「 榮工 」/ EI-KOU / aéhkō

Embracing the spirit of small-batch craft; subverting hyper-materialism; pushing the boundaries of creative expression.

THE BRAND

The Japanese characters  in「榮工」/ EI-KOU / aéhkō  encapsulate our brand's essence: the「榮」/ EI represents prosperity and 「工」/ KOU represents craftsmanship. The form of 「榮」/ EI resembles a fire blazing over a tree, symbolizing a perpetual cycle of burning material—an engine for creation. Alternatively, it may evoke the image of a flourishing tree with red fall foliage, symbolizing reverence for nature's power and beauty.

 

We embrace both interpretations, fueling our creative fire by constantly elevating our designs and creations, showcasing the allure of natural materials in all our work.

WHO WE ARE

We are creators dedicated to blending art and product, carving out our place for inventive expression. aéhkō is more than a brand; it is a commitment to artistic representation and meticulous product ideation. We believe in infusing purpose into everything we create, transforming the mundane into elevated art.

We aim to create a platform that not only showcases our in-house works but also amplifies the voices of other artists, strategists, and creators. Community is an intrinsic part of our narrative, and we're passionate about helping others tell their stories. At aéhkō, we are on a journey to transform artistic visions into reality, one project at a time.

  • CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF OPERATIONS

    Co-Founder Yinka Akintujoye is a Harvard-educated marketing and strategy specialist with experience in various global markets. With a background in branding and marketing strategy across North American, Asian, and European markets, she brings 7+ years of diverse marketing expertise.

    Yinka's inspiration to establish aéhkō stems from her personal journey toward a life of meaningful simplicity. As an immigrant, Yinka became accustomed to regularly acquiring and discarding possessions during her global relocations. While Yinka's extensive travels offered perspectives and insights into the world, they also left her without a genuine sense of permanence and connection to her belongings, community, or work. This prompted her to reconsider the impact of hyper-consumerism on her life and work style. With aéhkō, Yinka seeks to build a brand rooted in establishing meaningful connections and fostering a sense of permanence through intentional communication.

    Yinka excels in data analysis, campaign building, and performance optimization. As a seasoned problem solver and project manager, she is passionate about merging quantitative KPIs with qualitative creative goals. Yinka firmly believes that a campaign can be both aesthetically pleasing and effective, regardless of the budget. Her experience includes strategic planning, agency management, and data visualization to facilitate growth and address any obstacles hindering scale.

    Yinka is also aéhkō's primary ceramicist, combining clay bodies with other natural materials to create a unique array of products. She enjoys translating complex and intriguing ideas into home décor pieces that narrate personal stories.

  • CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF FABRICATION

    Co-founder Eiji’s journey with aéhkō reflects his dedication to pursuing his passion for art and film. His diverse work experience, along with his academic background and years of experience allows him a unique perspective.

    Eiji graduated from Wesleyan University in 2020 with a unique University Major degree, combining engineering with physics, art, and architecture, emphasizing the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach.

    When he first arrived in LA, Eiji joined a shop called Pink Sparrow. During his time there, he was thrown into many different disciplines of fabrication, with carpentry, metalwork, electronics, and scenic skills all being applied almost daily. He also engaged in side-jobs for advertisements, short films, music videos, and new media projects during the years he worked there, demonstrating his versatility as a fabricator. His ability to apply creativity to solve physical/artistic problems highlights his unique skill set.

    Moving to Los Angeles in pursuit of opportunities in the vibrant film industry, Eiji’s propensity for art and fabrication allows him to contribute to the industry from a unique angle. His passion for craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from artists like George Nakashima and William Braasch, comes through in his dedication to improving the value of his furniture and home goods.

    Eiji’s love of working with people and his enthusiasm for taking on new, challenging projects reflect his adventurous and collaborative spirit. His background and experiences position him as a dynamic and creative force within the intersection of art, fabrication, and film industry.