We were lucky to catch up with Ms.TiQ Pronounced “MYSTIQUE” recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ms.TiQ , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The moment that I first knew that I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was my 1st day of summer camp. I was about 11 years old when I attended an arts-oriented summer camp in the inner city of Baltimore at BCCC (Baltimore City Community College). I remember the excitement and joy that I felt as I moved from one class to the next. This moment is exactly when I discovered my passion for all things creative. I evolved. Explored. Found myself. This life-changing experience opened up a whole new world for me. They offered so many forms of expression such as African Dance, Modern Dance, Ballet, Choir, Art, etc. I felt as if I were in my element!

Although my upbringing was in a Christian home, our house was always filled with singing, dancing, various kinds of music (Gospel, R&B, Jazz, etc.). It was a natural part of our environment. I recall at family gatherings and on holidays that we would have impromptu showcases. It was a way to show off your individual talents, whether it was playing an instrument, dancing or singing (Gospel music, R&B, etc.).

I remember looking up to the best dancer in my class and saying to myself internally that I’m going to be as good as her, if not better. Guess what? I did it! I worked extremely hard both in class and after class in order to be my best. I couldn’t wait to attend camp daily. I fell in love. I discovered my passion for all things creative. There was a freedom that I couldn’t explain.

My 1st memory of singing in public took place when I sang in the children’s choir (about age 4 or 5 years old) at my great-grandfather’s church (The Late Rev. Oscar Stancil), Mount Carmel Baptist Church. We had small individual parts to lead as we sang our 1st selection, “This Little Light of Mine.” I remember the joy I felt in that moment as if it were just yesterday.

Ms.TiQ , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I invite your readers to get to know me. Ms.TiQ (pronounced Mystique) means Mystery, Awe and Power. I was invited by the late-great icon, Vaughan Mason to join Vaughan Mason and Crew simultaneously with DBL (Down By Law) a well known Underground Hip-Hop Collective based out of Baltimore, MD & Poughkeepsie, NY. DBL consists of all sorts of Seasoned Creative Artists such as (Leader of DBL/Frontman/Rapper/Producer) Dskillz Harris, (Poet and MC) Black Chakra, (MC) Miclopedia, and many others. DBL has Hip-Hop Artists, Rappers, Poets, Producers, Spoken Word Artists, etc.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is being your authentic self, the ability to express yourself while accessing the ability to be heard and seen. A voice in this world is not meant to be hidden! If I can touch the life of at least one person and brighten their day; I feel it’s worth it. Authentic people are unique, not copycats, even if they sing a new version of a song yet add their own flair. Incorporate you into your delivery. I feel free when I can be transparent. Go on and break the mold ya’ll! Being authentic isn’t just about sharing only the cool or good parts of oneself; it’s about sharing our struggle and challenges while candidly showing the perfect imperfections which make us who we are as individuals. This allows us to step out of our comfort zone and helps us learn some good life lessons and to grow!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I‘m hoping that non-creatives learn that there is a difference in the way creatives process and produce may not be the same as a non-creative. Creatives harness the power of imagination and possess a creative spirit. Our creative process can be unconventional. We tend to be more receptive to new ideas, can be more flexible, and are more likely to take risks and explore new experiences.

Whereas, non-creatives prefer to stick to traditions and feel that rules are not meant to be broken. Non-creative individuals often have an issue with embracing new ideas or taking risks. They are more likely to resist change and criticize those who don’t fit into the cookie cutter mentality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mstiq.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialms.tiq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMs.Tiq
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeeiPF9LGCnqIvmygZRay_w
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/04PTwMhXE7cDbWsQCmZx0b?si=ENbGgrz1Szu3_asbmqK2Pg&nd=1&_authfailed=1

Image Credits
Kai Lee (@ _lee2photography on Instagram)