Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rinell Ponceleon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rinell , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from the many hardships in my life. I had to keep going because I had no other option.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a fashion designer by profession and a yoga instructor by passion. What truly defines me is the deep passion that drives everything I do. I live by Buddha’s words: ‘If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.’ This guiding principle ensures I pour my heart and soul into every endeavour.
My designs are timeless, with an avant-garde essence that sets them apart. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to create promotional outfits for renowned brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Lucky Strike, among others. Additionally, I’ve designed bespoke wedding gowns and haute couture pieces, each reflecting my commitment to craftsmanship and originality. An example of my work can be seen in my latest collection showcased in Houston, TX, at the International Entertainment Partnership (IEP) Fashion Show 2024.
My next collection, set to be showcased early next year, will hold deep personal significance. It is dedicated to my daughter, who tragically passed away this past October. Her promising modelling career, though brief, was filled with passion and potential, taken from us far too soon. This collection is my tribute to her memory, celebrating her spirit and the dreams she inspired in me.
My other passion is yoga. I have been practising for more than ten years and instructing for four. I also run a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping veterans and first responders recover from PTSD and prevent suicide through yoga, meditation, and breathwork. This mission is deeply personal—I have used these practices to overcome traumatic experiences in my own life, and I am committed to sharing their healing power with others.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, the three key qualities that have been most impactful have to be dedication and perseverance, attention to detail, and a commitment to constant learning. Each of these has shaped my career as a fashion designer and yoga instructor, and they continue to guide my path.
My advice is simple: Never give up, even when faced with setbacks—your passion will sustain you, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Cultivate mindfulness and focus on excellence in every detail, as dedication to precision sets you apart. Finally, embrace lifelong learning; continuously seek knowledge and new experiences to fuel your creativity and keep your passion alive.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
The death of my daughter is a challenge I never imagined facing. In this unimaginable grief, I find myself relying on the very principles I teach as a yoga instructor—resilience, mindfulness, and inner strength.
I am also creating a new collection in her honour, which has become both a tribute and a form of healing. It’s the medicine I need to hold on to life, driven by love for her and her brothers. My hope is that through this collection, her legacy will live on forever, a lasting reminder of her beautiful spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hw4warriors.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gypsy.politan.fashion/
Image Credits
Images from https://www.instagram.com/onpoint_photo_/
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