My job is…
Speaking from the voice of the consumer and using the power of visual storytelling and culture to help inspire a fresh perspective, blending my experience as both strategist and creative.
Must see, do, visit?
Anytime you’re in Milwaukee, you have to check out the local (and often underrated) food and coffee shop scene here. Turmeric for Indian Food, Mobay Café for Jamaican food, Sweet Diner for brunch, and Stone Creek Coffee or Discourse when it comes to coffee shops.
How do you relax?
I like lean on prayer, journaling, cooking, cleaning, self-care (shaving, skincare), calming drives in the 6-speed, preparing (and drinking) matcha, and/or listening to jazz or lo-fi, as ways to relax.
What inspires you?
I typically find inspiration in a lot of things, but more consistently it’s movies/films (including BTS from the directors and actors on how they brought aspects of it to life), other creatives and their work, other cultures and their traditions, my family, my friends, my colleagues, my students, and the inspiring people I happen to cross paths with.
Any tricks that help you focus when working on a difficult project?
Drinking matcha or green tea, limiting distractions (turning on focus mode, finding quiet spaces), and doing more of my think work in the mornings when I’m most productive or feeling most inspired.
Items you can’t live without
My glasses, my iPhone, my camera, my wallet, my car keys, and a cup of matcha or tea are all part of my everyday carry.
Work that inspires you
Bevel’s “Respect Due” and Shea Moisture Men’s “Black Men Love” campaigns always seem to stick with me. Visual stories captured (and spoken to) beautifully.
Culture roundup – what are you consuming, what’s inspiring, what moves you, what makes you laugh?
What I’m consuming: I’m ALWAYS consuming content on Instagram for creative inspiration. I’ll also occasionally dive into a TV series or film that looks interesting. While I have a few things on my watchlist and in my Spotify queue that I need to listen to, I like to read self-help books for personal growth or flip through a good coffee table book like Cereal Mag, Softer Volumes, or The Shop’s latest.
What’s inspiring: Most recently, I’ve found a lot of inspiration in brands like Kith, Aimé Leon Dore, or About:Blank and their ability to tell stories through collaborations and product/apparel. Or creators like Joshua Kissi, Daniel Simmons, or Devan On Deck telling stories through short-film and short-form content.
What moves me: The communal conversations that are happening on Threads and LinkedIn are moving me in a different way. There’s something authentic and insightful about how creators are finding their community on these platforms. A good motivational video clip or quote usually gets me moving as well.
What makes me laugh: TikTok is the go-to for humor. You’re bound to find something funny (and informative) on there. Comedians like Tony Baker, Ali Siddiq, or Nate Jackson or journalists like Speedy Norman make me laugh all the time.