start a conversation with nick: ⁠thatsalt start a conversation with me: ⁠saimfarooqui⁠

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

topics:

00:00 intro 01:42 - shooting soccer in canada. 05:58 - the importance of storytelling in sports. 10:03 - parents’ understanding of photography career. 11:51 - parental understanding of podcasting. 18:09 - opportunity through risk-taking. 20:27 - freelance photography journey. 24:30 - starting a footballing brand. 26:41 - canadian soccer media representation. 30:40 - journey to fifa world cup. 34:10 - world cup experience before 30. 39:55 - messi vs. ronaldo debate. 43:04 - team aspect of soccer. 45:36 - ea sports branding experience. 50:00 - dream of working with fifa. 54:18 - canadian soccer’s rapid growth. 58:31 - creative inspiration through books. 1:04:08 - collaboration over selfishness. 1:06:36 - squad eats and collaboration. 1:09:33 - drake’s influence in local culture.

start a conversation with tagwa: shuttersworth start a conversation with me: saimfarooqui

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

topics:

00:00:00 intro 00:01:20 music journey beginnings. 00:04:41 homelessness 00:08:39 identity crisis and self-discovery. 00:14:25 learn versus unlearn. 00:18:17 ego death. 00:23:48 self-reflection and self-praise. 00:28:05 fear of being a psychopath. 00:32:16 branding and tone in marketing. 00:37:22 humor and jokes in pitching. 00:41:02 video content strategy insights. 00:44:03 setting rules in creative projects. 00:49:10 creative workspaces and coffee shops. 00:51:26 anachronism and mixing mediums. 00:58:45 life advice from grandma 01:00:22 building friendships in podcasting.

start a conversation with chanho: @iseebang start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui i @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

conversation topics :)

[00:00:00] intro

[00:03:09] sneaker era and fashion evolution.

[00:06:19] indie sleaze.

[00:09:28] fashion in youth culture.

[00:14:52] relationships are everything.

[00:18:33] fashion and family acceptance.

[00:20:11] taking breaks for mental health.

[00:24:37] self-care and relaxation techniques.

[00:27:36] the power of short form content.

[00:30:45] newsletters and audience engagement.

[00:37:32] what makes a good fit?

[00:40:45] men's fashion and suit styling.

[00:45:23] virgil abloh's life-changing conversation.

[00:49:32] betting on yourself.

[00:52:14] creative journey obstacles.

[00:56:30] in-person shopping experiences.

[00:59:32] clothing brand collaborations.

[01:03:59] approachable outreach strategies.

[01:05:33] brands with authentic storytelling.

[01:11:01] early 2000s fashion trend prediction.

[01:13:09] hood fashion evolution.

[01:20:22] furniture and togos wishlist.

[01:21:44] influencer marketing campaigns.

[01:26:56] finding home away from home.

[01:29:48] empowering message for creatives.

[01:33:01] shout out to all.

start a conversation with kyron: @gotsweige

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui i @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

topics:

00:00:00 - introduction 00:01:17 - video pre-production process insights 00:05:44 - long form vs. short form 00:10:53 - let me introduce you to 00:14:35 - adding humor to content 00:18:43 - finding the perfect music 00:23:31 - making videos on deep topics 00:25:05 - the term "bindi boys" 00:29:44 - finding creative direction in content 00:34:48 - pakistan's creative scene 00:39:15 - content creation in pakistan 00:43:27 - love for editing and storytelling 00:46:39 - biggest fears discussed 00:53:31 - dealing with insecurities 00:55:23 - dealing with insecurities and growth 01:03:13 - keep sharing your story 01:03:35 - the power of storytelling 01:08:11 - music industry in pakistan

start a conversation with saim: @saimrehmannn

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

00:00:00 - introduction

00:00:31 - life seeker vs. life escaper

00:01:05 - late night conversations and close friends

00:01:48 - hitchhiking and grabbing life by the horns

00:03:23 - the culture of hitchhiking in bc

00:04:17 - trust and community in small towns

00:06:01 - from the mountains to hawaii

00:06:54 - influence of creative parents

00:08:28 - self-motivation and personal expectations

00:09:12 - self-reflection and daily motivation

00:11:04 - writing skills and emotional reach

00:12:31 - transition from business to creative pursuits

00:13:59 - an unplanned stay in montreal

00:15:22 - defining art and personal fulfillment

00:18:01 - finding beauty in everything

00:19:26 - daily inputs and mindfulness

00:22:13 - creative ideas during physical activities

00:23:07 - interest in fashion and japanese designers

00:25:13 - the origin of 'frequency hopper'

