Navigating life post-college for millennials has never been easy. After graduating, the plan was supposed to be simple: start your career, find an affordable place to live, and move into adulthood with grace. The focus was always on the hustle, and a luxury lifestyle never factored in. Work hard now, reap the rewards later, was the mindset that many of us maintained throughout and long after college. But a new trend on TikTok is showcasing the benefits of living in the present and owning your soft life apartment era.

TikTok has become a hub for home enthusiasts, whether they’re searching for new ideas or showing off their own spaces. It’s not uncommon to see a beautifully decorated apartment or chic tablescape when scrolling through the app. However, the soft life apartment trend is bringing something fresh to the world of TikTok aesthetics. Much more than a stylish room, the trend is championing a mindset rooted in deserving self-love. What’s more is that Black women are at its forefront.

@lifestyleco_

Girl make the move, start over, create a brand new personality if you need to! But start creating the life you wish for✨ #apartment #romantizeyourlife #dinner #softlife #fypシ゚viral #dinnerwithme #dinnerideas #newapartment #viral

♬ A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey

As a Black woman in her thirties, I can attest to the traditional and limiting point of view society often sees us in. Grinding every day isn’t enough if you don’t also have kids and a home to take care of. But with more people opting for long-term apartment living, the desire to build a forever-home lifestyle in an apartment has never been stronger. All across TikTok, Black women are leaning into the aesthetic and inspiring others to do the same.

Creator Thelma Dougan (@lifestyleco_ on TikTok) wasn’t shy about sharing the joys of her glamorous apartment with followers. Her post on “romantizing your whole life” urges followers to make the move to a bigger, nicer apartment and start creating the life you want. “Having a place where you wake up and feel good is worth it! Believe me, it completely changes your life,” she said to a commenter doubting making a change. Dougan is not alone in Black women promoting the soft life apartment era on TikTok.

@livenaturallylove

Every girl should experience this atleast one in their life 🤍 living alone has completely changed my life! #livingalone #loftliving #loft #apartment #apartmenttherapy #girlapartment #home #homeliving #livingalonediaries #dopaminedecor #rollerskating #blackgirlluxury #blackgirljoy #selflove #healing #homedecor

♬ Right Back Where We Started From – boomerb_tv

Denise Francis (@livenaturallylove), a mental health advocate known for her self-love content, showcases how to embrace the trend with vibrancy. After living in a small space, she decided to upgrade to a large loft in the same building. With more space, natural light, and good energy, her presence on TikTok champions a positive outlook on living alone as a Black woman. While her soft life apartment era looks different from others, it delivers the same message. Living in the present, being mindful of your surroundings, and living glamorously are things we all deserve.

TikTok trends come and go daily, but the soft life apartment movement is sticking around for good reason. Shifting the narrative of Black joy and how it is defined has a positive impact for all generations, not just the millennials at the trend’s forefront.