Neighbors File an HOA Complaint About Mom's 'Tacky' Chalk Art. She Finds Creative Way Around Restrictions (Exclusive)
NEED TO KNOW
In early July 2025, Mackenzie received an email from her Home Owners Association (HOA) regarding a complaint filed by her neighbor
As a result of the complaint, which was linked to her driveway chalk art, the mother must wash away her artwork every night or face consequences
However, Mackenzie has found a way around the new limitations to ensure her creativity isn't restricted
A mother of three living in Alabama recently found an unexpected creative outlet by drawing chalk art on her driveway.
After a TikTok video featuring the colorful drawings and motivational quotes went viral, she decided to make it a daily practice and share it online.
However, just five days into her new routine, her homeowners association (HOA) received a complaint. In early July 2025, they sent her an email enforcing community guidelines, which included a 10 p.m. curfew mandating that her artwork be washed away each night.
Undeterred, Mackenzie has been waking up at 6 a.m. daily to continue her chalk art – proving that her creativity can't and won't be restricted.
'Waking up early to redraw the chalk art became my quiet protest,' Mackenzie, who asked for her last name to be omitted, tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'I'm not doing anything harmful. I'm spreading color and kindness.'
The 32-year-old mother and her 2-year-old son have been turning their driveway into a canvas every single morning for over a month. It's become a daily ritual she can't imagine skipping.
When it comes to choosing a motivational message for the day, she picks something that resonates with her and runs with it.
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'I love drawing sea creatures, florals, and little whimsical pieces, but the main thread through all of it is positivity,' she shares. 'Every morning, I try to put down an inspirational or funny quote. Something that might make a neighbor smile on their morning walk or scroll on TikTok.'
Unfortunately, one neighbor didn't share the same enthusiasm as Mackenzie.
'I got an email saying someone had complained about it being tacky. After some back and forth, we have agreed to wash it off by the end of the night or there will be a fine,' she explains.
http://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf
Despite the one negative response, she has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the community, both online and in person.
'People have left me chalk, knee pads, and sweet notes. A neighbor even put a little cushion on my driveway for me to sit on,' Mackenzie reveals. 'It's shown me just how kind people really can be, and how one person's negativity doesn't speak for the whole community.'
While she admits the early mornings are tough, she says it's a mix of stubbornness, spite, and genuine joy that keeps her creativity and determination alive.
Mackenzie has lived in the neighborhood for a few years, and this is the first real conflict she's experienced. It came as a surprise, especially since she's always felt a strong sense of connection to her neighbors.
Although she has her suspicions about who filed the HOA complaint, she tells PEOPLE she has no interest in confronting them. 'At this point, I'd rather put my energy into the art than into justifying it,' Mackenzie says.
She and her family are deeply connected to the neighborhood, and despite the setback, it has sparked something wonderful – an inspiring online community that continues to support and motivate her. A single negative experience won't drive her away.
'I've learned that sometimes, the most beautiful things come from pushback. I didn't expect chalk art to change my life, but here we are,' Mackenzie says. 'As long as I'm able, and as long as people are smiling when they see it, I'll keep going.'
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