From Survival to Self-Love

Hi, my name is Tyrone Chanel.

I’m a single father, a devoted uncle, a survivor—and now, for the first time in my life, I’m choosing me.

For years, I’ve lived in survival mode. As a single parent, every ounce of my energy went into protecting, providing, and persevering. I’ve carried my family through storms no one should have to face—multiple assaults, emotional trauma, uprooting our lives, and walking the long road toward mental wellness.

Through all of it, my child was my light, my anchor, and my reason for staying strong.

Now that they’ve grown and flown the nest, I find myself standing in unfamiliar territory: silence. Space. A mirror.

For the first time, I’m asking myself: Who am I, outside of survival?

What does healing look like—for me?

That answer, for me, is fashion.

Fashion has always whispered to me, even in my darkest moments. It was my private escape, my quiet joy. I sketched when I was anxious. I dreamed in colors when the world felt gray. Clothing became my language—when I couldn’t speak the pain, I could create through it.

And now, at long last, I’ve taken the leap. I’ve enrolled and been ACCEPTED in fashion school.

This is more than education. This is rebirth.

But after years of putting everyone else first, my finances and mental health need support just as much as my dream does. I’m humbly asking for your help—because healing shouldn’t be a luxury, and neither should following your heart.

Your donations will help with:

Tuition and school fees

Art and design supplies

Safe housing and transportation

Ongoing therapy and wellness care during school

This isn’t just about fashion. It’s about reclaiming the parts of me that trauma tried to erase. It’s about showing my child—and myself—that it’s never too late to begin again.

If you can contribute, thank you from the depths of my heart. If you can’t, even sharing this page is a blessing.

This is me. Raw, reaching, and ready to heal through creation. Thank you for believing in second chances—and in me.

With love and light,

Rone Chanel