Asiyami Gold

Photos by Faisal Mohammed

Asiyami and I have known each other for about 6 years now, so to watch her grow into this extremely beautiful, intelligent, talented, and ridiculously adventurous person is... no surprise. Asiyami has always seen herself way up (yes, that is a Drake reference), and she's extremely stubborn, so it's safe to say that she's not stopping until she reaches all of her dreams. 

Naturally, I had to hit young Asi up to see how she's doing and to get more of an insight on what she's doing, what she's been through, and where she's going next:

How's life treating you?

Life has been pleasant as of lately, my life is slowly coming together and things are beginning to make sense. I can't complain really, just grateful to continue living and fulfilling my purpose here on earth.

Where's your favorite place to eat right now?

My’s mom’s house!!! There’s nothing better than my mom’s cooking, but I did find a substitute now that I no longer live at home. Ike's Café and Grill is my second favorite place to eat at. Their egusi soup is immaculate. But you know this Chindo.

What song do you have on repeat?

Wizkid - Ojuelegba
I don’t speak Yoruba but I can feel his message through his music and I identify with his story. 

How would you label yourself? Creative? Designer? Visual? All of the above?

I try not to label my self because God isn’t limited. If I can do all things through Christ then I’m capable of doing all things. People are quick to label themselves as a designer, creative, curator… I live my life based on what moves me at that particular moment. I can’t label myself. I was created by a limitless entity, therefore if I’m a reflection of that then I’m also limitless. 

What made you start making clothes, other than the fact that you're good at it?

I started making clothes because I knew what I wanted, and I just could never seem to find what I wanted in retail stores. I always found something wrong with the clothes, so I decided to start making pieces that I felt my closet needed. Also, I have really expensive taste, and I couldn’t afford the garments that I actually liked, so I started making things that looked expensive for less.

Is there anyone you look to as an inspiration? Why?

At the moment no, I’m really trying hard to think…. Actually… Pharrell.
I love Pharrell, I love his energy, I love the fact that he creates his own opportunities. He’s a musical genius and a style icon. Most importantly Pharrell is himself. I admire people who walk to the beat of their own drums. We live in a world where too many people spend time trying to please everyone outside of themselves. Through my journey I’ve found the importance of doing what makes me happy because I know that by being the best version of myself that’s what brings Glory to God’s kingdom.

Back to Pharrell… I fell in love with him when he said “at your service” at one of the awards. I think it was the Grammy’s or the Oscars not sure, but we’re all here to serve God through our gifts, and it’s beautiful to see someone like him using his platform for to spread such an impactful message.

What events in your life have shaped who you are today? What continues to motivate you?

I dropped out of school and left home last year. I was disowned by my father for leaving nursing school, but at the time when I made that decision to leave school I was depressed. I had really dark thoughts about taking my own life because I didn’t want to fail my parents, but I also didn’t want to be unhappy. I was so unhappy, I can’t stress how melancholy I was at that particular point in my life. I moved to New York City where I faced a lot of adversities. I moved back to Georgia to continue this journey of life. I still deal with a lot of hardships, but what keeps me going are the people who believe in me. My younger siblings who are looking up to me and cheering me on. I want to be an inspiration to them, I want to show them that they can dream big. There’s a lot of life to be lived out here. The possibilities are endless when we believe and trust in our gifts. I’m so in love with life now. I have nothing monetarily, but I’m wealthy in relationships. I’m so thankful for my friends and to have a platform where I can be an inspiration to others by sharing my story. I have big dreams and I won’t stop until I accomplish everything.

I know you've grown more spiritual in the past few years. Has your spiritual growth helped you see things differently, or rather, clearly?

I’ve learned not to worry. When we worry it shows that we don’t trust our creator. The closer I get to God the more I am at peace with myself. Balance is important, because without it there’s no clarity. When you fall in love with God you see the world from a different perspective. Lately I’ve been easily moved, I’m naturally a crier, but now I’m just extremely emotional because the world is really a beautiful place when you can recognize God in your environment.

Do you incorporate your spiritual growth into your work? If so, how?

It’s difficult to create when you aren’t connected to the God within. I can only put forth beautiful things in the universe when I’m balanced. I don’t force myself to be creative, there are times when I’m disconnected and uninspired. The more I grow spiritually the better it is for me to understand the world around me, based on what I see I draw inspiration from that and put it towards a project.

When are you dropping your next collection?

I’m taking break from designing until I can execute exactly what it is that I see in my head. I’m not sure when the next collection will be, but I hope soon.

Do you have any other exciting projects coming up?

I’ll be doing more personal projects for my website, I’ll be art directing along side with my friend who is a photographer to create more visual stories.
 
I’ll also be traveling to Botswana soon to tell the stories of the people of Botswana. I’m working with a children’s hospital called Bana Barona to spread the message of the change they will be making in that country. I’m so excited to be a part of it.

Where do you see Asiyami Gold (you and the brand) in the future?

I always say I’m building an empire. I can’t tell you exactly what I see because I see so many things and I can’t narrow it all down. Being that I consider myself to be limitless I plan on owning multiple businesses. 

My friends are so driven, and business oriented. Young bosses out here. Follow Asiyami on Instagram, and check out her site to stay up to date on her travels and stories.