00:26:56 - belief in energy and its impact

00:27:23 - becoming a photographer in the creative industry

00:31:57 - getting featured on hypebeast

00:34:49 - evolving as a creative and community building

00:38:19 - the importance of self-confidence

00:40:32 - building self-confidence through actions

00:43:07 - gaining confidence from others' belief

00:45:54 - impact of personal actions on loved ones

start a conversation with pikoi: @frequencyhopper

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui i @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

topics:

00:00:00 - authenticity and self-love

00:01:10 - musical inspirations and the weeknd's influence

00:03:03 - emotional connection to music during covid

00:04:20 - dropping the "sweeter lou" gimmick

00:05:56 - vulnerability and masculinity

00:07:01 - changing attitudes towards men's emotions

00:09:07 - the power of authenticity in relationships

00:09:42 - feature in british gq and representing filipinos

00:11:08 - family influence and overcoming struggles

00:14:27 - aspirations and impact on others

00:16:05 - transition from flight attendant to healthier lifestyle

00:18:33 - the drive behind pursuing passions

00:21:33 - music creation routine and audience support

00:23:52 - upcoming ep and mental health break

00:24:34 - music video with snakes and artistic vision

00:27:32 - the cost of music production

00:29:23 - early music video experience as a server

00:31:10 - influence of chops and pursuing music

00:33:01 - the detrimental effects of social media

00:35:15 - the importance of disconnecting from phones

00:37:02 - favorite books for creatives

00:38:58 - ideal place for creativity

00:40:07 - anticipated music and fashion brands

00:42:20 - the weekend's influence and other musical inspirations

00:44:13 - the importance of never seeking perfection

00:45:42 - the value of life over materialism

00:47:21 - the trap of social media and appreciating simplicity

00:48:20 - open invitation for conversation and connection

start a conversation with lou: @lou.celestino

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @CreativeHeadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace, and we can have a short conversation :)

00:00:00 - introduction and passion for raf simons

00:00:47 - educational background and career shift

00:01:52 - transition to styling and collecting designer pieces

00:03:36 - aspiring to be a stylist and working at ssense

00:04:43 - creative fulfillment and building a raf collection

00:05:05 - focusing on raf simons and the impact of silhouettes

00:06:28 - the significance of raf simons' work

00:07:02 - utilizing the raf collection for styling

00:08:00 - raf simons' inspirations and messages in clothing

00:09:14 - the importance of sentiment in clothing design

00:09:44 - favorite raf collection and its influence

00:11:04 - acquiring unique raf pieces and their value

00:13:41 - starting enhancer closet and personal branding

00:15:12 - designing and producing sweatpants

00:18:09 - the significance of sweatpants and future designs

00:20:32 - challenges with production and customer service

00:22:40 - branding and naming of the sweatpants

00:23:39 - upcoming designs and wallet chain accessory

00:24:21 - sentimental value in future clothing pieces

00:27:14 - creative direction in fashion

00:29:02 - quality over quantity in social media posting

00:31:16 - the five stages of grief in design

00:32:08 - the role of creative direction

00:34:01 - the importance of silhouette in styling

00:36:03 - attention to detail in styling

00:37:45 - early interest in streetwear and reselling

00:39:15 - growth and recognition in the fashion industry

00:40:11 - the importance of relationships and connections

00:42:00 - early attempts at a streetwear brand

00:43:52 - looking up to other creators and brands

00:47:01 - favorite places for inspiration

00:47:52 - reading habits and influences

00:48:43 - collaborations and connections in the industry

00:50:06 - understanding social media algorithms

00:52:23 - grail pieces and the value of raf simons' archive

00:53:17 - raf simons buying back his own pieces

00:54:39 - the market for rare fashion pieces

00:56:04 - sourcing and consulting for fashion stores

00:58:59 - contact information and shoutouts

01:00:07 - mention of friends and collaborators in the industry

start a conversation with karim: @eauxclaire I @enhanceyourcloset

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @creativeheadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace and we can have a short conversation :)

karim is a writer and videographer. karim is also a photographer for nhl. we get to listen to his creative journey about writing for complex canada, becoming part of nhl, what really is storytelling and why karim will be one of the biggest creatives out of montreal.

00:00 intro.

03:17 a touching content experience.

10:47 maximizing personal potential.

21:00 responsibility and motivation.

37:08 reporting on vital news.

44:27 curation as creation.

54:17 manifesting dreams and unexpected paths.

01:03:09 high expectations in relationships.

01:12:05 nhl and content creators.

01:21:09 embracing montreal's potential.

