Latest BLUP50 member is a multi-talented creative, looking after the environment and your luxury optical needs. Founder of both The Vintage Trap and Fast Tap Card, built around making it easier for the everyday person to be more sustainable in their choices.

// YOUR WORD FOR 2021

Growth.

// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK/TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?

Recently, I’ve been following a few profiles that share images of “the ultimate dream house” (vision board vibes). I think I’ve been stuck in lock down long enough!

// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE

I failed and got a D in Business A Levels, but I knew I wanted to study it at University and ended up graduating with First Class Honours in Business and Marketing. This helped me get a sales role but then got promoted to an Account Manager – with a tech start-up called Lantum, in Old Street. All together while slowly building TVT (@thevintagetrap) in my spare time. It wasn’t until nearly two years later and two months into officially launching my first online store, I made the decision to leave my job and pursue my hobby turned business full-time. This was 4 years ago. Check out the online store at: www.thevintagetrap.com

//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

Every day is different but I like structure and routine in my days/weeks, which can also be something difficult if you are an entrepreneur or creative working for yourself.

// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?

Exercise, longboard, read or a bit of Barcelona sun!

// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

It is always a highlight every time I get to meet and work with celebrities, music artists and sports persons clientele. It gives me the positive energy and inspiration that I feed back into my work and life.

But it was definitely a surreal moment when I got to work with and hang with the Migos a couple of years ago, during their Culture II Europe Tour. The year after, it was also a highlight doing my first collaboration with DJ Loco Dice which was in partnership with Vision Aid Overseas charity. We designed the collection together, shot the campaign in Ibiza during his headline opening at Pacha with Marco Carola and then threw a very lit launch party in Shoreditch, London!

It was also a big highlight of 2020 working with Wizkid during the release of his amazing album, Made In Lagos. It was a tough year as we all know, but having a loyal client like Wizkid during this time kept me motivated.

Something of recent this year that has really got me excited is being approached by Selfridges! I am now currently working on something with them that contributes to their sustainable and ethical shopping project – Project Earth. Watch this space!

// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?

Using my platform to give back to those that need it. I think it is so important to explore ways that we use our influence to attach a charitable mission to our work.

// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?

Pharrell Williams.

// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

Less of a who and more of a where – I get most inspiration from when I change my surroundings, travelling. And it’s through these journeys where I encounter people, conversations or architecture that inspires me.

BLUP50 member DJ Lukey is a London based DJ, co-founder of the lifestyle brand Stööki and starter of the #StookiMovement.

// YOUR WORD FOR 2021

Compassion.

// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK/TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?

Touch down Mars! NASA did good.

// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE

I’ve always had an equal passion for design and music, and started making beats from a young age. I studied Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins and London Communications College whilst beginning to DJ around London at that time. My Uni experience definitely made me realise I wanted to start my own business. Shortly after graduating I co-founded the lifestyle brand Stööki and the #StookiMovement began. We released our first ‘Make Your Mark’ collection and hosted our first launch event in 2011. I was part of the DJ and production duo Stööki Sound from 2012 and we were lucky enough to be able to tour around the world, connect with amazing people and lived in the US for a while. Now I’m based in London DJ’ing and producing as well as being Creative Director for Stööki. This year marks Stööki’s 10th year anniversary and it’s crazy how time has flown, we have something very special planned to celebrate the journey so far!

//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

The lockdown life consists of… *In no particular order* coffee! making music, mixing, calls/zoom, connecting with friends, designing, running, cooking and some sage burnin.

// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?

I like discovering new music whilst going for runs.

// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

Stööki’s first collection ‘Make Your Mark’ launch event at Red Bull Studios. I feel lucky to have started the brand with some very special people and my best friends Quincey Cassell Williams ‘Creative Strategist’ (R.I.P 1988 – 2014) & Nadia Abbas ‘Jewellery Technologist’. We put so much hard work into conceptualising the brand and then making it into a reality, launching it was the best feeling and it let me know anything is possible you when you put your mind to it.

// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?

