Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanye’ Yoakum.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins in the Inland Empire. My city is small and very close-knit which created my sense of pride in wanting community. When I left to move to Los Angeles, the transition of the sense of community was lost in extremely to grand scheme of life.
While this isn’t particularly wrong or bad, it did inspire my foundation of art which is to change to perspective of humanity. We all choose to live in our individual islands and lonely bubbles instead of coming together as one. My art focuses on creating a sense of togetherness in understanding that we are all a reflection of each other. In that understanding, I hope that changes issues with racism, sexism, and violence within our communities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This has not been a smooth road but we are definitely getting through it. As a child, I always felt as if I didn’t fully belong anywhere which case me to waste years being consumed in anxiety. In high school, I chose to go to a smaller program within my school called the Middle College HighSchool program. Here I was in an environment that was smaller but still not y place. The choice to go to UCLA as an art major was a hard one that wasn’t fully supported by my family in terms of proving financial stability in my career. The satisfaction in knowing I am serving my life’s purpose comes before my need to rich, opportunities present themselves everyday and I’m ready for all that comes my way.
YeCreates – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company and brand name is YeCreates. I am a director, specializing in theater, film, artistic instruction and production. My mission is to establish, encourage and create a vision through the art of storytelling that cultivates a message that will resonate with an audience to enhance effective change throughout the world. This message is to create a more united humanity and recognize that we are a diverse community that needs to begin seeing one another within ourselves. I am most proud of all of the work I have had the opportunity to be apart of and the ones that are to come. What sets me apart from others is that I am not looking for the approval of others, and I am willing to be on the hard work to get what I need, Instant gratification doesn’t always exist I this career and I have fully accepted that.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success within my happiness and my growth. If I’m on a project that isn’t agreeing to my mission or isn’t making be feel like I’m apart of a larger mission beyond myself, then I haven’t found success. I am not here simply for growth monetary value but to enact true change. I want to see growth within myself as as individual and growth within my company. As I see others follow my mission and agree to the need for change that makes me happy and there I have found true success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yecreates.com
- Email: yecreates@aol.com
- Instagram: ye.creates
Image Credit:
Credit to Sydney for Once on this Island; @whoshotya for NOITAERC; Michael Hackett for BTS of NOITAERC
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