The Joshua Gray Style Concept #77: “Warmth in the Winter” | PC: Okennichiwa

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The Joshua Gray Style Concept captures my daily style and incorporates a style, trend, and concept message to share an inspirational message. For the past few years, I’ve been a fan of earthly tones and, in the winter, a big fan of layering. Showcasing both, I employ these trends to share some thoughts on seeking comfort whilst challenging stagnation in the pursuit of our purpose.

When chasing purpose, many condemn comfort as something that is unproductive or unnecessary, illuminating the inevitability of discomfort. Although I agree that we will endure discomfort when pursuing our purpose, I believe it’s worth appreciating and acknowledging those things that gives us warmth in the winter–those things that make us comfortable during our growth while also conditioning us for our goals and dreams in life.

As a few thoughts on honor and appreciation where it is due, below are three keys that I believe lead to a grateful heart–a key to success:

1. Love what is healthily loving you: Love is prospective, love foresees aspects of your future and prepares you in the present, ensuring you’re the best version of yourself when your future manifests. Start loving what is healthily loving you and pushing you to your purpose. Honor such warmth and appreciate that love with your life.

2. Acknowledge the how behind the what, in what is encouraging you for your [GRAYTER]: Consider what pushed you to your purpose and how it propels you to your purpose, how does the warm love from your family or warm love from your friends assist in pushing you closer to your God-given graytness? Knowledge of the how, assists in discerning the what, in the future.

3. Continuously discern what is healthy comfort and what is unhealthy comfort: Ultimately, healthy comfort brings you peace; peace with God & peace with yourself.

The post Joshua Gray Style Concept #77 + Words: Warmth in the Winter first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

In college, you encounter a myriad of motivations as you commit to the pursuit of the best college experience possible. Motivating me as a freshman in 2011 and motivating me in adulthood, Ibùkún Jaiyeola is a phenomenal woman of excellence and a friend pushing me to excellence with her commitment to excellence.

More easily known as “IBK”, Jaiyeola prioritizes the importance of character, integrity, and excellence–transcending the stress of any situation or the gravity of whatever she’s going through. With about 5 minutes of your time, my good friend IBK opens up about her life, her journey, her [graytness], and some words of wisdom for any millennial acclimating to their universal purpose.

We open up reminiscing on what initially brought us together in our friendship.

INTRODUCTION

1. We bonded over our love for crisp, clean, contemporary branding. Professionally, what fuels your passion about branding & communication?

IBK: We did, and such good work too. I am a storyteller and I love to make connections between people and ideas, or what have you. Storytelling is perhaps the most powerful tool to bring forth ideas into the world and to show how connected we all are to each other. So professionally, I get to do that working in communications. The fact that I can tell a thing or person’s story, through words and/or images, and that I can give it relevance is powerful and fulfilling. That’s what fuels my passion.

JOURNEY

2. Your first time in America was your first time coming to Malibu to embark on your Pepperdine journey? In your attempts at acclimating to American culture, how were you able to surpass any of your own doubts or the doubts of others to embark on chasing your goals?

IBK: Genesis 28:15!  “Know that I am with you always,  and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” My aunt (God rest her soul) wrote that in a letter to me that I read on the plane moving to America and I held on to it. It became the verse of my life, and I built my life around it. It didn’t matter what I faced, that verse kept me together.

The other important thing I’ve come to appreciate is self-knowledge. Know thyself. I was very fortunate to know early on what I want to do with my life. So even through the loops of life, I keep a  mental picture of where I’m headed. I don’t remember my adjustment into America conflicting with my goals, if anything it just showed me that I had a broader stage to work on, and I embraced it. Honestly, I’m more critical of myself than others, so whatever doubts others may have, I probably already went one step ahead. My values and my faith keep me grounded and in check. I have friends and family that speak life and truth over me, and I just soak that up and push through. So I guess faith and good people helped me surpass whatever doubts.

3. You are a woman of class and dignity. What are three (3) values have you brought with you from your upbringing that are significant in shaping your perseverance towards fulfilling your purpose today?

IBK: Faith in God and His word, authenticity and kindness

GRAYTNESS

4. What do you identify as your differentiating factor among other brand specialists/brand architects?

IBK: Honesty, I don’t know if I’d call myself a brand specialist, or at least I’d prefer not to. Maybe a communications specialist. And as a communicator, I’m very curious about people. I think all good communicators should be.

5. Considering your return to Nigeria after obtaining your Masters degree from American University, what advice can you give on the value of returning to your roots as a way of pursuing one’s personal [graytness]?

IBK: Personally, I’d always known that I’d return to Nigeria, it was only really a matter of when. I think that as human beings we have a responsibility to give back to the world around us. I also believe that the things we don’t get to choose per say, like our gender, place or family of birth, play significant roles in our purpose. I didn’t have a say in being born Nigerian, or what not, but I identify with the Nigerian story.

6. What are three (3) routine practices you implement to ensure your purpose in life consistently aligns with the manifestation of your dreams?

1. I pray. There’s my vision for my life, and then there’s God’s purpose for my life. Prayer is my way of keeping these aligned.
2. I read or listen to sound teachings
3. I retreat and hibernate

EFFORTS/ETHICS

7. What encourages you to keep reaching for more, challenging the status quo in brand representation in Nigeria and/or internationally?