More productions, mixes and events soon hopefully! It’s been such a crazy past year for everyone. The slower pace of life has made me more appreciative of the simple things. I see Stööki growing from strength to strength, we have a lot in the pipeline and longterm plans to develop the educational side of the brand focusing on teaching people and helping communities through our skills and experiences.

// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?

Pharrell Williams, I’m a big fan of his creativity across the music and fashion realms.

// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

My Grandad inspired me from a young age through the life that he lived and his experiences. He motivated me to want to travel and taught me the importance of family values.

// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?

I hope my career can inspire people to follow their passions and that you can make it being self made. Also that there’s power in combining different art forms, collaborating and that you can do anything you put your mind to.

// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?

Do you! Find your purpose, your passion for whatever it is you love to do is all the fuel you need. It’s a marathon not a sprint, even if you take small steps each day always keep it moving. Be as openminded as possible and approach things as a beginner even if you’re not, you can always learn from other people. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you. Believe in yourself, don’t give up, you got this!

// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?

Attending the Black Lives Matter movement marches last year was the catalyst for us to start the Stööki ‘Enough is Enough’ fundraiser. The initiative combines jewellery, t-shirts made in collaboration with Last Night In Paris and jewellery-making workshops. The money raised is donated to charitable organisations and enables workshops that help to facilitate young people who have an interest in learning new skills.

I’m excited to release the new Stööki Legacy collection, run our jewellery making workshops again, and our ‘Self-Made’ Spotlight Series that features other creatives who are doing bits with their craft. Big up the team Nadia Abbas and Maya Mihoc and all of the talented artists and creatives we work with. Head to our site to find out more – www.stooki.co.uk

// ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

I just released the second instalment in my Focus Mix series which features some of my favourite tracks of 2021 so far. I really enjoyed putting it together as I haven’t been able to play out in a while and wanted to spread some good vibes during the lockdown – listen here.

I’m also honoured to have been asked to kick-off the BLUP50 Curates series by compiling a playlist on Spotify hope everyone enjoys it 🙂 Skrrt skrrt!

FOLLOW DJ LUKEY

@dj_lukey | @stooki

Our latest BLUP50 member is the fashion and lifestyle photographer Annie Reid. Having only gone freelance in November 2020, she’s built up an incredible body of work thus far.

// YOUR WORD FOR 2021

MANIFEST

// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK/TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?

Amazing photos will always stop me from scrolling.

// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE

I went freelance as a photographer in November 2020, I was doing a lot of tests during lockdown, since restrictions have been lifted it’s been non stop! Working with various brands and musicians, I’m very grateful and proud of the work that I have done in the short amount of time I have been freelance.

//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

It’s either a full shoot day which will usually be from 8-6 and then I’ll get home and crash. Or wake up, edit, edit edit, eat, emails, invoices, edit, eat, edit, sleep.

// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?

Usually I sit down and watch a good programme, go for a drink or dinner with mates or sometimes I’ll use the gym as a time to switch off.

// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

I recently shot Maya Jama’s new mask collection which was really fun, a huge production which is always quite exciting. The dream is to do some editorials, covers and get in with some high end, luxury brands.

// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?

I see success, I really do believe that photography is my path and what I am meant to be doing. I really would like to do more editorial work, I’d also like to live abroad for a while, maybe see what LA has to offer.

// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?

This question is difficult because I think it’s constantly changing for me to be honest. I would love to do a cover with iD magazine, I’d also like to get involved more in the music industry, Jorja Smith is someone I’d love to work with. As for brands I think Louis Vuitton or Gucci would be mega as their productions are always so huge.

// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

I’m constantly finding new inspiration and photographers that I fall in love with. One of my biggest inspirations is Mario Testino, if I’m ever having a creative block I always turn to Mario for help.

‘Her work will go down in history!’

// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?

Go for it!! Make the leap and believe in yourself, I really do think that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!

// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?

To work hard, be successful but also live my best life

// ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

I love Studio Blup x

FOLLOW ANNIE

@annie_reid | @areidesign