Meet Kal Chak Jr | Artist **(my name is Kal Chak Jr, but Prefer to go by YellowDaze)***

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kal Chak Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
YellowDaze has always been about Love and Community. I wanted to create a space for myself and those around me to feel safe and inspired to do whatever your heart desires no matter what challenges life has to offer.
Creating this business was the first step in reclaiming and finding my voice and self back from this world.
I hope to show that being your most authentic self can get you far and that other Asian and Latino Americans can dream big and live a happy life no matter how they grew up. I see my art as an extension of who I am and a reminder that there is lots of joy in life when you stop and appreciate your surroundings and those around you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a bright light and overactive imagination growing up, so naturally anything that is shiny, pretty, bright, and magical always catches my attention. A lot of my inspiration comes from fairytales, books, and movies. It has always intrigued me how a simple color palette to a painting or room or outfit can spark so many emotions. So, everything I make I do my best to hand craft on my own and I hope to work with others who have dreams they want to turn into reality as well. I want to keep all of my fun and silliness through it all, so being free to do whatever I put my mind to is vital to my creating process.

I grew up in multiple different households, with different religions and environments which allowed me to be versatile and open to a lot of what the world has to offer. In a big family, I never really felt encouraged or safe to do the things that I truly loved as a child and that led me to self-isolate and hide who I was for many years, I let others’ expectations and words dictate my future in order to please my loved ones. It wasn’t until recently I stopped asking for the validation from others and started really reflecting at all I’ve done to get to where I am today. Doing that has helped me see all the potential I have and can have if I continue to push forward.

This is why starting this business means so much to me, not only do I have all creative control in how I want to express my ever-evolving brand. I get to find a voice that was lost to so many people over the years. This is my chance to fully express and share my story in hopes to inspire others to do the same. to live your life authentically and love fully.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado is so Diverse, you can find people from all walks of life here, the best times I’ve always had were when Ive been able to be outside and connect with nature. They call this State Colorful Colorado for a reason, getting out and checking their state parks and hiking trails is definitely a go to. whether you want to stay close to home and walk a nice long scenic trail or go for an hour drive into the mountains, you’ll always find somewhere to explore. I’m always looking for a new place to venture off into, but Boulder Hiking Trails and Aspen Trails will always have my heart whenever I need to get out and not be in public.
Denver has a big friendly community with lots of seasonal events and great places to eat. If you like to sit and listen to open mics while drinking tea or go out dance and jam out to music, explore antique shops, then I’m your guy to show you around!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Deep Down I am a Family Man, staying connected to my roots has always been important to me. Even though my family is distant and small I appreciate those who have supported me along the way, it has not been easy and there are very few who have made me feel safe and welcomed for all of who I am. My two most favorite persons that deserve all recognition has to be my Strong and Ferocious Grandma Yeub . No matter what challenges I or my siblings or cousins brought to her table she always found a way to accept, love, and lift us up. We were not an easy bunch and let me tell you for a conservative Asian lady, she is pretty dope. Her motto or saying is always to “be happy” and no matter how frustrating that can sound in the heat of the moment I can see how that simple saying can hold so much weight. My other big inspiration is my Grandpa Bob Gomez, he is so loving and caring nothing could stop him from making you feel seen and loved. I’ve been shown so much love from these two special people in my life I’d love to spread that on to the world through my art.

Website: https://yellowdazeart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yellowdazeart

Facebook: YellowDaze Art

Image Credits
I took all of my own photos as well as photoshopped everything on my own 🙂