IBK: The knowledge that I’ve merely scratched the surface in my professional career. I know what can be done that I haven’t yet done. I mean, I have so much to do that I have not yet done. Then of course things are constantly evolving in the industry. It’s all still so fresh, and we’re just starting to get more creative.

MOTIVATION

8. What are three (3) impacting scriptures/quotes/mantras that you use to guide your life?

1. Know Thyself
2. Genesis 28:15
3. AND, God is good (even when I’m not)

9. Pepperdine was the foundation of our friendship, rooted deeply in leading the Pepperdine Black Student Association. For fun, during your 2012 graduation I remember our parting hand rise with Nduka. If you were to select a song to score that moment, what song would you choose?

IBK: LOL. “We Made It” – Busta feat Linkin Park. I think that sums the friendship, and us working together to birth our vision for the BSA.

10. What was one moment of personal failure or personal success that would motivate someone else to continuously press towards fulfilling their dream?

IBK: One time I got a brief to develop a board game, and I was given a deadline to work with. By my calculations, I had done everything right – concept, market research – all of it. I thought I was doing pretty good. But by the demo presentation it fell apart and I felt so defeated because of how hard I had worked on it. My boss was really pissed and I was pulled off the project. What I learned from that experience is that you might have all the ducks lined up and things still don’t pan out the way you expect. The redeeming part of this story is that I went on to work on many other projects and I still do. It didn’t end there, it never really does.

The thing about your dream is that it’s yours, so of course you have to go on to fulfill it. Who else would, if not you?

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[GRAYT PEOPLE] Profile Series curates an informational collective of inspirational individuals who have shown what it means to mobilize confidence to challenge [GOOD] and mobilize courage to champion [GRAYT]—highlighting their past, their journey to their [graytness], their efforts and ethics, their motivation, and their aspirations.

The post GRAYT PEOPLE: Ibùkún Jaiyeola | Communications Specialist & Friend first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Downtown Las Vegas is a burgeoning area of town with fulfilled potential and much promise. As a relocated local, I’ve had a pleasure of exploring various places in downtown. I may need to get out more, but downtown Las Vegas gives me Cali hipster vibes at times, so I’m always down to try some more places (to reconnect with the Cali part of my heart). Until then, check out some GRAYT PLACES, below:

1. If you want to try an assortment of places to eat, shop, and relax, visit Downtown Container Park:

2. If you want to try some healthy & vegan selections, head to Container Park and stop by Simply Pure LV:

3. If you’re in the mood for some coffee and a hub to catch up on some work, try Makers & Finders Las Vegas:

4. If you’re looking for more of a family-styled, neighborhood eatery try PublicUs:

5. If you’re in the mood for a myriad of pizza options in a lively setting, try Pizza Rock Las Vegas:

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[GRAYT PLACE] is a highlight-based feature segment covering [GRAYT PLACES] in [GRAYT CITIES]. Exploring the location, the vibe & atmosphere, and the brand of GRAYT attractions, eateries, social houses, and other must-do’s.

The post Five Grayt Places to Frequent in #DTLV first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Granted my sister has been running track for over a decade, Track & Field has practically become my favorite sport to watch. Additionally, Usain Bolt has become a staple in Track & Field and pop culture–sports and pop culture being an intersection of topics that intrigue me when it comes to documentaries. Thus, Usain Bolt’s “I Am Bolt” documentary piqued my interest.

Once ready to watch, I realized the documentary was close to TWO HOURS LONG, so I knew I was in for a decent watch. When it comes to documentaries, I tend to gravitate towards films that capture an icon or icon -in-the-making “Making good, GRAYT!” I love watching legends or GRAYTS work, while I work. The film does a great job of assembling the arrangement of various perspectives from Usain, his coaching & conditioning team, other greats like Michael Johnson and Serena, paralleled with a reflection of who Bolt is as an individual.

Through the film’s account of Usain’s upbringing, the beginning of his track career, his historic 2008 Olympic showing, and his most recent Rio showings, “I Am Bolt” ultimately unveils five things to consider when walking into your God-given [graytness]:

1. Remain true to yourself in your rise: The film depicts Usain Bolt as the same around the way guy who valued humor and good times, from his childhood to currently. Seemingly instrumental to the fulfillment of his graytness, authenticity is depicted as Bolt’s underlying force.
2. Remain true to yourself at your pinnacle: Capturing his emotions during the 2008. 2012, and 2016 Olympics, “I Am Bolt” showcases the importance of authenticity during Bolt’s reign as iconic sprinter–that authenticity being his hard work paralleled with his lighthearted approach to competitive environments.
3. Have Fun fulfilling your God-given gift: Above anything else, “I Am Bolt” showcases the value of having fun while fulfilling your God-given gift. Your gift isn’t only limited to bringing joy to others, it should bring joy to you, as well.
4. Be Cognizant of Your Behavior: Bolt’s ankle injury is a major feature of this documentary, which was allegedly caused by a mishap at a club. Although not addressed in the documentary, one can assume reckless behavior could have brought this unwarranted behavior. Who knows? Nevertheless, being cognizant of your behavior when fulfilling your graytness is vital to your optimal performance.
5. Be Self-Aware in Fulfilling Your Graytness: An over-arching theme of the docuemtary, is Bolt’s declining motivation for Track & Field, as a competitor. Bolt demonstrates the importance of being self-aware in fulfilling our gratyness, that way we can maximize happiness and be in tune with the seasons of our lives!

