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Enlightened J

@enlightened_j_

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DJ | Photographer | Actor | Model | Singer/Songwriter
Certified Personal Trainer
St. Louis @imagesagency ✦ Los Angeles ✦ Atlanta

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Two years ago I began a new approach to weight loss, fitness and mental health.

I had a thought, what if I just radically loved who I was… in this exact form? What if I stopped trying to become something worthy of love and just realized that I am?

It didn’t come naturally.

In fact, if anything I’ve learned that true love doesn’t always look like being a yes man or giving yourself every little thing you desire in the moment.

In fact, it often looks like denying yourself for the sake of the higher version.

It looks like seeing who you are and moving in a way that positions you to be who you’re meant to be.

It looks like talking less and listening more.

It looks like releasing things that don’t serve the highest version, even if it hurts like actual hell.

It looks like not being afraid to say you deserve more than you’re currently receiving.

Over the past two years I’ve lost 80 lbs, over 15% body fat, and life I thought was built to last. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Throughout every stage of this journey, I knew there were points where I could say, “ok. I’m good here.” But I knew I wanted more. And I wasn’t going to stop until I had it.

And quite frankly, that’s still the case.
But today something finally integrated.

A form of radical self love was integrated, accepted and received. And if I could come this far without fully loving every aspect of myself, imagine how much farther I can go now that I finally do?

Imagine your life if you did the same.

Every version must be loved to the capacity you’re able to give yourself. Start right now.

#selfcareisntselfish #selflovequotes #stlgram

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Potentially my last gent post — and I always wonder if anyone reads captions these days, but just want to take a second and say how grateful I am for everyone who made it possible for me to come cover this event and for making me feel SO welcome. It’s not lost on me how blessed and supported I am.

First, thank you to @enlightened_j_ for helping me get the right connections and just being an overall wonderful man.

Second, thank you to @shay.stewartt for being incredible. Like, actually so incredible.

Next, thank you to @dwight_carter_ for literally DOING THE THING! I know you were busy & we didn’t get to connect how I hoped to but seriously, you did the thing. Absolutely phenomenal work.

Of course, @michaelshead_ thank u for being iconic, patient and EVERYTHIIIING! You are an amazing host and I’m blessed to know you.

@ashlyntrogdon girl…. Thank u. From the bottom of my heart it wouldn’t have happened without you.

@cocoaken x @pauliegibson thank you for being the light you are. I’m glad our paths keep crossing. Here’s to hoping for more crossed paths in the future 🥂

s/o to @wrinklewears for my iconic finale fit like wow it really came together

Thank you to many others… I really am filled with so much gratitude and hope for our city. Let’s keep the momentum going yall 🤍

#stlgram #stlfashion #stlfashionblogger

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Bday photoshoot 🥳💜 #purestthefrenchie #libradog thanks for everyone that came to my pawty.

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I feel beyond grateful to have been able to stop by the @balmain pop up introducing the Antonin Arron Fall + Winter collection by Balmain Paris, the ever wonderful @stlfashionfund x @kbagwe at @thefactory_stl @thehubstl @thegalleryeventspace in Chesterfield.

If you’re interested in shopping, they will be open from 10-4 @thedistrictstl and a portion of the proceeds goes towards scholarships for students with @stlfashionfund

s/o to @enlightened_j_ for saving me when my phone died before this event 🥹

#balmainparis #stlfashion #stlfashionfund #stlgram

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YALLL I really did that 🤭

I had the best time with @enlightened_j_ helping out with the Herculaneum High School Homecoming dance. 🥹

There’s something so special about being able to share a small slice of some of the most memorable days in someone’s life and I’ll never take those opportunities for granted.

Be sure to check out @enlightened_j_ for your events!

#stlgram #stlouis #stlevents

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These photos are exactly 2½ years apart.

The photo on the left was taken right around the time I decided I wanted to become healthier and stronger. I remember one of the first times I trained with Jacob, he asked me what I wanted to accomplish.

I told him, “I want abs.”

It probably sounded like a simple answer, but I’d never had visible abs in my life. Not even when I was younger and playing sports year-round. So at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure it was even realistic for me.

Fast forward 2½ years. I’m 46 years old, and I’ve had visible abs for a while now. But what means more to me is everything it took to get here: losing the weight, rebuilding my body, getting stronger, learning consistency, and continuing to show up long after the initial motivation wore off.

And I’m still not finished.

There’s something pretty damn satisfying about looking back at a goal that once felt almost ridiculous and realizing:

I actually did it.

So here’s your reminder: don’t let your age, your starting point, or what you’ve never been able to do before convince you that you can’t do it now.

2½ years. Same guy. Very different version of him.

