Fish, Grits, Bacon & Dream Chasing
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Inspiration comes in the strangest forms. Mine often reveals itself over food 
The other day, while making fried whiting, cheddar cheese grits and applewood smoked bacon, it came to me… like an epiphany! *music break* “I think I’m just about over…” Shout out to my tweetheart, Chrisette Michelle. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know how much I love and respect her as an artist.
In the midst of preparing dinner for folks at the creative hostel came my realization: I’ve been so excited about the recent growth and development of my career, that I started to get hustle mixed up with stupidity. When you’re passionate about anything, it not only resonates with you, but your circle. Your family and friends will become your support system and personal PR team. I can’t begin to elaborate on the number of clients I’ve acquired and connections I’ve made because of my circle. They are apart of my success.
As a fashion stylist & creative director, one of my immediate goals is to have my work published in a magazine. Instead of letting it happen organically, I began to chase a tear sheet – an example of your work that can be torn from a publication – by any means necessary. *adjusts Malcolm X glasses*
I set up a meeting with a photographer who had strained relationships in many facets of the fashion industry. His reputation and ego proceeded himself – which sometimes is not a bad thing because you know what you’re getting before the train comes. His goal was to start a beach inspired fashion publication and I saw myself becoming an integral part of the staff in the magazine’s infancy stages. Half way through the meeting, my soul was unsettled. At that point I was aware this new relationship would be toxic. However, I wanted that tear sheets so I pressed forward and agreed to take on a number of tasks, despite photographer’s demeaning tone.
So as the grease began to pop, I realized I made it this far from sweat equity, intuition, keen business practices and great support system. My guerrilla approach could have affected my brand, integrity and progress to date. Instead I decided to do what Will Smith so eloquently stated in his video on my previous post, “You don’t try to build a wall. You don’t set out to build a wall. You don’t say, I’m going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that’s ever been built. You don’t start there. You say, I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid. And you do that every single day and soon you have a wall.”
Life’s funny that way…wouldn’t you know it, less than a week later, the fashion gods shined their Ferragamos down on me. *bbm party face* I will be working with two publications in August who’s brands I respect and admire. I won’t say much…now. I’ll let the tear sheets speak for themselves. #POW
44 Comments
Apuje that is so exciting! I cannot wait to see your tears and I am so glad to hear of this opportunity! It was only a matter of time because your talent is tremendous. Congrats for being someone who believed in your dream enough to persevere through the hard times. You inspire me.
Great job thus far Apuje! Stay hungry both literally and figuratively (maybe one day ill get to sample these dishes). Continue to go with your inner instincts and it will never steer you wrong.
-Snow
Im not gonna lie.. I didn’t read the post just yet, but its lunch time and I’m on the grind in the dungeon. You gotta post recipes.. I’m hungry as (insert something) now..
Congratulations!!!
My man 100 grand!! You are always an inspiration to my life bro.
That’s awesome! You were patient and believed in yourself that your hard work would soon pay off…and it did! Can’t wait to see the spread in the two publications.
Meanwhile, you’re making me hungry with that picture.
I totally get the fish & grits, but bacon? why can’t you leave the other white meat alone??? ..Praying for your arteries and heart
Keep on pushing Twin! You know I’ve got your back and support all that you do. Let’s make the magic happen!
This is so great Apuje! You continue to inspire me!
Apuje, I am SO proud of you and your continuing success!! As someone who is looking to do something different and follow a dream I use you as my inspiration! Keep on keeping on, and never sacrifice your integrity for a paycheck; the right opportunity will always be on the horizon!
That’s such a blessing! It’s not just about the work that you do, but how you do the work. Perfect example of how keeping steafast, focused and grateful will guide you to your dreams
This post spoke to me man! I’m in this place currently in my career, learning to take steps that are of the highest integrity, and that serve others as well as myself. Trying to discern next steps in this business is not always the most clear. I’m learning to trust the passion and the gift God has given me while also working hard and efficiently towards my goal…hustling! Keep it up Apuje, I love these posts
That food looks so good! Twin, your epiphany seemed to be right on point. Always go with your instinct; like you said it has gotten you this far.
I think we talked about this friday. I am very glad to see your dreams come to pass. In the short time that i’ve known you and elton you guys chase your dreams with all of your might and that within itself is powerful. I will glad to see the post this month.
Wow..what a pic, what a dish, what a blog. The Will Smith quote is so on point. Patience, hard work, and dedication go along way. It’s good to see you/someone succeed in something they enjoy and worked so hard for. Our best quality shows when we Enjoy and Appreciate what we do.
Side note…..you should get some of your food pics published too….Yummy!
Thanks LaTonya! I never thought about getting the food pics published. I guess I was trying to stay in my lane and focus on styling people and not food lol. Who knows what God has in store for me next.
I find this post so ironic….I had a similar experience with which whom is mentioned here. Nonetheless congratulations on all your success! Obstacles plentiful meaning the victory will be grand. (I need to hire you before you get too famous….*seriously*)…I support you 100! *hugs*
I was skeptical about posting this story, but I knew others could benefit from my experience. I look forward to working with you soon Allana. I love the new twitter avatar. Thanks for the continued support.
Perseverance pays of.. I’ve been following your journey for some time and I just want to say congratulations! you deserve the success.
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