The post Five Tips on Fulfilling Graytness from @UsainBolt’s “I Am Bolt” Documentary first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Whilst watching a few videos on YouTube, this Jame’s Harden Adidas Commercial caught my attention and I didn’t click “Skip Ad.” The commercial authentically intrigued me because it merged a few favorites of mine (when combined) sports, branding, and design. The commercial positions James Harden as the narrator of various scenarios that depict the void that a lack of creativity would create. Watch the commercial, below:

Transcending the importance of creativity in sports, this commercial (one of several commercial in Adidas “Needs Creators” campaign) implicitly expounds upon the importance of our individual creativity. Here’s five things you can learn about your creativity:

1. Creativity separates you from the usual, the expected, or the normal.
2. Creativity breathes life into your style; style (whether it’s what you wear, what you do, or how you exhibit your purpose) is how you fulfill your greatness.
3. Creativity is what makes you hot; your God-given ingenuity is what produces God-given [graytness].
4. Creativity unboxes the gifts, talents, and skills to the world.
5. Creativity allows you to live a life that is beyond basic; allows you to operate above basic.

The world needs your God-given creativity, use it in exhibiting your God-given [graytness].

The post Five Things to Learn About Your Creativity from @JamesHarden’s #Adidas “Basketball Needs Creators” Commercial first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

The Joshua Gray Style Concept #76: “The Transformative Trench” | Photo Credit: Okennichiwa
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The Joshua Gray Style Concept captures my daily style and incorporates a style, trend, and concept message to share an inspirational message. While living in Shanghai, I designed this “transformative” trench, as a personal souvenir of sorts; nevertheless, it’s more than a customizable trench, it’s a testament to the power of keeping “you” in “your style”.

When creating this jacket in China, I wanted to maximize the number of styling possibilities from one piece, thus I was inspired to create a lite trench with a detachable lower half (one in red and one in black).  I literally put on a show (fake calling my accountant, fake crying, fake budgeting issues, etc.) at the tailors to bargain (a tradition at such places in China) for an appropriate price.  Nevertheless, sometimes we have to do what it takes to maximize the number of possibilities of creating the life we want. The key to creating the life you want is not always knowing what you want, but knowing your purpose.

1. Align With Your Purpose: Placed on this earth for a reason, once we become one with our purpose we are then equipped to live the authentic life we want.
2. Dream in Your Purpose: Dreaming on purpose and dreaming in purpose, creates impactful and meaningful possibilities. Dream the biggest dreams possible that all fulfill your purpose.
3. Work in Your Purpose: Seek opportunities and projects that fulfill your purpose; if none available, ascertain skills and values from your current situation to assist you to work in your purpose.
4. Don’t Give Up on Your Purpose: When you work in your purpose, yet not seeing fruit…don’t give up, you’re only toiling the soil. The expectancy of fruit must remain.

The post Joshua Gray Style Concept #76: The Transformative Trench first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Ever since the first time I gained access to a home computer on the cusp of the new millennium, I have been enthralled with technology, thus I am always excited to see minorities occupying the tech space. Brian Gerrard—most widely known for co-founding increasingly popular Bae App—is a young man cementing his mark within the tech arena and aspiring to do so with each idea, marketing campaign, and app he pushes to the culture.

As a University of Virginia alumnus, Brian and I conversed over the phone about elements of his  life, his journey, his [graytness], his motivations, and words of wisdom, resulting in a 5-minute  inspirational boost to “make your good, GRAYT!”

Commencing the conversation, Brian and I discussed what compelled him to pursue app creation & development.

INTRODCTION:

1. What compelled you to pursue app creation & development, specifically creating a dating app?

After reaching a breaking point in corporate America, Brian exclaimed that he could not accept simply being a “cog in someone else’s wheel.” Brian further shared that he realized, “that the path that I [was] on, would never get me what I wanted because it was someone else’s path.” This moment of discontent and purpose discovery led to his revelation that app creation & development is his exciting way of bringing an idea to life and to people—possibly millions of people.

JOURNEY:

2. In developing the Bae App, what was one moment of failure or success you encountered that motivated you to continue pursuing the development of Bae App and/or continue pursuing your dreams?

Bringing an idea to life is exactly what Brian and his brother, Justin Gerrard and Jordan Kunzika, did when they created the Bae App and inaugrally launched it at Howard in 2014. Expounding upon the impact of their successful launch, Brian shared that with only $100.00 of online marketing dollars expended, his Bae App defied the odds and surpassed 15,000 downloads in one month (where Brian reports two-thrids of all apps take an entire year to reach its 1000th user). This particular success story elevated the importance of “structure” into Brian’s business journey, as he gained exposure to starting up businesses and experiencing the acquisition of a business

3. What are three (3) values/characteristics you identify as necessary when developing an app and/or pursuing entrepreneurial aspirations?

