Interview: Anthony Ukaogo Jr. Laid Back Allure, A lifestyle collective inspiring well curated living.
Cloud Room Member since 2017
CR: You seem like you really love what you do. How did you end up being able to do what you love? Do you have any advice for others who are looking to find a way to actualize on their passions?
AU JR: Yeah absolutely! Growing up, I was always looking for opportunities to capitalize on my interests. If there wasn’t one, then I’d create it myself and be an ambassador for the opportunity. The biggest advice I can give is really study your role models. Find people that you really like in the industry you want to tap into and study their craft while perfecting yours. More than likely they’ve talked about their work ethic and mistakes they’ve made on their come up. Use that dialogue to get ahead and not make the same mistakes they have.
You have amazing sense of style. Would you share your most crucial “on the go” men’s style tip? What is a must-have item for 2019/or something you are lusting after/ hot trend prediction for 2019?
AU JR:You know, I always tell people to have a uniform: a style they can always revert to in the case they can’t decide on anything to wear. For me, I like button-up shirts, paired with either denim or chinos and for my shoes, I’ll wear something subtle but stylish like Chelsea boots or Stan Smith sneakers. In 2019, I want more leather jackets. I think that’s a staple piece for me but for the new ones, I want to really customize them: embroidered with rhinestones, patches and or written text all over the jacket.
CR: We’re excited to check out the Member Mixtape at the bottom of this post, but we have to ask, what single song do you have on heavy rotation lately?
AU JR: NICE by Jay Z, Beyoncé and Pharrell. The song is so good. I get so hype listening to the chorus. “I can do anythinggggggggg, yeah”. I listen to it at the gym, before I go out on the weekends, pretty much anytime I’m in a good mood.
CR: What is your favorite Happy Hour spot in the city? What do you order?
AU JR: Barolo Ristorante is probably my favorite at the moment. For drinks, I typically go with a Kentucky Storm, which is Jim Beam Honey Bourbon based with some other good stuff or I’ll get some type of champagne cocktail. For food, I’ll get a lamb/ beef burger or some Rigatoni pasta.
CR: Will you share with us what you are currently reading? Or who you are looking to right now for inspiration?
AU JR: Recently I finished reading ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’. I read it to get different perspectives on how to make smart money and accumulate wealth. There’s always room to improve your financial literacy so it was more on the educational side for me.
CR: What is your favorite thing about The Cloud Room?
AU JR: First and foremost, I love the ambience of Cloud Room. It’s so cozy. It’s almost as if I’m working in someone’s chic living room. Then obviously the staff and the people I’ve met at Cloud Room. Everyone is so cool and respectful, so I’m appreciative of that.
CR: Are there any partnerships or projects that have come out of your membership Cloud Room?
AU JR: Yes, quite a few actually. When I ask people to meet me at Cloud Room, there’s this first impression synopsis that makes people already understand my taste in regards of spaces that Laidback Allure operates in. For a personal endeavor, yes as well. So many new things I’ll be unveiling in the new year, I’m excited to share them soon.
CR: Anthony, you are a person with a lot going on! What are some things you are most excited to be undertaking in 2019? What can we look forward to with Laid Back Allure and other projects you are working on?
AU JR: I think the biggest thing I’m ready to undertake is this new mentality I’ve adapted to. 2018 was really about establishing Laidback Allure as a business and not just something we’re doing for fun. 2019 you can expect a variety of events going on simultaneously, a lot more consulting and more partnerships for our collective. It’s been hard for me not going on social media and talking about all the stuff I’ve got archived but I think the wait will be worthwhile. You can also expect a lot more stuff with my personal brand outside of Laidback Allure, related to media, travel, fashion and more.
Member Mixtape: Anthony Ukaogo Jr.