Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Baraka Zaluke.
Hi Daniel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. War was always a reality for our lives. Moments of peace were the exception. When my father’s life became personally endangered because of his religious and political beliefs, we asked asylum to the US and moved to Indiana. We left everything behind and within a few months, my father’s life savings were depleted. We remained in the immigration process for close to 10 years. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college, and I couldn’t qualify for financial aid because I didn’t have any status. So I worked for Chick-fil-A for 10 Years. This was my college. I did everything from operations, to marketing and leadership development. After 10 years, I took the photography skills I picked up during my marketing stint and worked as a photographer in portraits, then in fashion. Style had always been part of me. It is the first thing I remember ever taking a liking to. As young as 4 years old, I already had opinions about style. So when I got to work in fashion, everything felt frictionless. I was where I belonged. I thrived and picked up traction quickly thanks to the many mentors I found in the space. Today, I work in menswear; sometimes as a stylist, sometimes photographer, sometimes a creative director, and other times as a consultant. I even reluctantly modeled once or twice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving into a new culture at 17 years old was not easy. I almost lost myself to the culture for a period of time. Also, not being able to go to college was hard on me. It seemed like my life would never be successful at the time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in menswear. It’s the gift God gave me. I have had an understanding about clothes and style since I was 3 or 4 years old. Today, I specialize in every creative aspect surrounding menswear. I have styled for Buck Mason, shot and directed campaigns for Ghurka, I have consulted with many menswear brands, and did various works in menswear. I am proud that the people I have worked with have enjoyed the work I produced. I take no credit for any of it. God has made it all happen.
How do you think about happiness?
I love sharing the joy of clothes with people. I love seeing the look on a person trying clothes that feel like them and fit them properly for the first time. Some people think clothes are trivial. I think having clothes that fit you and align with your persona allows you to stop thinking about yourself and focus on others. Having clothes that work, clothes that you don’t have tug and pull, allows you to be present with others.
Pricing:
- My styling services start at $2,000
- My photography sessions start $1,000
- Consulting work is considered case by case.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perennialsmedia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/danielzbaraka
