Community among the neon lights
Jasmin Linton (she/her) // Contributor
Jasmin Linton (she/her) // Illustrator
Black-owned businesses make up a good portion of go-to spots in Vancouver. Organizing and curating one such gem is Isa of Isa & Friends, an arts and entertainment organization set on creating an inclusive safe space for all. Isa, who goes by her alias online, describes her work as “DJ events and art shows in the Vancouver scene, and just a little bit of everything.”
“I also do creative and art directing for photoshoots and freelance artwork,” she says, continuing to list, “ Booking management, promo, social media management; a little bit of everything.” Through her hard work, Isa has put on a wide variety of art shows, curated DJ nights and used her talent, connections and art to carve out a safe space for any Vancouverite misfits.
“When I was 16, I would always have these hall parties because I was friends with a lot of different friend groups that didn’t get invited to things,” Isa recalls, “Hundreds of people would come. I would make posters.” Although those parties were recreational rather than a business prospect, the COVID-19 pandemic halted any consideration of business plans when Isa graduated from high school in 2020.
Feeling low on options and wondering what to do next, Isa recalls her thought process at the time, saying, “What am I good at? Fuckin’ throwing parties!” After that, the decision for her birthday party changed the tides. “I decided—when I turned 19—to just have this random suit and tie party-like art show at The MOTN, and then when I did that, it blew up!” After seeing the success of her hard work, Isa decided to “take it seriously” in her words, and started focusing on building her brand.
The two biggest challenges Isa faced were determining demographics and recruiting a team. “I was kind of on the edge about having specific music at [events] because specific music brings specific crowds,” she says. This challenge goes hand-in-hand with the organization’s main message of inclusivity, with Isa stating, “I wanted it to feel safe for whoever’s coming. No matter what age you are, what you know, what you’re into; I just wanted it to feel safe.”
Having started the event with her friends, Isa is focused on using her platform and space to elevate other artists. She spotlights the local community, finding venues, opening talent and local DJs like @jonahwingelman, @ssamuelcarter and @_soundcache_. Along with local communities, Isa is focused on the empowerment of the black community, holding Black History Month events and donating to charities that uplift people of colour. “I would like to do something with music and kids,” Isa says, insinuating there is more to be done. “I definitely want to reinvest in the community and in the music world.”
While she mentions never having trouble with individuals or organizations due to her identity, prejudice is built into imposter syndrome. “I’ve had pretty positive experiences so far because of boundaries I set, and my professionalism when I go into these rooms,” she asserts before considering the other side of things, “I have felt like I haven’t been good enough in certain creative spaces. I don’t think that’s credited to me being a Black artist, but I have experienced that as a Black artist.” She continues to say, “I struggle with as a black artist feeling like, oh, because I’m already an individual as it is I have to keep leveling up, leveling up.”
Isa’s journey with Isa & Friends is a testament to her resilience and passion. By creating a space where inclusivity and artistry thrive, she has not only built a platform for herself but also uplifted countless other local creatives.
Isa & Friends can be found on Instagram @isaplusfriends. Some Friends include @miimilli and @julianinjeti who do video recaps, @kotto.labs who created the logo, @alexikowalchuk who does graphic design and posters and @carollinelu, a sponsor and event photographer.
The weekend after sitting down with the Courier, Isa & Friends hosted Free For All, an event at the Pearl photographed by @joe__salmon and @_erv_____ with DJs like @vvackaflocka and @imdaniellin, as well as an upstairs safe space hosted by @iamstillhealingg and @glow.byaura. Find photos from this event in the Courier’s mini zine, C.C. Crumb across campus.
Want some other influential black-owned businesses in Vancouver? Check these out:
- Hogan’s Alley Clothing
Clothing that tells the stories of the beautifully blended cultures of the prominent Afro-Canadian neighborhood, Hogan’s Alley. As a prominent POC neighborhood in the 50s and 60s, Hogan’s Alley was a blend of flourishing cultures sadly demolished by the city. Hogan’s Alley Clothing brings these cultures back to life in a fusion of african culture and western styles. Be sure to pick up a cool design at hogansalleyclothing.com.
- Stoxx Vintage
Owned by a local family, Stoxx Vintage is located in Kingsgate Mall, Metrotown and Nanaimo and is home to some of the best thrift finds in Vancouver. Self-described as a “treasure trove” Stoxx is your go to spot for all things 80s and 90s vintage. Check them out on Tiktok @stoxxvintage.
- Miscellany Finds
Miscellany finds is run by the lovely Portia Sam and is a local social enterprise focused on helping women and children in East Vancouver. Located on Commercial Drive, Miscellany is the perfect spot to donate clothes, trinkets and knick knacks. Find them on miscellanyfinds.ca.