#MancrushMonday : Meet Gesant Abed

Introducing #MancrushMonday : Meet Gesant Abed

#MancrushMonday Meet Gesant Abed is episode 9 in a FABULOUS new series dedicated to showcasing some seriously inspiring men that have crossed my path. Previously on my #jaxpirational series I gave the ladies some props, it’s time the men got a shout out!

I have long since admired Gesant’s photography online and I so appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with me. So without further adieu let me introduce:

Tell us a bit about yourself

The engineer-photographer-runner combines logical, left-brain thinking with a spectacular creative output that makes the viewer stop and stare. With almost a decade of civil engineering experience, he has a keen eye for detail and architecture. His analytical brain merges with his creativity as he finds beauty in the mundane in everyday life through photography. A lover of coffee, travel, and urban adventures, he shares this passion through his various photography projects. From showcasing hidden gems in Cape Town through his photography workshops and photo walks to sharing the stories of those he meets through his image library, g_portrait_project, Gesant captures the soul of his subjects in just on click – whether mobile or compact camera.

Gesant loves to explore new cities and old cultures, always keen to share stories over a cup of coffee. His obsession with coffee led him into launching a coffee appreciation society, Spill the Beans. Established to showcase the science and art of coffee and its culture through storytelling and workshops, he encourages interaction to increase the knowledge in the range of sight, smell, and taste.

His aspiration is to educate his audience on the difference between brewing methods, preferred cups to elevate their enjoyment of the coffee experience. A stalwart in the running and hiking community in South Africa, he has completed countless marathons and ultra-marathons including the ultimate human race, the Comrades Marathon, twice. Co-founder and manager of Bo-Kaap Athletics, he encourages and helps others achieve their running goals through coaching and various training groups. Gesant believes that running and hiking positively enhances one’s professional and personal life. Though his projects vary in industry, he has one mission: To bring communities together in making the inaccessible, accessible, and helping create lasting memories.

When and where were you born?

29 January 1987 in South Africa

Where are you living now?

Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa

What kind of creative are you?

I am a civil engineer with some creative tendencies, I am into photography, coffee and design. I have a great love and respect for the old and highly intrigued by innovation and smart design solutions. Basically, I am a photography creative with a cup of coffee to go.

Name of your brand?

G portrait project and Against the Grain Coffee

How did you discover your calling?

I have always been into photography, especially photography story telling, I guess I only really got into it when I bought my first camera, I started with personal photo assignments to learn and grow and develop my photography identity. I would like to believe that I am still on that journey of self discovery.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love that whatever i am doing, capturing or creating can have so much meaning to the person that simple appreciates what i have created. The feel you give someone because of thing you created or captured gives me life.

What do you like the least about what you do?

In today’s world, everyone seems to be an expert, and we are way too quick to judge one another. I would like to think i manage this type of mindset and negativity well. I can see how this attitude can make other creatives second guess themselves.

Who or what has been your biggest motivators ?

Traveling, Natgeo Magazines and My parents. Traveling teaches you to appreciate humanity and opens you mind to realize that there are many solutions to something you thought we were doing right all your life. Its the little things you appreciate overseas.

Have you experienced fear along the way & how did you overcome it?

It depends on the consequences of an action, for most of us we fear what people will think of us, especially if you put yourself out there. I have two ways of overcoming fear and difficult situations, one would be to do some self reflecting and looking for help in my belief systems, the other is to share and discuss my fears or challenges with loved ones and people who genuinely care.

What are your greatest achievement/s?

Completing my masters in engineering, opening Against the Grain Coffee Shop, finishing the comrades marathon. Still have much to do.

Who do you thank for your success?

Always Allah, Everything i have and done is because of Him. Everything that I have achieved or haven’t achieved is due to his mercy and wisdom. This benefit contributes a lot to the support structure I am surrounded by. I’m always grateful.

What upcoming projects do you have?

I need to get into Coffee Brewing Videos, no necessary youtube but who knows. We will see how it goes. The lockdown makes one feel confined in what one can do. I am also planning on profiling individuals in the Cape Town Coffee industry and using photography to tell their story.

How are you currently coping with the #Covid19 Crisis?

I am not going to lie, it’s not easy sometimes. When you feel low its hard to change your surroundings, go to the beach or mountain to absorb nature and reset. Level 4 is slightly better due to the 3 hr window of exercise. Also I run a few GPP photography projects with my followers, a photo of the day challenge with a prescribed theme. This photo challenge was fun and it was cool to see everyone’s art and creativity.

Any words of encouragement for other male creatives out there?

If it feels right then do it with al your heart, don’t second guess yourself. That project you are doing or want to do, start now.

Where can we stalk you on social media?

LinkedIn: Gesant Abed

Instagram:@gesantabed @againstthegrainco @g_portrait_project

Twitter: @abedgesant

Facebook: @gesantabed @againstthegrainco

Pinterest: @gesantabed

Special Thanks to Gesant Abed for his time and sharing a bit more about himself. Stay tuned for another #MancrushMonday next week!