Yasmine Jameelah has always known how to tell a story. As the founder of Transparent Black Girl and the Transparent & Black Wellness Collective, a journalist, and a wellness advocate, she’s built a career rooted in centering care, community, and culture for Black women. So it’s no surprise that her New Jersey home—warm-toned, art-filled, and soulfully curated—feels like a physical extension of her ethos.
In an exclusive interview with Home & Texture, Jameelah invites us into her space, offering a look at how she’s crafted a sanctuary that is both grounding and joyful. From the earthy tones that reflect her wellness brand’s color palette to heirlooms passed down from her grandmother, every corner of her home is intentional. “Anyone that comes over always says they feel the warmth of my home. They say it feels like Transparent Black Girl in person,” she shared.
Her apartment is nestled in a high-rise, and while the view initially drew her in, it’s what she built inside that makes the space feel like home. “I wanted to create a space that didn’t feel like something I had to escape from,” she explained. “I work from home, I create from home—I needed it to support me emotionally and creatively.”
Black Girl Magic Bar
One of the most striking areas of her apartment is her bar cabinet—what she affectionately calls her “Black Girl Magic Bar.” The CB2 piece isn’t just a design statement, though it certainly makes one. It’s the heart of her hosting ritual, stocked exclusively with Black-owned wine and spirits. “When I first moved in, my mother gifted me with a gift set from one of my favorite Black-owned wine brands, McBride Sisters. Learning that these two sisters curated a brand together was inspiring as an entrepreneur, and their sustainable wines are a favorite of mine. Her gift made me feel so grown up, and it planted the seed to honor moments big and small spent enjoying wine in style and with intention. Now when my friends come over, they know—if it’s not Black-owned, they can’t bring it,” Jameelah said, laughing. “It’s a way to learn about different wines together and support Black-owned businesses.”
The bar’s shelves line up bottles from brands like McBride Sisters, Lucky Girl Rosé, Le Kool Champagne, House of Brown, Beyonce’s Sir Davis, Jay-Z’s D’Ussé, Ciara’s Ten to One Rum, and Issa Rae’s Viarae. Even her non-alcoholic selections, like the vegan wine Propio, are Black-owned. For Jameelah, it’s about creating a space that celebrates culture and self-care at once.
Honoring Heritage Through Art and Hosting
Above the bar cabinet is a gallery wall of Black art. A second edition print by Christina Martinez and work by Reyna Noriega anchors the arrangement. “That area feels very Transparent Black Girl. It’s colorful, it’s thoughtful, and people always say it inspires them to start collecting art,” she explained.
Jameelah’s appreciation for design and curating vibes goes beyond decor. With a background in brand strategy, she thinks deeply about color theory and emotional response. “I ask myself, what colors will calm me after a stressful day? What will help me reset?” That intentionality shows up in every element of her space—from warm woods and earth tones to the thoughtful placement of candles, vintage vases, and colorful glassware.
In the warmer months, the space comes alive with taper candles in soft teal and fresh florals—part of Jameelah’s seasonal refresh. “My grandmother always changed things for the seasons,” she recalled. “She had spring bedding, summer glassware, everything. I do the same—it helps me feel more grounded and excited for what’s ahead.”
But it’s not just aesthetics that matter here—it’s how the space makes people feel. Whether she’s pouring wine into an Estelle Colored Glass coupe or hosting a Friday night dinner with oysters and truffle fries, Jameelah’s home radiates intention. “As a single Black woman, I wanted to honor Black women in my home—not just with the work I do, but through how I live,” she said.
And that’s exactly what she’s done. Her apartment isn’t just a place to live—it’s a space for wellness, beauty, and community—a love letter to Black women in the form of interior design.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
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