Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnisha McGee.
Darnisha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey started in high school, playing on the varsity basketball team and learning, at an early age, the importance of dedication. I knew that no goal is too absurd, so long as I put in the work. I grew up in Los Angeles, CA where you are often times faced with two choices: succumbing to the fury of gang violence or doing everything in your power to succeed; I chose the latter. Working 40 hours a week as a security guard and waking up at 4am in the morning was not in vain. I refused to be just another ordinary person that works very hard for little money, clinging to the illusion of job security. Launching my clothing brand was not just a mere dream, it became a reality. Despite mental and physical fatigue, I made it my mission to turn my love for fashion into something tangible. I launched my clothing brand on October 4, 2018. Kuaizi Clothing represents strength, growth, determination, and resilience. My high school basketball coach once told me, “If you can make it on the court, you can make it anywhere.” …. and so, I did!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was bumpy and it wasn’t easy but it started deep inside of me. I was working a security job and clocking 40 hours a week but still falling short financially. We tend to trade our time for money but still struggle to pay bills. I knew I wanted more in life so I started to work more towards the future. I picked up a second full-time job and saved all my checks to invest into myself. I used to wake up at 4am to go to work at 5am-1:30pm then go to my next job at 3:00pm-11:00pm and repeat the same routine everyday. It wasn’t easy and I was always tired however I was on a mission to take full control of my destiny.
Please tell us about Kuaizi Clothing.
Out of the trenches, emerged Kuaizi. A streetwear brand that embrace both light and dark; good and bad, struggle and triumph. Our brand is a testimony to the streets and representative of the people trying to make a way out of no-way. The independent Compton-based brand was founded by Darnisha McGee in late 2018. The fully-detailed designs and bold appearance immediately caught people eyes. Kuaizi Clothing was featured on VH1 Black Ink Crew on April 3, 2019. Watch a small clip of Des Raymond wearing Kuaizi Clothing on Black Ink Crew by click below:
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
As a child playing in the WNBA was always my dream. As a toddler, I played for the Los Angeles Sparks at the YMCA in Inglewood, CA. I begin to love the game at the age of four. I had a very strong and humbling foundation. My mother taught me the value and importance of money and the downfalls of having it. She imparts strong morals and standards to live by. The world is crucial so it is important to have something to believe in. We need an extra push to keep moving forward. I believe God placed basketball in my life to guard me to the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Address: 101 s Willowbrook ave #424 Compton, CA 90220
- Website: Kuaiziclothing.com
- Phone: 310-800-1259
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuaiziclothing/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Kuaizi-Clothing-465825200574284/?ref=bookmarks
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