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ENSPIRE MAGAZINE WS20

THE HUMANITARIAN ISSUE

By the age of 10 , Egypt Ufele became a fashion designer , founder of a charity , and child prodigy , who has since continued to change lives and make a difference in the world . At a young age , Egypt ( Ify ) was diagnosed with a critical health condition that led to multiple hospital visits , various treatments , and a multitude of steroids . Due to the vast amount of medicine and steroids , Ify ’ s body began to change . Ify began to be bullied for her appearance , especially her weight . The hurtful words sparked a fire in Ify . She created a charity called Bully Chasers , which allows others who have been bullied to feel safe and heard . Many would have used their bullying experience as a negative , yet Ify turned it into a positive . In an act of pure resilience and class , Ify created a fashion line known as ChubiiLine . ChubiiLine was created for individuals who look like her , in hopes of lifting up others and celebrating every shape and size .

Since her launch of Chubiline in 2016 , Ify continues to overcome adversity and continues to create positive experiences out of negative ones . Her fashion line has been featured in the 2018 New York Fashion Week , making her one of the youngest designers in the show . Ify has raised awareness for black individuals during the racial injustices throughout the past months . She has created masks for the COVID-19 pandemic that represent African culture and design . Overall , she has shown individuals to be comfortable in their own skin and to always celebrate one ’ s differences . Ify has vast plans for the future and will continue to reach those goals by helping one life at a time .

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , you started masking masks for healthcare workers and then using those proceeds to buy groceries for senior citizens in your community . What led you to start this ?

I started making masks during the Pandemic because I noticed on Social Media First Responders / Essential Workers were complaining they were using the same mask for days . As an International Fashion Designer , I knew I had to help out communities around the world .

You have turned every negative experience you have encountered into a positive one . What advice can you give to others going through a hard time right now ?

My advice to anyone struggling with life challenges is to never give up because you never know who is depending on you to keep them motivated . Every dark time in our life is a learning experience , we must learn from it . Just don ’ t ever give up .

A lot of the mask patterns you sell embrace black culture and heritage . How do you plan on continuing to create positive change and awareness for the black community ?

As a Nigerian little girl , I learned a lot about my culture , other cultures . Always be proud of your family heritage , making a cultural appropriate mask extends our love and our strength that extends from our ancestors .

At the young age of 14 , you have accomplished the feats of creating your own clothing line , selling masks during a pandemic , and giving back to your community . What is one of the most important lessons you have learned from all of these amazing accomplishments ?

What I learned the most from life is to always humble myself and never forget who helped me in the beginning of my journey . God can take it all away in a heartbeat .

What is on the horizon for you in the coming future ?

My future as a CEO is to recruit Brand Ambassadors to keep the brand going . I will eventually enroll in Medical School and study to become a Thoracic Heart Surgeon / Scientist .

What advice can you give to other youth your age , younger or older on how they have dreams and help their community ?

As a Youthpreneur , my advice is that “ The only thing that is stopping you is you ” Remember when you start something you must always finish it . When things become tough don ’ t give up before you reach your prize . Servicing your community is a must why because you live in it . A community without structure is a community that will eventually lead to a genefication . A genefication will eventually push you out of the community that you could have saved .

Egypt Ufele : Life by My Own Design