Meet EPMG.fiji

 

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

EPMG.fiji, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism stems from two main pillars: the unwavering support of the EPMG.fiji community and the personal growth I’ve experienced throughout this journey.

The community’s encouragement continually surprises me. I still get a rush from reading comments on posts and witnessing the unexpected reach of our content. It’s surreal when childhood heroes like Tony Hawk, Shaquille O’Neal, and Liam Gallagher engage with our posts. Thanks to this support, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend various events, from fashion shows to early film screenings and sporting events. Collaborating with brands I admire—such as MSCHF, FaZe Clan, and Homme+Femme—has been incredibly rewarding and reinforces the bright future of this project. Recently, as I’ve begun creating clothing, I’ve been amazed by the global support I’ve received. I never imagined that something I made while hunched over my desk would be worn and cherished by people thousands of miles away. This experience has been both humbling and rewarding, and I’m excited to see how we continue to develop. I’m also grateful for the chance to connect people with common interests and introduce them to new worlds. I genuinely wish EPMG.fiji had been around when I was in high school; it would have been invaluable as I began to discover my own interests.

On a personal level, this project has taught me invaluable lessons. This is my first experience building something from scratch, and although I haven’t posted on my personal account in over four years, I eagerly look forward to sharing content on EPMG.fiji every day. We now post four times a day on each platform, which has been incredibly liberating. I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone—authenticity is key. Each day brings new discoveries, whether it’s the lore behind a film’s creation, the legacy of Tom Ford at Gucci, or how the Solomun Boiler Room set in Tulum mirrors a modern Shakespearean tragedy. With my day job focused on engineering, EPMG.fiji provides an essential creative escape, allowing me to balance both sides of my interests.

Ultimately, these experiences make me optimistic about continuing this journey, as there are still many layers to uncover. I never imagined I’d dedicate my time to a project like this, but I love it and am excited about the journey ahead, hoping to continue growing it for many more years.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At its core, EPMG.fiji is a thriving community that owes its success to each member. Our primary focus has been creating a unifying online space where people can connect over shared interests and explore the richness of niche subcultures. What began as a personal creative outlet has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub celebrating everything from movies and music to fashion. I’m proud to say that after just over three years, our community has expanded to over 135,000 followers across all platforms.

I originally created EPMG.fiji as a means of self-expression during my transition from university to full-time engineering work. After graduating from Stanford with a degree in computer science, I realized there was so much more I wanted to explore beyond engineering, especially as my admiration for fashion and film grew. As I channeled my growing passion for fashion and film into EPMG.fiji, I was amazed to see how a simple post could foster meaningful connections among people. It’s truly heartwarming to witness the bonds we’ve formed through shared interests. What sets EPMG.fiji apart is its authenticity; it’s not just an archive but a living reflection of our community’s diverse interests.

As our online community has flourished, I’ve been focusing on ways to foster connections in the real world. We recently launched our clothing brand, and the support has been phenomenal! I never imagined that people would be wearing our shirts across the country and beyond. We’ve also hosted a few in-person events, creating opportunities for gatherings filled with drinks, music, and good times. One memorable event was during Miami F1 weekend, where we attended a gathering hosted by Hugo Boss and LoveRacing. I’m looking forward to more in-person events throughout the remainder of 2024, and I’d love to organize a movie night or even a talent show! The agenda for these events is still open, so if you have any ideas, please reach out! Stay tuned for new merch drops and events in your area!

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?

Authenticity: Launching a clothing brand or starting on social media can be challenging, and it’s easy to feel pressured to seek validation from others. However, the most crucial aspect is to stay true to yourself and ensure your work resonates with your values. While supporters may come and go, your commitment to authenticity will create lasting connections. For EPMG.fiji, I consciously choose not to post content that doesn’t align with my vision, even if my peers are finding success with it. This authenticity not only sets you apart in a crowded space, but it also invites genuine support. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, how can you expect others to believe in it?

Consistency: I strongly believe in the saying, “the grass is greener where you water it,” which applies to any project you commit to. Overnight success is rare; while it may happen for some, there are no guarantees. Instead, focus on consistency and developing a clear vision for growth. Throughout your journey, you’ll face highs and lows, but it’s crucial to keep pushing forward until your audience discovers you. Set specific goals for your output and make it a habit to create and post regularly. After all, how can you expect to improve if you give up at the first sign of obstacles?

Awareness: In any niche, it’s unlikely that you’re the only player in the game, making awareness vital. Always observe what your peers are doing and how the landscape is evolving. Understanding the industry—who the key players are and what trends are emerging—will help you navigate the market and seize opportunities. To enhance your awareness, follow industry leaders, engage with communities on social media, and critically assess your own work. Attend events and collaborate with others to expand your network and gain insights into current trends, as networking can open doors to new ideas and partnerships. For example, a recent connection allowed me to help promote Lil Tecca’s latest album. From my experience, people are eager to share tips and discuss growth strategies. Conversations with fellow creatives can offer valuable perspectives and help you see beyond your own vision. After all, how can you grow if you’re unaware of what’s happening around you?

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the last 12 months, taking risks has been the most impactful factor in my growth. Venturing outside my comfort zone has led me to design clothes that I genuinely love and want to wear. This risk in creative expression has not only enhanced my personal style but has also resonated with my audience, fostering a deeper connection.

I’ve shifted my approach when posting, allowing myself to be more carefree and spontaneous. This change has relieved pressure and encouraged authentic engagement with my community, transforming how I interact online. Additionally, I’ve taken the initiative to engage more with my followers, moving past my previous reclusiveness. Interacting directly with them has been incredibly rewarding and has strengthened our community bond.

Hosting in-person events has been another exciting leap for me. These gatherings have allowed me to connect with wonderful people in our community face-to-face, and I’m eager to organize more in the future. It’s been a joy to meet those who support EPMG.fiji and to build meaningful relationships beyond the digital space.

Investing in my clothing business through ads and marketing strategies was also a significant risk. While it required a leap of faith, the results have been encouraging, helping me reach new audiences and expand my visibility in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Finally, opening myself to collaborations I once thought were out of reach has been a game changer. Embracing these opportunities has introduced me to new perspectives and creative avenues that have further enriched my brand.
Overall, taking risks has not only fueled my growth but has also reinvigorated my passion for what I do.

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