9 Questions For...Kasha Esque

Don’t we all know someone who is consistedly wearing at least one thing we want? As far as style goes; she always has next. She's a true trendsetter. The type who will rock a pair of leather pants, a boy scout uniform shirt and a string of pearls to school...just because. Well, Kasha Esque is that chick. While the 30 year-old Howard University grad has an image that constantly turns heads, she spends most of her time capturing or manipulating the images of others. This accessory loving Capricorn is a photographer, video editor and owner of her own burgeoning production company. Now based in Los Angeles, Kasha is also a self-described "east coast gypsy" having lived in Florida, New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC. Miss Esque shared with PPT her second-hand store shopping secrets, why our mothers sometimes really do know best and the importance of smiling.

PPT: Who are your fave people?
KE: My mom. She was always very particular about how she looked. She taught me about putting a look together. Nothing is by chance. Everything has been conceptualized. It wasn’t about money. She taught me that you don’t have to follow the crowd. Thanks Mom! [laughs]

PPT: Where are your fave places?
KE: Oxford and Carnaby Streets in London. They were like a concrete catwalk. Inspired me to not have limits; not be afraid. Also, thrift shops in Dania, Florida. You can get thrift anywhere now but there stuff is always in really good condition. Dania has a big retirement community so the stuff typically didn’t originate in Florida.
London's fashionable Carnaby Street

PPT: What are your fave things?
KE: A photograph in my house. It’s one of my early works – of two older women going to church. You don’t see their faces. It reminds me that sometimes all you need is a hot shoe and handbag.

PPT: What’s been your biggest splurge?
KE: Hmmm. Usually when I splurge I just black it out. [laughs] I guess my Mac laptop. I could have gone with a [less expensive] Dell or a pc.

PPT: Now, how about your ultimate budget find?
KE: A one-of-a-kind necklace from a Mali, West African jewelry designer. I bought it from a street vendor in D.C. around K and 17th Streets, downtown. It was probably like ten or fifteen bucks.

PPT: What’s the last book you read?
KE: Selah’s Bed by Jenoyne Adams. It was given to me as a gift. It is about the power of sexuality and a women’s body. I’m still reading it and so far I’m enjoying it.




PPT: Who are you listening to?
KE: Alicia Keys, As I Am, Talib’s new joint [Eardrum] -- one of my favorites. And soul music from late 50s and 60s from a compilation cd of various artists. I’m a big fan of soul music -- my iPod is filled with it.

PPT: Your last vacay was to (not work related)?
KE: New York City. I was all over the 5 boroughs (except Staten Island) and Long Island. I went to Queens to get my hair done. [laughs] Oh and Florida over holidays (Ft. Lauderdale area).

PPT: What’s your definition of style?
KE: Confidence. I live in La La Land so it’s nothing for people to drop a couple grand on an outfit. People often only like what they’re told to like. I wonder if some people like things because they cost a lot of money or because a celeb is wearing it. I judge my clothes based on how I feel when I’m in them. Am I gonna have a smile on my face when I’m wearing this? That smile can be your best accessory.