Photo by:  Angelo Baque
By: Yo Mama

New York native Vashtie “Downtown’s Sweetheart” Kola lives by the motto “slow and steady wins the race.” It’s a wonder how. One day she might be working on cut-and-sew for her fashion line, the next directing a music video for KiD CuDi, or doing Patron shots with Q-Tip.

Best known for her spec video of “Us Placers” by CRS (Kanye, Lupe, & Pharrell), Vashtie wasn’t always behind the lens. She got her start as Director of Creative Services at Def Jam.  However she realized that she her heart was in film and no longer wanted to “set aside being an artist to be an executive that worked with artists.”

When she’s not daydreaming about directing videos for Björk, Vashtie develops her urban fashion line, Violette.   The brand reflects her boyish yet eclectic style and Kola is dedicated to making clothes that are classic, reliable and that she likes to wear.

It’s no surprise that Vashtie is downtown’s sweetheart. She and best friend, Oscar Sanchez, put on one of the best events in downtown New York City with a musically themed party called “1992.” Started to provide an alternative to the increasingly superficial NYC downtown scene, “1992” celebrates a time when popular music seemed to be at a diverse, profitable and creative apex.  Success from “1992” led to a collaboration with Q-Tip and Rich Medina called “Open” where you might share the dance floor with folks like Jay-Z, Mick Jagger, DJ Premier, the Clipse and Lupe Fiasco.

Although Vashtie has a lot on her plate, she still makes time for “routine naps” and leaves room for a bite to eat at her favorite spot, Franks on 2nd Avenue.  You may find her roaming the NYC streets with a handbag full of cameras and a smile on her face.  “If you love what you do, you’ll figure out how it can make you money eventually,” she shares.  Vashtie is living proof if you follow your passions it can be both spiritually and financially rewarding.