Brian equates the necessary components of a car to the necessary characteristics when pursuing app development or entrepreneurial aspirations, highlighting the importance of the engine, the wheels, and the driver

• Engine: Brian esteems the team of engineering and developing professionals as the core of developing a thriving app.
• Wheels of the Car: Sharing on the significance of efficient marking, Brian further shares “It doesn’t matter if the engine works, because if a car can’t get anywhere, it can’t be seen!”
• The Driver: Considering who’s behind the wheel when that car is seen, Brian shares on the importance of leadership and their role as person who “put[s] their hands on the wheel and drive the thing”

GRAYTNESS:

4. What do you identify as your differentiating factor among other app creators and tech entrepreneurs?

After conversing on the seriousness and significance of confidence when starting something new, Brian and I then discussed what distinguishes himself among other app creators and tech entrepreneurs. That factor being his “appetite for learning,” sharing that the major key is to “seek out what you don’t know”

Within the immensely creative tech sector, Brian humbly acknowledges the notion that when in such a sector an individual has “the opportunity to become a thought leader, affirm[ing] ideas as truths.”

5. Noted as launching in front of 10 million people on the day it was launched, Bae App’s launch was a success. What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs on the importance of strategy in developing a brand?

Considering that one does not automatically become a thought leader and that such is an evolving process, Brian shares  the importance of patience and progressiveness, a strong network of trustworthy advisors, and an openness to how you’re thinking about things, as the “best strategic ideas are where you least likely expect them.”

6. What are three (3) routine practices you deem significant in staying relevant while staying in alignment with your purpose?

In reflecting on the three routine practices significant in staying relevant while staying in alignment with his purpose,Brian acknowledges that he strives to implement a strict regimen at the beginning of his day and at the end of his day—acknowledging, “How you begin and how you end will determine what happens in the middle.”

Among  his three common practices, Brian strives to: exercise & stretch in the morning, eat healthily, and appease his intellectual curiosity—whether it be through reading or writing as a contributor for LinkedIn’s media portal and other platforms.

EFFORTS & ETHICS

7. Peaking as a “top 50 Lifestyle app in 20 African/Caribbean countries,” why do you believe its important to continue challenging the status quo of social interactions and relationships within the Black community, through technology?

Finding the perfect dating app can be difficult in the sea of countless apps in the App Store & subsequently staying relevant can be even more difficult; nevertheless, Brian is pushing the message that “going extremely niche” is the route to currently embrace. Particular for the Bae App, Brian and his team strived to curve a niche by catering to the Black millennials, from Black millennial creators; provoking relation and connectivity to the brand.

MOTIVATION

Black millennials striving to carve their own lane in the tech excites me; thus, Brian excitedly shared he launched and is bringing to market two new apps, one currently released called,  We Chill (A LifeStreaming App) where influencers & Users Interact, with revenue potential for influencers.

8. What is an impacting scriptures, quotes, and/or mantras that you use to guide your life?

Eager to ascertain what drives his motivation, Brian shared a Frederick Douglas quote to close our conversation, which he shared, “The man who will get up will be helped up; and the man who will not get up will be allowed to stay down. Personal independence is a virtue and it is the soul out of which comes the sturdiest manhood.” Closing, Brian expounds on this quote, “At the end of the day, no matter how many inspirational videos you watch on YouTube. Whatever is being said in the pulpit, motivation has to happen intrinsically for anything to work. As you want you more, you’re going to have to find that within yourself”

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[GRAYT PEOPLE] Profile Series curates an informational collective of inspirational individuals who have shown what it means to mobilize confidence to challenge [GOOD] and mobilize courage to champion [GRAYT]—highlighting their past, their journey to their [graytness], their efforts and ethics, their motivation, and their aspirations.

The post GRAYT PEOPLE: @BrianJGerrard | Co-Founder of @Bae_App first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

“Fake Love” by Drake is all the rave right now (and admittedly I’m a fan of a few covers of the song currently!) Interpersonally, we all may have dealt with fake love from fake friends who we thought were real friends showing real love straight up in our face. Or, we admittedly have been that fake friend showing fake love to get something we love? Nonetheless, the greatest man to walk the Earth dealt with “fake love” too–Jesus Christ.

What I’m starting to love about Jesus Christ are the major keys he often times exemplified–one of those times, exemplifying the major keys in dealing with “fake love”. Two considerable instances, once when the Pharisees plotted on how to trap Jesus to provoke him to offer illegal advice (Matthew 22:15-17) and Judas Iscariot’s kiss of betrayal for about $21.60 ( about 30 pieces of silver), (Matthew 26:14-16, Luke 22:47-48 ). Considering these two instances, he showed us three valuable things when dealing with fake love:

1. Assess Your Squad & Know Their Heart: When it came to Judas, Jesus recognized what what was going on. Hypothetically, he could suspected/discerned/knew that the love was fake (John 6:70, John 13:21) and that something wasn’t right when they were talking! In your life, assess your squad, assess your circle, strive to know your team & know their heart; be cognizant of how they affect your spirit! 
2. Address Fake Love in Hopes of Moving Forward in Peace: When it came to the Pharisees in the aforementioned Matthew 22:15-19, Christ recognized the Pharisee’s sweet talking all in attempt to trap him; he RECOGNIZED the fake love and addressed the fake love, in hopes of moving forward in peace–which was achieved, when Matthew 22:22 attests to the “hypocrites” departing from Jesus amazed! Recognize the fake love and address the fake love, in hopes of moving forward in peace!
3. Continue to Extend God’s Love: When it comes to Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 disciples, from early on, Jesus knew that he would be the one to exhibit “fake love.” From earlier on, Christ knew that “Something ain’t right when [they were] talking!” Amidst his service to Judas (washing his disciples feet, John 13:5) to Christ’s fellowship with Judas (John 13:26), he continuously extended Godly love to the one he could “tell that the love [was] fake.” If capable and equipped with God within you, continue extending his love despite those smiling straight up in your face, whilst stabbing you in your heart.

