Screen Shot: AKASHI-KAMA

City Based: Bay Area, California

What inspired the brand name?

A mood and a feeling as much as anything. I liked the cadence of how AKASHI-KAMA flowed phonetically.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

After my first trip to Japan last spring. After I got home, I was really inspired—as an Asian American, I kept looking for something that blended a Japanese aesthetic and details yet but for modern everyday American wear, but couldn't really find anything like what I was picturing in my mind. So I resolved to design my own. 10 months later, I launched something that I felt bridged those two worlds in a beautiful way.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Getting out and doing things, experiencing culture is great for that. Stillness combined with music too—for this first collection it was College Dropout-era Kanye and a lot of Nujabes.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

I make so many mistakes it's hard to pick one. But if you refuse to fail, and you learn from your mistakes, grit prevails. For the custom gold aglets on the ends of the Noragi ties, it took 3 samples to get them the way I envisioned.

What is the biggest success you have had?

Getting feedback from other customers who resonate with the ethos behind the brand. People have reached out identifying with the desire to wear something emblematic of combining cultures, that's the biggest success in my mind.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

My host grandparents I stayed with in Japan. From everything including the way they dressed to the beautiful simplicity they lived their life with. People sleep on the style of older generations and past eras.

Favorite color to use?

Indigo, and Japanese Indigos whenever possible.

ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?

We're currently getting set up with a retailer in London, so that will be really exciting to reach an audience out there. Retail isn't a super big priority at the moment but places like Unionmade in SF, Feature LV, with an aesthetic that maximizes good product are all places I'd be interested in.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Visvim. Hiroki compromises on nothing and delivers incredible product with his personal story in it.

Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?

My only answer and hope for this is—still going. I want to make something that lasts and connects with people.

In 5 words or less describe your brand?

We made it in America. 5 words that describe my brand and that all of our ancestors told each other years and years ago.