Jamall Osterholm - Meet The Live Life Leaders

Jamall Osterholm

Meet The Live Life Leaders

I met Jamall Osterholm at Rhode Island School of Design, RISD, where my daughter, Bella, was attending. They were best friends and schoolmates studying to become designers: she as an Industrial Designer and Jamall as a Fashion Designer.

After graduation in 2017, Jamall was invited to participate in the New England Style Week fashion show. But he required support to create his collection. I took him under my wing and decided to support him because I saw in him an unquestionable talent and a sincere desire to make a difference in the fashion world.

But more importantly, I saw in him something that resonated with me on a personal level.

Given his rough childhood, the fact that he had any dreams - let alone the will to make them come true- meant that the odds were stacked against him. Coming from a disadvantaged environment, he overcame his personal traumas and stresses by expressing his emotions through art, creating beautiful images and revealing his talent.

In college, creating fashion art became his medium, and his talent flourished.

Designs that portrayed his blackness -as he identifies with his mixed race- as well as his feminine designs for men started making waves in the fashion world. Jamall caught the attention of the fashion industry and with the support of CFDA he signed with LIFEWTR by Pepsi, who featured his designs on their premium water bottles.

He currently appears on this season’s Project Runway where he competes with other designers.

His fashion also inspires filmmakers such as Georden West whose short film “Patron Saints” features Jamall’s designs and is currently showing in film festivals around the country. Jamall will also make his fourth appearance at New York Fashion Week this coming September with a new collection in the works.

Jamall has come a long way in his short career as a fashion designer and is quickly making his mark. But what thrills me the most about all of his achievements thus far, is that he is giving back to the community.

He is inspiring many young people to pursue their dreams regardless of where they come from.

Jamall was invited to speak about his success to students at RISD, Bard College and, more recently, his old high school, Cranston High School East in Cranston, Rhode Island.

As he was later told by one of his former teachers that during his speech to the 450 students:

“You could hear a pin drop.”

He shared the story of his life and of how he was just like these students and how he never gave up on his dream. He encouraged them to do the same and go to college in pursuit of their goals.

Jamall credits College Visions for helping him get into RISD. He repays their support by donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-Shirt he designed on Project Runway, “My Royal Story” to College Visions. You can find the shirt at jamallosterholm@projectrunwaybravo.com. This month, Jamall will receive the College Vision’s Alumni Visionary Award for his achievements, an honor he cherishes for being able to give back to the community and inspire others.

When I met Jamall, I saw a young person with big talents, big dreams, and plenty of obstacles in the way. I thought back to the time I was his age, with hopes and dreams too. But with insurmountable obstacles and no support from anyone, I didn’t pursue my goals. So, my heart reached out to Jamall. I wanted to be for him the one support system I never had. I wanted him to achieve his dream of becoming a fashion designer and see him reach out and inspire others.

He’s well on his way. This is only the beginning of a life well lived for Jamall.

He is a true Live Life Leader.

I believe sharing one’s individuality, and unique talents with the world is a gift. There is a treasure in each and every one of us that must be shared to enrich humanity. Embracing our uniqueness and living our best life is what Shebbie’s Live Life is all about. Take that journey to fulfill your dream and live your best life.

Be a Live Life Leader.