The post 3 Things #Jesus Can Teach Us About @Drake’s #FakeLove first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

The Joshua Gray Style Concept #75: “Olives & Chocolates: The Layers of Levi” | Photographer: Okenichiwa

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The Joshua Gray Style Concept captures my daily style and incorporates a style, trend, and concept message to share an inspirational message. Taking on a Levi’s Coat designed to acclimate to various temperatures with its various layers and components, I share a few reminders and thoughts to consider, when it comes to being prepared for the various layers and components of 2017.

When I purchased this jacket over five years ago, I appreciated that this Levi’s jacket had various options for customization (inclusive of detachable fur-trimmed hold, long flight trench, perforated under jacket). This Levi’s purchase (that I got from Ross for a mere $20.00) purchased seemingly prepared me for anything, any type of temperature; with 2017 across the block, I’m presented with a similar question: am I prepared for anything?

Reflecting on 2016, it brought with it a plethora of life experiences from: testing my physical limits during a 16 mile hike in Argentine Patagonia, to graduating from Pepperdine University with a B.S. in International Business, to then discovering how relaxation and too much social media can lead to a depressive mentality, to experiencing the affects of such depressive mentality on relationships. 2016 revealed much about me and I revealed a portion of that to the world via this site, such as how Buenos Aires surprised me, to my top 20 Midyear Moments, to how I responded to the 2016 Presidential Election with the launch of my online store GRAYTER. But, once again, as this coat prepared me for anything, I’m asking myself: am I prepared for anything in 2017?

In the year of 2017, I literally have full control and autonomy over what I allocate my time to and what ideas I’m going to pursue and develop. Honestly, it’s one of my scariest years yet, filled with potential moments of uncertainty; nevertheless, here’s how I’m conditioning myself to be prepared for anything in 2017:

1. Strengthening Relationship with God: Admittedly, this is a relationship that needs strengthening because it is the foundation, in which all other relationships are built, the foundation for my confidence, and the root of my success. With this relationship strengthened, I know I’ll be prepared for anything because I’ll have a redeemer, a refuge, and reassurer! This can be your foundation too!

2. Dreaming Bigger & Strategizing Smaller: At this point in my life, I have nothing to lose, so I’m preparing myself to dream bigger and then strategize through smaller, realistic goals. 2017 can bring whatever it brings, however, each step of the way, I’m preparing to dream bigger and better!

3. Being More Authentic in All Situations: At the same point in my life, I’m striving to be more authentic within all situations. As a relatively optimistic person, I can sometimes void valid emotions or valid assessments in hopes of things being better. Nonetheless, I’m committed to distinguishing between the faith value of something and the face value of something, that’s when your works make your faith alive!

The post Joshua Gray Style Concept #75 + Words: The Layers of @Levis & 2017 first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Original Photo Credit: Aundre Larrow

Some days you wake up to find some one or some thing that has gone viral, such happened to me when I discovered The New Stereotype, a while back. The image series– sharpening the Black male stereotype through the lens of fashion–is curated by Marquelle Turner. An inspiration turned friend-in-my-head, Marquelle and I conversed about his life, journey, his [graytness], his current endeavors, and his words of motivation in his GRAYT People Profile.

With approximately 8 minutes of your time, enjoy Marquelle’s candid and inspirational responses to questions curated to address the importance of faith on this roller-coaster we call life, the impact of living abroad on the black identity, and the importance of creating positive imagery in the next four years, amongst other things.

We open discussing what cultivated his creativity, at an early age.

INTRODUCTION

1. How did growing up in a small town in North Carolina birth your dreams and give life to your imagination?

Marquelle: Growing up in a small, rural town in North Carolina, all I had was my imagination. There wasn’t much to do and I grew up with a limited income, so I let my thoughts take me places I couldn’t otherwise have gone. I can say as an adult that imaginative trait still exists today and allows me to be optimistically open-minded in an unconventional way.

JOURNEY

2. Living abroad has a way of broadening the lens in which we interpret life. How did living abroad in the south of France shift your perception and/or internalization of your identity & blackness?

Marquelle: Living abroad in the south of France and now in the Middle East, has allowed me to understand the global perception of black men and women in a much more complex way. I don’t personally feel like I’m a representative for all black people but unfortunately we are grouped as one and when people see me they want me to help affirm their “black narrative.”  I can say that what I’ve been very proud about is making sure that I’m unapologetic about being a Black American. From my discussions on music and culture to politics and civic rights, I’ve been very candid about what that means to me as a black man. In the past, I may have reverted to a “code switch” but now I’m much more comfortable being transparent. While the world watches and is well aware of the many challenges back in the States, I want them to know my spirits are still high and I’m very hopeful about progress. I can also say in Europe and the Middle East they’re a bit more open minded about bringing your true self to the table, so that certainly helps.

3. Every now and then, when we experience doubt and/or discouragement, we return to various values we internalized in our upbringing. What are three (3) specific institutions (home, college, city, church, small group, etc.) that shape(d) the pursuit of creatively impacting society in a formal and/or informal manner?

