6 Degrees of Hapa
Hapa Holiday Vendors
What is your name/brand name?
I’m Naomi Takata Shepherd and my brand is 6 Degrees of Hapa, which is all about celebrating mixed cultures.
What makes you Hapa?
I’m a mixed third/fourth generation Japanese American. My mom’s side is Japanese American and my dad’s side is a mystery mix of Italian, Irish, possibly Scottish, and who knows what else!
What kind of art do you create?
I really enjoy creating art that people can wear and use daily, so many of the pieces I create for 6 Degrees of Hapa are wearable and/or functional art. No matter what I’m working on, whether it’s a new t-shirt, a repeating fabric pattern that I'll sew a piece of apparel out of, or a little vinyl sticker, I’m behind every art, design, material, and style decision that you see in the finished piece.
If applicable, how does being Hapa apply to your work?
My own Hapa identity has always been a driving force behind my apparel, art, and swag I create for 6 Degrees of Hapa. I draw inspiration for my art from imagery that I’ve grown up with, like koinobori that people hang up for Children’s Day, and Hawaiian imagery to honor and acknowledge that “Hapa” is a Hawaiian word. As my brand name suggests, 6 Degrees of Hapa has never been just about celebrating Hapas as individuals, but also about celebrating our family, friends, and community who have supported us and lifted us up throughout our lives.
How long have you been an artist/crafter/creator?
I’ve been creating since I was very little. One of my first “business endeavors” was having a table at my elementary school’s holiday craft fair where my mom and I sold earrings that I’d made out of those little animal-shaped erasers you’d get in gift bags as a kid. I branded my earrings “Naomi’s Nifty Earasers” and I’m not going to lie, I still think they were pretty cool. But art and creating have never just been attached to business for me, they’ve first and foremost been invaluable outlets for me to use to explore my own mixed identity, tell inclusive stories, and bring people together.
What's your favorite gift you've ever received or given?
When I have time and the inspiration hits, I really love to draw people cards instead of buying them. Usually I pick a pop culture reference that whoever is receiving the card likes (James Bond and Game of Thrones have both been past subjects) and I draw a goofy little comic out of it. It’s always a fun little gift to give people because I like to make people laugh!
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
Playing board games and card games after a holiday dinner has always been a favorite tradition of mine. My family can get a little ruthless when we’re playing games because we’re all pretty competitive, so you have to have a thick skin to play with us. But don’t worry, we’re mostly nice to newcomers.
What are your favorite pieces of your work?
This year, I’m really excited about my vinyl stickers and handmade block prints! I’m very thankful to be able to say that after years of living with chronic pain from a spinal injury, I had disc replacement surgery in late summer of 2018 and it has had such a positive impact on my quality of life and my ability to produce artwork. Since that point, I’ve been able to return to creating handmade and digital art and I had my very first group and solo art installations up at Roy’s Station Coffee & Tea in San Jose! The first install was for a group Star Wars-themed show and I contributed my limited edition “Daruma Wars” prints and vinyl stickers. The second install featured my edition of Kokeshi block prints and my Koinobori block prints, all of which are hand-carved and some feature water color too. I’m really looking forward to introducing new block prints and vinyl sticker collections in the new year!
Where can people find your work?
One of my favorite parts of 6 Degrees of Hapa is popping up at festivals all over the Bay Area, you can find my pop-up schedule via Instagram and Facebook! You can also find my work at 6degreesofhapa.com and 6degreesofhapa.threadless.com if you want to do your shopping online!
What is your social media handles
Instagram/Twitter: @6degreesofhapa