Meet Jasmyn Story

“A childhood fortified and supported by a family and environment that nurtured her interests, Jasmyn Story has become the activist that was already evident in her early life. By working as a restorative justice facilitator, Jasmyn brings her passion for human rights into a career. While it seems there is no downtime for an activist, she stays healthy with unique and well-practiced everyday routines.”

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ON HER MORNING ROUTINE

I wake up with Nike, my 11-month-old Australian sheep dog, at 6:45 AM. We begin our day walking in the park for an hour. Then I take a Multivitamin, Magnesium Citrate, Fish Oil, and B6. During the winter time, I include high levels of Vitamin D. After that, I make a cup of tea and figure out what's for breakfast. I almost always have yogurt and granola from Kos Kaffe.

on her education and introduction into activism

During my time studying Human Rights Public Policy, I was exposed to the truth that human rights are codified. I was devastated to discover how many human rights covenants and initiatives weren't internalized into domestic law. My life is dedicated to supporting non-profits that align themselves with providing absent rights to citizens, especially those related to equality and justice.

My wonderfully supportive mother bought my first organizing kit from GLSEN Day of Silence. It transformed my whole life. The passion, rejection of fear, and desire to make a difference overtook me. I became an often one-person organizer, partnering with larger non-profits to support my initiatives. I eventually designed, pitched, and organized a summer program hosted at the Boys & Girls Club branches of Atlanta before I was old enough to vote.

on being a restorative justice facilitator

Restorative Justice encapsulates a variety of justice processes focused on naming, addressing, and repairing the harm caused by a community violation. I was first introduced to Mediation through a college course. My closing words at the end of the course were, "I now know that listening is a form of love." I was then exposed to an amazing group of restorative justice elders around the world. They supported my journey to discover where I belong in the Human Rights and Restorative and Community Justice worlds.

Trench, Yang Li Men ; T-Shirt, Vintage ; Choker, Vintage YSL ; Pants, Sonia Rykiel

“I think that it’s important to be immersed in whatever community you finds yourself in. When you immerse yourself in the community you live in, you begin to hear what plagues your unique space. When a problem has been identified, I challenge you to analyze all the things that make you amazing (writing, teaching, crafting, etc.) and ask how you can address the identified problem with your particular talent. We are the leaders of our own movements. We must act locally, and think globally. I am a very empathetic person, so applying my talent for listening to an alternative justice process felt right and smooth like butter. When I realized that this movement also needed policy people, I went and studied policy, but it is my core talent that keeps me loving what I do. ”

— how to get involved as an activist

on her self-care routines

I am super dedicated to caring for myself. After a long day or exhausting event, I take a hot bubble bath with essential oils and sea salt. I bring in a shower speaker and play Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47. I make sure to move in the water, stretch, and create more heat to the muscles. When I am in a rush, I make sure to take a long shower with steamed eucalyptus. I follow this with a charcoal mask and a visit to my ancestor altar for prayer and meditation.

My favorite candles are Chiquita Brujita Candles for rituals, and for the house, Meyer's Soy Candles. My favorite incense is Nag Champa Agarbatti. Yoga has become essential to my physical and mental health. I prefer heated Vinyasa Flow classes. When I am alone and need a quick guide, I do Yoga with Adriene.

on her home decor and artwork

I have been intentionally collecting Black Art the past two years. My favorite pieces are by Jessi Jumanji. I love Afrofuturism, and I love the way that Jessi incorporates archival footage into her work.

I love basic geometric shapes, especially circles. I created the basket and flower arrangements on my walls, and they are accompanied by glass work by Colorado artist, Robert Burch.

on her shopping habits and style

I would say that I like to bring the whole world into my wardrobe and my outfits. I am laid back during the work week, but my after work looks are always an experience. I like to build anachronistic looks, pulling from my favorite moments in fashion. I am a huge thrifter and crafter which makes eclectic looks. When I choose to buy retail, I choose Zara.

“I am a lover of music and consumer of music history. I love disco and R&B. I grew up in a house that was saturated with the music of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. I have to showcase my Saturday Night Fever soundtrack accompanied by the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. I chose my favorite Puccini opera, Madame Butterfly. While in high school, I discovered the work of Puccini. I feel in love with the tragedy of his characters and commentary on unhealthy power dynamics. Last but not least, Sylvan Esso. I love this group so much I needed to be able to hear them with the fullness that my record player provides. ”

— on her favorite records

Jeans: Vintage Chic Jeans, Top: A New Day, Head Scarf: London's Whitechapel Street Market — *Jeans: Vintage Chic Jeans, Top:* *A New Day, Head Scarf: London's Whitechapel Street Market*

on her nightly routine

I tend to my plants, and then I turn on my projector for television consumption. My nightly routine always involves cuddles with Nike and a cheesy sitcom. I love the levity it brings to my late evening. I will often do crossword puzzles while old episodes of Martin, The Golden Girls, or Frasier hum in the background.

on her beauty routine

My mother was a Mary Kay Sales Director during my childhood, and that started my lifelong preference for their products. I've been an avid user of the Microdermabrasion Set. It keeps my skin soft and free of troublesome dead skin. I have very oily skin and keeping my pores open often feels like a full-time job. Using a combination of scheduled microdermabrasion treatments and regular charcoal masks, like Ruby Kisses Purifying Black Charcoal Peel-Off Mask, keeps that acne at bay. Clean skin is happy skin. I don't wear foundation because of my skin type. So it becomes very important that I work hard to have a clear healthy skin. I also recommend Clinique Highlighter, Clinique Contour, E.L.F. Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette, Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color, and E.L.F. Kohl Eyeliner.

on her haircare routine

My hair has a semi-tight dry wavy structure, which makes wearing it down difficult. It needs moisture and guidance to maintain most styles. I use a lot of product to ensure that my hair gets the moisture and vitamins it needs, as well as the products to maintain a curl. I begin by keeping my hair clean with sulfate free shampoo or Carol's Daughter cleansing conditioner. I follow this up with leave-in conditioner to help de-tangle and free my curls, like Aunt Jackie's Knot on My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy and Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner Detangler. I then use a product like Hair Plays' SET to help hold the curl pattern. I also recommend Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey.

“I would invite Frida Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, Steve Bantu Biko, Eartha Kitt, and Prince Rogers Nelson. I think that after we all join together in song (because that’s of course how we’d begin), we’d discuss what it’s like to fight for yourself and others. I would have them share their personal triumphs. I would want to know what made them laugh and what brought them joy through the best and worst of times. ”

— on the people she would invite to dinner