Marquelle: For me the three institutions that have shaped the pursuit of creatively impacting society undoubtedly include: church (various churches throughout my life), undergraduate (Fayetteville State University), and a small group of friends mostly based in Brooklyn that I affectionately call “Lit Fam”.

• Church: I grew up in the church and didn’t have a choice on going or not (lol). My grandmother forced me to go but later on in life the principles and values I learned within that small church served as “saving graces” during very difficult periods in my life. Furthermore, those principles gave me a certain level of confidence to pursue a few eclectic ideas.
• University: Going to Fayetteville State University constantly reminded me of our ability to “do both.” We can wear the finest of clothing and appreciate the most ratchet music and we can wear joggers and Yeezys and discuss political reform.
• The Lit Fam: My very close friends from Brooklyn, are a group of friends who further reinforced the beauty of being yourself and being comfortable in every aspect of your life. We all have nicknames and I am jokingly called “Magical Marq”. I can’t tell you why (lol), but I can say that they’ve allowed me to be myself and it has spilled over into other aspects of my life. This uninhibited environment propels my thoughts and confirmed one of the first events I helped plan called Tuxedos, Toasts, and Trap.

GRAYTNESS

4. What do you identify as your differentiating factor among other style influencers & creatives?

Marquelle: Great question. You know, I don’t consider myself an influencer at all. I consider myself a “man who’s accepted his right to live life in a very full way”. If I had to say there was something that set me “apart” it is simply understanding that I don’t want to cater to a brand that’s not authentic to myself. A few months ago I decided not to work with any brands as an influencer but rather to use my social media outlets as a forum for sharing stories of not only myself, but also others. Life is not this pretty packaged product that comes with assembly instructions. Life is difficult and it forces you to make very hard decisions. I’ve been candid about my struggles and I use my imagery to tell stories not to sell products and ideas.

5. What advice can you give another millennial or young professional on the importance of bravery in pursuing one’s personal [graytness]?

I’m currently in Qatar working for one of the largest groups on a luxury experience center as a Menswear Buyer and Commercial Lead. My goals are still formulating but right now, I want to be a men’s fashion director for a luxury retailer. I decided to do The New Stereotype because I didn’t feel the need to be hired to do something or be given permission to do something that I was already equipped to do. One of my roommates in college, Steve, once told me “God doesn’t look for ability, but He does look for availability.” Those words will always stick with me because for a while I didn’t know my worth. I was scouring the earth looking for someone to calculate it for me and we know if you leave it up to someone else they will discount you every time. Everything we want in life is on the other side of fear. As long as you’re not afraid to struggle, what you want is within reach. Perhaps one day TNS will be a full-time venture for me, but it isn’t something I do for the money but because I love my people.

6. What are three (3) routine practices you deem important in consistently aligning your purpose with your profession?

• First, looking ahead and what could be and tracing a map back to where I am currently.
• Second, taking time to detach from the world from time to time. I put my phone away, I listen to music, and I just think. I don’t answer messages and I just clear my mind.
• Lastly, talking to God and trying to listen more always helps with my alignment.

(Photo, Top: Aundre Larrow; Photo, Middle: Olushola Bashorun)

EFFORTS/ETHICS

7. The New Stereotype is all about challenging the status quo on the visual perception and visual representation of the Black Man in Westernized society, specifically America, why do you believe this will be a significant pursuit in the next four years?

Marquelle: The New Stereotype highlights and celebrates the many diverse layers of black life in America. I am encouraging my melanated brothers and sisters to take the writing instruments of life and to construct their own narrative. Earlier in the year, I read “The Color Complex: The Politics of Skin Color” by Kathy Russell and I learned about the deep-rooted cultural washing that black men and women have faced throughout the years. I want us to be proud of whom we are in every form and/or shape. The name “the new stereotype” is actually a pun because there isn’t anything new. I am simply sharing the stories of amazing people through a fashion lens and providing a platform. This will continue because there are many stories to share and not enough platforms to share them!  

MOTIVATION

8. What are three (3) impacting scriptures/quotes/mantras that you use to guide your life?

• Proverbs 18:16 – “Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men.”
• “You can complain because a rose has thorns or you can rejoice because a thorn has roses, it is all about perspective.”
• Let the beauty of what you love be what you do

9. What is one show (episode or series), song, movie, and/or book that has motivated you to constantly push towards your dreams?

Marquelle: “F.D.A.” by Alex Isley changed my life. When I moved to NYC a little over two years ago, I came on a wing and a prayer. I had no money saved up and no true job prospects. I was sleeping on a couch and trying to find my way in life. I remember sitting and listening to that song for about 4 hours and crying repeatedly. The song is about her losing the man that she thought was meant to be her soul mate and trying to make sense of this feeling of it all slowly falling down away. This specific message does not relate to me at all, but the feeling of losing it all did.

What did speak to me is this idea of shedding myself of expectations, worry, and this thought that I needed approval or dependence for completion. Once I brought myself to the core of life, I found out what was important. It was a liberating feeling and sticks with me to this day. It’s a constant reminder of what is truly important. Because of this I don’t need to “flex,” buy certain clothes, live in certain places, or be friends with anyone. I’m not driven by money and I’m focused on what makes me happy.

