Meet Sunjori Chambers | Visual Artist, Fashion Model/Designer

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

Hi Sunjori, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I would like to say an artistic career chose me, art has surrounded me since the day that I was born. My parents always made sure we were able to express our creativity, from music to visual arts. They made sure we had the knowledge we needed to grow our artistic abilities. I have always had thoughts of being a fashion designer or working in the “fashion industry” since a young girl. I didn’t start cultivating my idea of being a designer until my 8th grade year, when I won a modeling scholarship for “A Lady Named Pearl School of Modeling & Leadership”. Within that program, I was able to grow my knowledge on entrepreneurship skills as well as my modeling skills. The Pearl School of Modeling & Leadership program helped me get my foot in the doors of the fashion and modeling industry. During the program, each student had to come up with a business plan and present it for our end of semester graduation. From then on, my brand “True Age Apparel” (home to “The Trap Genie” was born from that point on!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe being myself sets my art apart from the art of others. As generic as that answer sounds, it holds plenty of truth. Over the years, I have made quite the portfolio for myself. Within my portfolio, each piece of art has a personality of its own. While attending Tri-Cities High School, I was in the Visual Arts Magnet Program. Being in the Visual Arts Magnet Program helped not only grow my knowledge of art, but also allowed me to have the resources to work with many art mediums. From painting to jewelry making to woodshop, being able to put my hands on these art mediums, I believe this allows me to have somewhat. Of my own special touch when it comes to art. No accomplishments of mine are greater than another. Each time I am able to bring one of my ideas to life, I am proud of myself. Finishing projects, falling through with ideas, and meeting deadlines have been a challenging task in the past. But as I continue to grow, I gain more wisdom each day on what I need to do to succeed professionally. With more wisdom comes more lessons. Two of my biggest personal lessons would have to be, learning to give myself grace. I still have so much to see, learn, and explore. You have to be graceful to yourself during your cycles of growth. I hope that with my brand, I am able to keep telling stories. Stories that bring people together, inspire others to create, and bring more color, more joy to my community and the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta has most definitely changed over the years, most attractions we once had are no longer here. Starting off with a few events, I would for sure see what the creators of “Agenda Studios” have going on for the week or weekend. The day parties they host are always a good vibe. Being surrounded by beautiful melanated people, great music, good food, and Deleon is an equation that always equals a good time. Down the street from “Agenda Studios”, “Bottle Rocket Fine Food and Beverage” is a cute little bar that serves sushi AND burgers. It’s a quaint restaurant but that makes the vibe even better when it comes to intimacy. The workers are such a joy to be around as well. Now it wouldn’t be Atlanta of me if I didn’t go see what’s popping in Little 5 Points. L5P for me, has been such a cool place since the moment I could even remember. It was a staple during my childhood and still is. L5P has hidden gems going on daily, from street vendors to the shops on the strip, I love being able to just walk around exploring the city that’s forever changing. Whenever I want to hop in my “tourist bag”, Ponce City Market is the place to be. From shops, small restaurants, the beltline and mini carnival, Ponce City Market is a one-stop-shop. Whenever I want some authentic Mexican cuisine, Minero at Ponce will always fulfill that craving for me. The food and drinks are EVERYTHING. Another restaurant I like to indulge in while visiting Ponce is Bar Vegan. Supporting my fellow Black-owned businesses is something I try to do whenever I am able to and “Bar Vegan” is one of them. Being able to enjoy food that doesn’t make you feel guilty afterwards is something everyone should be able to experience. The atmosphere comes to life with their live DJ and great bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my Mom and Dad. They’ve made plenty of sacrifices to make sure I was able to get the information I need to excel within myself. From programs to workshop classes, my parents helped me grow my dreams. Without their support, I don’t believe that I would be here getting presented with this opportunity. They have been my parents as well as business partners, and I’m so grateful that I was blessed with them.

I would also like to give a shoutout to Pearl Fis’Aime, the founder of “A Lady Named Pearl School of Modeling & Leadership”. Mrs. Pearl has been a supportive mentor since the first day that we met. She has helped ignite the flame to grow my confidence as well as my many business ventures. Through her program, I was able to be apart of a sisterhood that I can still call on till this day. For this, I am so grateful to have met Mrs. Pearl.

Website: trueageapparel.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @sunniwitachance, @trueageapparel

Image Credits
@bkshotyou @iamspliff @kffrench96