Month: June, 2010
3whobelieve inc. ◊ i too can be president
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
September of 2009, I was asked to style and direct my first campaign for 3whobelieve inc. *bbm dancing face* with no budget and a week to execute in a city I did not live *bbm straight face*. Initially, this seemed like a daunting task, but hey, I graduated from a HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and have seen tougher times *waits for AMEN Corner to chime in & gives neighbor a high 5*. But honestly, what compelled me to take on this project was the message behind burgeoning brand and the story of its inception.
3whobelieve inc. was created by 3 friends, Bernice, Joy and Kristin who found inspiration and hope in the new birth of freedom that now offers opportunities without limits to all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or color. The core mission of their brand is to design clothing that promotes positive messages to all people with a twist of style, funk, and social awareness. In addition to its clothing line, 3whobelieve inc. provides charitable funds to creative minds and effective institutions committed to empowering, uplifting, and inspiring people to be catalysts for positive change.
Check out this video for a behind the scenes view into how the project came together.
Video: i too can be president.
***Special thanks to Photographer, Elton Anderson, Make-Up Artist, Mia Scott, Videographer, George Twopointoh, and Lauren Grant for making this day possible.
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An Open Letter to Pork Bacon
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Dear PORK Bacon,
Ahhhh, the other white meat. Some may be troubled by our love affair, and you know what, I’m ok with that. Many of my family and friends have abandoned you over the years and I bid them adieu and say, “Good reddens.” Others have tried to replace you; turkey and beef substitutes just wont due. You’ve kept it fresh and new, constantly re-inventing yourself. Applewood Smoked, Hickory Smoked, Maple Brown Sugar Cured, I love them all.
I like to prepare you a bed, covered with aluminum foil. Placing you side by side as I drizzle my Aunt’s syrup (Aunt Jemima) all over your body. Then I crack black pepper over your skin just for a little character. Out of a 375 degree oven, you look delectable. All I can say is nom nom nom *Cookie Monster voice* My Boo, the syrup is glistening all over your body. I say, the syrup is just glistening all over your body. You’re caramelized, salty, a bit sweet, smoky, and both meaty and crisp. What else can a man ask for?
I look forward to the time when I can enjoy you everyday, but for now and doctor’s order, I will consume you in moderation…meaning every other day and twice on Saturday.
With Love,
Me
19 Comments
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LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! Hi-lar-i-ous!
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Grinette
That was too funny
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Dorn
The commentary was awesome. I really wasn’t expecting the pictures when I scrolled but it made your feeling about bacon that much easier to understand…
TOO funny. -
Jessica Nabongo
Feel free to send me some. My mouth just watered.
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Jeremy
Never knew that one could find a relation between Fashion and Food but you have and it looks good, #sidenote hook a brotha up with some of that it looks delicious!
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ick! but so good lol
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You should be ashamed of yourself. LOL this almost sounded like Porn! (Good Porn might I add)
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Henry
Dude you are too many things!!!!!! One the one hand I am smiling and laughing because I also enjoy food with a passion that is emotional, physical, and cerebral all at the same time. I also reject this preposterous propaganda perpetuated by Dr. Ian Smith and new blacks about how bad pork is. But then when I scroll down and see the pictures with the Aunt Jemima in the back ground, I can’t help but shake my head squint my face, tilt my head and say…really Apuje, really?!?!? All while LMAO. You have now made me hungry for some kind of something with Bacon on it!
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Spec, I knew you would appreciate this post. Especially the way Aunt Irene and Pops be cooking.
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Tonya
LoL…..So funny….So serious…So right
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Vivi
HIGH-larious post! Your love affair with bacon is admirable.
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I am MAD that you have the gourmet drizzle of syrup.
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Josh
LMAO – I just fell out laughing…this is HILARIOUS bruh…absolutely HILARIOUS!
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Kali Shelton
You are FAT! But it looks so good.
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Darius Beckett
HAHAHA…. Did you eat all that meat (pause) Wheres the rest of the breakfast numba?? SMH… You a Fooooooooool!