01:31:43 music on rotation.

start a conversation with karim: @karimfall_ I @diffminds

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativeheadspace

video conversation available @creativeheadspace on youtube

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace and we can have a short conversation :)

arthur makes shoes, lamps, shirts, chairs, he paints, yes all of that and a lot more. let's talk to him about his favorite projects. how he managed to work with converse for one of his very first projects. why he was featured in hypebeast and so much more :)

00:00 intro

02:21 gaining confidence through creative support.

06:07 childhood dream of being an inventor.

08:39 sacrificing the known for the unknown.

12:59 confidence and project impact.

17:11 favorite creative projects.

20:12 exploring the canvas itself.

24:00 executing good ideas.

30:01 being a student of life.

33:13 liberating curiosity and exploration.

36:08 childhood in the forest.

41:13 pursuing creative passions and mindset.

45:22 yerba mate tea.

50:25 pursuing art through recycled materials.

53:16 sharing creative process on social media.

56:16 montreal canadiens collaboration.

01:02:03 inspiring artists and creatives

01:05:22 exploring outside our comfort zones.

start a conversation with arthur: @j._arthur

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativeheadspace

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativeheadspace and we can have a short conversation :)

do you know anyone who was making good money and decided to switch it all up? this is kali’s story. listen today to one of my favorite creative entrepreneurs, the man who inspired me to start filming these conversations. (yes that's right) kali began with fitness and content creation before diving deep into fashion—transforming ‘health hustle’ into ‘hyper human.’ but why?

00:00 intro. 01:54 fashion. 03:27 mountains in vancouver. 08:18 accountability in a team. 11:06 drawing magic cards as resourcefulness. 16:36 rebranding and inclusivity. 18:21 health and perspective. 22:09 pursuing dreams and building a brand. 26:22 falling in love with training. 30:47 75 hard challenge. 34:19 influential people. 37:25 persistence and starting a podcast.

start a conversation with kali: @kaligdj

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativesheadspace

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativesheadspace and we can have a short conversation :)

aldo is a creative director of nucleo. they just shot for leagues cup. yes that big tournament where messi played. aldo is the same guy who carried a rack of clothes in metro from one suburb to another because of his passion. that itself is inspiring. lets listen to his creative headspace and his love to elevate latin culture through visual arts. ready, set (you know it)

00:00 unity and building something beautiful. 05:33 elevating latin businesses and communities. 09:01 latin music industry in montreal. 13:21 community and its importance. 17:38 finding branding through storytelling. 20:26 putting time into success. 23:55 cold showers and workouts. 28:22 connecting with people. 31:37 carrying clothing rack in subway. 35:40 what does it mean to document? 39:43 treating people like family. 41:49 competition and inspiration. 45:42 a fun project with kid super. 49:18 building through teamwork.

start a conversation with aldo: @aldostephano_ l nucleo.studios

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @mycreativesheadspace

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @mycreativesheadspace and we can have a short conversation :)

from football fields to dance floors, this is noel’s first time telling his creative journey. ready?

chapters!! :) [05:41] reading the crowd. [00:08:10] finding your purpose in music. [11:30] being passionate about something. [15:24] classification of songs in a set. [20:07] approaching DJs for bookings. [22:10] working instead of pursuing dreams. [25:23] building a music label. [29:03] influences and inspirations. [31:22] roommate interviews and podcasting.

start a conversation with noel: @issa.nono

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos and we can have a short conversation :)

remember those pictures with baggy sweatshirts and skinny pants with subtle chains. like the ones popping off in 2015? yeah, that was sam. sam is currently 21 years old and owns one of my favorite shops in montreal. he also has a clothing brand. right off the bat, i asked him why really fashion is your whole life and what fashion means to you? later, we got into talking about sam’s mental health and how his brand and fashion help him cope. even got to ask him what makes a good fit pic? i said proportions and? maybe dm me after listening ;)

chapters!! :)

[01:27] emptying the mind through fashion. [04:41] the importance of having projects. [11:29] love and concrete poetry. [12:45] romanticizing the city. [19:45] saying yes to opportunities. [22:09] taking calculated risks. [27:19] supporting friends in fashion. [31:19] proportions and monochromatic fashion. [34:10] every day is a puzzle. [39:43] the importance of surrounding atmosphere. [42:21] being behind the scenes.

start a conversation with sam: @sam.vez I @outandaboutstudio l @emptystudios.xyz

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos and we can have a short conversation :)

aidan started taking pictures of his friends and family in high school but how did he shot just drake? what is the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone as a creative? aidan also works at saint woods. how is he working for a brand that everyone wants to work for? lets explore together :)

