Today we’d like to introduce you to Malique Jenkins.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Yoba was my childhood nickname, and as a child, I grew up in a little neighborhood called Alief in southwest Houston. Alief is one of the most diverse places on earth as it is home to a variety of different races from all over the world. Therefore, living there led me to learn to appreciate the diversity of our world. It also opened my eyes to the conflict that can arise from this diversity. Which is why I choose to spread the message of Unity, Diversity & Positivity because even though we all have our differences that make us special and Unique, we can all leave in peace and harmony as one.
Please tell us about your art.
The brand Yoba started my last months of high school, I always wanted a hat with my face on it, and after making it people liked it and said they would buy it. I originally only made the hat for myself and didn’t plan to sell it or make anything out of it. In high school, I always said that I wouldn’t be a rapper or start a clothing line because it was oversaturated, but after hearing the positive feedback, I took a leap of faith. From that point, I started with hats and didn’t think it would last long, but the support and growth kept coming, and by the time I looked back I was in too deep and I was now running a clothing line. After realizing the success and affect the brand had on others, I soon knew that this company was more than selling clothes. The mission of Yoba is to simply spread positivity while embracing unity and diversity. We know that energy is contagious, so with that being said, we want to give off positive, uplifting energy. Lastly, I want to add Yoba isn’t just a clothing line, its a lifestyle.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Being open-minded and to avoid pre-judgment, because you never know how that person could change your future and or your life. Another characteristic that’s really important is your social skills because networking is really important for an artist because it isn’t always what you know but who you know is what’s really effective to get to the next level so communicating with other likeminded people will keep you on the right track. Lastly is to never give up and to stay true to yourself, because being an artist does come with its hardships and roadblocks, but being able to grow from these conflicts is what builds you to become successful and the person you want to be. It’s ok to fail and also mandatory to fail because when you fail that’s life telling you there’s something you can improve on, failing builds character.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We have a website www.yobaapparel.com.
As well as @yobaapparel on all social media platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.YobaApparel.com
- Email: yoba.inc@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/YobaApparel
- Twitter: Twitter.com/YobaApparel
Image Credit:
Maria Alducin
Adekunle Sulemon
Pedro
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
