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Shafik Kadi, born in Helsinki and of Lebanese origin nowadays lives in Los Angeles. He talked with us about his fearless and successful attempt to leave everything behind to pursue his dreams at the other end of the world. Related to the release of the upcoming Air Jordan 1 Fearless on November 2nd we teamed up with photographer and friend Kane Holz to shoot an editorial and short-clip while meeting up with Shafik to tell his personal story.
Shafik, born and raised in Helsinki, Finland, has also lived in Germany, Australia and Lebanon, his father’s ancestry. His current home is Los Angeles, California.
The skateboard industry inspired him to take the step and emigrate to Los Angeles. Since he was 15, he lives and works in the skateboarding game, like nowadays for Diamond Supply CO.
He describes himself as a fearless character who has always wanted to see the world, to travel a lot and to explore unknown places. To realize his dream he has had to give up a lot – his biggest fears were to move to the other side of the world alone while leaving his family and friends behind.
He also works as a creative content creator. He is taking pictures while traveling and he works on books. Skateboarding is his mouthpiece – he wants to pursue the culture all over the world.
His interest in the Jordan brand began very early – in his opinion, the Air Jordan 1 was the OG skate shoe, even before there were other skate shoes. Everyone skated in AJ1’s – that inspired him and raised his interest in the brand.
Skating helped and told him a lot in his life – for example, tolerance and openness to different cultures, because nobody in the scene cares where you come from and what you do. It’s all about passion. Also for his creative work skating has brought him something, such as new photo opportunities and getting to know unknown places.
His departure from Helsinki opened a couple of doors for him. He told us about the benefits that Los Angeles brings him every day. Los Angeles is a melting pot – everyone is accepted. He likes to get up early, when the city is still empty, does sports or takes photos. Also, he loves the great variety of different dining options.
He only rarely returns to Finland and if so, then only in winter, since it does not exist in LA. He likes to go ice swimming and do other winter activities.
Skating made him fearless, his curiosity made him explore the world and makes him more risk-averse. That’s why he lives his dream today, he told us.
Shafik has already taken the biggest step – his only personal goal remaining:
„I just wanna go to space.“
The Air Jordan 1 Fearless is available from November 2nd online via solebox.com and instore at solebox Berlin, Brussels and Vienna from US 6.5 – 12 (WMNS sizes online only).