Meet Amenta | Design Artist

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

Hi Amenta, is there something you believe many others might not?
In our attempts to understand our environment, we classify and define things. We assign labels that help us categorize the multitude of things that exist. While this is good for organization, we indirectly place limits on our perspective because we function as if these labels represent the totality of what we are able and capable of being. For example if someone is 32 and they work as a painter. Does that mean they cannot be a musician at the same time? or a writer? What if that painter decides at 42, he or she wants to be an architect? And then goes to school, graduates at 47 and then wants to compete for an award for emerging architects but the organizer has placed an age limit of 35 because of the assumption that a 47 year old cannot have any new or exciting ideas to contribute, simply because of age?

In today’s world, we see various people challenging the ideas our labels bring, and I think that’s because it is part of a deeper issue. We live in a world where everything is constantly changing and evolving – friendships, personalities, lifestyles, even insects. Because the reality is that we are capable and able of being much more or much less than any 1, 2, or 3 labels. But the choice is up to the individual, one does not have to be better or worse than another. I reject the idea that a person cannot be great at multiple things, as the saying goes “Jack of all trades, Master of none”. We can choose to master all, some or none. The only thing that ultimately determines this, is how we choose to see or perceive ourselves outside of the labels society may put on. We should embrace being multi talented, multi dimensional individuals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My brand TAUMETI represents the Refined, Regal and Bold Urban. We are a brand that defines and celebrates culture through beautifully designed clothing, and crafted 100% natural beauty products. What makes my work different is the use and combination of fabric textures, prints and shapes as well as high levels of quality. My designs take cues from natural motifs, symbols, language, and culture. I believe in making everything beautifully and with care. And that makes me proud of everything created.

It took many years of experimenting and learning to get here. Learning how to incorporate multiple skills sets, maintain boundaries and balance as well as personal development to establish my two fashion brands (TAUMETI & AFRO.LUX.TRAP) as well as my non profit organization (TRIBEX MUSEUM) and I still have a long way to go. The most important lessons I have learned along the way is to trust yourself, don’t give up and let each challenge refine you as a person and as a business. Challenges are good, failures are good and success is also good. Celebrate them all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week-long trip with me in Houston would be like…

Day One | Brunch at Sunshine’s Vegetarian Deli and then visit The Museum of Natural Science. We would start with the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology, and then Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Followed by a walk over to Herman Park with a visit to the McGovern Centennial and Japanese gardens and ending the day with a pedal boat ride.

Day Two | Begins with the Gerald D Hines Waterwall Park, then shopping before lunch at 51fifteen Cuisine & Cocktail located in Saks at the Galleria. A visit to the TFTI Houston (Selfie Museum in the Galleria). Followed by a visit to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and then dinner at Bosscat Kitchen and Libations.

Day Three | Breakfast at Soonze AM eatery, Shopping at City Centre, and then indoor skydiving at IFly Houston.

Day Four | Early Lunch at Bella Green, A visit to Seismique Art Museum and then late dinner at Lucy’s Ethiopian Restaurant

Day Five | Starts at the Rothko Chapel, followed by a visit to the Station Museum, Contemporary Arts Museum, and Craft Museums.

Day Six | Relax during the day at Spa World Houston and then check out Houston NightLife. Evening starts with dinner at the Turkey Leg Hut, a visit to Cidercade Houston with stops at Wooster Garden, 77 Degrees Rooftop, Social Beer Garden HTX and Avant Garden.

Day Seven | Hot Yoga in the morning and then lounge all day at the Marriott Marquis Texas-shaped pool.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my Shout out to all my family and friends who love and care for me despite the fact that I am always busy, always missing important holidays, and birthdays, perpetually late in returning phone calls and texts, and just generally MIA because of all the work I am doing. I also dedicate this to other artists, models and designers whom I have met along the way working to make their visions a reality. Thank you guys I love you all. Every person is precious.

Website: www.afroluxtrap.com

Instagram: afroluxtrap

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amentabcutliff/

Other: www.taumeti.com www.tribexmuseum.com