Issue 024: A Byline & A Legacy (Rell Finesse, BET & Me)
On June 9, 2025, I saw my name in the credits of the BET Awards.
On June 9, 2016, I lost one of the most influential people in my creative life—Tyrell “Rell Finesse” Thompson.
That date has always stung. But this year, it hit different.
Rell was the first person I ever saw live as a creative. He painted. Designed. Sold work. Dreamed in color. He was thriving—working full-time as a designer, finally catching his stride. And then he was taken from us.
In my book, I Am The Bag, I wrote:
“Creating helped me survive the depression and anxiety. My career was born out of that survival. Creating is why I’m still surviving.”
And that’s still true.
What people often don’t understand about this journey—this entrepreneurial, creative, Black-woman, faith-fueled journey—is that it isn’t always glamorous. It’s grief and invoices. Confidence and imposter syndrome. Milestones that almost don’t feel real because you’ve had to fight so damn hard to even feel deserving.
But on June 9, I paused. I saw the credit. I thought of Rell. And for once, I let myself sit in the win.
Because just 10 years ago, we were splitting $200 logo jobs and pushing each other to dream bigger.
And now, I’m living those dreams.
For any creative pushing through grief, illness, or internal doubt—I hope you know this: your work matters, even when you don’t have the words to explain why yet.
You’re the bag. And the blessing.
Tyrell “Rell Finesse” Thompson (1987–2016)
Thank you for believing in me before I did.
— Ashlee Nicole
Congratulations on your much deserved credit! Tyrell is so proud of you 🤍✨