I met Aj Bilal at a StudioCor3 Light Night—a space pulsing with energy, creativity, and light. Aj carries all three. He’s a digital creator, voice actor, sports model, and the host of the GRUMI podcast, where he amplifies Grand Rapids musicians and entrepreneurs with curiosity and heart. We started our portrait session at Vault of Midnight, flipping through pages of his favorite anime stories—especially Avatar: The Last Airbender. From there, we made our way to the blazing red curves of La Grande Vitesse in Calder Plaza, where fire met steel.
Aj’s color was chosen long before he stepped in front of the camera. Scarlet. Not just red. A color rooted in firebending lore, in anime archetypes, in heart-forward leadership. The way Aj moved—channeling Zuko’s discipline, Iroh’s wisdom, and a little bit of Aang’s play—brought the color to life. His fire was joyful, present, and disciplined. Not reckless, not angry. Just bright. Intentional. Alive.
We talked about what it means to show up boldly. To wield fire without fear. Scarlet doesn’t just burn—it illuminates. And Aj? He radiated. He brought the flame into form through movement, laughter, and striking stillness. His joy wasn’t loud—it was powerful. Grounded. Controlled. Scarlet is a choice. A reclamation. And Aj wore it like he was born in it.
Symbolism
Scarlet is the color of sacred fire—purposeful, focused, and alive. It symbolizes inner strength, transformation, and the power of being fully seen. This is the red of creative spark and passionate truth. When worn with intention, it reflects a heart that knows itself and is ready to share its warmth with the world.
Psychology
Psychologically, scarlet draws in those who are stepping into confidence and clarity after periods of self-doubt or inner conflict. You may feel drawn to it when you’re ready to own your story or take up more space. It energizes your sense of self and helps you move with assurance and integrity.
Energetics
Scarlet activates the root and heart chakras simultaneously—an unusual but powerful combination. It grounds you in your body while inviting emotional expression. It’s the fire that fuels aligned action and reminds you that your presence alone can be healing. This is not performative energy—it’s generative.
Somatics
In the body, scarlet often stirs upright posture, sharp focus, and regulated breath. It encourages you to plant your feet, square your shoulders, and speak your truth. This color tends to bring warmth through the chest and hands. It makes you want to move. To take the stage. To start the thing.
Sometimes, color doesn’t just reflect who we are—it calls us into who we’re becoming. Aj didn’t shy away from that invitation. In Scarlet, he reminded us that fire can be focused. That presence can be joyful. That mastery of self is the most powerful art form of all.
Follow Aj’s at: @liifeofsabin
Podcast at: @grumi.616
