Meet Jamielle Rankine-Kirlew | Creative Director/CEO & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamielle Rankine-Kirlew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamielle, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My business was birthed through the experiences of a little black girl, born to a 17 year old single mother; that lived in a ghetto in Kingston, Jamaica. My business helps to break barriers of what is success for black girls like me. Having the ability to hire White, Asian, Latina and most importantly, Black women that look like my mother and aunts that raised me, is such a privalage, and impacts the world, and my community by providing a narrative of a Black business owner, residing in a predominantly white neighborhood, selling clothing with African cultural influences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art. I own a Fashion Label named, MUMA, where I cut and sew ethically conscious, modern, Resort Wear and Lounge Wear that is competitively priced. As well as a luxury line that is sold at a Black owned store called, C|Dobbs Boutique in Corona Del Mar, CA. I also love to write and perform poetry. I’ll be performing at the Fifth Annual Symposium Poetry of Hope and Healing on February 24th. I’ll share the free link and you can also search the title on Youtube.

What sets me apart is my Jamaican culture and storytelling abilities and how I have infused storytelling through Fashion. Growing up on the island the way that I did truly imprinted an appreciation for unconventional colors and textures, which I depict in my art.
I am most proud that I handmake each design myself from concept to completion.

I got to where I am today, through hard work, consistency and prayer. It was not easy, I have failed more times than I can count. I’ve had clients straight up hate the design I made them or the fitting was just not coming together as planned. It’ can be very discouraging, but I never gave up. I kept practicing, attempting new skills and putting myself out there on social media and networking events.

I’ve learned to believe in yourself more than anyone else. To always seek to learn all aspects of your business, whether technology, or finance… have some knowledge of it all.

What I want the world to know about me, is that I am my brand. My brand tells my story as I relate to you, my audience. I would like to inspire people in believing in themselves, I would like to encourage people to want to get to know God. I want the world to know that I love what I do, and I want the world to love what I do too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love museums so I would take them to The Broad Museum, MOMA Getty Museum etc.. I would go to Laguna Beach The Grove, Hollywood Hiking Trail.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?  
Shoutout to my wonderful family. My husband David, who is my best friend and number one fan. To my sons, Czar and Noble, who are fuel to the fire inside me.

Shoutout to my Bible Buddies, Christine 7 Rev. Dave.
My prayer warrior sister/friends, Yvette & AnnMarie.
To Tahera Rene Christie, a mentor and friend that is a world of wisdom and passion.

To the amazing mentors that I have had the pleasure of learning from through their words and actions: Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock & Rev. Hermia Whitlock, Rev. Stephanie Butler Adams, Wrise Booker, Janice Tudy Jackson, Rev. Toia Rankin, Sonia Hutchinson, Alicia Green, Renais Marshall , Carla Palmer and so many more.

Shoutout to Joie Elizabeth for sending this opportunity my way.

Shoutout to books like; “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” – Maya Angelou, “The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz, “Lost Girl Found” – Leah Bassoff & Laura M. DeLuca.

Website: www.shopmuma.com

Instagram: @MUMAtribe

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/mumatribe

Image Credits
Zachery Brandon Photography Hailley Howard Photography