[00:11] constantly evolving in photography. [03:06] taking on diverse opportunities. [07:09] pursuing passion in photography. [11:49] finding downtime as a creative. [13:31] pursuing photography from childhood. [17:35] becoming comfortable around celebrities. [21:43] production of a concert. [24:42] five photographers for drake. [26:49] wolfgang tillmans' influence. [31:06] competitive nature and surpassing others. [34:29] describing personal photography style. [37:05] my constantly changing style. [41:23] learning from early photo shoots. [43:54] rebuilding vintage bikes and customizing.

start a conversation with aidan: @aidanc.m

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos and we can have a short conversation :)

when you think of a creative, you can't help but think of someone like ashantéa, also known as @mustbemargiela. today we get to explore her creative journey from making tiktoks for fun to experiencing life-changing opportunities in the world of creativity. ready?

[02:08] video resumes at ssense. [04:18] passion and creating content. [08:02] women of color in creative industries. [09:15] inclusivity in the modeling industry. [13:36] cars and fashion. [16:32] similarities between sneakers and cars. [19:10] belonging in new spaces. [23:14] seizing opportunities and quality work. [26:27] finding passion and making money. [29:11] finding passion outside of money. [32:27] black lives matter protest. [35:07] community-led protest and activism. [39:28] working with a friend. [43:20] bridging cars and fashion. [47:43] organization and photo curation. [50:00] threads and social media evolution. [52:34] supporting friends on social media. [56:28] book recommendations and book club. [59:06] working out with friends.

start a conversation with ashantéa: @mustbemargiela I @mustbe.jwon

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos and we can have a short conversation :)

shane has been in the fashion game for over a decade. he has worked with brands such as new balance and adidas. now, he is the founder of adapture, where shane creates products that can be adapted to absolutely anything – and i do mean anything. today, shane is gonna drop so much knowledge, it's like... what do we even do with all of it?

start a conversation with shane: @shanelong I @adapture.co

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos and we can have a short conversation :)

angelo started his journey by passing paper pamphlets on the streets promoting hip-hop shows with a dream to bring canadian soccer to the entire world. today his team is in ea fc 24 previously known as fifa. what is ringleaders? how did angelo turn t-shirt brand from 2005 into a global movement? why soccer is not just a sport but a way of life? how is ringleaders related to creativity and art? what is football saved my life?

05:24: evolution of ringleaders concept. 12:02: branding inspired by soccer culture. 13:20: soccer is a way of life. 21:36: the joy of playing soccer. 26:43: dreaming and imagination drive creativity. 30:49: soccer inspires and impacts community. 39:59: passion and romance drive success. 43:25: try different things, explore yourself. 51:29: passion for gaming and competition.

start a conversation with angelo: @angelo_rfc I @theringleaders

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: post a review and send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos and we can have a short conversation :)

andres, originally from venezuela, had a passion for retail from a young age and pursued his dream by opening estudio niksen. this boutique has gained a reputation as one of the top shopping destinations in all of montreal. but why?

[01:45] the story behind studio niksen. [06:39] a new business idea. [09:23] homeware collaboration projects with artists. [12:05] production and mainline expansion. [16:19] merchandising and retail success. [19:02] the epitome of customer service. [24:23] online business and physical experience. [28:45] how to build a successful online boutique. [31:13] better quality clients, not quantity. [33:21] building a wardrobe strategy. [37:43] the art of doing nothing. [41:52] niksen versus meditating. [44:24] mistakes and taking risks. [50:08] perfectionism in creativity. [52:19] individual work preferences and creativity. [55:48] huge shout out to nick.

start a conversation with andres: @andresbarrios31 I estudio.niksen

start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you see this: you can post a review and if send me a screenshot at @creativesstartingconvos we can have a short conversation <3

today we get to listen to mansa, who is everyone's favorite dj for eight years and running, who also runs a non-profit called occupy the hood. she uses the power of music and arts, to host charitable events that benefit communities in need. during this conversation, mansa talked about what makes a great dj set, the valuable lessons mansa has learned from her work with occupy the hood, and the advice she has for female creatives and djs who are just starting out.

start a conversation with mansa: @e6onyy I occupythehood.mtl start a conversation with me: @saimfarooqui I @creativesstartingconvos I @nothingmakessense.jpg

if you prefer a visual experience, you can head over to youtube and watch the podcast.

ps: if you enjoyed listening to this conversation, please leave a 5-star review where you ever you are listening and i will thank you personally for tuning in :)