We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kendu-Marquette Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kendu-Marquette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

In 2015, I became a youth motivational speaker for the Boys & Girls Club mentoring troubles teen and youth to move forward and to aim for their goals no matter the experience. After that I realize the gift of encouragement for people throughout my experiences.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kendu-Marquette Williams A Chicago, IL native, award winning entrepreneur, streetwear designer and stylist. In 2016 I created the artistic brand ART IV PLAY for FREE people who aren’t afraid of expression.

Fashion has always a major part of my life from my grandparents and also to my parents. I’ve studied the streetwear designers, musicians and artists of the 1980’s & 1990’s to get where my “artistic streetwear brand”.

What sets me apart from others would the love that I have for unifying all creatives together to create a bigger platform for all artists to elevate and excel. My most proudest moment would be the BORN INTO CHAOS Fashion Show, which was my very first show ever, the experience was so natural and organically put together which also pushed a lot of ambition within the community shortly after.

In November & December 2021, I released a collaboration collection with an international fashion e-commerce store by the name of SHEIN with my business partner / artist Zach Parmer. I was also awarded the “Young Leader award by United Black Ellument in Dallas, TX which is a LGBT Community Organization that pushes and recognizes the growth within the community.

What I would like for people to take from my journey, no matter how dark things may turn in your life YOU have the ability to change it. With your thinking, faith and trust within yourself or your spiritual beliefs. Everything I desire, I manifest.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To say the least, the Dallas community is growing extremely well and with a steady pace but what I believe society can do t support artists is to connect and collaborate with more fresh new faces to create new spaces for all creatives.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing that most creatives and non-creatives will not understand how resilient I am due to my struggles and strength. Most opportunities I’ve landed was faith based, If I wanted something I believed in it and continued to perfect my craft and brand in order to get the results I’ve hoped for.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artivplay.com
• Instagram: knduivplay, artivply
• Facebook: Kendu-Marquette Williams
• Linkedin: Kendu-Marquette Williams
• Youtube: youkenduit

Image Credits
BORN INTO CHAOS Photos : IG : @the96twinz @zachshotit @thegirlv__ Austin Fashion Week IG : @fashionbyevents SHEIN Black History Month Fashion Creatives Feature IG : @shein.us