Shafiek Khan

Surfer & founder of Palama Metsi surfing school – South Africa

When Cathy Boom went to South Africa a few months ago she met Shafiek Khan by chance but then ended up in a long conversation in which he shared the story of his life. This story is an impressive one, so impressive that we couldn’t resist but ask him to be our friend and teach even more people how to enjoy life and do good at the same time. Why? Because Shafiek Khan is one of these few lucky people: he is a passionate surfer, and in 2008 he founded the Palama Metsi surfing school to help underprivileged children in South Africa. Here he offers free surfing and ocean safety lessons but also puts the kids back into schools.

Today, in 2014, there are three schools up and running (in Muizenberg/Cape Town, Elandsbaai and Coffee Bay/Transkei). Hundreds of kids have already benefited from the schools, getting them off the streets, working for their future, academically as well as receiving outstanding results in national surfing contests. We are very glad to welcome Shafiek Khan as our friend!

What is the most important sense to you?
They are all incredibly important but if I had to chose one, then definitely my eyes. They are my greatest learning tool. There is just so much to learn through reflection.

What is your vision for your personal work?
My vision would be totally different from what the kids envision for themselves. So it’s totally in their hands. But if I had a choice it would be to give those who need it and want it a better education. Education is freedom and a great way to get rid of poverty.

In which way do free surfing and ocean safety lessons help the youth to improve their lives in general?
Wow, so many… they become responsible, it adds dignity to their lives, a sense of belonging. It humbles them, when not in control. It brings with it a sweet patience, the swell coming and wind blowing, realising that it’s not always what we want. Discipline, team building, ocean awareness i.e. knowledge of the tides the wind, currents, fish dangers etc. We live with what nature provides and have fun, no matter what.

Surfing means travelling, always in search of the best waves and sports. Which location was the best you ever discovered?
Ha, ha, ha, you got me! I don’t like choosing which lady rides the best. I think locally Kalk Bay, as that took me to hospital after I had such a deep barrel. Then Elands, what a gem. Abroad definitely G-Land in East Java, because it scared me so much, but with it came an immense amount of knowledge and a silent humbleness. Also Jeffreys Bay, Victoria Bay, Namibia…. But the best waves are the ones you can share with your friends and loved ones. Yeah, even if it’s just 2ft.

What is the most beautiful thing you ever saw?
The birth of all my kids, my wife’s smile, my pilgrimage, but most of all it’s when you help the needy. It’s in their eyes… Yeah, that rocks and moves my heart.

What would you like to see more often?
Change… within us as humans.

Blind people and those who can see surely experience the world in different ways. How would you describe the world to someone who suffers from an irreversible loss of sight in one sentence? 
I wouldn’t do that, as it would only add a sickness of not belonging to their hearts. But if I had to: it feels like those who care for you and see only love.

When was the last time you gave back and what did you do?
Normally I don’t like saying what I do secretly for others unless I am asked. I gave honey to an 86-year-old man who cycles over 20km ever day, just for work so that he can take care of his sick wife. What a MAN! Today, getting wetsuits organised for my project so that the kids can stay longer in the water and some boards.

What is your tactic for making the world a better place (besides running your surfing school)?
Bringing back trade and getting rid of our monetary system based on interest on debts and credits. Yeah, good luck with that, mate…. Teaching those less fortunate than ourselves so that they can make a difference and give pure modesty back to our women, the born leaders of all generations. YOU GIRLS ROCK!

Who is your personal hero?
Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon Him.

Jasmin Gerat

actress – Berlin

Jasmin Gerat started her career in 1994 when she won the “Girl and Boy” model contest and then moved on to TV, hosting programmes like Bravo TV as successor to Heike Makatsch and working for MTV Germany. Only a few years later she turned to acting, which has been her main focus and passion ever since. After switching between TV and cinema appearances as well as some selected theatre plays, 2014 has already been an exciting year since she landed one of the main roles in the thriller series “The Team”, an international cooperation led by the German public channel ZDF. We can’t wait to see the results!

In the meantime we are very happy to welcome Jasmin Gerat as our friend. She is one of those German actresses who tend to stick in your mind – not only because of her acting talent but also thanks to this unique feel-good energy that she exudes.

What is the most important sense to you? Why?
I am extremely grateful for the gift that I can use all my senses. But if I had to choose one it would be my sight.
I am a very visual person. I love to observe everything. And to connect to other souls through my eyes is one of the most powerful things to me.

