We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jasmine Lichele . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jasmine below.

Alright, Jasmine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

The legacy I pray to build, will be one that reflects that I’ve touched souls beyond fashion. When my time is up on this side, I’m sure people will say I empowered others to walk in their light, embrace their flaws, and use their voice. They’ll mention how I knowingly and unknowingly showed up for others, was straightforward, yet graceful, passing no judgement. I want to be remembered for my boldness, integrity, humor, and determination to be who I was created to be. Most importantly, I want to be remembered for my ability to make people feel safe, seen, and heard!!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Jasmine Lichele. I’m a personal stylist for plus sized women and confidence advocate, born and based in Washington DC. Fashion was introduced to me at a young age. I grew up in a very stylish household where my mother and grandmother considered themselves to be well dressed “fashion girls” lol. Saturday morning thrifting trips were the normal in our household, we spent hours looking for the “good stuff”. As early as I can remember, I struggled with body image issues, using fashion as a cover up for my insecurities and lack of confidence. Growing up plus sized, was not easy. The style, I was born with, but the confidence, I had to fight for. It’s like when you look good, people assume that you’re doing good, and that’s not always the case. I always had dreams of entering the fashion industry, but never had a solid plan. In 2020, my grandmother started to show signs of illness. It was the height of the pandemic, and I really began to think about what I really wanted out of life. So…I made a decision. Although I’ve always been the stylist to those around me, I knew I needed some knowledge behind the skill. That same year I enrolled in the School of Style Fashion Stylist course. Before I could complete the course, my grandmother transitioned. Prior to that, I agreed to style a woman I knew for her event. After the event, I’ll never forget she gave me an envelope with some money inside, and a note that encouraged me to refocus and chase my dreams. She was the first person to ever pay for my styling services! That same woman is one of my closest friends and biggest cheerleaders today! I ended up finishing the styling course, started my styling business, “Jasmine Lichele LLC”, and turned my pain into purpose. I started my career in styling while grieving. But I knew aside from grieving, I really needed to begin my healing journey, unpack, unlearn, relearn, forgive, let go, and build my self-confidence, before I could start taking clients. During that journey, I became my own client and gave myself a makeover from the inside out. So far, my formula has proven to be successful. The more I released certain things I had held onto internally and got clear on how I wanted to show up externally, the more I evolved overall. “You can’t heal what you hide.” I’m fully capable and willing to work with anyone, but I have a connection to the plus sized women. You know I can relate… I AM “Her.” Currently I offer styling services for those who may be struggling with styling their unique body type. Some may want to find their personal style, or even elevate their current style. These services are offered both in-person and virtually. Aside from personal styling, I also offer a curated selection of plus sized women’s clothing and accessories, branded “The Curvy Icon”. “The Curvy Icon” is also available via my online store and in-person. My business helps plus sized women achieve their desired personal style and confidence, through personal development. What sets me apart from other personal stylists is my calling to motivate, uplift, and encourage women to become their best selves. Even beyond fashion, putting on a nice outfit means nothing if you don’t like what you see in the mirror or if words that have been spoken to/about you are still taunting you. Confidence is not just relevant to size; confidence is the state of feeling certain about something. At this point, I’m most proud of me, boldly walking into my passion, unmuting the voice I’ve kept silent, while doing what I love, and what feels right to and for me. Just knowing my life matters beyond ME! For my future clients reading this… Hey Beautiful! I want you to know that my business focuses on the entire woman, inside out. You’re beautiful just like you ARE and the only opinion that matters is yours! You only get one life, and there’s still time on the clock. The best thing you can do for yourself is invest in YOU! How YOU show up matters. The only person holding you back is you; I’m waiting on you!! And to my community, my tribe, my “Curvy Icons” … I love you, Thank You for your support over the years and Thank You in advance for the years to come!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I would say my authenticity, transparency, and integrity has played a big part in my reputation within my market. In addition, I’m just great at what I do. And I can do it on any budget! I’m always myself…silly, yet straightforward. And the ladies love me! Listen, I don’t know how to be anyone else (I tried) lol. It’s as if everyone is trying to be so perfect, that no one has any personality. I never want to lose who I am at my core. If I’m enough, which I am, why would I not show up as that? What’s for me won’t miss me! Even in my authenticity! And if it does, that simply means it wasn’t meant! Before I’m anything, I’m human. So, I don’t expect to get it right every time. I correct it, learn from it, and move on. I have given myself grace. I strongly believe that someone else’s breakthrough is in your testimony.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time that my business affected all areas of my life. I was barely bringing in enough revenue to take care of the business along with the bills and my family. Out of options, I had to go back to a 9-5. Going back to work after being a full-time entrepreneur, really took a lot out of me. When you have dreams and goals you want them to come into fruition immediately. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. Especially when you’re the first in your family or you’re doing something from scratch with little to no resources. I don’t know if it’s just me, but it’s something about having to go back to the drawing board after you have started something. If you’re honest, it makes you feel like a failure, or like your goals will never be met. But that’s not true at all! Life is about pivoting when needed. So, I decided that I would be intentional, and make the job work for me. Intentional suffering definitely isn’t a goal of mine, so I was willing to do what needed to be done. I got a job at a local women’s shelter, which for me, still aligned with my mission, purpose, and desire to help woman feel and look their best. I ended up loving that job more than I thought I would. Every time the opportunity presented itself, I encouraged them and spoke life over their situation. Sometimes without even knowing the details of their circumstances. Any clothes that didn’t sell from my stylist rack, I would donate to the ladies and style them. I heard so many stories that were different from mine, yet oddly the same. I learned that when your gift solves a problem, it can be used anywhere on anyone and still be sufficient. That pivot turned out to be an experience as well as a teachable moment that I didn’t know I needed. I was able to leave something with them that they may never forget. Even if they don’t remember me, I pray they remember how I made them feel…

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jasminelichele.com
• Instagram: jasminelichele
• Facebook: Jasmine Lichele
• Yelp: The Curvy Icon
• Pinterest: @Jasmine Lichele