We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kenneth Hoursey. Check out our conversation below.
Kenneth , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that’s been bringing me true joy is running for sure. I ran track all of high school and some of college. I was never a distance runner though, until my brother Justice convinced me to come out one day and I have been hooked ever since. Big shoutout to Motion Run Club yall saved my life. It makes me feel good, improves my mental and physical health , and it feels freeing. If my work schedule was a little more flexible I would run way more than I’m able to at this time. The run community is a fun and healthy environment, the connections the races and the pretty medals you earn for putting in the work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kenneth M Hoursey my people call me Kenny, from New York born and raised. Nassau Community College and Clark Atlanta University alum I dance, I run, I skate. Lastly 06 to the good bruhs.
Now I am working on building a non profit with my brother Cory, won’t reveal the name but those of you that know Cory and I we’re typically at the forefront of things especially when it comes to community service right now we are partnering with a local barbershop to send care packages to Jamaica for those suffering from hurricane melissa. What makes it unique is the strength in numbers we built together for the greater good of society. Everything we put forth wouldn’t be complete without our brothers backing us up and hitting the ground running, mind you it didn’t used to be like this until we found brothers willing to bridge a gap that’s been going on for decades. We’ve built more than a unit we built a trust that will now continue to grow stronger and show that you don’t have to do everything on your own, just need to find the ones willing to take that step.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I honestly went through a few phases, I thought I was a failure at one point in time. I wasn’t applying myself in school, I was running the streets stealing and doing things I had no business doing. My mom and I struggled a lot financially, she always figured something out but there was a lot of rocky moments. I didn’t make the best decisions my only motivation to go to school was sports nothing else. It all changed when I lost my grandfather who always showed up for me even when I took advantage and was dishonest to him. I didn’t deserve him, but he saw potential and didn’t give up on me at all. Before his passing he came into my job and told me he’s proud of me for staying on a better path and to never lose sight of the goal and he loved me, 3 days later he was gone. I didn’t understand why he kept choosing to show up for me despite how I conducted myself and treated him. I grew older and realized I’m supposed to be a person who finds those kids like me and invest in them to be better versions of themselves and I’ve been doing it ever since. Today is his anniversary so shoutout to him.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Wounds that have defined me are definitely the loss of my grandfather. My family growing apart from when I was younger, betrayed by people who said they love me, couch surfing with my mom for years, close calls with the law, risking myself for fast money, and seeing one of my people get killed for no reason. I healed those wounds by being that person who isn’t afraid to admit what I’ve been through. It helped motivate and alter people who grew up just like me. Giving back to the communities I grew up in has always healed my inner child simply because he knows what it took for us to even get this far and I’m not successful or well off or established yet but I’m going to continue giving my all for them boys running the street hustling because they wanted to be able to put food on the table by 9 years old. My section 8 babies know exactly what I mean and even those who weren’t, struggling builds you or destroys you. We all have to make that choice, we don’t have to become products of our environment.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my mother, she had me at 19/20 years old. She did it all, even when she had to give me up a few times to get on her feet she never gave up on herself or me. My mom has dealt with being put out, eviction, etc while raising me at the same time and she still got up everyday and faced life with a strong mind and will. I know she’s tired but she never let that stop her, once I got older she went back and finished school and pursued to be a great business woman. Her and my aunt are also amazing artist. @Creationwaits414 and @mishaelart I taught them everything they know. Shout out to you mom and I love you we gone make it one day.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think a lot of people have tied me to this everybody loves me kind of thing and I laugh at it but I know it’s not the case. It feels like people think my life is just all sunshine and rainbows or I can’t mess up but in reality I’m still trying to figure it out myself and I’m not afraid to admit I have made countless mistakes. I just carry myself well, especially this “celebrity” narrative, I am a regular person no better than the next who just wants a simple life and to keep investing in those like me who get constantly kicked in the back for putting their best foot forward. I hope when I’m gone they tell everyone I was genuine and I cared about mine. Lastly that I was the funniest short king they ever met.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @k_suave04
- Linkedin: Kenneth Hoursey
- Other: TikTok: k.suave04
