We had the good fortune of connecting with Luiji Massanga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luiji, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Artistry has the ability to see through conventional illusions we agree on that don’t actually serve us. It’s a big lie that smacks us in the face with the truth. Artistry is a tangible representation of our growth in the life process. What our human experience is based on; things like our intuition, our conviction, our love, our passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting to this point was definitely not easy, but it was worth it. For every perceived failure, there was a major lesson present for me. I could either lean into it, or run away from it. They both hurt equally, the latter is just a delayed hit. Like credit card debt. Or just debt in general. On a material level that lesson showed itself enough times for me to learn my lesson. I realized I was doing identical damage mentally, and spiritually. I decided to lean in and surrender to what life was teaching me. I haven’t looked back since.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m of course taking them to Sunshine Alchemy Food Truck. It has to happen at least once if they’re open. Cafe Sunflower is another place I like going. Augie’s, their Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is amazing. I’m a foodie, so most of this iteniray is going to be mostly food. I’m also vegan, so when I find a restaurant that feeds my cravings. They’ve answered prayers. Simple walks in Piedmont Park are always fun, as well as some open fields in Atlanta. I’m glad there’s still a lot of green here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are two people I’d like to shoutout. Brittany Walton and Kelvin Apparicio.

I was cast by Brittany Walton (creator of LAIKI Productions) to play the lead in a series about The Modern CRWD podcast (which preceded The Modern CRWD Conglomerate.) There I met Kelvin Apparicio, the creator of The Modern CRWD Conglomerate. Seeing the two individuals evolve as well as seeing their companies grow every day inspires me to continue putting my best foot forward.

Website: themoderncrwd.com

Instagram: @__Luiji

Image Credits
Marie Thomas Photography (First image) @mariethomas505 Torrey Laamar @torreylpictures @torreylaamar

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.