You’re A Big Deal: Kayko Tamaki

Jun 17, 12

Name: Kayko Tamaki

Occupation: To be happy

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

WBD: As a lover of arts, tell us how you got started in your different occupations?

As a Lover of arts I got started in my careers by taking risks, seizing opportunities and by prioritizing passion over making money. And when you focus on your passion, eventually the money comes around. I think all of us have the capacity to live out our lives enjoying our work. I absolutely am still fine tuning this aspect of my life. I am still faced with taking risks and growing to believe that I am capable of whatever it is that I wish to do.

WBD: Who are your inspirations?

My inspirations are plenty! My family and my friends. Sometimes it’s people who are famous or unknown. Sometimes it’s a place — familiar and new. Sometimes it’s the moon, a tree, the sound of rain, or the sun’s warmth on my skin. Inspirations are abundant when we allow ourselves to see, hear, and feel them.

WBD: Tell us about Burlesque Nouveaux?

Burlesque Nouveaux is a product of determination, team work, faith, discipline, passion and most of all — healing. I have always wanted to start a burlesque troupe ever since I became mesmerized by the eras in which they were created. I spoke of this dream with a fellow dancer, Nina Roxanne, and years later with one of my best friends, Kiaramia. I was going through one of my most difficult and challenging chapters in my life — heartbroken. With the support of my dear friend Craig Hama — a true definition of a philanthropist — Burlesque Nouveaux was created. It really did pull me through my breakup.

WBD: What is your favorite part of your jobs?

My favorite part of my jobs is the source of creativity that it allows me. From the costumes, to the music selection, to the dance moves, facial expressions, body movement and the effect it has on a room or audience. I love to have an idea and concept for a shoot or a painting and to see it materialize. I love that it doesn’t feel like I’m wasting my precious life doing anything but what makes me feel alive.

WBD: Tell us about the most memorable experience in your career so far?

In all of my careers, the most memorable moments are the various milestones that I hit. One of them was traveling to Tokyo to dance, dancing for incredible DJs, being the face of Bamboo Sky, Burlesque Nouveaux’s debut performance and the wonderful friends I have made along the way.

WBD: What advice would you give to someone looking to start down your path?

Advice for those wanting to go down my path? My advice is to constantly be aware of yourself. Listen to your heart, your intuition and feel worthy of living and deserving your best life. Go easy on yourself, but push yourself at the right moments. When it gets challenging, reconnect, refocus and surround yourself with love.

WBD: What’s coming up for you that you’re excited about?

I am excited for dancing at the Long Beach pride event with The Push Party this summer, for my upcoming gigs with the Usual Suspects. I am eager to grow and expand on my paintings and drawings. I am excited to be learning from some wonderful artists and putting together an art show in the near future. I have plans to do more creative directing with an amazing photographer, Harold Julian, on short films and video. And will be working on many other projects that I can’t wait to see into fruition.

KAYKO from Harold julian on Vimeo.

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY BEACH OAHU,HAWAII
Canon EOS 5D MarkII

WBD: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I’d like to share the truth. That even in my accomplishments I still can feel lost. I want to share that I struggle with uncertainty of the future and the outcomes. But life really does prove to you that we really are the creators of our lives. And the uncertain and scary moments are worth the moments of freedom and joy. I think as children we have this notion that by the time we are adults we are suppose to have it all figured out — when in truth — the figuring out never stops. It’s beautiful. It’s life. The dots may not connect today, but they will later. So let the dots be ones you enjoyed making.

WBD’s Fun Five

1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?

I want to experience living in various places. I grew up in the most wonderful place–Myros

2. If I gave you $20 to spend on anything right now, what would it be?

Definitely food!

3. Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.

Something that has consistently surprised people is the fact that I am funny and that I speak Japanese. My humor comes out when I am at ease and my Japanese comes out when my mom calls or when I am ordering at a sushi restaurant. The reactions are pretty great.

4. What advice would you give to your 15 year old self?

To enjoy being 15! To embrace life and that I really am capable of whatever I set my heart to.

www.kaykotamaki.com

@kaykotamaki

@burlesquenuvo