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.
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.
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.
jasmyn's favorite books
The Complete Stories of Flannery O'Connor by Flannery O'Connor, All About Love by bell hooks, The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm, Best of the Week: Monday Crosswords by Will Shortz
jasmyn's favorite records
Saturday Night Fever, Madama Butterfly, Winter Melody by Donna Summer, Sylan Esso
jasmyn's favorite movies
Amelie, Moonstruck, The Godfather Part I/II, O Brother Where Art Thou
jasmyn's favorite places IN new york city
Favorite Chai Latte: Penny House Cafe
Favorite Gluten Free Bagel: Olde Brooklyn Bagel Shoppe
Favorite Gluten Free Burger: Meme's Healthy Nibbles
Favorite Gluten Free Pastry: Clementine Bakery
Favorite Gluten Free Brunch: Senza Gluten
Favorite Community Hang: Shane's Brooklyn
Favorite Museum in NYC: The Whitney Museum of American Art
Favorite Gallery: ABXY Gallery
Favorite Nail Salon: NAILBED
Favorite Natural Hair Salon: Nu Wave Kultural Kreations
Favorite Park: Prospect Park
Favorite Fusion Restaurant: Kimchi Grill