Today we’d like to introduce you to Atinuke Adeleke.
Hi Atinuke, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Atinuke Osibogun-Adeleke, and I am an interdisciplinary artist, the owner, and lead designer of the home and body adornment brand, Zuri Perle. Originally from Nigeria, I moved to the United States in 2009 to join my husband, and we have since lived in Maryland, Georgia, Missouri, and currently reside in Texas with our two sons.
My academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in Law from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, followed by a Masters in International and Commercial Law from the University of Buckingham in England. However, my passion for art and design led me to pursue a Masters in Studio Art from the University of North Texas, Denton.
The inception of Zuri Perle arose from my frustration in finding jewelry pieces to complement Nigerian traditional outfits upon moving to the United States. Seeing a gap in the market, I launched Zuri Perle to cater to African brides seeking traditional jewelry for their weddings in the U.S., which has since expanded to include contemporary jewelry and home decor.
My journey into jewelry making began with a class from local artisans in Nigeria, igniting a passion for handcrafting wearable artisan pieces. I further honed my skills by taking non-degree-seeking classes, including metalsmithing, CAD, and 3D printing at Kansas University.
In 2020, I embarked on a new chapter by enrolling in the Fine Arts program at the University of North Texas, culminating in my graduation in May 2023. Shortly after, I secured a contract with Daisha Board Gallery in Dallas and showcased my work in a two-person exhibition at the Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas.
In addition to my artistic pursuits, I am also an educator, teaching Digital Art Foundation at Texas Woman’s University. Through my journey, I am committed to both artistic expression and sharing my knowledge with others, striving to make a meaningful impact in the art community and beyond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every migrant story and entrepreneurial journey, including mine, is filled with peaks and valleys. The inner struggle, both within oneself and in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and migration, has been one of the greatest tests I’ve encountered. Over time, I’ve learned to listen, pay attention, and trust my intuition, skills that have proven invaluable on this journey.
One significant challenge I faced was building a network when I first started my business. Establishing a solid network is crucial for any venture, but as a newcomer to a different country, I lacked the established connections to rely on. With the added responsibility of caring for my newborn son, attending networking events seemed nearly impossible. However, I embraced the power of the internet, focusing on refining my skills, crafting unique designs, and expanding my online presence to build a network virtually.
Another hurdle was the decision to return to school. Balancing the demands of growing my business with pursuing further education presented a daunting choice. Juggling the roles of a full-time student, a Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas, running a business, and caring for my family was undeniably challenging. Yet, this period taught me valuable lessons in prioritization, energy allocation, and the importance of seeking and accepting help when needed.
Ultimately, these struggles have shaped me, reinforcing the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and resilience in both personal and professional spheres. Each challenge has been a steppingstone, guiding me towards growth and strengthening my resolve to overcome obstacles on the path to success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Zuri Perle. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Zuri Perle serves as an extension of my artistic expression, offering limited edition home and body adornments inspired by African traditional practices of art, adornment, and clothing. My mission is to guide my clients on a journey of appreciation for the past while exploring exciting interpretations of Africa in the present.
Specializing in crafting wooden sculptures, wall art, prints, 3D-printed earrings, and handcrafted statement jewelry, all meticulously crafted in Dallas, Texas, Zuri Perle embodies a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
As an artist, my work has been featured in esteemed exhibitions at institutions and galleries such as the African American Museum in Dallas, Daisha Board Gallery in Dallas, Craighead Green Gallery in Dallas, Touchstone Gallery in Washington D.C., Atlantic Gallery in NYC, and Ellington-White Contemporary Gallery in NC.
Zuri Perle’s body adornments have graced prestigious runways at New York Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week, garnering recognition in publications such as Italiano L’Orafo, Weekly Style Magazine, Fox 4KC, Say Yes to the Dress, CNN Africa, and Bead Style Magazine, among others. Additionally, our brand has been celebrated locally in Nigeria through various publications.
What sets Zuri Perle apart is our dedication to honoring tradition while embracing innovation, resulting in timeless pieces that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Africa while resonating with contemporary aesthetics. We take pride in offering unique, handcrafted creations that reflect our commitment to quality, authenticity, and artistic excellence.
I invite you to explore the world of Zuri Perle and experience the beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural richness embodied in each of our creations.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Building a strong network is indeed crucial in any endeavor. From my experience, I’ve found success in recognizing that it’s never too late to seek out mentors or nurture relationships within my network. As an artist, I often become deeply engrossed in my creative process, but I remind myself of the equal importance of investing time and effort into maintaining these connections.
One effective strategy for finding mentors and expanding my network has been actively participating in industry-related events, workshops, and online communities. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, seek advice, and foster meaningful relationships. Additionally, I’ve learned to approach networking with authenticity, focusing on building genuine connections rather than simply exchanging business cards.
Moreover, I’ve found that being open to learning from diverse perspectives has been instrumental in my growth. Whether it’s seeking guidance from seasoned professionals or collaborating with peers, embracing different viewpoints has enriched my understanding and expanded my network.
In essence, my advice for finding mentors and networking effectively is to remain open, proactive, and genuine in your interactions. By prioritizing relationship-building alongside your professional pursuits, you’ll not only cultivate a supportive network but also gain valuable insights and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zuriperle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuriperle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZuriPerle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atinuke-adeleke-21458b21/
Image Credits
Ephraimsphotogrpahy
Vision and Verve