10. What was one moment of personal failure or personal success that would motivate someone else to persevere towards fulfilling their dream?

Marquelle: On my site, I have a spot called “Last Night I Gave Up.” This blog is about me surrendering to the flow of life and managing my perspective. One day while at work (back in NYC), I was working late and I was very overwhelmed. I was asking my colleague, Kriti, for some support and I just started crying out of nowhere. I was so frustrated with life and I wasn’t very happy at all. I went into the bathroom and inside of a stall I said, “God, I give up. I don’t know what to do!”  I didn’t know what that statement meant at the time, but I later understood it meant to just trust in the process. Understand that it all has a purpose and a part of a much bigger design. These things aren’t happening to you but happening for you. My friend, Porscha, told me about a year ago, “Marquelle, you’ve gotta get your faith up.” And she was right. Faith is like a muscle and in order for it to grow, you have to pull, push, run, jump, and work. Now isn’t the time to throw in the towel, but rather to take the towel, wipe your sweat off and keep pushing. Even I get discouraged sometimes, but I’ll never stop pulling, pushing, running, jumping, and working!

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[GRAYT PEOPLE] Profile Series curates an informational collective of inspirational individuals who have shown what it means to mobilize confidence to challenge [GOOD] and mobilize courage to champion [GRAYT]—highlighting their past, their journey to their [graytness], their efforts and ethics, their motivation, and their aspirations.

The post GRAYT PEOPLE: Marquelle Turner | Creator & Creative Director @TheNewStereotype first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

The latter half of the year has brought with it more GRAYT PEOPLE profiles, and rightfully so! From person to person, it’s been great conversing with various individuals I call friends and inspirations. With more profiles to come to close out this year, I wanted to round up 10 quotes from this Fall’s GRAYT PEOPLE profiles to apply to our final stretch of 2016:

1. “Always broaden your horizons through whatever knowledge is available to you. This allows you to look at the world through many different lenses.,” Niala Charles (Reporter)
2. “You cannot get to the big without doing lots and lots of the small. I mean, isn’t the great big desert just lots and lots of grains of sand?” Nneoma Nwankwo (Writer & Researcher)
3. “Whenever I doubt my abilities, I recall the countless individuals who sacrificed to make sure I have a seat at the table of opportunity,” Nduka Nwankwo (Income Analyst & Philanthropist)
4. “Be okay with all of these no’s before the yes! When you learn about timing, that makes so much more of a difference in your daily life.” Milan Dixon (International Model)
5. “As humans we’re not perfect, but we’re not failures either. Don’t look at anything as a failure, but an opportunity to prove yourself,” Niala Charles (Reporter)
6. “If you just keep pressing on in the direction that is right for you, you’ll look back and realize you’ve traveled some distance,” Asia Dean (Healthcare Professional)
7. “Being persistent and staying committed are the main ingredients in pursuing one’s personal [graytness].” Jimdre Westbrook (Author & Entrepreneur)
8. “There is also great value in being consistent but developing the skill of patience. Every game is won with patience. When you don’t get the outcome you want, learn the lesson, refine your approach, incorporate the lessons and try again!” Nduka Nwankwo (Income Analyst & Philanthropist)
9. “Remember that the journey is as significant as the destination.,” Asia Dean (Healthcare Professional)
10. “The great news is that God has a master plan for you too! Stay humble. Stay hungry. Stay focused!” Jimdre Westbrook (Author & Entrepreneur)

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[GRAYT PEOPLE] Profile Series curates an informational collective of inspirational individuals who have shown what it means to mobilize confidence to challenge [GOOD] and mobilize courage to champion [GRAYT]—highlighting their past, their journey to their [graytness], their efforts and ethics, their motivation, and their aspirations.

The post 10 GRAYT QUOTES for 2017 from Six GRAYT PEOPLE! first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Occasionally, I come across an individual on social media and become inspired by the moves they share via their platforms, such happened with Steve Dunlap Jr. Currently CEO of Made Properties, a Real Estate Investor, and teacher in the heart of south side of Chicago (Chicago: his hometown), Dunlap’s hustle has thoroughly inspired me throughout my time of following him on Instagram.

With approximately 5 minutes of your time, join me as Steve’s GRAYT PEOPLE profile cultivates an inspirational adamancy and persistency in going after your dreams—sharing on his life, journey, [graytness,] efforts & motivations.

INTRODUCTION

1. What is it about Real Estate and Education that compels you to pursue them dually?

Steve and I opened our conversation on what compelled him to pursue Real Estate and education, dually. Steve explained that education granted him the opportunity to make an impact on the Chicago community and challenge the negative stigmas about the kids in his city. Simultaneously, real estate granted Steve the opportunity to profitably flip many of the abandoned homes that cultivated negative stigmas throughout Chicago, by “[changing] the houses and put[ting] families in these homes” to ultimately “change the neighborhood.”

2. How were you able to surpass any of your own doubts or the doubts of others to embark on such a journey?

As the first to graduate college, one of the first to pursuit entrepreneurial ventures, and one of the first to actively aspire to escape the lower middle class socioeconomic ceiling within his family, Steve’s mindset and subsequent actions acknowledged a need for a shift within his family and within those neighborhoods he wanted to change.