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[...] sidebar: If you’re wondering why PORK bacon, read his Open Letter to Pork Bacon [...]
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Nwabueze
LOL. This is absolutely hilarious. I actually wrote a note to my lover, bacon, last night as well. Wow. Great minds think similarly.
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Elliott Kiadii
Your a mess for this one!
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Erin
I too share your love of Bacon, REAL bacon. (Turkey is a poor imitation) You have to try Black Pepper Crusted Bacon. It’s amazing and it will most certainly be your best friend. Bacon & Red Velvet? You might just be my soul mate!
xoxo
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Chasing the Sun ◊ Concept Shoot
Friday, June 18, 2010
Since last November I’ve been living out of my suitcase. I thought this life was over when I left Corporate America, however I’m not complaining because this time it’s by choice. The bulk of my time was spent between New York, Miami, and Los Angeles working with top modeling agencies doing test shoots to strengthen my portfolio. Test shoots or testing is the term for photographic shoots where an agency acquires photographs to use for the model’s promotional materials, i.e. website and composite portfolio.
When working with agency signed models, there are creative limitations when testing. The model has to be shot and styled the way the agency markets them to clients. For instance, if a model is sold to clients as a Teen Vogue/Roxy/Pacific Sun kind of girl, it would be test shoot suicide to put her in a Lady Gaga inspired garment. Although, the shots may be good for your portfolio, it was a complete waste of the model and agency’s time. The key is to find balance during this process, where the photographer, creative director, stylist, make-up artist, hairstylist, model and agency are all satisfied with the shoot and can use images. A few bumps in the road, but now I have it down to a science.
As a Fashion Stylist & Creative Director, it was my role to define the artistic vision of the test shoot. Essentially I was responsible for styling the model(s), directing hair and make-up, determining necessary props, location scouting, and directing the model(s) on set. A laborious job, but this is where I came alive. After months of testing and proving ourselves to the various agencies, we were able to secure models of our choice for our own concept shoot with no restrictions. We had 3 photographers on set, Elton Anderson, Eric Umphrey, and Cendino Teme who captures images from their perspective. Tia Smith was the producer of the concept, Jay Fierce on hair and make-up and of course me as stylist and creative director.
The shoot was entitled, Chasing the Sun because in life we’re all chasing something whether it is money, love, success or fame. This particular story is about youth, friendship and a time when the only thing you chased was your dreams.
9 Comments
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Whitney
Lovee this shoot! It comes together so naturally and tells such a fun story! Great job Puje!
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Gosh, I wish I wasn’t at work so I could go all in! Love the color and seemingly effortless harmony in the wardrobe. Whit is so right. Very natural.
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OHHHHHH Snap I made the Blog…. Thanks for the shoutout!!!!
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Gelisa
WOW this shoot is amazing
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JG*
Again… I’m so proud of all of you guys. Elton, Cendino.. beautiful work.
One time for Tallahassee! Apuje, you amaze me. I can’t wait until my shoot! Come to the midwest! -
These pictures look like they came straight out of a magazine! The shoot looks amazing!
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Justin Davis
This is an amazing blog. Great job. I am about to begin my second, much longer blog, about life beyond the border. Stay tunned. I’m keeping up with you bro. Good stuff. ’06
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I’m waiting to you read about your journey Spec! Make sure you send me the link.
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Amazing shoot! Love it!
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Jalea & Tosin ◊ Engagement Shoot
Friday, June 18, 2010
Memories…nothing more than memories. *stops music* I figured it only appropriate for me to take you back. Back to my first shoot as a Creative Director. It was April 2009, and my great friend, Elton Anderson {noted fashion and wedding photographer} was in town for a few engagement shoots. One of the shoots was for my girlfriend at the time best friend, Jalea and fiance, Tosin. I had no intention in being apart of the shoot, but in typical Elton fashion, he likes to have a village on set.
