Chosen Designs; Mickella Rumbolt – She is the Chosen one!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22 verse 14 (Holy Bible)

She was born premature at one pound fifteen ounces.

Imagine being a mother and looking down at this tiny child knowing that the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications. Premature babies, especially those born very early often have complicated medical problems, and for some unknown reason, African descendants are more likely to experience premature birth than are women of other races.

Yet here she was, Mickella Rumbolt; so small, so precious. Her life began with underdeveloped lungs, a blockage in her heart, but mom’s faith in God was strong. There was no doubt; this beautiful young baby was chosen.

Mickella Rumbolt is the electrifying force behind Chosen Designs a Scarborough-based street wear brand. There is an energy with her brand that continues to set her apart from all other online fashion stores, and this energy is what has allowed her success, even through the pandemic.

Her fashion catalogue is loaded with everything to make your Instagram look complete including: her signature sunglasses, two-piece bra and tights athleisure sets, corsets, bodysuits, trucker hats, and her to die for faux fur jackets.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mickella three years ago at the Braids for Aids event. This was when she first started her business and she was selling sunglasses. I remember striking up dialogue with her and being intrigued with how her mind worked. I was also impressed by her work ethic and determination.

Fast forward to 2021, and here I am admiring all that she has accomplished. At the age of 24 (turning 25 next month), she can say that she is living her purpose. As a fan of her brand (having purchased a few items), I decided it was time to shine a light on this fierce fashionista.

“I am so nervous,” Mickella tells me when she picked up the phone.

“Girl,” I replied. “There is nothing to be nervous about. All you have to do is tell me your story, and I will take it from there.”

“Well,” she began. “As you know, I was born premature. When I was a child, I had to breathe with tubes. I am not sure how long that lasted for; I would have to ask my mom. I also had a skin condition, and I know I was a regular visitor at Sick Kids Hospital.

Despite it all, I enjoyed my earlier years. When I was younger, I wanted to be an interior designer, and an event planner. I went to school for event planning, but there was something about fashion that drew me. You could say that fashion chose me.

 I got more involved in fashion during high school, and I started Chosen in 2018. It started off with me selling my old clothing. My page was called Loud Mouth Closet. I am not sure why, but the name Chosen stuck with me. I believe everyone has a purpose, and fashion was my purpose.”

She graduated last year from Humber College Fashion, Arts and Business.

It got cut short, so she had to complete most of her courses online.

“What I really wanted to do was an editorial photo shoot, but we couldn’t because of the pandemic. Overall, it was a great experience. The social media course helped me a lot, and some of the finance courses. They taught me things to consider when wanting to run a successful business.

 I also had the opportunity to do a business course with BizStart. They taught me about my Why? Chosen had been on my mind for a while. I figured out my why. I wasn’t focused before, but the lessons I learned taught me about determination and consistency. I learned just how important these two components are to starting and maintaining a business.”

 “And these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8 verse 30 (Holy Bible)

 Like many new entrepreneurs, Mickella has learned the challenges that come with running a business.

“For me, balancing was a challenge. I had to balance school, work, and my business. It is difficult to put a schedule together, and it is hard to delegate. If things are not done how I want it, it bothers me, so this means that I end up having to do everything on my own.

My parents were supportive, but they didn’t understand the idea about being an entrepreneur. They wanted me to get a job. I completely understand because entrepreneurship is not prevalent in my family. Regardless, my mom and dad both support me, and this is why you will see my mom in videos.”