Name: Babs
Hometown: Baltimore
Work: Professional dancer
Q: What brought you to Japan?
A:I knew there was a bigger world outside of the United States, and I wanted to experience it firsthand. As a child, a majority of my friends were Asian from all over, which sparked my interest in Asian culture. Therefore, I decided to come to Japan because my best friend at the time was Japanese.
Q: How has living in a different country changed your life?
A: I learned that people don’t think and work the same way. I used to have such an American mentality, where there are specific roles for men, women, and children. I had to unlearn all of that. Now, I feel even more open-minded, and my way of thinking knows no bounds.
Q: What advice do you have for Black youth and creatives?
A: To the youth, I would say if you have the opportunity to travel, do it because it will be a life-changing experience. You will learn so much, and it will open many doors for you.To the creators and entrepreneurs, don’t stop working on your craft. There will be moments when you question whether you’re good enough or not, but if it’s something you’re passionate about, keep working on it. It’s so worth it.