As an actress and presenter you are at home in many places. What is your vision for your personal work?
To me it’s all about being truthful and authentic to myself and the people around me, as much as possible – no matter which profession I choose.

You were born and raised in Berlin and you are still loyal to the German capital. Which location in Berlin do you love to see everyday?
I love to go to the Grunewald as often as I can. And of course I am in love with the Tempelhofer Feld. The atmosphere created by the light there is stunning.

What is the most beautiful thing you ever saw?
My daughter.

What would you like to see more often?
The sun and people smiling.

When was the last time you gave back and what did you do?
I just smiled at a stranger for no specific reason. She smiled back. I had butterflies in my belly. I guess we both made our day.

What is your tactic for making the world a better place?
Making conscious decisions every day and no matter how tough and challenging it can be sometimes: try to choose love!

Who is your personal hero?
Nature.

What is your picture for IWISHUSUN?

A bright neon pink shooting star with warm, golden glitter raining down on ALL of us.

Look who is wearing our logo T-shirt: our friend and owner & director of Soze Gallery, Toowee Kao.

Toowee Kao is a gallerist and private art dealer who represents two of our ambassadors at her Los Angeles-based Soze Gallery: Jaybo Monk and Augustine Kofie. But also for all the other young contemporary artists who are entrusted in her care Toowee Kao is an essential supporter since she is not only a natural talent when it comes to art business but also aims to make being an artist a little less hard in every way and offers an artist residency in downtown Los Angeles for Sozes Gallery’s international artists. In short: Toowee Kao has got her eyes on the future of art and never stops impressing us with her power; she supports young contemporary artists in their creative pursuit of success and happiness.

Read her interview with IWISHUSUN here.

Photo: Soze Gallery via Instagram.

What we see: Bali

Our friend and Berlin-based co-founder of MADE, Nico Zeh takes a rest. His beautiful haven: Bali. His companions: his family and our IWISHUSUN logo T-shirt. We enjoy this glorious view and wish you a merry christmas, Nico!

Check out Nico’s interview here and learn more about his thoughts, amongst others about his vision for his personal work: “I try to stay true and honest to myself and my principles in everything that I do. Only through this, can the work – any kind of action – truly shine and represent your own personal development and growth towards your own truth.”

Also, you can order your own IWISHUSUN log T-shirt here and finance a pair of glasses for a school child in Bangladesh with every tee sold online.

Those sunny days seem to be gone forever but our friend Vanessa from INEEDMORERINGS brings back memories of summer. Take a break form winter and its grey skies and check out her gorgeous New York photos.

Do you like our IWISHUSUN logo T-shirts and want to show your colours, too?  The T-shirts are now available in our online store.

Check out Vanessa’s interview with IWISHUSUN here.

Our friend Marcus from Civilist Store says “hi” from wintery Berlin! It’s getting cold outside, so it’s just the right moment to grab one of our ultralight down jackets and head out into the winter, toasty warm. True to the motto “It’s good for you and good for others”, showing your colours in this way is rewarded with the financing of a cataract operation in Bangladesh.

So do what Marcus does and invest in a warm down jacket at the same time as supporting a good cause. Our down jackets are available in our online store.

Also, Alex Flach, co-owner of menswear store Civilist, supports our cause – read his interview with IWISHUSUN here.

Vanessa Leyssner, co-founder of the jewelry label INEEDMORERINGS, graphic designer and one of our lovely supporters, says “Hi” from New York! While we try to remain in high spirits under a dull grey sky Vanessa catches the last rays of autumn sun at New York’s famous Central Park. Thank you for this nice photo!

Do you like our IWISHUSUN textile ambassador and want to show your colours, too?  The T-shirts are now available in our online store.

Check out Vanessa’s interview with IWISHUSUN here.

Tom Hirota who is CEO of JOYRICH Clothing and founder of Wild Style LA Clothing Store wears our Marcelo Burlon County of Milan for IWISHUSUN limited edition T-shirt which finances a cataract operation in Bangladesh with every tee sold online.

There are only a few white shirts which feature the significant owl print left – you better hurry up!

Another shot by Kubo, CEO of GR8 co., ltd, direcotr of GIZA, supervisor of Wild Style:

Check out his website here and get ready to do good as well by updating your wardrobe with a piece from our IWISHUSUN charity collection.