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Emem Essien

@signedbyem

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do everything “for the love of”
🌱 @producedwithem @everythingftlo

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Love well. (A continued series)Just a few of the faces that make life 10x more sweet. by @signedbyem

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5 days ago

Turned 28 on the 5th, thangya Jesus. ♥️ by @signedbyem

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7 days ago

This past week, we gathered in Washington, DC for an unforgettable evening, the official launch of For The Love Of, a community centered in doing things from a place of love.In partnership with @byheld, we hosted “Building In The Midst Of,” an experience designed to explore what it really means to build in the midst of life, and to prove that intentional programming belongs in the DMV.Through rich conversation, accountability, and introspection, we grounded the room in a shared goal: to destigmatize the belief that creative goals only matter in major cities, and to remind dreamers and doers that they deserve a seat at the table here at home.Grateful for every person who showed up, shared space, and leaned into the conversation.This is just the beginning, more to come. by @signedbyem

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7 months ago

Last week, I launched For The Love Of (@everythingftlo), a community rooted in doing things from a place of love. It feels like my personal story stepped out of my journals and into a room full of people, and I’m humbled to steward it.My hope is to create salon-style conversations and tie in the culinary arts (because I can’t talk with people and nooot feed them 😭), and spaces where introspection and connection feel natural again. Ideally, this looks like restaurant partnerships and hosting monthly thematic gatherings that explore what’s been left unsaid and move us toward clarity, connection, and constructive solutions.This first event reminded me that it’s needed.Thank you for stepping into it with me. 💛Special thanks: @y.njie (collaborator) • @whitneyy.co (event producer)• @uwemmusic (video) • @and__dave, @ajanid.tv, @naomiis.world, @taariqkwame (camera) • @chanceaalbury, @nneka.co (featured voices) • @chosenbythealmighty (sound selection) by @signedbyem

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7 months ago

Do everything “for the love of.” (@everythingftlo)Around this time last year, I was feeling burnt by my own creative gifts. So much so that I started resenting the very things that once brought me joy. A friend reminded me, “When people use their gifts, they do it for the love of. And if you’re not doing it for the love of… what are you doing it for?”I wrestled with that question all year.What started as a challenge slowly turned into a conviction. One that I’m still practicing day by day, but one I feel called to steward through community.“For the love of” doesn’t center the many associations of the word love. It centers this: that what you build comes from a place of true, rooted love.Welcome to the journey, walk with me as I walk with y’all.Shot by the family: @omagudidit by @signedbyem

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7 months ago

We wanted to bring something new to DC. 🌟On December 19th, 6–9 PM at SOST DC, my friend @y.njie (of @byheld) and I are hosting a night of culinary & conversation about what it means to “build in the midst of” all the things life throws our way.It’s also the launch of a new community I’m building here in the DMV, For The Love Of (@everythingftlo). ❤️If you’re a dreamer or doer, you belong in this room. *H.E.L.D. may center Black Women— but this event invites everyone into the conversation!*We can’t wait to see you there! 💫 by @signedbyem

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8 months ago

Presenting a new culinary + conversation event: “Building In the Midst Of” 🧱We are all creative and our crafts carry weight. However, sometimes life makes it hard to prioritize the passions we love the most.“Building In the Midst Of…” explores what it means to push past the noise and keep building anyway. This event is designed to jumpstart your passion projects and empower DMV doers and dreamers alike through discussion, connection, culinary arts, (and let’s not forget) play!We’d genuinely love to see you there.Dec 19 • 6–9PM • @sost.dc 📍Here’s what you can expect with your 🎟️: • Food provided by SOST (Discounted drinks available from 6pm -7pm) • Great discussions moderated by @joshnathanjr & @signedbyem • A moment to slow down & enjoy real connection through puzzles provided @byheld • DJ Performance by @chosenbythealmighty • And more!RSVP through the link in the bio 🔗 by @signedbyem

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8 months ago

turned +1 yesterday, and decided to turn birthday blues into jazz blues.I randomly decided to turn birthday blues into a 3-night jazz series by re-introducing two things that normally light me up without fail: art (so in this case, live jazz music specifically) & intentional community! Leaning more and more into practicing gratitude & contentment, letting go of my need for control and just letting God do what He does best!This new year’s goal: returning back to doing things “for the love of”. by @signedbyem

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a year ago

life lately / reflecting on my 1 year anniversary as a Brooklyn babysafe to say that returning back to NYC just reminded me that— i still do love this place someway somehow lol. this post is a bit reflective of how i spent most of my time as a BK resident, my heart being equally split between the DMV & NYC (dual residency if you will 😂).i literally came back to NYC for self-discovery, purpose, passion and just to take a step of faith. earlier last year my therapist had proposed “it seems like your heart never left NYC, what if you just give it a year and take a shot at it.” And I’m thankful that I did, by God’s grace. from moments spent eavesdropping on Soho small talk to familiar faces at my local mom-and-pop shops, and the diverse communities I cross paths with daily, this city’s charm grows on you. It’s not for everyone, but for those who feel that same spark i do, it’s definitely a rare form of unconditional love.although when i moved here i had mainly approached it from a “work” lens, aka *insert something about grinding and working hard and building xyz*, all and all, moving back was less about what i can accomplish on the outside and more about what i can accomplish on the inside. thanking God for it all.i ♥️ ny, still.✨notable mentions that aren’t captured here✨ S/O to Adri, Caleb, Eno and my BX family who made me feel like I always had a piece of home with me while I’ve been here. by @signedbyem

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2 years ago

because who doesn’t love a little girls trip? by @signedbyem

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2 years ago

Love well. (A series) by @signedbyem

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2 years ago

Many Shades of EmShot by: @geminiexposure I was highkey honored that Princewill brought me in to shoot a fun “timeless beauty” campaign. Modeling has an interesting way of pushing me out of my comfort zone— maybe because I normally don’t model lol—but I do love exploring different avenues of creativity. I also love that I was able to tap into these different parts of my personality with this shoot (cause trust, there’s rangeee lol 😂)One thing’s for sure, I’ll always be a fan of supporting my friends when they hit me up for fun projects like this! Signed, Your local Art Enthusiast by @signedbyem

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2 years ago