Meet Ebony Mackey | Co Founder & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ebony Mackey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ebony, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
PlayHardLookDope is actually a business started by both my fiance and me. While the business was started together building our social platform and website are aspects I’m completely in charge of. My thought process behind beginning this process was that I wanted a way to express our passions and day-to-day of building a brand on social media to an audience I did not know. Part of this included observing what our audience responded to and how they responded to what I produced. I found out that people liked to hear a story and feel like they were part of a story with a happy ending specifically. I also learned through my process that people like to root for something and for genuine people.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own PlayHardLookDope with my Fiance. In short, we’re a lifestyle Jewelry & expressive Apparel Brand based in Manhattan New York! We specialize in Natural Gemstone Jewelry that is 100% Certified & Authenticated! While Gemstones are our specialty and what we’re known for, our collection includes all types of jewelry from Leather, Stainless Steel, and, Sterling Silver. Something that sets us apart is that we offer top-quality customer service coming directly from our founder. We do not outsource customer service to an employee or an outside service. Being able to maintain this it’s given our brand an extremely genuine feel. Our product stands out because of its quality. We have the largest selection of Gemstones on the market at a retail level and we guarantee the proprietary wire we use to make our bracelets. Simply put, we will repair it in the unlikely event that something happens to a customer’s gemstone bracelet for life!

And, lastly, we’re all about having fun and providing an experience when you visit our store, social platforms or, website.

I want people to know that I started from absolutely NOTHING. I’ve experienced homelessness and have kept myself grounded while pushing every day for success. I believe anything you want can be done. Have passion and a good work ethic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have so many favorite spots in this amazing city.

For Italian you have to go to Ribalta (chefs kiss) it’s so fun and the food is mouth-watering.

Next, I’d say it is a MUST to try Lil Frankies in the lower east side! Put it this way not going is not an option and order the eggplant! The pizza is a game-changer too!

My all-time favorite lounge is La Esquina! Nothing else to say! Just go! If you can get in go and order the tostadas!

Sushi By Bou DO IT! & Bond St Sushi

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout out a good friend of mine Taylor Capuano & her twin sister Casey Capuano they founded their brand CAKES! They are incredibly hard-working! I will list their email below!

Here’s their website! https://cakesbody.com/
contact@cakesbody.com

Website: https://playhardlookdope.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playhardlookdopejewelry/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/playhardlookdope

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjLodFMtOrJj-NgkjdqN_oQ

Image Credits
Photographer Stephen J. Mihalchik