Bolo Bespoke: No one chooses the family or circumstances they are born into
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 21, 2026Kenyan fashion designer Bolo Bespoke has reflected on his upbringing and the challenges he faced while growing up, saying people should not be judged for the circumstances they are born into.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, September 20, 2026, Bolo spoke about his journey from humble beginnings and addressed people who criticise him based on where he comes from.
The fashion designer said nobody gets to choose whether they are born into wealth or poverty, adding that people should focus on making their circumstances better instead of judging others.
Bolo Bespoke on his upbringing
Bolo said the circumstances surrounding a person’s birth are beyond their control and should not be used to define their worth.
He urged people to understand that everyone starts life from a different position, with some growing up in wealthy families while others have to work their way through difficult circumstances.
“Before you hate or judge me because of where I come from, you have to understand that no one chooses the family they are born into. No one chooses between being rich or poor. You just find yourself there,” he said.
He then used a familiar Kenyan saying to emphasise the importance of appreciating where one comes from while also working towards improving it. “East or West, home is the best. Now, let’s make home a better place,” he added.
‘I started from scratch’
Bolo also addressed people who accuse him of showing off or suggest that his current position could eventually lead to his downfall. Rather than focusing on the criticism, he pointed to the difficult experiences he went through before building his career.
The designer said his journey has taught him how to deal with difficult situations and criticism because he has already experienced setbacks. “Before you start saying I’m showing off and praying for my downfall, just know I started from scratch,” Bolo said.
He explained that coming from difficult circumstances helped shape the person he became and gave him the resilience to deal with challenges along the way. “It’s the scratch where we are moulded from. I rose from downfall, so people should just stop with the threats,” he said.
Bolo on overcoming difficult times
Bolo’s message centred on the idea that a person’s beginnings do not have to determine where they eventually end up. For him, the difficult experiences he faced while growing up became part of the journey that shaped his outlook on life and work.
His remarks also touched on the pressure that can come with success, particularly when people who have followed someone’s journey begin to question how they got to where they are.
Rather than allowing such criticism to define him, Bolo said his past has already prepared him to face difficult moments.