Answering Her Calling

Interior designer Jameelah Watkins-Mallett dishes all things Jameelah Divine Interiors + Lifestyle (jameelahdivine.com) and The Case Conference.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMEELAH WATKINS-MALLETT

Your journey hasn’t been a linear one or exclusively in interior design. How did you get your start in the design world?

I initially started out in the beauty industry as a hair and makeup artist for brides, then moved into event planning, and finally, interior design. I realized that design was a way to not only create beauty but to impact how people live, work, and feel in their environments. It felt like a calling, not just a career.

You define your aesthetic as Refined Maximalism. How does that play out in the spaces you design?

Refined Maximalism is all about creating spaces that feel layered and rich but never overwhelming. I love to play with texture, color, and bold statement pieces, but always with a careful eye for balance.

How did hosting The Case Conference shape your journey and inspire your calling to uplift the next generation of designers? It allowed me to step into a role of mentorship and leadership, which has become an essential part of my calling. Seeing the hunger for knowledge and the drive in the next generation of designers has deepened my commitment to inspiring others and creating spaces, both physically and metaphorically, where talent can truly thrive. It’s about empowering these designers to believe in their vision and understand that they, too, can shape the future of design.

What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

The best advice I can give is to trust your journey. There will be ups and downs, detours, and moments of doubt, but if you stay true to your vision and your purpose, you’ll find success.