Steven Onoja is more than just his clothes. Supplied picture.
Hello! My names Steven!
Five years ago I started this little venture and have watched it take me to some vastly unexpected places. And it’s been an honour to see so many people impacted by the work I’m trying to do. It’s really such a blessing to read the emails, letters and DM’s regarding how we’ve influenced lives.
Now, I come from a far from the perfect place, and I’m far from a perfect person, but it’s been such a whirlwind to go from point A to point B. My favourite part about all of this is my ability to connect with others, I am learning new stories, difficulties, advice and inspiration on a daily basis from you!
At 18 years old I was fearful something like a madman that I wouldn’t know how to get where I wanted to be. But now that I’m doing what I love, I realize it’s much more about liking who you are when you get to where you wanna be. Don’t settle for anything less. Life is far too short to just be ok, though some days it’s all you can be. I’m in my mid 20’s and its all I can do to keep my youth in check – work harder, take better care of myself, prepare to be a good husband and father (if life sees fit to grant it) and keep myself grounded.
Steven Onoja is more than just his clothes. Supplied picture.
I never wanted to move to New York, only school made the move possible. I love Nigeria so much, I wish I was still there at the moment. So how does one live in this kind of world and be an artist? I grew up thinking the art world and literature, was a haven for those not otherwise accepted anywhere else. I grew up admiring paintings of contorted faces and abstract women. Nonetheless, I was able to escape from a world that didn’t accept me for who I was and I got older and discovered works by people who shared my tawny hue and read about people and history. I knew I wanted to be a part of this. But it’s a whole different world when you go from reader to writer when you go from appreciator to photographer or painter. Behind the scenes is a world that is not different from the world I grew up in. I’ve realized there isn’t much room for black creatives. We are so invisible within the art world that it’s just isn’t heard of
Everyone’s been so kind here, the menswear world is a fun one. I want to help small business, brands and individuals make/have the most beautiful representations of themselves possible. Something I am always seeking to improve in myself. It’s not because I am rich that I’m in New York, it’s because I want to show mainstream media how much can be achieved with little. All these damn bells and whistles and for what? Function outlasts fame. Convenience has cost us our ability to connect, it’s improved technologies and speed. But slowed our pace of genuine communications. I am here to try and change that. Call it prideful arrogance, bullshit, or whatever, but that’s why I’m here.
* Read the full interview On the Radar Report here: