Crafting Destiny: Ryel Williams — Creative Evolution and Conscious Fashion
All Images by B Meshone
Ryel Williams, a Chicago native, spent his formative years on the south side, raised by two mothers. After navigating a move, his early days were marked by a serious commitment to skateboarding from ages 8 to 14, navigating a move from the East to the southeast side. In a household where conventional jobs were the norm, Ryel's creative spirit blossomed independently.
His unique experience continued at Bogan High School, a melting pot of Hispanic and Black students, setting the stage for a dynamic blend of influences that would shape his journey. While navigating his journey as a high school freshman, Ryel unearthed his passion for music and fashion creation. In that defining moment, he recognized that a creative path was his calling, signaling a transformative shift in his life's trajectory. It was a pivotal moment when he realized that his destiny was intertwined with creativity, sparking a commitment to infuse consciousness and purpose into everything he created. This commitment led to him successfully hosting his very first sold-out event at just 15 years old.
In the summer of 2017, Ryel played a pivotal role in enhancing and bringing to fruition his best friend Makafui's vision. Together, they co-founded "Fourtune Ramp Management," originally conceived as a platform to manage their circle of artist friends. In 2019, they transformed into "Fourtune House," kicking off their journey as a creative company with a Political Awareness event as their inaugural venture. Now, let's talk fashion! Ryel's upcoming clothing line release, "Solutions," delves into the dynamic facets of how the day-to-day existence and unique lifestyles of Black people actively contribute to crafting solutions that elevate our community. From fostering connections between individuals to cherishing family moments and celebrating Black love, the collection embodies the diverse contributions of Black life. Moreover, in the pursuit of our creative passions, it not only brings personal fulfillment but also acts as a solution for self-expression, propelling us forward in our journeys towards destiny and purpose.
“I've crafted a guiding philosophy called Earlian – a lifestyle centered on the path of righteousness, thriving within one's sovereign capacity. It involves becoming harmonious with oneself and recognizing the interconnectedness of everything. In the past two years, I've observed that Earlian has seamlessly become my way of life. Each creation I bring to life is a mirror reflecting this ethos – a journey towards self-harmony and a step closer to enlightenment.”
So, buckle up for a ride into Ryel's world, where creativity knows no bounds, and every crafted piece weaves a narrative of evolution, harmony, and the relentless pursuit of a meaningful existence.
“If you want light, you must be light. If you have too much weight, you must wait”