The Style Fold: Tariqa Waters

When thinking of a Style Fold candidate for our Artful Dodger issue, no one quite fit the bill like Tariqa Waters—a woman of many roles and talents (Artist, Gallery Owner, Curator, Mom, Wife) and unquestionably one of the most fashionable, street-smart people in Seattle. I spent less than an hour snapping photos of Tariqa in her funky loft by Occidental Park in Pioneer Square, and I was swept away by her individuality and her humble kindness. She is not just a magnetic force in the arts community, but an advocate for her neighborhood, which has been stigmatized by the visibility of poverty there despite being a cultural core of the city. Tariqa isn’t just helping to change perceptions of the neighborhood. She is reminding people that being cool and confident also means being compassionate as they deal with each other day to day.

I left Tariqa’s home feeling inspired. She has decided to live life how she wants to live it and dresses how she wants to dress. The results are both beautiful and uniquely her. Check out the shoot below.