Today we’d like to introduce you to Ka’desh Armstrong
Hi Ka’desh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The process of starting this business began in December of 2022 when my wife brought me a sketch pad. She knew I was into artistry and creativity back in high school but I had gotten away from it because of my career and life in general. I started getting back into it when I found time and began creating images of photos from around the city that I had remixed into these really cool photos.
From there I started to dive into other areas of creativity like photos, videos, painting, and even DJing. Then it hit me, these are all things that I very much enjoy and always have. Although I have mastered none, I am enjoying the process of learning to develop in these areas. These were the things that gave me an escape and made me who I really am, these were the things that made me WEIRD!
Then I began to look externally at the city and southern California in general and I realized there are so many aspects that makes this place unique from anywhere else in the world and I wanted to begin capturing that. So, I started the page STAY WEIRD MATT ADAMS, the name comes from my middle name Matthew and my God Parents last name which was Adams (who are deceased now). Growing up I would go by Matt or Matthew and in my early years I was raised by and spent a lot of time with my God Parents. As a child they would let me explore different avenues of creativity, and just let me be myself.
So, I developed a brand to showcase the uniqueness of all places and people I come across. I want to capture unique places and people doing what they enjoy and love. I also want others to understand that the activities we love and what people love about us is what makes us unique and makes us who were are and I always encourage everyone to STAY WIERD!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, It has not been a smooth road but I’m not complaining. I have always been one to embrace the struggle along the way. One prominent obstacle is how demanding my career is so it is a challenge to create time, so progress is slow. I know everything in this day in age is web based, but I am the type who wants to go out can engage with people to actually get the message and the brand out there. With that I have to continue to be creative and patient. Everything happens when it’s time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So as of now I have a career in the military, I am a US Marine and have been for 12 years. I have been living in SoCal for the last 10 years off and on. In the Marines I am a Communications Officer, and specialized in anything information technology related. So I’ll be honest STAY WEIRD MATT ADAMS began as an rekindling of old hobbies, and it is now turning into something much more. Something I am most proud of is being able to balance my work life, family life, and setting aside time for me to do the things I love. Im proud to be a husband and father of two beautiful children.
One thing I believe that sets me apart from others is my drive and determination. Once I set a goal I become task oriented, and start checking boxes until I get where I need to be. I believe this comes from the way I grew up, I am orignally from Savannah, GA and spent time in my life living in the projects and below the poverty line. I always wanted more and wanted to everything in my power to never go back to that.
How do you define success?
Success to me is when you find fulfillment in the work you do rather than recognition. I always believe if you are doing what you love everything else will be taken care of, success is when you have fulfillment, enjoyment, and peace in life.
Pricing:
- Stay Weird La Jolla San Diego / Black Hoodie $30.00
- Stay Weird DT San Diego / Black Hoodie $30.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swmattadams.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayweirdmattadams/
Image Credits
All images were created of taken me: Ka’desh Armstrong
