Vashtie Kola

Vashtie Kola (often stylized as Va$htie) is an American music video director, filmmaker, artist, designer, creative consultant and disc jockey (DJ). She has been active in the downtown New York City scene for over a decade. The New York Times wrote about her in a Style section profile.

Early life

Kola was born and raised in Albany, New York and is of Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian descent. She moved to New York City in 1999 to attend the School of Visual Arts, where she studied film. She graduated in 2004. During this time, she worked at Stüssy, a clothing store.

Career

2005: Vashtie was signed to Box Fresh Pictures as a director alongside Anthony Mandler. Many of her first videos were done with this company, including videos for artists such as Beans, J-Status and Tony Hussle. At the same time she was also writing music video treatments for established directors such as Anthony Mandler, Lenny Bass and Dr. Teeth. She wrote the treatment for Common's video "Testify" which starred Taraji P. Henson and Wood Harris. During the same time, Vashtie styled and modeled for the clothing line Billionaire Boys Club.