POW with Shadow Ninja

Shadow Ninja is the multi-talented founder of risingeggplants, and one of the alpha hunters of AphroDAO.

Besides that, he is also the collab manager for Alpha PH and LilFarmBoyNFT.

  What were you doing before Web3?

I’m a BS in Psychology graduate who is really passionate about street photography, collecting stuff, and observing people.

Before Web3, I was always in the streets taking pictures, I was into collecting paintings, and accepting freelancing gigs.

In addition, I can say that I was an introverted guy who just loves to connect with people and appreciate life.

How did you get into Web3?

Because of my deep love for and addiction to art, I am always looking for new ways to stay connected to it.

I learned about NFTs and the Web3 space while exploring, and I saw an opportunity to connect with other art enthusiasts, builders, and visionaries. Since then, I’ve kept on looking for more things to learn and discover within the Web3 space.

What was your first crypto or NFT project?

ININJA COLLECTIVE. It was actually a collective of local NFT founders and artists. Its main goal is to serve as a support system and a space for builders to connect and help each other grow. My inspiration for starting this collective is the need I saw with regard to building one’s project.

How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?

What I do within Web3 is that I build communities, I connect with various people, and I buy and sell works of art.

It’s similar to what I do in Web2, but the possibilities and opportunities in Web3 are endless. In addition, I hold jpegs that may increase or decrease in value and sometimes buy them high and sell them low.

Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?

KookooTV. His transition from being a Web2 individual to a well-known Web3 influencer is something that inspired me further to keep building and having faith in what I can do.

His dedication amidst struggles that came across his way is something that is worth being acknowledged. Lastly, his life mindset is something that inspires me to be resilient and pro-active.

What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Being able to build and push my very own NFT Project: Rising Eggplants. Being a project founder nowadays is very overwhelming and draining.

There are a lot of factors that make things complicated and would cause a projects to not to survive in long-term. So personally, being able to deliver and give value toward our community is something worth highlighting.

What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?

ChatGPT and AI integration. Artificial Intelligence has been taking things to a different level. Through such tech, other possibilities are being explored and boundaries are being exceeded from time to time.

Moreover, Artificial Intelligence will soon be integrated in our daily lives, helping us through life and solving problems here and there.

What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?

Believe in your visions, embrace your dreams, and never stop building. The space will be draining and you will experience a lot of failures and disappointments.

Never ever forget to pause from time to time and don’t be hard on yourself. Move away from toxic environments and surround yourself with people you could grow with.

If you could do a TEDtalk on any topic, what would it be?

The Infinite Search For Happiness. I’d love to talk about this topic because it is something that most people can relate to.

It makes us realize and reflect about happiness and if we’ve ever been “happy”. Personally, I’m one of those who continuously explore ways how to be genuinely happy.

What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?

A survival kit filled with things I can use until I get rescued. What’s inside it? Food, water, communication devices, and weapons. If the survival kit wouldn’t be accepted as “one thing”, I’d just bring a multipurpose knife.

POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.