We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Ni’jai a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aaron thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

This is a hard question, but I believe that my most meaningful project is Paper Therapy. Originally, it started as a set of affirmation cards but has now grown into a full-fledged Black-owned brand. The backstory, much like many transformational breakthroughs, is from a space of intentional reflection and connection. The idea was developed when I connected with a total creative stranger through a project known as Distant Connections. We both harbored a mutual passion for mental health advocacy and, within 24 hours, created an idea that held power to help rewrite the mind’s story. Small steps sometimes generate the greatest impact, so it began with cards.

Aaron, 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?

I’m a Black visionary creative, strategist, photographer, and curator whose work is focused on healing and elevating voices of color while creating, connecting, and strengthening our communities. Throughout my life, I’ve had a strong love towards creativity, particularly in photography. Photography has been a part of my life since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until watched America’s Next Top Model (sad it didn’t age well) that I knew I had a calling in fashion photography. I was blown away by the way they used makeup, hair, clothing, and posing to craft a visual story. As I matured, I continued to pursue my passion for photography by capturing images of friends, family, and local models. I even enrolled in a few photography courses during my time at art school before ultimately switching to business marketing.

As far as painting, I always enjoyed it but decided to do it more seriously in 2021. Inspired by my friend Zella, I poured my emotions and soul into my canvases and channeled all of my energy into creating art.

I hope to merge my different forms of artistry, blending my skills in photography, painting, writing, and beyond. My ultimate goal is to create a truly unique and seamless expression of my creativity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As I mention, I’m on focused healing and elevating voices of color while creating, connecting, and strengthening our communities. I hope my work can continue to inspire and uplift all my people.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn to stop comparing myself and my journey to other people. I would always get down when I would look at other folks especially if they have been doing it for a shorter period of time. I had to learn to slow down and be gentle with myself.    

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aaronnijai.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnijai/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronnjohnson/

Image Credits
Images are all me