Meet Isaac Priest

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isaac Priest. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isaac below.

Isaac, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity, for me, isn’t something that’s forced. I think back to my early days when I started studying to be a designer, when I was struggling to find my niche and voice within the industry. I was constantly told I needed to fit within specific molds that didn’t really resonate with who I was. That’s when I realised that creativity doesn’t thrive when it’s confined, it needs space to breathe and evolve.

One of the biggest shifts for me came when I stopped trying to control my creative process and started feeding it in different ways. Travel has been a huge part of that process. I am so inspired by seeing new places, new cultures, new perspectives and new architecture that reignites a spark in me. However there is a contrasting side also to these bold experiences that inspire me. The quiet moments can be extremely impactful also. A walk down near my local cafe, a conversation with a stranger, or even the other day I saw a fence that was full of cracks and these little things have a way of opening up a world of ideas.

There was a time when I doubted my ability to break into new industries, feeling like fashion was where I had to stay. But then I realised that creativity feeds into everything. Whether it’s designing a garment, developing a business idea, or acting and producing. When I feel stuck, I turn to the to the other industry or to people, to nature, to experiences that remind me why I started creating in the first place.

I know this will sound counterintuitive but as I grow I’ve also learned that creativity needs discipline to flourish. By that I mean having routines. That balance between structure and spontaneity keeps my mind sharp, while allowing space for the unexpected moments of inspiration to strike.

Ultimately, keeping my creativity alive is about staying open. Open to change, to growth, and to the endless possibilities that come from stepping outside of my comfort zone. It’s about remembering that there are no rules in creativity, only opportunities to discover something new. That’s how I keep it alive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a fashion designer and entrepreneur, leading two brands, MACAASI and Isaac James. What excites me most about this work is the fusion of art, innovation, and personal storytelling. With MACAASI, we push creative boundaries, blending technology with a focus on well-being and empowerment. Our vision is about more than just making money, it’s about creating experiences that challenge convention and inspire confidence, all while giving back to the creative community. Isaac James, on the other hand, is the fashion side, where I explore the mix of masculine and feminine design rooted in my own journey and vision as a designer.

Beyond fashion, I’m also deeply involved in the film industry as both an actor and producer. What I love about film is its ability to tell powerful stories and create emotional connections, which mirrors what I try to do with my fashion work. Acting allows me to explore different facets of my creativity and connect with audiences in new ways, while producing gives me the opportunity to shape projects from the ground up, and I love it so much more than I expected to. This part of my life has taken off and im excited to see where this journey takes me.

Right now, both of my brands are in exciting phases of expansion. We’re working on launching new product lines that combine sustainable practices with cutting-edge design. There’s also a focus on expanding into other industries, including tech-driven experiences and wellness, to make sure we stay at the forefront of innovation.

Ultimately, my goal is to build a world where creativity, altruism, and limitless possibilities intersect, and I’m always excited to bring something new and transformative to the table.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities and experiences that stand out as most impactful, independence, self-acceptance, and relentless authenticity.

The first major turning point was when I went to LA by myself at 20. During the trip I also moved out of home, and that leap of faith taught me so much about independence and resilience. It was daunting at first being in a new city, navigating unfamiliar experiences, and figuring out who I was and what I wanted. But it forced me to trust in myself and my decisions. That experience built the foundation of my confidence as an entrepreneur and creative. For anyone early in their journey, I would say take those big leaps, even when they feel terrifying. Those moments of discomfort push you to grow in ways you can’t imagine. The independence you gain from stepping out of your comfort zone becomes a lifelong asset.

The second lesson that shaped my path was learning to accept who I am. For a long time, I wrestled with who I thought I should be versus who I actually was. There’s so much pressure to conform to certain expectations, especially in industries like fashion and film, where appearance and perception can feel so rigid. But the moment I started accepting myself, my identity, my uniqueness, my vision, that’s when everything began to align. I stopped trying to fit into boxes and started carving my own path, bringing my authentic self into everything I create. My advice here is simple, accept who you are and embrace your differences. The world doesn’t need more people following trends or trying to be someone they’re not. It needs people who are brave enough to bring their whole, true selves into everything they do.

Finally, being relentlessly yourself has been key. I’ve learned that the more you show up as yourself, the more the right opportunities and people will come into your life. Early in my journey, I felt the need to prove myself, to be polished or to fit a mold. But over time, I realised that the moments where I truly thrived were the ones where I was unapologetically me. Whether that’s in my designs, my acting, or in the way I lead my brands. My advice for those starting out is stop waiting for permission to be yourself. Whether you’re in fashion, business, or any other field, your uniqueness is your power. Don’t water it down for anyone.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has undoubtedly been the expansion of my companies, MACAASI and Isaac James, as well as the strides I’ve made in my acting and producing careers. With both brands, I’ve pushed beyond fashion and expanding into implementing advanced technologies and exploring innovative ways. At the same time, my work in film both as an actor and producer has grown significantly, allowing me to step into the world for bigger and more challenging roles while shaping impactful projects from behind the scenes. Balancing these ventures has required me to develop stronger leadership skills, a deeper understanding of multiple industries, and a relentless focus on growth, all of which have been instrumental in my personal and professional evolution this past year.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.macaasi.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaac.priest/?hl=en
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12567666/