Crystal-Lee Naomi is the multi-talented actress we know and love from Tyler Perry’s Sistas, where she plays Jasmine Borders—Gary’s so-called “crazy” ex-wife. But let’s be real: Gary’s antics would test anyone’s sanity, especially the women who love him. Jasmine’s chaotic brilliance, though, is brought to life masterfully by Crystal-Lee.

Raised in South Florida, Crystal-Lee was immersed in the arts from a young age—dance, music, acting, you name it. After years of summer performing arts camps, her passion turned into a career. Her resume includes commercials for Nike and MTV, appearances in Jane the Virgin, Dear White People, The Haves and the Have Nots, and the Tubi series Twisted House Sitter.

We caught up with Crystal-Lee to learn more about the woman behind the unforgettable characters.

BET.com: You’ve worked with some icons. Have Tyler Perry or Vivica A. Fox ever mentored you?

Crystal-Lee Naomi: They didn’t mentor me directly, but they absolutely inspired me. You can’t be around Tyler Perry or Vivica and not be inspired. And honestly, inspiration is its own kind of mentorship. We can’t do the work for others, but we can lead by example through our work ethic.

BET.com: Tell us about your brand, SheHustler By CLN.

CLN: SheHustler By CLN is more than just a hustle-wear brand—it’s a mindset. Once I tapped into that “SheHustler” energy, my world opened up. That’s what I want for other women and girls who see themselves as go-getters. The brand has been featured in my movies Twisted House Sitter and its sequel, and I share tips on Instagram about brand placement and goal-setting. But the best part is hearing people say how many compliments they get wearing it—or how hyped someone was to receive it as a gift. It’s transformative. It empowers, and that’s what I live for.

BET.com: With Jamaican and Dutch roots, what’s a must-try dish from each culture—but you can’t say jerk chicken?

CLN: Oxtail is the trendy dish right now, but I need folks to get into curry goat. Americans can be weird about goat meat, but once you try it? Game changer. As for Dutch food… funny enough, I’ve never had a traditional Dutch meal in my life. But your question just inspired me—so trying Dutch cuisine is officially on my to-do list. And no, Dutch Pot Jamaican restaurant doesn’t count

BET.com: You’re clearly a go-getter. What does “work smarter, not harder” mean to you?

CLN: For me, it’s about being open to productive criticism. I even made a video on this—it’s not a popular opinion, but it’s real. Constructive feedback can shave years off your journey. It’s like holding up a mirror to your current strategy and asking, “What else could I be doing?” That’s where the growth happens. If you’re open to evolving, that’s working smarter.

Bonus Fact: Crystal-Lee originally auditioned to play Danni on Tyler Perry’s Sistas—but Tyler personally handpicked her to play Jasmine.