We recently had the chance to connect with Abby Jahaira and have shared our conversation below.
Abby, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I am learning from my past self. I have been taking time to really reflect on the different chapters of my life, looking at both the challenges and the successes. In doing that, I am able to see patterns, recognize moments where I could have made different choices, and also celebrate the times I pushed through and accomplished something meaningful. My past self has given me so many lessons about resilience, patience, and trusting the process. I am using those lessons to guide how I approach opportunities, relationships, and challenges today, and it feels like I am giving my past self a voice in helping shape my future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Abby Jahaira and I am an Afro Latina content creator, influencer, and creative storyteller. I use my platforms to share beauty, lifestyle, hair, and music content that celebrates culture, authenticity, and self-expression. My work is rooted in representation and creating spaces where others can feel seen and inspired to embrace their unique identity. I love exploring different forms of creativity, whether it is through producing content, connecting with my community, or collaborating with brands that align with my values. What makes my brand unique is that I blend my personal experiences with my creative passions, giving my audience a mix of relatable moments, inspiration, and genuine connection. Right now, I am working on expanding my reach across social platforms and creating content that pushes creative boundaries while staying true to who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom saw me clearly before I could see myself. She is Dominican, and she understood firsthand how the world can sometimes make you feel like certain parts of yourself are less valuable. My dark skin, my culture, my language, my confidence. All of these things could have been areas she encouraged me to tone down or hide because of the way society has historically treated them. But she did the exact opposite. She made sure I embraced them fully and proudly. She reminded me every day that my skin was beautiful, my culture was rich, my language was powerful, and my voice mattered. Even when I was too young to fully understand why she was so intentional about it, she was planting seeds of self-love and resilience that have grown with me into adulthood. Her unwavering pride in who she is gave me permission to be unapologetically me.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life has been growing up feeling like parts of who I am were often misunderstood or undervalued. As an Afro Latina, there were moments where I felt caught between worlds, not fully fitting into one box or the other, and sometimes hearing messages, directly or indirectly, that certain parts of my identity should be muted. That created self-doubt and, at times, made me question where I truly belonged. I have been healing through deep self-reflection, surrounding myself with people who affirm me, and creating work that celebrates the very things I once felt pressured to hide. I’ve learned to reclaim my narrative, to speak my truth openly, and to see my identity not as something to explain or defend, but as something to honor and share. The journey has not been overnight, but every step toward self-acceptance has been an act of healing.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the importance of honoring and preserving my roots. I was born in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands and I am also Dominican and Puerto Rican, so my heritage is a blend of vibrant histories, traditions, and resilience. From the music and food to the languages and community bonds, these cultures have shaped who I am. I make it a priority to celebrate them openly and pass them forward, whether that is through the way I speak, the stories I tell, or the traditions I keep alive. In a world where assimilation can sometimes feel like the easier route, I choose to protect my cultural identity fiercely because it is the foundation of my pride, my creativity, and my sense of belonging.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Right now, I am investing in building a personal brand and body of work that reflects my values, creativity, and vision. Creating meaningful content, nurturing genuine relationships with my audience, and collaborating with brands that align with who I am might not produce instant results, but I know it is planting seeds for long-term opportunities. Seven to ten years from now, I see these efforts turning into a platform and legacy that go beyond social media trends — something that opens doors, tells my story on a larger scale, and inspires others to embrace their own.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @abbyjahaira
- Youtube: Abby Jahaira
Image Credits
Melody Timothee
