of those who stuck around and supported me are those who truly understood me. For that loss you gain room for those who are intended to be beside you during your journey. As well as devine timing, within working to this point and defeating challenges I’ve learned to pace and never rush or stress. Let go and let the higher ups pan everything out and impressively enough all situations play out in perfect synchrony.

I want the world to know my brand is for the unorthodox. We aren’t here to be accepted or to follow the usual. That high school kid who might not know what they want to do just yet or may feel they aren’t enough. Maybe don’t fit in or get the recognition they deserve. I want them to be able to wear anything from us and feel brand new you know? Feel complete or unstoppable. Know they are worthy of anything they set their mind to. To know what they bring to the table is enough and nobody can tell them otherwise. Nobody can divert them from their vision. You can be Anti and get the job done wether it’s just you or you and your crew. Nobody can hold you back. Anti Ü

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man first off we got to hit the food spots that be bussing. For breakfast (if you can make it in time) Milk and Honey is the only spot we are going to. ON a lunch vibe I love Bahama Breeze out in Kennesaw that’s a must as well. If we’re coming in from a late night/early morning vibe definitely have to hit waffle house. If not, Sweet spot ATL for the dessert vibes you can’t go wrong with! The boba be hitting! Any mid day activities I’m taking them out sight seeing, I love museums so any exhibit that happens to be in town is must see at High museum ATL. Some fun activities would have to be an escape room or paintball shooting would be super fun and exciting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My big brother Gylain deserves a huge shoutout. Been holding things down getting large amounts of orders out when we first opened up our online shop. He’s always helping when I’m stuck between designs giving a different perspective when needed.

Next up is our supporters most definitely. Without any support we wouldn’t be where we are currently so major love to every person who takes the time out to like and share social media posts, purchase items and anticipate future releases. Truly keep me motivated at all times.

To my guy Doug a great mentor who runs multiple business’ himself, it isn’t often we speak but when we do a lot of knowledge and game is shared. I couldn’t thank him enough for the advice and gems he’s shared with me throughout the years.

Sainvil, I’ve been a fan of his music for awhile now and he’s supported multiple ventures of mine along the way. Someone who pushes me to keep going. It’s great to see real people exist in this dark world but he’s definitely someone who truly wants to see his homies win and I appreciate that of him.

Last but not least our ambassadors yet again! Recording artist Sainvil and Emani 22, and blogger/model Maya. I appreciate them to the fullest man they don’t have to share anything we send their way but they genuinely rock with the brand and show us so much love. Always have mad love for them supporting the vision.

Website: https://antiu19.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiu19/?hl=en

Image Credits
Sainvil, Emani 22, Maya, Guapdad 4000