We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jovanee Bryan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jovanee, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Back in 2022, when I was a senior in high school, I remember feeling ready to take a different path than most of my peers. While many of them seemed to have their next steps figured out — heading off to college, securing jobs, or following more traditional routes — I always felt drawn to something different.

From a young age, I had a strong passion for acting and a deep interest in fashion. I remember spending time watching YouTube videos where creators often emphasized that building a following could significantly boost your chances of landing acting opportunities by making you more recognizable. Inspired by that advice, I decided to post my first TikTok fashion video — and to my surprise, it went viral, gaining one million views in a single day.

That moment marked a turning point for me. Within a week, I had grown to 10,000 followers, which quickly climbed to 20,000, then 30,000, and continued to rise. Today, I’m proud to have 636,000 followers on TikTok and 183,000 on Instagram.

However, I knew that gaining followers was only part of the journey. Even after reaching my first few thousand followers, I realized I had to put in serious effort to stand out from other creators and secure brand collaborations. Every creator has their own unique style and identity, so I worked diligently to build my personal brand — one that truly reflects who I am and what I stand for. That’s how CertifiedJio was born.

Jovanee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing up in The Bronx, New York, I feel like having an eye for fashion comes naturally. New York is known for setting trends, especially in the streetwear space, and that environment played a big role in shaping my style and creative vision.

I always knew I had the personality and presence to connect with an audience, so building my following by helping people find their personal style, improve their self-care routines, and enhance their lifestyle felt very authentic to me. Public speaking — whether in front of a camera or behind a microphone — has always been one of my strengths, which made it easier to engage with my audience in a genuine way.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’m now entering my second year of working independently. It’s an achievement that means a lot because I know this is just the beginning — there’s so much more to come. My goal has never been to chase fleeting viral moments; instead, I’m focused on building a long-lasting community that continues to grow with me. Staying relevant for two years in such a fast-paced industry has shown me that anything is possible with hard work and authenticity.

I want my supporters to know that I’m always going to be myself. You can’t live your life based on other people’s opinions because, more often than not, the ones discouraging you are simply projecting their own fears. Staying true to who I am has been key to my journey, and that’s something I’ll continue to embrace as I expand into new ventures and creative spaces.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creator is the freedom and flexibility it offers — the ability to brainstorm fresh ideas, entertain your audience, and ultimately get paid to be yourself while pursuing your dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that simply being authentic can inspire others and leave a positive impact.

Another amazing part of this journey is the people you meet along the way. The networking opportunities are invaluable because you never know who you’ll connect with or what doors those connections might open. Whether it’s collaborating with like-minded creatives or meeting someone who introduces you to new opportunities, these experiences constantly add value to your path.

Receiving positive feedback from my audience is especially motivating. Knowing that people resonate with what I share — and that my authenticity inspires others — reassures me that I’m on the right track. It fuels my drive to keep going and reminds me that the journey itself makes life feel meaningful.

What excites me most is the unpredictability of it all. I’m not someone who prefers to plan everything out; in fact, knowing exactly what’s ahead can feel overwhelming. I embrace the unknown because I believe the best moments often come when you least expect them. For me, life is more exciting when the ending isn’t spoiled — I’d rather enjoy the ride and see how everything unfolds in its own time.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One of my biggest goals as a creator is to build a strong, dedicated audience — one that’s deeply connected to me and my content. I want to foster a genuine relationship with my community, where the support is mutual. My aim is to create such a powerful personal brand that I’m not confined to just one niche — I become the niche.

I want to inspire young men from all backgrounds, as well as older men, by showing that it’s possible to break through barriers and achieve success on your own terms. Beyond content creation, I’m determined to build successful businesses that serve my audience — from self-care and clothing lines to mentorship programs and even real estate opportunities tailored to my supporters’ needs.

Ultimately, I see myself in major meetings, signing impactful deals, collaborating with brands I admire, and building a legacy as both a creator and entrepreneur. More importantly, I want to create a life where my mom no longer has to work — a life where she can finally enjoy her years without the burden of labor.

Love you, Mom.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecertifiedmerch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certifiedjio/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@certifiedjio