Conversations with the Inspiring Demi Boelsterli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Demi Boelsterli.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Friday Night Amateurs is an art and clothing brand I started in 2012 with a group of friends; an ever changing living breathing expression of myself. The amateurs are responsible for bringing together like minded individuals feeding off the heart of the Southern California surf, skate, art and music culture. We have created a clothing company that reflects the don’t care attitude we all seem to have embraced. Striving to encourage the youth to embrace total enjoyment in whatever amateur nonsense they choose to endure. I never know where I’m going with it or how much money is coming in, or out. I don’t think I’ll ever stop throwing events and making clothing.

The original 2012 crew of amateurs has slowly lost passion for the project but, being mainly my project, I refused to let the brand fade away. Continuing FNA mostly on my own, I design and print tees out of a need to fuel my own creation. With tons of help along the way, random artist, friends, fans and supporters, I continued to throw art and music shows and the occasional pop up market around my hometown of Santa Barbara.

In the future I hope to continue to create more one-of-a-kind garments and throw bigger and better events that make an impact on the community and inspire the people around me to be themselves and have fun doing it.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My main battle has always been with myself. I constantly find myself wondering if all the effort is really worth it. Every time I miss budget or mess up and order I question myself again. At the end of the day I am proud of what I’ve created and the community that comes with it. I am lucky to have passion that I can share with the people around me that helps keep me motivated to continue. The best lessons I have learned is that you get out as much energy as you put in, If you are lucky enough to do what you love, you should do it, and It’s important to not let judgments or fear run you choices.

What should we know about Friday Night Amateurs? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an artist at heart. I make everything from large scale abstract paintings, to small junk sculptures, videos, poems, little doodles and designs. I love creating. That is what lead me to starting FNA clothing. I wanted another outlet for my creativity, one that I could loosely express myself on a daily basis. Shirts, hats and stickers were the perfect source. The thing I am most proud of FNA is the ability for the brand to bring together people though art and music. For almost 9 years we have been through music an art shows around our community. The younger generation of “Amateurs” (The amateurs are what I call the fans of the brand.) have a really cool don’t care but be kind attitude and I’m really excited to see what sort of path they follow and what sort of stuff they create for the next generation.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
When everyone gives up on you, don’t give up on yourself. Running your own brand is a grind. No one is as invested as you are and it can be frustrating finding the right help for certain projects. As long as you keep pushing and keep your morals strong you can’t really go wrong. Also to allow yourself room to grow, as well as room to fail.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.demiboelsterli.info
• Email: Dboelsterli@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fna.sos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fridaynightamateurs12
• Other: www.instagram.com/demidogood/

Image Credit:
Miles Hagin
Graham Burwell
Demi Boelsterli
Matthew Mehi
Drake Epstine

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.