Your Gift Will Make Room for You

Why I Stopped Waiting for Permission to Walk in My Purpose

I didn’t go to school for fashion.

There was no formal training. No internship at a major fashion house. Just me, my curiosity, and a vision that wouldn’t let me go.

It started back in college. I was preparing for interviews and couldn’t find a necktie that felt like me—something bold, clean, and creative. So I decided to make my own. I found a fabric I liked, watched a few tutorials, and taught myself how to sew.

That tie turned heads. People asked where I got it. Then they asked if I could make one for them.

Before I knew it, I had a small side hustle selling custom ties to classmates. But looking back, it was more than that. It was my gift quietly trying to speak through me. And I’m glad I listened.

The Lie We’re Told About Our Gifts

For a long time, I thought I needed credentials before I could call myself a designer. Maybe you’ve felt the same way—like you need a degree, a platform, or someone else’s approval before your gift is valid.

But here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t need permission to walk in your purpose.

You just have to start.

What mattered wasn’t a title or a certificate. It was the passion I had to learn, the willingness to practice, and the clarity I had about what I wanted to express through design.

That’s what opened doors.

Your Gift Is More Valuable Than You Think

Your gift isn’t just a talent—it’s a tool. It helps people. It inspires others. It has the potential to build a business, spark a movement, or shift culture.

Think about it: what if Virgil Abloh never sketched a design? What if Serena Williams never picked up a tennis racket? What if Nipsey Hussle never touched a mic?

The world would be missing something powerful.

And that’s how I view gifts now—they’re not about us. They’re meant to be shared.

You Already Have What You Need

When I created OSSAWA, it wasn’t because I had all the answers. It was because I was willing to keep showing up. Willing to refine my skills. Willing to share what I saw—through eyewear, through suiting, through the lens of identity and culture.

I didn’t need permission. And neither do you.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, a skill, or a passion that lights you up—it’s time. You don’t need to wait for anyone to hand you the green light.

Your gift is the green light.

If you’re looking for a sign, this is it.

Start with what you have. Use what comes naturally. Learn what you don’t know yet. And trust that your gift will make space for you—even in rooms you didn’t think you belonged.