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
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A Leap of Faith ◊ A Chance on Life
Friday, June 18, 2010
One of the hardest things to do in life is to start. It has taken me some time to get to this point on my journey, but I’m finally here. Prepared to share my experiences with the world, I hope you’re ready
Over a year ago (with some help), I decided to leave Corporate America and pursue my passion, fashion. It was not an easy decision, but in my soul it just felt right. To some, 6 years of being an Engineer & IT Consultant may not seem long; however for me, it was a creative eternity.
Now, I am freelance Fashion Stylist & Creative Director with a love for PORK Bacon and all things Red Velvet. On my blog, I will be taking you on the hunt for the most savory bacon, delectable red velvet cake, behind the scenes of photo shoots, posting images of my work and whatever inspires me in between. We all know… “what really matters is how we live and love and how spend our dash.” – Linda Ellis
Come with me on this journey…somewhere between fashion and food. Welcome to my blog. Welcome to my world.
55 Comments
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Darius Beckett
Apuje the outfits / pics are great… keep following your Dreams…. The Sky is the Limit..
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Whitney
Love the new site and blog! The styling i so you and looks amazing! Can’t wait to see each and every new post. So excited and happy for you! Love you sweetie
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Calvin
Great Site Man – Loving Everything on it ! and i need to get whatever camera you used the pics are amazing ..
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Tim
Fashion and food… Two of mankind’s greatest expressions! Love it man.
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I mean I always knew you were talented, it’s in the genes!! Or should I say jeans?
But seriously, you are a marvel and fashion genius! I am so proud of your evolution as an artist and visionary. From UaU to Apuje Kalu (period). You continue to amaze me. Gosh, I’m going to cry…Congratulations. Without doubt, the industry is your to conquer. Love you cousin. -
b.
ahhh, juju, you are amazing. so happy to see how far you have come and to envision where your journey will lead. {{hugs}} congrats on the site…it’s fantastic.
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Mike
DOPENESS! This site looks fantastic and I know your blog is gonna be fantastic as well! I’m proud of you homie!
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BFF!!!!!! I’m just too proud of you right now! You’re on your way good sir…you’re on your way!
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Puje! I must say, I am so very proud of you. I was with you soon after you left your job and remember telling you (over food, of course) to get focused because you had an undeniable talent. To see this come to fruition, makes me tear up (literally…pass me a tissue). Best wishes…and I look forward to working with you again!! Would love to add more of the Kalu flair to my port. *smooches*
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Danielle Cotten
OMG Apuje, your website and portofio is BEAT! I am so very proud of you for following your dreams. Keep pushing forward my friend, you are destined for even more success.
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Very dope…especially the pics from the motherland!
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James
Spec, GREAT site and even better camera, lol. I’m in the market for a new one, help a brotha out. But seriously, the site is a real good look. Good luck w/it! I’ll be following along for the journey
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J. Bland
Puje. Site is amazing my brother. I’m excited for you, your future and to have another amazing blog to follow. Keep me entertained. No “one note” post please.
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Chimére L. Smith
Apuje: I am so elated to read and view the images before me. Yet, somewhere in my mind’s eye, I am not surprised. You have always held an affinity to lead and create wherever you are and I am just so insanely proud of your accomplishments and courage to allow what you love to take you to extraordinary places. Not a fan of red velvet but I encourage you to let your creative nature, the aroma of great bacon, and the batter of red velvet cake lead you to sights and sounds your heart, ears, and mind could only imagine. I am inspired to take this makeup business to the very next level! Thank you!
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Congrats…..
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Cortni
Liven, Loven Life bro! Truly proud of you for getting out your dreams. I can DEF see Apuje all over this blog/site. I would say one thing that could make it better…..maybe a lil Gucci Mane on the playlist? Buuur! LOL
Much Luv Bro! -
JDove
Apuje..J’adore the website..I am highly impressed…Keep up the excellent work and may all your hopes and dreams come true.
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I very happy for you Apuje; way to follow you dreams. It is not easy to do what you are doing but then nothing worth having is easy. This is inspirational! Here’s to the future and all it holds.
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Apuje I am so proud of you and congratulations on your success!!!! I know you will have a wonderful career just keep striving for success and always think positive…..KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
W/R
TORYA -
Uju
Stylin in Abuja (lol@the green taxi)! I see u Apuje! Congrats! Looking forward to more from u, and seeing your journey through your lens. God bless you
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Proud would be an understatement! Your work is exceptional. I am super elated that you are pursuing your passion! Because it is your passion, everything you are apart of will turn to gold! You will be successful! Many blessings. The pictures are amazing! PEACE
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Yo frat, really felling your work and will definitely be checking in on your blog. Keep up the good work homey.
