When Vashtie Kola and I first met in 2011 at VIBE Magazine, she was the antithesis of asocial butterfly.
At the time, the influencerwas a burgeoning director and stylish creative whose connections and hard work had already made her the sweetheart of NYC’s downtown scene.
Twitter wasn’t quite the information machine it is today, so back then you hadto do your homework tounderstand why Vashtiewas a woman to watch.
Though her rsum now reads like a drop-down menu of achievements — DJ,designer andmodel— Vashtie is still the endearing, soft-spoken person I buzzed around while prepping for a fashion photoshoot.
“I’m beyond busy and becoming busier by the moment,” she says about her multiple jobs. “Naturally, [as] women, we take on more than we can handle.”
Today, as we settle into ourinterview, Vashtie still reminds me of who she was years ago. That girlwho prefered to be behind the scenes, rather than clamoring for the spotlight.
The difference, however, is the curly-haired girl sitting before me in a furry, pink crop top and black slacks now understands the power of being front and center.She’s learned how social media can act as a springboardfor success.
Vashtie created thetomboy-meets-high fashionbrand Violette,housed online and in Paris’ popular Colette boutique.She also became the first woman to designa Jordan-brand sneaker and can be spotted in nationwide campaigns for Puma and DKNY.Not to mention, she’sstarred in five Toshiba commercials.