Meet J. Cru

Today we’re excited to be connecting with J. Cru again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

J. , thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is J.Cru, I’m from NE Denver, specifically Montbello. Because of a life long relationship with the DC area, I say, “I grew up between Denver and PG County, MD.” I’ve also lived in Nashville, NY/LI and spent a lot of time in Chicago, plus a little bit in England, in my younger years. I’ve recently returned to Denver, after 3 1/2 years in Miami. I’ve developed into a multidisciplinary Artist over the years: Personal Chef, Poet and Brand owner.

My name, derived out of the Poetry scene in Denver, and it just followed me into other industries. J, is short for my first name and “Cru,” is simply for, Crucible. One of things that sets my apart, is my experiences in so many different industries. Along with those I’ve named, I’ve have a combined 10 years, in Assisted Living and Property Management. I’ve also become very good at developing and maintaining Client Relations. A mentor and colleague recently told me, “I’ve been doing this 20 years and you’re even better than me.” Besides working on my own projects, I’ve developed a “Sixth Sense,” for seeing opportunities for people on a creative path, or starting new projects. Finding layers and connections, in uncommon places.

I’ve got to where I am today, by being open to change and experimenting. It’s been a long journey but I’m still going. The highlights of my journey, are the relationships I’ve built. Being able to land in Chicago and immediately connect with people I know, without a phone call. Also, having letters of recommendations from my colleagues like Laurence Barbara, or Alonzo Mourning, it goes a long way. Having my neighbors ask, “Can we do anything to keep you in Miami?” At this point, almost nothing else matters. When I’m on my death bed, I want to be able to be proud of the lives changed and who I connected with. That IS my Brand..

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
I moved to Miami, at the top of 2021. During my time there, I was up and down the East Coast, plus connecting with people in LA, Puerto Rico and Mexico City a couple of times. During the last 6 months in Miami, things with Crown & Albrook, really slowed down and long-story short story, I pivoted back into poetry after not writing for over a year. The first piece I wrote, was “The Beautiful Unknown,” which is the self referential title for a book,” -13 pieces in total. A prologue, epilogue and 11 pieces, or “chapters.” The Beautiful Unknown,” out NOW! Amazon or in person. In person, you can purchase the pack which includes the goodies.

I was also pulled into Buddhism earlier this year, through an elder in my building “Tio,” Victor Golden and his wife Lucy. I found out Victor was a “Loisaides,” (Lower Eastside) of Puerto Rican descent. We would often talk about the differences between Miami and NY, and despite having the same ethnic groups, they are VERY different places. After enough talks he invited me to meetings but there are multiple philosophies within the faith. One encourages you to ask for your desires, while another practices “non attachment.” So, I’m still learning!

Alongside with that, I was also introduced to Vipassana Meditation through another circle in Miami. I attended a campus near Dallas and participated in a 10 day course which required us to surrender our phones for the duration of our time there. NO phones, NO talking, NO writing. We were meditating off and on, for 9 hours a day. Not to oversimplify the journey but now, I’m more focused on what I can cultivate internally, that can be shared with the world. Not so much on selling hoodies but, I haven’t abandoned it completely.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: I don’t have just one but ‘HEAT,’ with Dinero and Pacino, always comes to mind. I watch it at least once a year.

Favorite Book: Maybe ‘Outwitting the Devil,’ by Napoleon Hill but ask me again in year. I’m juggling a few now.

Favorite TV Show: That’s tough but over the years, I’d say a Different World, Miami Vice, Top Boy. Giri/Haji and Pachinko, are on the list. Shogun and Blue Eye Samurai wear exceptional, in my opinion.

Favorite Band or Artist: Band? More recently, Men I Trust. Artists: AZ, Afi El and RLX but.. I love music but have been really moving away from Hip Hop. Not sure why but it’s just another shift coming to the surface.

Sweet or Savory: Spicy. Between those two? Savory, or both at the same time. I cook so, ”either or,” doesn’t really exist for me.

Mountains or Beach: Both but Beach. I cooked in Granby this year at the end of August. First time visiting in the Summer- amazing place!

Favorite Sport (to watch): Maybe Soccer? I don’t watch sports regularly but I’m still captivated by BMX. I raced when I was younger. (Co-Factory ESP)

Favorite Sport (to play): I still liked to ride. I just built a 1990 ELF, while in Miami. I haven’t been on any tracks in decades but would like to try that again, also.

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I touched everything once: Football, Baseball, Soccer, Swimming, Baseball, Karate, BMX. BMX was my favorite though.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: A Veterinarian. I don’t know when that changed…

French Fries or Onion Rings: Truffle Fries, or Garlic Knots. Onion rings are great on sandwiches, not as sides.

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Who? I‘d have to say neither.

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Mighty Mouse and Transformers.

Favorite Childhood movie: Probably, Top Gun.

Favorite Breakfast Food: French Toast.

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Diving into FULL expression: The potential of becoming the best version of myself. My awareness has grown and I’ve become extremely aware of my patterns and why I think the way I do. I want to shed what no longer works and strengthen the things that do. Ideally, supporting other people in doing the same.

I’ll be honest, although I plan on doing more with Crown & Albrook, clothes don’t matter as much or at least right now, they don’t. C&A, has always had its ebbs and flows. I’ve also changed a lot since I went to Miami and I’ve had major shifts in the last 6 months. Not because of the Miami itself, but because of how I spent my time while there. We live in an extremely beautiful yet complicated and destructive world. So many of us are missing the beauty because we’re constantly chasing the next moment, myself included. I think Americans suffer from this the most because our freedoms, are masked distractions.

Right now, the most valuable things I can create, are the bridges I can build through writing and communication as skill sets. So, creatively, more Poetry. At least 2 this year books but maybe 3. Some cooking projects are being considered but they would be incorporated with other things. Keep an eye out for more cooking classes!

I’m also planning to dive into Coaching and Consulting, this year with Panacea, C&C. I’m still working on which services I’ll offer but they’ll include a few things. Some the main requests I get are, Life Coaching, Creative Direction and Relationship support. Panacea, is forcing me to create a framework for those services. I think each service, will also have some overlap.

Website: https://CrownandAlbrook.com

Instagram: CrownandAlbrook

LinkedIn: J. Cru

Other: THREADS – IntroducingJcru

Image Credits
Salmon – Ryan Landell
Afi El in Leaf Hoodie – TherdChild