Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Taboo.
Hi Sandy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi Voyage LA, I am Sandy Taboo. I am a queer, nonbinary, Vietnamese artist. I’ve always had a love and eye for alternative style since I was a kid growing up in the midwest suburb of Illinois.
I have my own business, Taboo World, which I started a year after dropping out of fashion school in New York. Taking that risk rewarded me instantly through the echoes of my communities, which I am grateful for everyday. My communities are the only ones who consistently spread my art, messages, and show up for me. Taboo World is where I share alternative art for the alternate universe. I created it to highlight underground artists, marginalized communities, create community events, break the boundaries of art, and as a space to feel normal.
I moved to New York alone to pursue fashion. I remember my first week moving there, and I was questioning how I was going to make a name for myself there without knowing anybody. Everyday, you are faced upon hundreds of people passing and multiple unpredictable realities. I never thought I would have made such an impact globally or create the visions I have.
Through queer friendships, my heart, soul, and mind expanded. I stepped into living a new life and discovered myself to a foreign degree. With the drive and excitement to create a new look everyday, I quickly became known for my twists and combinations of niche subcultures, dramatic graphic liner looks, spirituality, and body mods. I am a creator, and my visions comes from my inner being. I am very easily inspired. I can see a look in anything, everywhere. When I close my eyes, the visions come easily to me too. When I share my art, I want people to see things differently. I never want to post something that is predictable, boring, or not beautiful. Your inner child and inner teen are still very much alive in your adult years, and mine are full of joy and proud after I create a new look instead of being buried away.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This question made me audibly laugh. No. My art has been stolen, replicated, and profited of off from bigger businesses. I am an independently owned and operated brand now, and learning the ins and outs of business has been quite the load of work! I also think if you are an artist, you have to get used to being ignored. People will want proximity and association to you based off when they think you’re successful — whether that be a publication or known name gives you attention, or you’re popular numerically. Learn to define what success and worth means to you.
As you know, we’re big fans of Taboo World. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Taboo World is for the girls, gays, and theys. Taboo World is home of Taboo Liner, the holy grail waterproof, long lasting, ultra precise, liquid eyeliner. I’ve gotten great feedback from customers with hooded eyes because Taboo Liner doesn’t transfer.
Taboo World is also known for my weapon accessory collections! I had this idea in 2019 to wear ninja stars in my hair since I used to wear 30 inch pig tails everyday, so I made ninja star hair holders to spike up a hairstyle. I also just released Inertia, a brass knuckle claw clip, with JIUDI. This has been on my mind since 2020. It serves as self defense in style. I naturally create with the intention of protection.
What sets me a part is my creative eye. I don’t wreck my brain over marketing. I know what I want to share, say, and what I want the world to see. I post with my heart.
I’m most proud of having monthly Taboo World Pop Ups this year! My next one will be my San Diego debut. I feel proud of my business when strangers come to these events and are stunned by my creations and I. I know I bring something different with my table, and I know whatever happens at these events are meant to. The interaction and visuals in real life is so much more potent than the internet could ever feel. I’ve been putting myself out there because I love connecting with the world. We all need it. Keep up with Taboo World whether that be my email newsletter or Taboo World Discord. Things have been very active, so I hope to connect with you in my future events!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I prefer to keep my ideas and plans confidential to protect them hehe. Just wait and see 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sandytaboo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sandytaboo
- Twitter: instagram.com/sandytaboo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/sandytaboo
- Soundcloud: youtube.com/sandytaboo
- Other: https://instagram.com/tabootakeover
Image Credits
Noah Gonzalez
Yulissa Benitez
