Jazmyn Miller-Gibbs: Designing with Confidence, Color, and Culture
- Kami Redd
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
When it comes to interior design, Jazmyn Miller-Gibbs isn’t just decorating homes—she’s crafting personal sanctuaries that reflect individuality, culture, and bold self-expression. As the founder of Abode Above Interiors, this dynamic designer brings her fearless approach to transforming spaces, blending color, pattern, and personality in a way that challenges the status quo of traditional home design.
From The Sims to Real-Life Design Mastery
For Jazmyn, her journey into interior design started long before she entered the industry. As a child, she spent hours playing The Sims, but while others focused on the characters, she was obsessed with building and designing the homes. What began as a digital hobby evolved into a real-world passion for creating spaces that are as bold and unapologetic as the people who live in them.
“I realized I wasn’t just playing a game—I was designing entire worlds that felt personal and meaningful,” Jazmyn shares. “That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t just a pastime; it was what I wanted to do for a living.”
The Influence of Strong, Creative Black Women
Growing up, Jazmyn was surrounded by independent, entrepreneurial Black women who taught her the power of hard work, creativity, and resilience. Her mother, a resourceful and skilled problem-solver, and her aunties, who owned businesses, instilled in her a mindset that creativity and entrepreneurship could go hand in hand.
Watching them confidently carve out their own paths gave her the courage to do the same. But her entry into entrepreneurship wasn’t entirely planned—it was born out of necessity. After losing her job in 2020 during the pandemic, she turned to her passion for design as a way to rebuild and reclaim her future.
“I had two choices: sit back and let unemployment define me or turn my passion into a career. I chose the latter, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Designing Beyond Aesthetics: Storytelling Through Space
Jazmyn’s design philosophy is about more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and honoring cultural roots. She believes that a home should be more than just a stylish place—it should be a reflection of who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going.
One of the key questions she asks clients before beginning a project is: “How do you want your home to feel in three words?”
“People may not know their design style, but they know how they want to feel in their space,” she explains. “Whether it’s cozy, bold, luxurious, or grounded, those words guide my design process.”
Jazmyn also incorporates cultural influences into her work, ensuring that her designs reflect the personal heritage and values of her clients.
“You’d be surprised how many people don’t even think about incorporating their ethnic and cultural backgrounds into their home,” she says. “But it’s part of who you are, and your space should tell that story.”
Encouraging Clients to Step Outside Their Comfort Zones
Many homeowners hesitate to embrace bold colors and patterns, fearing they’ll make the wrong choice. Jazmyn’s approach? Give yourself permission to be yourself—even in your home.
“A lot of my job is reassuring people that it’s okay to go bold, to take risks, and to create a home that truly reflects who they are,” she shares. “Design isn’t life or death—paint isn’t permanent! Try an accent wall, mix in bold upholstery, and let yourself experiment.”
Her love for color, texture, and movement sets her apart, proving that a home should be anything but boring.
The Challenges of Being a Black Woman in Interior Design
The interior design industry has historically lacked Black representation, particularly at the highest levels. For Jazmyn, navigating these spaces comes with its own set of challenges.
“There are times when I walk into a room, and I can feel the skepticism—especially from contractors who assume I don’t know what I’m talking about,” she admits. “I let them talk, and then I show them that I know exactly what I’m doing.”
Instead of trying to fit into exclusive industry circles, she focuses on creating authentic spaces and serving her clients directly. Her work speaks for itself, and that’s the kind of recognition she values most.
The Business of Design: Advocating for Herself and Her Work
One of the hardest lessons Jazmyn learned was the importance of advocating for herself—a lesson she learned the hard way when a project she designed was featured on television, but she wasn’t credited.
“That experience taught me a lot about contracts, boundaries, and the importance of getting everything in writing,” she says. “Now, I make sure my business is protected, and I encourage other designers to do the same.”
Another challenge? Pricing her work fairly.
“As Black women, we are often conditioned to undervalue our expertise,” she explains. “But design is a luxury service, and we deserve to be compensated for our time, creativity, and expertise. Learning to confidently charge what I’m worth has been a game-changer.”
Making Design Accessible for Everyone
Jazmyn believes that good design should be accessible, not just for the elite. She works with clients across various budgets, offering services ranging from full-service design to virtual consultations and DIY guidance.
“I’m not here just for high-end clients—I want everyday people to experience a home that brings them joy,” she says. “Whether you have a large budget or a small one, I can help you create a space that feels like home.”
Building a Lasting Legacy in Interior Design
For Jazmyn, design isn’t just about the present—it’s about creating a legacy of boldness, creativity, and self-expression.
“I want people to look back at my work and see love, intention, and empowerment in every space I design,” she says. “I want my clients to feel good, live well, and be surrounded by beauty that truly represents who they are.”
Her advice to aspiring Black women in creative fields?
Trust your vision. The industry wasn’t built with us in mind, but that doesn’t mean we don’t belong.
Advocate for yourself. Get contracts in place, demand credit for your work, and charge what you’re worth.
Be fearless. The world needs your creativity, so don’t water it down to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for you.
Where to Find Jazmyn & Abode Above Interiors
Jazmyn Miller-Gibbs is redefining what it means to be a designer with confidence, creativity, and cultural awareness. Whether she’s transforming a childhood home, curating bold color palettes, or inspiring clients to embrace their unique style, she’s proving that interior design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and the power of home.
Comments