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Carmen
What about….red velvet clothing??? Proud of you puje!
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Teewhy
Kalooh!!!!! thats wasup homie; keep up the great wk, everytime i see your wk, i get more and more inspired!! ima holla @ u asap
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…Excellent! You’re baby sister is very proud of you…GX!!!
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I will blame my excitement for you for the misspelling in my previous post (excuses, excuses)…*your*. Again Congratulations honey!
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Faris Abdelmuti
My Brother,
I just wanted to say a few words about how proud I am of you……
During our Corporate America days, I’ve come to realize that you’re a dedicated and diligent man, who’s prepared to work hard to achieve his goals. You also encouraged me to rock brown shoes with my black pinstriped suit…, pushed me to explore colorful “Pocket Silks”…, and much more valuable men fashion advice that you Concluded with the phrase “DUUUUUUUUUH” ……….The result was great and I’m now a better, sharper, and “fly” outfitted man thanks to you… My fiance concurs BTW I wish you all the best on your pursuit for greatness, your efforts will pay off the ultimate accolade and I will be your biggest fan following your success and cheering you on.
~Much love and Respect
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Rosie
Apuje!….WOW…Congratulations! You are an inspiration. I am so proud of you…impressive! This is amazing stuff…and I did not expect less from you…This is perfection…Continue to allow the Lord to use you…we are not ready! The Apuje Kalu is on the loose! Keep up the good job my Igbo brother!
…Wishing you continued blessings and pray that the Lord continues to use you and allow you to continue to express and share your eccentric juices and creative impulse…WOW!! #justsaying -
JG*
I’m so proud of you. Your love for Pork Bacon concerns me, but together we shall enjoy the fruits of all things Red Velvet. I will go work on creating a catalog of such items. I can’t wait to read your blog and see all the awesome shoots and adventures your life has become. I’m so proud of be your friend, sister in Leoness, and now fellow writer. Congrats and let the good times roll!
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Henry
Apuje- The word teaches us that we will have what we say…so keep speaking into existence the success and brilliance that is embedded in you. I am encouraged by the courage that you have shown by taking this step and am proud of the way that you have let yourself be used to produce work that is artistically splendid. I have no doubt that the best is yet to come for you, and that your blessings in this arena will be more than you were ever able to ask for or think of. You have been endowed with a dogged determination and undeniable spirit that leaves an indellible imprint on all those you come in contact with that I am sure will serve you well. Be Blessed and Congratulations.
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Kennard Goodman
Congratulations on making your vision coming to life! I pray all the best…keep pushing forward…the site looks great!
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Congrats on taking the leap, love your site and more importantly your work. Proud of ya
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I’ll be checking in Daily!
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Tamra Nicole
SM!!!!!!!! To say that I’m impressed, I mean those words are on such a small scale of how I feel when I look at the blog and website! I am sooooooooo inspired by you! I love that you are chasing your dreams, you are truly made for this honey! Your work pushes me as an artist! I’m just do damn proud of you and to think of how we met on a whim! God def places people in your life for a reason! SM let’s continue to push each other for our goals and please don’t ever stop creating! I absolutely love everything about ur work…esp the love for bacon and red velvet! I’m beaming over here from joy, I mean my cheeks are hurting from smiling so much!!! I love to see my people getting it!
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Twin! I’m SO proud of you for making this official! Your talents and business acumen will undoubtedly lead you to a place of greatness that only a strong-willed and heartfelt vision could take you. I look forward to seeing more of your great work and you know if I can help it at all I am first in line to support your greatness.
Onward and upward!
/hf
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Phil P
Super proud of you bro… still remember you on the sewing machine for hours on end before an E! show… good to see ur following your dreams. Good luck. God bless
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This post just gave me chills. Seriously. I have been struggling with this for quite some time now, such a difficult choice to make. I’m so happy for you and your decision to pursue your dreams.
Much success.
Krys. -
Your site and blog are great!! So many of us are too scared to step out on faith and follow our dreams so congrats to you on taking that step! Good luck and I wish you much success!! I look forward to reading the blog and seeing more of your work!
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Words can not express how overwhelmed I am by the support of my family, friends and folks who don’t know me. Its good to see this post was able to inspire many and evoke emotion in others. I will continue you bring you updates from my journey.
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yikes those are coffin nails in a box!!!
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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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