Latest BLUP50 member is a multi-talented creative, looking after the environment and your luxury optical needs. Founder of both The Vintage Trap and Fast Tap Card, built around making it easier for the everyday person to be more sustainable in their choices.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Growth.
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK/TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
Recently, I’ve been following a few profiles that share images of “the ultimate dream house” (vision board vibes). I think I’ve been stuck in lock down long enough!
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
I failed and got a D in Business A Levels, but I knew I wanted to study it at University and ended up graduating with First Class Honours in Business and Marketing. This helped me get a sales role but then got promoted to an Account Manager – with a tech start-up called Lantum, in Old Street. All together while slowly building TVT (@thevintagetrap) in my spare time. It wasn’t until nearly two years later and two months into officially launching my first online store, I made the decision to leave my job and pursue my hobby turned business full-time. This was 4 years ago. Check out the online store at: www.thevintagetrap.com
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
Every day is different but I like structure and routine in my days/weeks, which can also be something difficult if you are an entrepreneur or creative working for yourself.
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
Exercise, longboard, read or a bit of Barcelona sun!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
It is always a highlight every time I get to meet and work with celebrities, music artists and sports persons clientele. It gives me the positive energy and inspiration that I feed back into my work and life.
But it was definitely a surreal moment when I got to work with and hang with the Migos a couple of years ago, during their Culture II Europe Tour. The year after, it was also a highlight doing my first collaboration with DJ Loco Dice which was in partnership with Vision Aid Overseas charity. We designed the collection together, shot the campaign in Ibiza during his headline opening at Pacha with Marco Carola and then threw a very lit launch party in Shoreditch, London!
It was also a big highlight of 2020 working with Wizkid during the release of his amazing album, Made In Lagos. It was a tough year as we all know, but having a loyal client like Wizkid during this time kept me motivated.
Something of recent this year that has really got me excited is being approached by Selfridges! I am now currently working on something with them that contributes to their sustainable and ethical shopping project – Project Earth. Watch this space!
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
Using my platform to give back to those that need it. I think it is so important to explore ways that we use our influence to attach a charitable mission to our work.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
Less of a who and more of a where – I get most inspiration from when I change my surroundings, travelling. And it’s through these journeys where I encounter people, conversations or architecture that inspires me.
// YOUR FAVOURITE SONG OF 2021 SO FAR?
Not a 2021 release, but still jamming to Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes’ album from last year.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
I’ll leave it for them to say!
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
Be your authentic self, don’t waste energy on caring what others think and throw yourself out there, because no one is going to come and find you.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Environmental issues affects everyone on a global scale. You can help plant a tree with me by purchasing a @fast.tap.card from www.fast-tap.com. Fast Tap is the new smart business card that allows you to network in a new, cool and straightforward way. It just the one business card you will ever need and it irradiates the use of paper business cards due to the amount of waste they produce as well as the 7.2 million of trees that gets cut down every year. It is our mission to plant 20 million trees before 2030, join us to be part of it!
// ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?
You can connect with me on Instagram @gotitfrombenjie, Benjamin Estacio signing out!
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