Jasmine Lichele of Washington DC on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jasmine Lichele . Check out our conversation below.

Jasmine , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Wow, this is good… definitely wandering, but not the lost kind. More like exploring. I always say I’m multi-gifted, so instead of locking in on just one thing, I’m leaning into a few of my gifts at the same time. And honestly, it all still connects back to what I love most uplifting, motivating, and encouraging others.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jasmine Lichele — a proud girl mom to two beautiful daughters and a woman who wears many hats that somehow all align. By day, I work as a case manager at a family shelter, and beyond that, I’m a Personal Stylist and Confidence Builder wherever I go, helping women feel amazing!
From my passion for uplifting women, I created The Curvy Icon a curated selection of clothing and accessories offered through live sales, pop-ups, and in-person sessions. The Curvy Icon was designed with plus-size women in mind who want to build their wardrobe and boost their confidence. Offering the guidance of a personal stylist without the price tag. I don’t just sell clothes; I share styling tips, explain how to maximize a wardrobe, and teach how to dress for your body type it’s more than fashion; it’s confidence in every piece.
Lately, I’ve been in a pivotal season of surrender leaning into discomfort and growth while exploring new paths. I’m currently building an empowerment program for young girls ages 7–14 who have experienced body shaming, low confidence, and insecurity ( a love letter to my younger self). I’m also toying with starting a podcast… because honestly, I’ve got a lot to say (beyond fashion lol) so that may be in the works. We’ll see….

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Who saw me clearly before I could see myself? My grandma. From an early age, she believed I was amazing. She’d look at me with that knowing smile and say, “Pooh, you’re destined for greatness.” She’d tell me how smart I was, how much I could do, and that success was already waiting for me. “There’s nothing you can’t do,” she’d say, “you’re smart as a whip.” And I would laugh, not fully understanding.

My grandmother chose to live in a low-income area so we could have the best opportunities. She would tell me, “You live here, but you’re not of here.” Those words carried hope, vision, and sacrifice.

When it came to clothes, she thought I was BEST DRESSED! My grandma had a way of seeing me differently. She’d say, “Pooh, you have an eye for it. Not everyone has that eye.” Back then, I didn’t know exactly what she meant… but now, I do. Every time I style, every time I create, I carry her words and her vision for me. Her words weren’t just encouragement — they were a blueprint long before I could see it for myself.

This is part of why I do what I do: to see the beauty and greatness in others, even before they see it in themselves.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
What would I say to younger Jasmine: None of it was wasted. Every challenge, every insecurity, every tear, every moment shaped you. God is using it all for His good. You’ve always been dope…and you still are.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That I have to be a ‘Strong Black Woman’ at all times.
I want no part of it. There’s no award for struggling, no prize for carrying the weight of the world in silence. That narrative is all wrong. We are more than resilience we are worthy of rest, softness, love, and joy. Strength isn’t measured by how much we can suffer, but by how much we can heal, grow, and live fully.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m rebellious! I’m an Aries, lol. But one thing I know for sure is that I’m walking in what I was born to do. Everything I’m doing right now feels so natural, even when I’m not trying. I didn’t choose this path, it chose me. Things just seemed to fall into my lap and somehow I was able to master them without even realizing it.

Still, there are moments I question it: Am I really doing what I was called to do? Is this truly how God wants to use me? But then I remember: purpose doesn’t always show up fully formed. It unfolds as we grow.

So the answer is YES flaws and all, mistakes and all, past and all. Because the MESS is part of the Message. You can’t speak to people from places you’ve never been.
Now, am I doing it at the level I could or the level God intends? Probably not yet. But that just means there’s still more growth, more stretching, and more purpose waiting to unfold.

I’m not finished, I’m evolving and that’s the beautiful part of walking in purpose.

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