#gym #gymlife #motivational #gymmotivation

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Linked up with artist + model @enlightened_j_ ,hit the gym, then made our way over to @steveshotdogs on @southgrandstl . 🌭🏋️‍♂️

We’re continuing to explore the businesses surrounding our newest activation:

🌙 South Grand Vintage Nightfest
September 12 • 5–10 PM
📍 Ritz Park • South Grand
🎟️ Free + all ages

Steve’s is literally right next to Ritz Park, so while you’re shopping our vendors, listening to music and exploring the block, this is another spot to grab some fire food. 🔥

And they’re open until 11 PM on Saturday, so even when Nightfest wraps at 10, you still have time to grab a bite.

🕚 Steve’s South Grand hours:
Sunday–Thursday • 11:15 AM–10 PM
Friday–Saturday • 11:15 AM–11 PM

Come for Nightfest. Explore the block. Eat local. Support South Grand. 🌙

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🇯🇵 THE NIGHT PARADE OF 100 DEMONS

Signal received.
The Parade is Forming 🎭

百鬼夜行、始動。
日本のクリエイターとのコラボレーションを募集します。

Japanese content creators — officially opening collaborations leading to the premiere of The Night Parade of 100 Demons.

👹 FIRST COLLABORATORS
• Free access to the premiere
• Guaranteed entry — even if the event sells out
• Opportunity to help build the first Night Parade from the beginning
• Free Cross collaboration with @stlvintagenightfest , @vintagenightfest_ , @abqvintagenightfest

最初に参加するコラボレーターは、プレミアイベントへの無料入場＋完売時でも入場保証。

The first are being summoned.
Will you answer?

📍 上色見熊野座神社
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
Takamori, Kumamoto, Japan 🇯🇵

VIP PHOTOGRAPHER : @fujigraphy___

#百鬼夜行 #クリエイター募集 #日本のクリエイター #東京クリエイター #熊本

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Thank you @9milegarden for inviting us to curate a night ✨.

Thank you to the artists who set the mood and helped introduce bands into the @vintagenightfest_ network like @egos.creative & @assumption_theband .
@cerebral_anomaly curated a great group. Shoot them a follow and reach out if you’re interested in being apart in the future.

@oneworldfeststl founder @artistik.media stopped by to chat plans 🥹 and @spencmeister from @_stl_united_szb

@enlightened_j_ held it down and @themostevilcharlie made a star appearance

Next up in Saint Louis is our premier South Grand Vintage Nightfest September 12th

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FINAL DJ ANNOUNCEMENT for @9milegarden Vintage Nightfest Sept. 3rd : @enlightened_j_ ! ⚡️🎧

We’re beyond excited for the premiere of 9 Mile Garden Vintage Nightfest—Both DJs performing September 3 have traveled with @vintagenightfest_ to New Mexico @abqvintagenightfest and worked directly with our founder across multiple events and environments. Behind the scenes, they’ve helped supply equipment, strengthen production and grow this entire network. If you’re an artist coming through, introduce yourself—this may look like a fun night with music, vendors and baby goats, but there are also real creative connections and future opportunities being built. Thank you to Nine Mile Garden, our recent partners and everyone helping us move forward at every step.

SEPTEMBER 3 • 5–10 PM • FREE • ALL AGES • LIVE BANDS curated by @cerebral_anomaly • 2 DJs • VINTAGE + LOCAL VENDORS • MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS • Let’s trade POKÉMON GO • BABY GOATS

Donations for the baby goats can be given directly to their caretaker @cannabeebee to help improve and protect their home from a recent coyote 🐐🌙

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WELCOME @chiroone —Our Community Wellness Sponsor! 🌙⚡️

Meet the Chiro One team at the premiere of 9 Mile Garden Vintage Nightfest for wellness education and a special community promotion.

📅 September 3
⏰ 5–10 PM
📍 9 Mile Garden
🎟️ Free entry • All ages

Live bands, DJs, vintage vendors, food trucks and wellness—all in one night. Come catch a vibe and show Chiro One some love for supporting our community!

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Another milestone 🌙

Join us September 3 from 5–10 PM for the premiere @9milegarden Vintage Nightfest—a free, family-friendly experience inside a beautiful space with free parking.

We’re bringing together live bands, DJs, curated music, multiple culture’s of vendors with a variety of choices , creatives, food trucks and more for this first activation

Thank you to 9 Mile Garden for inviting us to help curate this function. We’re looking forward to introducing the @stlvintagenightfest experience to a new community.

Bands and performers interested in being part of the premiere can reach out for more information.

📍 9 Mile Garden
📅 September 3 | 5–10 PM
🎟️ Free entry and free parking

Curated by @001uv_stories

VENDOR REGISTRATION
$50 through August 10 Today’s Last Day
$80 from August 11–23
$100 from August 24–September 3, if space remains

Flyer by : @sisitheclown

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