Although I’ve been styling and directing fashion shows on the side for years (shout out to Up And Up & Epicurean! for giving me my start) this shoot felt different. These were images that needed to stand the test of time. Jalea & Tosin already had one location selected, so after a storyboarding meeting with Elton, we contacted the couple to see if they would be open to an additional less traditional location. After a little persuasion and styling consultation, they agreed.
With limited time before the shoot, I went on the hunt to procure props based on our storyboard. When I have an idea fixed in my head, I have to see it through to execution. This can be a hindrance when time is not on your side, nevertheless it all came together in the end and what we have are the resulting images.
7 Comments
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Some women dream to get married for love, 1.5 kids the white picket fence and dog. Me? I dream of getting married so I can be styled by Apuje and photographed by Elton. Like Branch said…otherwise there is no point in getting married. bbm dead face (ha)
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DiAndria
cosign to everything my sister Tyah said…..is that a reason to want to get married bc 3 ladies have said it now (and thousands are thinking it)
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These shots are beautiful…especially the ones at the carnival. It’s easy to see they love each other. Wonderful job, Sir.
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Shavonne
I am an event planner and I can appreciate a good engagement photoshoot. These pictures are amazing! Kudos
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Thanks Shavonne! More engagement shoots to come.
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“Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!” Every photo made me smile….. I wish all of God’s Blessings to this wonder couple! “Always, Be, Happy!”
Chef Me’shelle Collins
Dallas, Texas-
Thanks for the support. This couple is amazing. God could not have put 2 more perfect people together.
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Dreams From My Father
Friday, June 18, 2010
*bbm whew face* so I’ve finally finished reading Barack Obama’s, Dreams from My Father after about 2 years. Don’t judge me, lol. It was my travel book, so I only read it in the airport or the plane, when I wasn’t sleep. It surprised me, how much our experiences with our fathers paralleled. No my mother is not white and no my father does not have 4 wives (not that there’s anything wrong with that…iKID). I’m speaking more so from our interactions, their influence and our struggle to find acceptance and answers.
Visiting Nigeria for the first time was both humbling and amazing. It’s difficult to fully express what the experience meant to me and how it changed my outlook on family, tradition, and culture. I was able to spend a few days in the capital, Abuja and my remaining weeks in Port Harcourt mixed with a day trip to Aba.
Now, I speak very little of my native tongue, Igbo, but thanks to friends and family I managed not to get ripped off too bad or get kidnapped. That coupled with my $1 haircut, and brief bout with the runs *thanks Imodium A-D* I’d say it was a great trip. Unfortunately, I did NOT see my father (this makes year 22 
) but I know his lessons and principles help guide my path, and the culture of Nigeria heavily influences my perspective on fashion.
Nigerians might be some of the flyest people I know…and I can say that speaking from first hand experience. *pops dashiki* As a stylist I’m not afraid to mix different patterns, colors, and textures. In fact, I rather enjoy it. Spending over two weeks in Nigeria only confirmed where I draw this inspiration. It’s from the children walking to primary school in their uniforms, from the older lady at the market selling stock fish in her traditional, from the young boys playing football, from the bride preparing for her nuptials searching intensely for her husband amongst the crowd and from the father walking with his family to church.
Check out the images below to get a glimpse into my journey and to understand how Nigeria planted the seeds of style in me. Enjoy.
27 Comments
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Uchenna Okoji
Uj3, this is amazing! I love everything about the site and the blog–down to this font I’m using right now. It’s vibrant, it’s colorful, it’s inspiring! Dope! Bravo! Kudos! EveryThing! I look forward to seeing more..keep it up!
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Haha..not the bbm whew face. You are a comedian. Love the pics, my fave is the wedding photos with the Nigerian Issac Hayes and Black Thought in the background. Just a great shot.
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Just Amazing! This took me back home! I’m so happy that you were able to experience “home” to the fullest! Our people and culture are just so beautiful. Great job Apuje! I’m looking forward to more!
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Helen
Love it!! I’m so proud of you bro! You are on your true path and I know God has great things in store for you!
These pics makes me miss home! -
Isaiah
This is great! A colorful look into your inspirations and drive. I look forward to seeing more. Congrats!
