Today we’d like to introduce you to Ezinne Kalu.
Hi Ezinne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started playing basketball in 3rd grade. It wasn’t always a dream of mine but when I saw the happiness and confidence it brought into my life, I wanted to keep at it. I wanted to become the best version I could be. I wanted to see how far this sport could take me as an athlete and unapologetic individual as well. Although the journey has not been easy and I’ve been faced with adversity many times, I didn’t let that deter me. I kept pushing, kept working, kept going. Learning how to maximize my talent on and off the court. This helped me later on in life to discover other things I love like modeling and creating a cosmetics business that was a reflection of me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
From living in homeless shelters with my mom throughout high school, breaking my ankle, my thumb, to tearing my ACL and later on my PCL/MCL the struggles seemed endless. But I believe each struggle has brought out a different spark in me. Every injury wasn’t the same. Some were emotionally draining, some were physically encouraging regardless, and I made sure to never give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to this of myself as a “Queen of all trades”. Although I am known for playing professional basketball and going to the Tokyo Olympics, I do have other talents that has allowed me to get to where I am today.
Outside of basketball, I am known as a runway model. I’ve modeled in New York Fashion Week a dozen times or more. Even modeled in various shows in Atlanta as well as my hometown NJ. My goal is to walk in black-owned brand fashion shows like Hanifa, Tia Adeola, Savage Fenty and Atelier Ndigo.
I am a business owner. I have a cosmetics line known as Kalu Kosmetics. This is a brand that caters to the active or sportive individual. We have liquid mattes, lipglosses, lip liners, etc. Each of our liquid mattes products have food/sweat/and liquid-resistant properties which means you can drink, eat and/or work out ALL DAY without the worry of your lipstick coming off. And our products will NOT dry your lips out after wearing them. Our products are affordable, high quality and most importantly versatile.
I think I am most proud of playing in the Tokyo, Olympics. It’s not every day that an individual gets to represent their country on a worldwide level. Being from Newark, NJ this was a huge accomplishment, not just for me but the whole Essex County!
I think want sets me apart from others is my work ethic, my authenticity and my versatility. My work ethic is unmatched. Everything that has happened in my life, I have worked for. Day in and day out. I put passion and commitment into things I want to achieve and I don’t stop until I get it. My versatile, “chameleon like” personality allows me to adapt to any situation or environment this helps tremendously when I need to blend in or stand out.
My authenticity is what I believe people gravitate more towards. I am genuine and always have a smile on my face. I’m unapologetically me at all times and people respect that.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was traveling to Nigeria for the first time. It was so beautiful. I had never seen anything like it. Being half Nigerian (mother from SC, Dad from Nigeria) meant that I could travel to Nigeria anytime I want and I couldn’t be more happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.kalukosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_thenigerianqueen?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Image Credits
Tyrus Davis – peacock dress pics
