Take-Off | TaJa Barber: New York's Favorite Young DJ, Blogger and Fashionista
DJ'ing at Nike's latest event, exposing trends to hundreds of thousands of her peers daily, running around NY Fashion Week as one of Project Cobalt's Style Ambassadors, these are just a few reasons why Taja Barber, aka DJ Filthy Rich TaJ, is one of NYC's leading young cultural influencers. At just 19 years of age, she’s already built an international following of young, fashion-conscious and music savvy fans from around the globe and she's just getting started.
1. How did blogging and photographing your life come about?
When I was about 15, my mom gave me a Canon Rebel camera for Christmas one year, because at that time I was really into taking photos and sharing my view on food, fashion and music through my Tumblr. It's cool to be able to share your vision with others through a lens which is also why I like blogging... I can post whatever I want... whatever catches my eye.
2. At what point did you say, "Mom.. I want to be a DJ!"
I've always loved music so after my finished my first few DJ classes at Scratch Academy, I really took a liking to it... I told my mom I wanted to continue with the classes, but I wanted to learn more than just the basics. My mom looked into a more intensive program at Dubspot and after I started the sessions, I bought my first set of turntables and a mixer...and I've been spinning ever since!
3. You have 38.2k followers just on Instagram alone. How did you gain such a following?
I gained my following by openly sharing my life and day to day experiences with my friends. Perhaps what I consider normal, isn't the average lifestyle for a girl my age, but I love to share my daily activities, the places that I visit and the projects and brands I've been lucky enough to work with.
4.You recently took on Fashion Week and checked out Public School and Richard Chai show on behalf of Project Cobalt. How was that experience and what did you learn from it?
I had a great time at both shows. I learned when capturing content, you need a super steady hand and great positioning to really get the shots and angles you want. I love the fact that these NYFW brings together different types of people from all over the place just to experience a 10 min show.
5. What is one piece of advise you can give young talent like yourself that will allow them to shine bright and have other believe in them?
One piece of advice I would give is the piece of advice my mom gave me years ago - " Be the first, best, or most different." And also to give whatever your passion is a great amount of your energy, time, and focus.
6. What or who would you say motivates you everyday?
My mom and my family are my daily motivation but I do confess that I'm very motivated by food, since I consider myself a bit of a "foodie".
7. What can we expect from Taja Barber the brand in the next few years?
Hopefully I'll have a few residencies, will have spun at a few festivals (preferably coachella ) ... and maybe my face will be on a billboard or two across the country!
8. Top 3 fashion brands you're all about right now and why?
I really like Pusha T's line, "PLAY Cloths". NastyGal is a really cute brand and I like that they have great casual pieces that can transition into a night out as well...and Uniqlo is also one of my favorite brands, because I LOVE that they literally have everything!
9. Who are you heavily listening to right now?
I'm really liking Drake's new album and if you're reading this, it's too late! I also love Flying Lotus, Disclosure, Kaytranada, as well as a lot of unknown and underground artist (djs, producers)...so my list can go on and on!
10. Can you curate a playlist just for Project Cobalt?
A playlist for Project Cobalt can definitely be curated!
