Wasa Wasa Threadz
Happy New Year Everyone! We would like to start the year fresh and exciting. To celebrate the New Year we interviewed Wasa Wasa Threadz. It was a great opportunity to be able get to know this talented person. I hope you all enjoy this interview and getting to know Wasa Wasa Threadz. If you like it make sure to go follow them! Thank you Nick for taking the time and doing this with us.
Who are you? What do you do? Tell us about your brand.
My name is Nick, in the streets known as WASA. I am the founder of Wasa Wasa Threadz and one of the artists behind some of our logos. This was a nickname given to me by my boy, Felipe Mendoza (Kamuz), after introducing him to the song “Guasa Guasa” by Tego Calderon. I would say it’s safe to say my reputation really got known from when I used to Dj (Dj Wasa) in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area circa 2004. Aside from what I do for Wasa Wasa Threadz, I managed to be the cofounder of W.A.S.A (We Are Seen Assoc.) and barber when I have downtime. I am currently managing a team at a language translation/interpretation company. I have been working there now for almost 11 years. There, we provide language services to those who need translation/interpretation and with language barriers by providing Onsite, TTY, ASL, Zoom and over the phone interpreting.
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WASA WASA THREADZ officially started last year in October 2020 with four of us talking about this as a dream to pursue one day. Thinking about it, we already have one year learning and enjoying the process. The idea with some of our logos is to create mashups just as I would when I would mash music together. Creating blends of tv shows from the 80’s, cartoons we watched as kids or movies that impacted me for years to come. What started out as an idea, soon turned into a plan and that plan turned into a movement. We then started living the dream. The goal behind the brand is to one day be able to dress the homeless in fresh new Wasa Gear vs not having a thing to wear, always getting hand-me-downs, or receiving leftovers. My wife and I started the organization called “We Are Seen Association “(W.A.S.A). Every third weekend of the month we hit the downtown streets of San Antonio to hand out goodies to those in need, such as clothing and or other accessories provided over by our friends and family from different states of the U.S. With some legwork and a great support system, this is all becoming a reality.
Why did you choose this fashion path?
I chose this path for two reasons: the challenge and hope. There are levels to everything we do, from being novice, intermediate and expert level depending on how far or where one wants to be. I am new to this, but let me tell you, I am having fun during this whole process. Working with a team of eight strong creative individuals that are also new to this has also now became a fun learning experience to this all. What do you love about being in fashion?
The sense of freedom! We can mix and match according to how we feel for that day or how the energy is flowing in our body. I have an open mind for those that have ideas or more importantly, those that have critique for me and my brand. Both negative and positive feedback can hurt at times but will benefit us as this is what will not only teach, but mold us as individuals. |
Who and what are your inspiration?
Wow, this is a good question as I am fueled by a few individuals. They all might not know, but they inspire me to keep going regardless of the long work hours or additional projects I have going on. My mother (Dina Gomez) is the one who has not only believed in me, but man, she makes me feel like I can take on the world while teaching others how to succeed.
Wow, this is a good question as I am fueled by a few individuals. They all might not know, but they inspire me to keep going regardless of the long work hours or additional projects I have going on. My mother (Dina Gomez) is the one who has not only believed in me, but man, she makes me feel like I can take on the world while teaching others how to succeed.
What is fashion for you?
Fashion for me is what we make it, which is an expression. What I mean by this is whether it’s a fit put together with items from a thrift store or Saks, it should only matter to one person and that is to who is wearing the expression on themselves (fit). I still have a lot to learn, and I am soaking up game from those who did it before me, like my boy Gerardo which owns #GroundUpApparel in Van Nuys, California.
Fashion for me is what we make it, which is an expression. What I mean by this is whether it’s a fit put together with items from a thrift store or Saks, it should only matter to one person and that is to who is wearing the expression on themselves (fit). I still have a lot to learn, and I am soaking up game from those who did it before me, like my boy Gerardo which owns #GroundUpApparel in Van Nuys, California.
Tell us a little about your background.?
The nickname as a child was “Colacho”, don’t ask me what it means because I don’t know lol. It was something my elders called me as I was growing up. My parents are first generation immigrants from El Salvador which migrated out here to the U.S as teens. I have a versatile background with that of Graffiti, breakdancing, street racing and lastly Dj’ing. You can see how my style correlates with my designs, it’s a perfect blend of versatility all in one.
The nickname as a child was “Colacho”, don’t ask me what it means because I don’t know lol. It was something my elders called me as I was growing up. My parents are first generation immigrants from El Salvador which migrated out here to the U.S as teens. I have a versatile background with that of Graffiti, breakdancing, street racing and lastly Dj’ing. You can see how my style correlates with my designs, it’s a perfect blend of versatility all in one.
How would you describe your style in your clothing? What message do you want to spread with your clothes?
I have a clean urban street style, known for always looking fresh even when doing grocery shopping lol. I am thankful I do not have to overthink about what I will be rocking for the day, night, or special event; I like to keep it simple yet flashy or eye grabbing. This Brand represents me, my grind, struggle, and success. Me as an individual, I am representing those who thought there wasn’t a way out. I will not only demonstrate it, but also elevate those around us. Our goal is to work with local artists worldwide. The message I want to give is - Work with those around you that share the same desire, hunger, and enthusiasm. I am proud to be working with companies like Ground Up Apparel (Van Nuys California), Impressions by Heather Marie (Chino Hills California), and Nocturnal printing (San Antonio Texas).
I have a clean urban street style, known for always looking fresh even when doing grocery shopping lol. I am thankful I do not have to overthink about what I will be rocking for the day, night, or special event; I like to keep it simple yet flashy or eye grabbing. This Brand represents me, my grind, struggle, and success. Me as an individual, I am representing those who thought there wasn’t a way out. I will not only demonstrate it, but also elevate those around us. Our goal is to work with local artists worldwide. The message I want to give is - Work with those around you that share the same desire, hunger, and enthusiasm. I am proud to be working with companies like Ground Up Apparel (Van Nuys California), Impressions by Heather Marie (Chino Hills California), and Nocturnal printing (San Antonio Texas).
Find Us On IG: @WASAWASA_THREADZ
A big shout out to the Wasa Threadz Family!
- La Familia:
• Dina Gomez
• Enrique Gomez
• Patricia Sandoval
• Abraham Rivera
• Rafael Solorzano
• Steve Ayala
• Isabel Ayala
• Audrey Joyce Chavez
Also shouting out:
@We_Are_Seen_association
@Nocturnal_Printing
@Impressions_by_Heather_Marie
@Ground Up Apparel
- La Familia:
• Dina Gomez
• Enrique Gomez
• Patricia Sandoval
• Abraham Rivera
• Rafael Solorzano
• Steve Ayala
• Isabel Ayala
• Audrey Joyce Chavez
Also shouting out:
@We_Are_Seen_association
@Nocturnal_Printing
@Impressions_by_Heather_Marie
@Ground Up Apparel