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thanks for sharing, completely inspiring
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Nigeria looks so raw and beautiful. you should check out the documentary that the BBC produced called “Welcome To Lagos”.
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Cortni
Inspiration at its best! You got me (mentally) planning my trip to Jamaican to see my family off this one bro.
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Uju
awww love it Apuje!!! thanks for shooting our wedding, and for allowing us to be a part of ur experience back home!! You rock!
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Sandra Nwankwo
Apuje,
The site is nice!!! I will definitely be following this more often. Glad you posted pics of my cousin’s wedding…..definite kudos for that!
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Drewche
I like that you brought AFRICA to us Americans…one day I will make it there also
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Apujeeeeee….I am diggin the blog brother…so awesome! I will definitely stay tuned…I am a sucker for blogs (especially good ones that inspire me).
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Apuje! This is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
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WOW!!!! The images are so vivid. I was enthralled by the point of view in your pictures. I know see where you get your fearless fashion sense!
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EMozie
Way to go Apuje. Congratulations on making your passion a reality. How interesting that on your first visit to Nigeria you recognize instantly that your perspective on fashion draws so much inspiration from your Nigerian heritage. I love the photographs, they definitely tell a story. Looking forward to seeing more.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, trip and these beautiful pictures. The colorful pics from the wedding are gorgeous!!
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Tamara
Its official im marryin a african… These pics are to die for…
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What an awesome experience! It was very cool to follow along your journey via your twitpics. Nothing like a return HOME to remind you of your roots, heritage and culture.
And the photography is amazing! I love your blog! -
Meghan
I love your pics of Lagos. I had a layover there and was not able to see the city but longed to see any and take in everything. I visited Ghana and Burkina Faso and was amazed! It blew my mind and I want to return badly. Obama seemed to bring us ordinary Americans, 4th and 5th generation Americans, closer to Africa, gracefully and quietly, like no one else has ever done. It was a silent march of the masses. Passionate cheers, cries and prayers were heard all over the world upon his election and Marcus Garvey’s dreams seems to be fulfilled. Peace and Love Brother Apuje, Meg
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This post was very personal to me, but I felt I needed to share my experience. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the motherland, make it a priority.
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Pejj
Crisp and lovely photos!!! The bride is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D
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I started to tear up as I looked at your pictures. I miss Nigeria so much and I wish that things could improve, so that we could leave this place and love at HOME. Real Talk. lol.
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Yo, pics are beautiful man…. You really just gave me a little more inspiration to explore my Liberian Heritage. We’ve had numerous talks about the father thing, and that has been one thing preventing me from even embracing my culture, but this post had made me look at things from a different light! Thanks bro.
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My broda….I know I am late but I thk you know how much you inspire me…and your thanked. Dope post!
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Jackie Jones
These are great photos! Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you would describe the food you show and I want to know how to make these marvalous head wraps, I do! They are really statement pieces.
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Thanks Jackie for visiting my blog. When I was in Nigeria, I was tweeting the about each of my meals. Shoot me an email off line and I can describe each dish to you.
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Omalicha
Omg…..is that abacha? Craving some right about now
10 Comments
i smile looking at these. bravo
Its a proud day for me as well Court! That’s one of my favorite t-shirts.
Inspiring work man… Your talent keeps evolving.
Preciate ya my Naija Broda
The Man, The Legend, The Kalu… Haha Great work bro… I’m starting a company this summer called, “I.T. PHOTOGRAPHY” in Tallahassee & you’re going to be my inspiration once again, to be the best that I can at what I do. If you have any suggestions or information for me while its still in the works, please let me know bro. This pics are FIRE. You are very versatile, aim for the STARS…
Beautiful photos!!
Good STUFF !! Where’s my T Shirt?
I would love to know where I can gain access to one of these shirts! Love inspirational tee’s like these!!!
You can purchase the shirts at http://www.3whobelieve.com. Tell them Apuje sent ya!
I saw this and should have known you were involved!! Love it… good concept, good energy, good people, good look. *two thumbs up*