We were really excited to speak with Tae Stubbs from the US. An aspiring actor, model and magazine owner. Check out his interview below
Tell us a bit about you?
As an innovator I like to think of myself as an activist. A leader in front and behind the cameras because I have a vision that will become an idea or a way of thinking. I started my performing arts journey as Chris Brown emerged into the world with “Run It.” I then performed my first time at Reserve Middle School on the west side of Warren OH and it was at that point I realised that that’s what I wanted to keep doing. As I grew up with my mother after my father passed, I became a man traveling and performing a lot at talent shows. Dance opened up other avenues for me such as art, singing, choreographing and a lot of acting, which I am very good at now. As a 27 year old man with 8 movies under his belt, 4 commercials and a Super Bowl Ad, I have no intention to turn away from this lifestyle.
How did you get into fashion?
I got into fashion when I discovered the complexity of differentiating myself from others at the age of 12. From age 12 to 16 I had gained a strong sense of colours, patterns, coordinating pieces and layering and shoe combinations; the trends that changed so fast I didn’t move so quickly with them because I loved the style. Getting my first pair of Jordan’s was a big deal because playing basketball in 7th/8th grade was a defining period of becoming a cool kid or not – Lol! Just like everyone else I wanted to fit in at first but I had an opportunity to earn money working and my money was spent on other styles and different shoes every time I got paid.
I know you have your fingers in a lot of pies lol. Can you tell us a bit about what you have going on?
What I have going on now is three films in the work. I just finished doing a short called “The Deal” releasing in April 2019 about 2 cops that are partners that are trying to keep a kid on the right path; my self written and directed feature film “HER” releasing in November of this year about a dad who has schizophrenia after his daughter died searching for a woman who can give him another child. The last project I have going on is modelling for NYFW in LA and NYC in the fall. Fashion Week has been a big deal for me and my agencies because I’ve been slim, fit and fashionable ready my whole life so as easy as I make it look, I do a lot of work with a bunch of designers.
How is the acting going? I saw you were filming recently?
Acting is going really well. The film, “The Deal” directed by Conrad aka Abel1Shot is a great story and great project with real people. I believe this will get noticed just like his last video that has 600k views from YouTube. So as of now, acting has been a focus because of film festivals, film contest with Jordan Peele and Tyler Perry. The love for acting is when I get to do quality work. I am inspired by Denzel Washington and his son, Jamie Fox, Will Smith, Michael B Jordan, Viola Davis because they do quality work and nobody can match them.
Who is your favourite fashion designer right now? And why?
My favourite fashion designer right now is my friends honestly because I see them going through the actual process. Do I have favourite designs/brands I wear of course I do this is the 21st century lol but my friends have their businesses and they’re booming; Thirty Three Collection, Challenged Society and Nadi Negligees are who I’ve worn and modelled for or been to shows to see their work.
What are your short/long term goals?
My short term goal is to open a building for artists to work and give artists an opportunity to have good quality work. My long term goal is to have sixteen one of one uniquely designed high end clothing pieces for models to wear on the runway in the next 5 years. I’ve had that idea because I want it to be a privilege to wear these pieces and challenge others and their creativity. I never wanted to come out with t shirts or sweaters or something we all wear. I want my pieces to be saved for events or weddings.
What album are you listening to right now?
The albums or music I listen to is “Championships” by Meek Mill and a lot of “GoldLink” for the men and for the women is “H.E.R.” I have a very unique ear when it comes to soulful R&B so I listen to a lot of soothing love music. If I’m not dancing, lol, I’m listening to it.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now I would be working for someone else. I don’t like the idea of titles mattering in the workplace because eventually they’ll abuse it. I like the freedom of creativity, my opinion being taken seriously so I surround myself in environments I can be I can be in control of those variables.
High-end fashion or fast fashion, which do you prefer?
I prefer high end fashion all day because of the severity of it. Quick fashion does get the job done at points but high end fashion is a showstopper to me. It’s like rich being compared to wealthy.
Quick-fire questions:
Favourite Music Artist? Chris Brown
Favourite meal? Lasagna
One person who inspires you? Myself
Your celebrity crush? Jordyn Woods
Favourite drink? Gatorade Fruit Punch Berry combo
Best movie of all time? Training Day
Trump? Hell No to Trump
Gucci? Never wore Gucci and never will
Thanks Tae. We look forward to watching your career blossom.
By AV