Meet Andrew Mackiewicz | Olympian & Creative

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

Hi Andrew, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?

I believe many of us, including myself, grapple with this question repeatedly, especially in the realms of creativity, entrepreneurship, and athletics. It’s an inherent part of our journey as we navigate uncharted territories, whether within ourselves or in the world. For me, I’ve learned to find comfort in this discomfort because, ultimately, we don’t quit. We persevere. We endure the ambiguity and challenges because we are not quitters. It’s that simple. We understand that with every setback, there’s an opportunity for a comeback, and we’ve trained ourselves to be patient for those victories. So, yes, every day we wake up and question whether to keep going, but that’s precisely what keeps us moving forward.

I’ve often found myself reflecting on this as I’ve pursued my journey. The truth is, the idea of quitting has crossed my mind more times than I can count. The path to becoming a National Champion, Olympian, building a creative brand, and working at a dream job, DJing at some of NYC Hottest clubs, was riddled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. There were times when it felt like I was running in circles, and the dream appeared too distant or even inexistent.

But here’s the thing – it’s during these moments of doubt that the importance of dreaming big becomes crystal clear. When you have grand aspirations, the fear of quitting becomes a powerful motivator. I hear too many times “I just want to make a living” and that’s all they will do; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating something extraordinary. I’ve been called crazy, unrealistic, and overly ambitious, and that’s perfectly fine. The universe doesn’t reward humility, you can be with other people but you got to dream bigger! You got to to tell the Universe you want to be bigger than life.

You see, the game of life is a one-time opportunity, and I’ve made a firm commitment to play it with all I’ve got. In the face of adversity, when it feels like the win is slipping away, it’s the audacity of my dreams that keeps me going. So, in the grand scheme of things, knowing when to keep going or quit becomes less about the circumstances and more about the unwavering belief that a victory will eventually materialize if you persist. It’s about dreaming bigger than life itself and giving your all in this one chance we have. I’ve been able to have done some incredible things and I’m here to keep going. Don’t ask if you should keep going or quit but rather, how bad do you want it?

My name is Andrew Mackiewicz

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wear multiple hats that define my creative journey: an Olympic athlete for Team USA, the Founder of December 12th Studios, and the Global Digital Sales Manager at Sony Music Entertainment. It might seem like an unusual combination, but to me, it all boils down to one thing: creativity. I’m passionate about producing and creating content that evokes thought, stirs emotions, and instills hope.

What sets me apart? I believe it’s my authenticity. You can’t replicate the unique blend of experiences, travels, and people I’ve encountered throughout my life. These have shaped me into the creative I am today. I’ve never shied away from taking chances and exploring new territories. Learning has always been a driving force for me, and I credit my dad for instilling a fascination with history in me. It made me ponder how the world operates and how history is a canvas painted with countless creations. I simply want to be a part of that beautiful tapestry of human innovation.

Has my journey been easy? Absolutely not. It’s been a rollercoaster ride with some incredibly low points, filled with self-doubt and challenges that seemed insurmountable. But it’s through these trials and errors that I’ve learned one of the most important lessons in life and carried it from my athletic career into my professional life: resilience.

In athletics, it’s all about pushing forward despite losses, training harder, and persevering until things start to click. This process shapes you, making the fundamentals second nature. Skipping this essential step is not an option; you can’t achieve greatness without a solid foundation.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, that’s when the real fun begins. You get to add your own unique flair, your personal touch, your signature to whatever you’re creating or pursuing.

Everything I do and create now is geared towards inspiring hope in the next generation of dreamers and doers. Life is far from easy, but if you’re fortunate enough to play this game of life, give it your all. Surround yourself with people who share your passion, and you’ll be surprised at the helping hands and believers you’ll encounter. Some relationships may fall by the wayside, but each one has its purpose. Embrace it, and take your journey to the next level.

I want to give reason to those who have ambitious hopes and dreams to go after it all within the realm of creativity. That’s where December 12th Studios comes into play. It’s still a work in progress, but I have grand plans for it, with a strong focus on giving back to the community. Plus, I’m thrilled about the prospect of being right in the midst of new and emerging talents. Us creatives are all in it together, sharing this incredible journey. It’s a collaborative effort to inspire and create, and I’m excited to be a part of this vibrant and ever-evolving community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Andrews NYC checklist

Dudleys
The Flowershop
Cafe Napoli
Baby Brasa
The Lower East Side
Dimes Square
Any place that offers all you can eat KBBQ

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?
Wow I have a lot of people and a group to thank for where I am today.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to my family, with a special shoutout to my father. His unwavering commitment to our family has instilled in me the drive and determination that propels me forward.

I also want to dedicate this shoutout to my incredible girlfriend. She not only believes in me more than anyone else but also sees potential in me that I often overlook in myself. Her support is a constant source of inspiration.

My fencing coach deserves a significant share of the credit. From a young age, they pushed me relentlessly and imparted invaluable lessons on professionalism and dedication.

Last but certainly not least, I want to recognize our Chief Medical Advisor at USFA. During a challenging period when I was struggling, she stood by me, witnessed my lowest moments, and played a crucial role in helping me get back on my feet to keep pursuing my dreams.

There are so many others who played vital roles in my life, including friends, strangers, and my dog Rex. Their support has been instrumental in my journey.

Website: www.dec12thstudios.com

Instagram: @andrewmackiewicz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mackiewicz/

Twitter: @andrewplusAndy