Today we’d like to introduce you to Tariq Mackey.
Hi Tariq, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Chasing a dream that only I can see: Tariq Dante Mackey, born in Decatur GA at Dekalb General Hospital, to parents (Doranna Mackey-Harris and Robert C. Ivey). Spending time between both parents from Miami (Dade County) to Georgia, as the oldest of seven I took pride in teaching and looking out for my siblings. Even though times were rough we made it out! My grandmother the great (Winifred m. Abdullah) took us from a detrimental situation to a stable one and I’m forever grateful for her! Growing up I didn’t have much but I’ve always had talent and a deep love for the arts, my uncles, auntie, mom and cousin did music, my grandma on my father’s side (Jessie Ivey) created poetry and even had a poetry show on tv called -the poetry room-, where a young up and coming artist by the name of t.i.p. would star as on-air talent from time to time. I was always around art and wanted to be a part of it in a deeper way. At the age of 14-16, I was in an rnb group called Amore and later named Choices, it was a dope experience but it didn’t pan out even though I know we would of been big! Since the age of ten, I’ve always loved hip-hop and was always great at it, just a little too shy as a kid to show it, by the age of 15 I was ready to show the world! Me and some friends/brothers from the neighborhood I grew up in from Lithonia GA put it together and been going hard ever since! (pvm) check us out on all platforms!! After switching a few names, I found one that fit me and I stuck with it! (Mackeyi) google me lol. I started a landscaping company in 2017 (Iveymack Lawncare) business has been great just watching something grow from nothing is truly inspiring and gratifying! As I said I’m inspired by the art I am creative! I started a clothing brand in 2018 called kūawie which is an acronym for (knowledge, understanding and wisdom is everything.) I love it! I also created a shoe line, I’ve created 41 pairs of shoes so far but I’ve only released 7 as of now. Never knew I’d be here but I decided to just follow where the art leads me, my future will always be greater than my past. As a blackman and father of four beautiful children and a beautiful wife I’m blessed beyond my wildest dreams but I’m not content! I’m on a mission to destroy generational curses and create a better way for us as a whole.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s the beauty of life! When it comes to struggle, I’m always going to go head-on with it. I’m A fighter, we all are you just gotta know it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love everything that I do from creating logos, landscaping yards, making music, creating clothing and shoes. Even though making music is my first love i enjoy being a father the most, I feel like I’m the best at that!!! I’m the originator/creator.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories would be the time kicking it with family, seems like the older we get the more we grow apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kuawie84.com
- Instagram: @kuawie84classic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/MackeyI1622
- Other: https://www.aliveshoes.com/blue-42s
