We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenniffer Oliveira. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenniffer below.

Hi Jenniffer, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Since childhood, I’ve been on a quest for freedom. At just six years old, driven by an insatiable curiosity, I began learning English on my own. Growing up on the east side of São Paulo, my family supported me immensely, but we had limited financial resources. My parents couldn’t afford English courses, but thanks to my aunt Tania, who paid for my classes, I was able to pursue my passion.

Even as I stepped into language schools, I often found myself as the only Black student—and later, the only Black teacher among colleagues. These experiences revealed a deep lack of representation in spaces where I wanted to belong. Yet, I pursued a degree in Languages, focusing on Portuguese and English, and discovered that English wasn’t just a tool—it was a way to connect with others and explore new horizons.

In 2019, I experienced a pivotal shift. After years of denying my natural hair and struggling with societal pressures that devalued my identity, I began embracing my true self and reclaiming my heritage. This journey brought me closer to Black culture, especially American Black culture, which became the foundation of my teaching.

I transformed my lessons by incorporating cultural references like *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, *Everybody Hates Chris*, and the music of Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Stevie Wonder. These references resonated with students who had felt disconnected from traditional lessons, and I realized that English could be a bridge to celebrating Black culture.

In late 2022, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to New York City. Exploring Harlem and immersing myself in the richness of American Black culture was eye-opening—it was a living, breathing experience I couldn’t fully grasp online. I began sharing my journey on social media, highlighting the depth of American Black culture and its global connections.

Today, through my platform *Sem Perrengue na Gringa*, which has over 67,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, I celebrate Black identity worldwide. I focus not only on American Black culture but also on experiences across the diaspora—from Brazil to Jamaica, from England to South Africa. My goal is to empower others to embrace their identity and celebrate the diverse experiences of being Black globally.

The freedom I sought as a child wasn’t just about learning a language or traveling—it was about living authentically, connecting through culture, and being proud of who I am. Now, I wear my natural hair with joy and express every part of my identity freely. This journey has not only connected me with my roots but also inspired others to embark on their own path of self-discovery and cultural celebration. Together, we are fostering a global movement of pride, identity, and authenticity.

Jenniffer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I create content centered on American Black culture to entertain and educate Black people worldwide. My mission is to celebrate our culture, strengthen connections across the diaspora, and inspire meaningful cross-cultural learning.

Along with content creation, I offer language classes and guided tours in Harlem, providing an opportunity to experience this vibrant community in an authentic way. These tours reveal Harlem’s history, art, and people, ensuring that visitors walk away with more than just memories—they leave with a deeper understanding.

I also offer publicity services for companies and organizations seeking to promote their products or services to a real, engaged audience. My approach focuses on meaningful connections that amplify a brand’s message and create lasting impact.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and connection. Through everything I create—whether classes, tours, or publicity campaigns—I aim to spark meaningful experiences that resonate.

If you’re looking to follow my journey or collaborate, know that everything I do reflects a passion for uplifting our community and celebrating culture.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media became easy once I aligned everything with my mission and stayed 100% authentic. I also used the IKIGAI technique—an Asian concept that helps you uncover your passion, profession, mission, and vocation to find your purpose. Once I knew what I wanted to talk about, why it mattered, and who I was speaking to, everything clicked.

For anyone just starting, my biggest advice is: *Just start.* Don’t wait for the perfect phone, the right number of followers, or for your shyness to disappear. Don’t worry about judgment from others—just begin. The key is to be constant, stay true to yourself, and create something that feels internally and authentically you. When your message reflects who you are and aligns with what you care about, building an audience becomes much more natural and fulfilling.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that past experience, no matter how valuable, doesn’t always translate seamlessly into a new environment. Moving to the U.S. was a huge challenge. I had to understand that, despite all the experience and knowledge I gained in Brazil, I needed to relearn almost everything here.

It wasn’t just about adjusting to a new culture—it meant unlearning old ways of thinking and working, and being open to new methods and perspectives. This process was humbling but necessary. It taught me that growth requires flexibility and a willingness to start fresh, no matter how skilled or experienced you are. Embracing this mindset allowed me to adapt, connect, and ultimately thrive in this new environment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semperrenguenagringa/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifferoliveira23/

Image Credits

Giovanna Siqueira
Tanya Kulesh