Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kiara Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kiara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Ever since I was a teenager people have had their own misconceptions or personal assumptions about me because I’m pretty. And I know you’re probably thinking “Um there are worse struggles in the world..” but the thing that really frustrates me is when my beauty is the only thing that people see. I’m a lot more than a “pretty face.” My teachers, teammates, even my so called friends at the time have used that exact statement like a double edged sword against me.
“She just got an A on her presentation because she’s pretty” or “She didn’t even have to do much to make the starting five.” It was all bullshit because I’m someone who works hard at everything I do. Rain or shine, I will put everything I have on the floor. My teachers would always tell me, “You’re going to need more than just your looks to make it in this world. You can’t rely on that pretty face of yours forever” and I totally agreed with them. To make it in this world you must be able to think strategically, commit, and take action to be successful. I wasn’t doubting the advice that was given to me but at the same time it would hurt my feelings.
I wasn’t a kid who didn’t do anything or didn’t have anything going for themselves when I was in high school. In fact, I was always busy with the exception of the first 2 weeks of summer. I got good grades, I played a sport all year round, I was in the theater program, and I was a leadership student. If anything I was booked and busy, yet I was always told that my looks could “only get me so far.” It was exhausting, I felt like no matter how much time and effort I would put into things would never suffice. If I’m being honest I feel like that stigma kind of gave me some hang ups and they appear every so often in my adult life.
Ironically, the career path I have chosen is to create content and influence an audience on social media which is the epiphany of being mischaracterized and misunderstood. There are some people who think content creation is the easiest thing in the world. There’s even those who think making a career out of social media shouldn’t even be a thing. But I don’t think anyone realizes how much time and work needs to be put in to be a full time influencer or content creator. Because unless you’re marketing a product, your brand is you and there is a lot of pressure that goes into that.
Although I am an aspiring influencer at the moment, my sister is on the opposite side of the spectrum, so I have insight into what this looks like firsthand. Sophia has a big following on several platforms, with her Tik Tok (@thesophiajones) and Youtube channel (@SophiaJones) being the biggest ones. She has 1.38M subscribers and a 966.5K following on Tik Tok which blows me away!! I am beyond proud of my little sister, she’s had so many good things happen for her and she’s only 21 and she continues to grow and prosper every day. <3 I am what you would consider a "nano influencer" and I feel like people don't always take me seriously because my smaller following. Becoming a full time content creator has taken a lot of blows to my self esteem, but it also is teaching me so many lessons in return. From the aspiring and successful creators I have met within this beautiful community and creativity to the importance of resilience to that indescribable feeling that you get when you are doing something you love. I am passionate about everything I do and get to share it to the world, I am fortunate to have the opportunity and space that I need to make a career through social media and I know amazing things are going to come from it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a curly hair influencer and content creator. I share my curly hair experiences and tips on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. I also create content about fashion and lifestyle. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been a creative soul and looked at life as a walk of living art.
I didn’t really start taking social media seriously until last year if I’m being honest. I was always scared that things wouldn’t work out if I did influencing as a full-time career. But 2023 really put things into perspective for me and it was kind of a pivotal year for me.
I was working as a youth development professional at my local Boys & Girls Club up until October because I went on the show “Farmer Wants a Wife” for it’s second season. If you have never heard of FWAW, it’s basically this dating reality show based on 4 farmers. It’s similar to the Bachelor in a sense. The farmers choose 8 women to come with them to live on their farm and they end up choosing who they want to be their potential wife at the end of the show. I was super excited when I was casted, I was ready to fall in love and see if I was really about that farm life. This was a whole new experience for me because I had never been on a dating show before and I dropped everything to go. Before I knew it, I was in Alabama. They had us meet at this cute farm that was surrounded by beautiful scenery. Unfortunately, I was not one of the 8 girls that my farmer chose so I was really only there for 3 days. Even though my ego took a minor hit and my time on the show was very short lived, I was so glad I went. Production was amazing and I made friends the most down to earth and sweetest girls that I still keep in touch with to this day!
When I came back home, I basically had to start from square one. I was jobless and had taken a break from school so I had a lot of free. time on my hands. I thought it was the perfect time to work on my social media platform and that was when my journey as a content creator started. I’ve always have been a hair and fashion guru so why not put those skills to use?
In the realm of curly hair- I produce a variety of content, including tutorials on how to care for and style curly hair as well as product reviews specifically designed for curly locks. My posts often feature before-and-after transformations, highlighting the effectiveness of the products I recommend. I love sharing tips on hair health, such as the importance of moisture, trimming, and protective styles, all while creating a supportive community for my curly hair girlies.
When it comes to fashion, I curate a visually appealing aesthetic that reflects my personal style. I create lookbooks and outfit inspiration posts, showcasing how to mix and match pieces, layer outfits, and accessorize effectively. My content includes fashion hauls, where I review and try on new clothing items, as well as ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos that offer insight into my daily fashion choices. Thrifting is something I highly recommend when it comes to affordable shopping. I show how I find vintage and good quality brands for a lot cheaper price.
In the lifestyle niche, I share glimpses of my everyday life, often focusing on health, wellness, and self-care. This includes posts about healthy meal prep, workout routines, and mindfulness practices. I love sharing personal stories and experiences that resonate with my audience, fostering a sense of relatability and connection. My content ranges from home organization tips to travel vlogs, where I document my adventures and provide recommendations for destinations, accommodations, and activities.
Overall, I blend my passion for curly hair, fashion, and lifestyle into a cohesive brand that inspires and educates my followers. Through authentic storytelling, engaging visuals, and a commitment to community, I create a vibrant online presence that resonates with individuals seeking guidance and inspiration in their own lives.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
What drives me the most is the giveback I will be able to give to people. Not to get all “Miss America” but I’m a huge humanitarian and I have several causes I want to show my support to once I am in a position where I’m financially able and I have a big enough platform to spread awareness. I’ve always wanted to create foundations for low income neighborhoods and schools in the area. I also want to be a huge advocate for survivors of sexual assault and partner with organizations that support their cause.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Pursuing something I am passionate about brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment and joy into my life. Every day, I wake up excited to immerse myself in activities that fuel my spirit and ignite my enthusiasm. When I invest my energy and time into what I love, I notice a significant boost in my motivation and productivity. The challenges I face feel more like opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to overcome.
Moreover, pursuing my passion provides me with a profound sense of purpose. It aligns my actions with my core values and interests, making my efforts feel meaningful and worthwhile. This connection to my inner desires not only enhances my personal satisfaction but also drives me to excel and continuously improve.
Another rewarding aspect is the sense of accomplishment I experience. Achieving goals and milestones in an area I am deeply passionate about fills me with pride and reinforces my belief in my abilities. This, in turn, boosts my confidence and encourages me to set higher aspirations.
Additionally, doing what I love allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who share my interests. These connections foster a supportive community where we can exchange ideas, inspire each other, and collaborate on projects that resonate with our shared passion. The camaraderie and friendships formed through these interactions are invaluable.
Ultimately, pursuing my passion enriches my life in countless ways. It brings joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging, making every effort and moment spent on it incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekiarajones/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theekiarajones
- Twitter: https://x.com/theekiarajones
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekiarajones
