We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jamila McQueen. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jamila, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people are secretly struggling with jealousy and honesty—especially honesty with themselves. In today’s world, there’s so much pressure to keep up with what everyone else is doing, and it creates this silent competition. Too many people are chasing an image instead of accepting where they are and what they need to work on. That lack of self-awareness often turns into jealousy toward people who’ve genuinely worked hard to earn what they have. If more people were real with themselves, they’d be able to focus on their own lane instead of comparing it to someone else’s.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jamila McQueen — a 26-year-old designer, entrepreneur, and multi-hyphenate creative. I’m the founder of Ciao Bella, a fashion brand that’s all about bold self-expression, unapologetic individuality, and owning your power through style. I also own and executive produce three reality TV shows, each showcasing different talents, industries, and real-life journeys.
Fashion has always been my first language. With Ciao Bella, I wanted to create more than just clothing — I wanted to build a movement. Every collection tells a story and reflects the fearless, confident energy of people who refuse to blend in. It’s streetwear with soul, high fashion with heart.
On the screen, my reality shows explore everything from entrepreneurship to performance to personal transformation. They’re raw, real, and intentionally inclusive. What sets them apart is that we’re not just showing the wins — we’re showing the process, the grit, the beauty in the behind-the-scenes.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding Ciao Bella globally, taking the shows to new audiences, and continuing to build spaces where creativity and truth can thrive. At the end of the day, everything I do is about inspiring people to live boldly, dress loudly, and take up space — because there’s nothing more powerful than being exactly who you are.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was hitting rock bottom in late 2024. I was facing serious challenges with my mental health and struggling to separate my reality from the pressure around me. It forced me to look closely at who and what was truly meant for me — and what I had to face on my own. I learned that being alone isn’t a weakness; it’s where clarity, strength, and purpose often begin. That experience changed everything for me.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I spent a long time silently struggling — carrying pain that I didn’t talk about and didn’t fully understand. For a while, I thought staying quiet made me stronger, but the truth is, it was holding me back. I stopped hiding my pain when I realized it was the very thing fueling my purpose. Once I started using it as power, everything shifted. That pain shaped my craft, gave depth to my creativity, and pushed me to levels most people wouldn’t expect. It became my drive — and it’s the reason I keep going, no matter what.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is staying true to myself. In both the reality TV and fashion industries, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise — the comparisons, the pressure, and the distractions. But staying grounded in who I am and what I stand for keeps me aligned. It allows me to protect my creativity, maintain my morals, and never forget where I came from. That authenticity is my anchor, and I don’t compromise it for anyone or anything.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people will most misunderstand about my legacy is that it didn’t start recently — it started a long time ago. I’ve been accomplishing major things since I was 17, 18 years old, and that early start shaped everything about how I move today. A lot of people don’t realize that my mindset and confidence come from years of experience, growth, and resilience. What I’ve built didn’t happen overnight, and that foundation is what continues to fuel me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @officialciaobella_ @jamilanatalia_