Steve’s pursuit of success yielded a fearlessness. Steve’s fear of being regular or unsuccessful continuously evicted any habitation for doubt. How did Steve continuously do this, he attributes his ambition and perseverance to “investing in myself, learning, and destiny itself”

JOURNEY

3. What are three defining moments that strategically prepared you to flourish as the CEO of MADE Properties and your other entrepreneurial ventures, such as the New Chicago?

Three defining experiences in Steve’s life contributed to his continuous pursuit of success:

• Being an athlete: As a walk-on Division I college athlete, Steve explained, “I had to prove myself, to coaches to players and to self [that] I’m supposed to be here.”
• Parenthood: Proving himself further transcended into parenthood, as balancing college and fatherhood further re-enhanced Dunlap’s pursuit of cultivating value for those around him.
• Father’s cancer diagnosis. In 2015, seeing his father fight and seeing his father live, ultimately fueled what Dunlap identifies as his differentiating factor among other real estate investors and entrepreneurs.

GRAYTNESS

4. What do you identify as your differentiating factor among other real estate investors or entrepreneurs?

Put simply, Dunlap emphasizes “Purpose over passion,” where his purpose continuously drives him to maintain a student mindset where he’s “Not [being] outworked & always learning!]. That is Dunlap’s identity.

5. What advice can you give to an aspiring real estate investors or entrepreneur about the art of branding yourself?

Identity is significant when it comes to what he believes as integral to branding yourself; Steve shares, “You can be yourself forever. But as soon as you try to be someone else, if it’s not in your veins, you’re going to fall off!”

6. What are three (3) routine practices you implement to nurture and sharpen your differentiating factor?

Sharing on ways he does not fall off, Steve shares three routine practices he implements to nurture his strengths and sharpen his weaknesses, exclaiming:

• “I put myself throughout pain everyday”
• “Staying connected with people”
• “Staying connected to God”

EFFORTS/ETHICS

7. What and/or who inspires you to excel beyond [good] and embrace your [graytness]?

Whether it be throughout working out, reading a book out of discipline, or doing more research out of discipline, Steve is adamant about excelling beyond [good] and embracing his [grayt]; when it comes to the individuals who inspired him to do so, Steve shares:

• “My Dad”
• “Jesus”
• “Puffy (Sean “Diddy” Combs”)”

8. What makes you challenge the status quo in the housing market and/or in life?

Noting that real estate can be an “old man sport,” the inspiration from his Dad, Jesus, and Diddy fuels his presence within the Real Estate Sector—his presence being what challenges the status quo. In Steve’s quest to remain “young & hungry,” he further shares the importance of, “[Staying] all the way locked in to those who have done it before me; never too good to learn. Always learning and always reading; how’d they get it and add to their skills.”

MOTIVATION:

9. What are three (3) defining philosophies that you use to guide your life?

Being young, hungry, and eager to learn, Steve navigates his life with these three prevalent quotes:

• “Get a little bit better, everyday”
• “Don’t stop, don’t quit”
• “On to perfect manhood”

10. What was one moment of personal failure or personal success that would motivate someone else to continuously press towards fulfilling their dream?

After sharing that the “Wolf on Wall Street” movie and Jay-Z’s “You Don’t Know” song were two motivational pushes in attaining his goals and dreams, Steve shares one moment of divine difficulty that further shaped his perspective on attaining his goals and dreams.

Thinking back to his first Real Estate deal, Steve shared, in conclusion of our conversation, that he encountered faulty contractors, over budget spending, unexpected death of lawyers, excessive time expended in closing the deal and more. Eventually closing the deal, Steve reflected on the fact that when, “Purpose [is]  behind me…nothing can stop the purpose!”

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[GRAYT PEOPLE] Profile Series curates an informational collective of inspirational individuals who have shown what it means to mobilize confidence to challenge [GOOD] and mobilize courage to champion [GRAYT]—highlighting their past, their journey to their [graytness], their efforts and ethics, their motivation, and their aspirations.

The post GRAYT PEOPLE: @SteveDunlapJr | CEO & Chicago Real Estate Investor first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

The Joshua Gray Style Concept #74: “Uncommon Distress” | PC: Okennichiwa

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The Joshua Gray Style Concept captures my daily style and incorporates a style, trend, and concept message to share an inspirational message. Taking on distressed knitwear, I share a few reminders and thoughts to consider, when it comes to unexpected distressed.

While shooting this style concept, I recall discussing the unconventionality of knitwear distressed with holes, rips, and tears. Recently popularized by a few of Kanye’s Yeezy SZNs, there’s something deeper than the vain ambitions of staying on top of this trend.

Who would of thought knitwear would be a plausible or passable texture to distress (besides one who must succumb to homelessness)? Socially, who would think that not every smile we see reflects a smile on the inside of every person who affixes one to his or her face?

Similar to the recent, urban popularity of distressed knitwear, unexpected distress in the lives of those who seem unfit to experience distress may be more common than we realize. I know many times, my smile reflected what I wanted my life to be and not what it actually was. Therefore, be open to opening your happiness for someone else, consider these various ways to share the light you may have with those distressed, when they don’t even seem fit for stress:

1. Pray for someone, even if they seem as if they don’t need it.
2. Smile at someone, you honestly don’t know what they’re dealing with!
3. Continue fostering relationships with the ones who love you, before you develop an unwarranted love for the ones who only like you!

The post Joshua Gray Style Concept #74 + Words: Uncommon Distress first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.