Asheville is a cooler place thanks to Honey Simone and her team at Different Wrld. If you're unaware of Honey and all the awesome stuff she's doing here in town, this feature is for you. We talked to her about how Different Wrld began, the journey of getting their headquarters opened up, the music video they just directed, and more. Read the full interview after
the jump!
You just directed an incredible music video for Indigo De Souza’s new song “Hold U” - tell us about that experience!
Music you've been listening to lately?
Oh man, I feel like that changes everyday, but today I am listening to a lot of James Blake, Arlo Parks, and anything moody lol
Tell us about who you are and what you do.
My name is Honey Simone! I am the founder and a co-creator at Different Wrld. Nettie, Roxy, and I own and operate Different Wrld which is a culture house & creative hub! The intention of our work is to break down barriers of entry to the creative industry through physical space, creative community, creative tools, and resources.
My name is Honey Simone! I am the founder and a co-creator at Different Wrld. Nettie, Roxy, and I own and operate Different Wrld which is a culture house & creative hub! The intention of our work is to break down barriers of entry to the creative industry through physical space, creative community, creative tools, and resources.
Tell us about Different Wrld and how you got to where you are with it today.
Oh man, that feels like such a big question sometimes, but it's cool because you have seen the transformation over the years! Different Wrld started off as just a way to bring in extra income selling curated vintage, but now we are a bunch of artists trying to support other artists in their dreams while creating ours.
Oh man, that feels like such a big question sometimes, but it's cool because you have seen the transformation over the years! Different Wrld started off as just a way to bring in extra income selling curated vintage, but now we are a bunch of artists trying to support other artists in their dreams while creating ours.
It was such a huge moment last fall when you announced there’d be a Different Wrld Headquarters coming to West Asheville, what was that like for you?
Honestly I still think we are all still processing because as soon as we announced the vortex began, It's funny because we were just reflecting on that the other day. We still are trying to figure it all out but we seemed like such wide eyed babes at the beginning. We have developed some thicker skin now but it still all feels a little surreal, we are really looking forward to getting open so we can experience the next phase!
Honestly I still think we are all still processing because as soon as we announced the vortex began, It's funny because we were just reflecting on that the other day. We still are trying to figure it all out but we seemed like such wide eyed babes at the beginning. We have developed some thicker skin now but it still all feels a little surreal, we are really looking forward to getting open so we can experience the next phase!
Tell us about the process of building out your vision for the DW HQ these past few months?
This summer has been a busy summer for us between creative projects and just all the work behind the scenes, it's definitely been exhausting but we trust the process and the power of timing! I think the main thing for us right now is being intentional with our time and learning how to pace ourselves while being busy. Laughter has been our best friend, she keeps us sane! haha
What do you think folks should be most excited for when the DW HQ opens its doors?
Hmmm, there is so much but I'll just give a hint... if you like art magazines we got something for you!
Hmmm, there is so much but I'll just give a hint... if you like art magazines we got something for you!
You just directed an incredible music video for Indigo De Souza’s new song “Hold U” - tell us about that experience!
Aw thank you! Wow, yes it really was an incredible experience! That was our first time directing & doing art department work for a music video so we just looked at all of our skill sets and we were like "fuck it let's do this!" Working with Indigo and her team was fun and a good challenge of our understanding of the assignment. haha The crew (Summit Collective) were a dream to work with and taught us a lot, but also trusted us in our process. All of the extras were our friends and community so it was very special to share that space with them!
Music you've been listening to lately?
Oh man, I feel like that changes everyday, but today I am listening to a lot of James Blake, Arlo Parks, and anything moody lol
Favorite food spot in Asheville?
I have been eating a lot at home recently, but even though it's not open quite yet I do my best to make it to any Neng Jr's pop-up!
I have been eating a lot at home recently, but even though it's not open quite yet I do my best to make it to any Neng Jr's pop-up!
Anything else you'd like to add?
We just launched our funding campaign to get our doors open, you can check out all the details on our website. We are really excited about getting our doors open and really can't wait to see how this baby grows! Thank you for having me! I am proud of you and all the cool things you do, you inspire me!
We just launched our funding campaign to get our doors open, you can check out all the details on our website. We are really excited about getting our doors open and really can't wait to see how this baby grows! Thank you for having me! I am proud of you and all the cool things you do, you inspire me!
Follow Different Wrld on Instagram (@differentwrld) | photos in this feature by Makeda Sandford, Daniel Barlow, and Sofi Campins | DONATE TO DIFFERENT WRLD