Growing up in the impoverished neighborhoods of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, Quennel Taylor, also known as Face Familiar or Skrewface, faced a childhood marked by profound challenges. Raised by a mother who struggled with homelessness and domestic violence, Taylor endured the trauma of molestation by family members, and witnessed the violent, drug-fueled lifestyles of his grandfather, a pimp, and his father, a drug dealer.
Despite these daunting circumstances, Taylor found himself drawn into the street life at a young age, engaging in activities such as selling crack cocaine, robbery, and carjacking to survive. He was mentored in this world by his older cousins, uncles, stepfathers, and godfather, one of whom became a crack addict when Taylor was just 15 years old.
The weight of these experiences took a toll, leading to Taylor’s own arrests for drug possession and distribution, as well as shoplifting, during his 20s. However, these trials have not defined him; instead, they have forged a deep resolve to turn his life around and create a lasting impact.
Today, Taylor’s passion lies in using his talents and experiences to inspire and uplift others. He finds joy in music, clothing design, and podcasting, with the ultimate goal of securing generational wealth for his family and positively influencing the younger generation. “I want to teach the younger generation knowledge to live by,” he explains, “because there’s not enough OG’s to show knowledge, loyalty and responsibility and how to maintain wealth.”
Driven by a desire to make life easier for his family, including his disabled daughter, and to one day earn the pride of his oldest son, Taylor is determined to build a thriving business empire. Within the next five years, he envisions himself as the CEO of his own company, potentially as a singer, songwriter, rapper, or clothing designer, and a homeowner married to his “beautiful wife.”
Beyond personal success, Taylor’s aspirations extend to the broader community. He hopes to reach young people in his inner circle and teach them the principles of emotional intelligence and financial responsibility, ultimately helping to create generational wealth and improve the mindsets of Black youth. Additionally, he plans to start a cerebral palsy foundation in honor of his daughter’s condition.
Quennel Taylor’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative potential of turning adversity into aspiration. Through his multifaceted pursuits, he aims to not only better the lives of his own family but also to inspire and empower others, leaving an indelible mark on his community and the world around him.
