We were lucky to catch up with Nikaela Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nikaela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had thus far is creating my family’s nonprofit. Jinn’s Crib, Inc. founded in February of 2021, was created by my family and with the purpose of providing basic essentials to new mothers free of charge. I tailored majority of my studies in the graduate program towards creating proposals, pitch decks and other documents for our nonprofit. This nonprofit has given my family an opportunity to not only build generational wealth and legacy, but to research and execute different ways of impacting our community.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As early as I can remember, I have always enjoyed creating for others. My first passion was drawing, which led me to becoming an art teaching assistant in the 7th grade and drawing multiple different projects for students until graduating from college. During my time in college, I found that it became increasingly difficult to find time to focus on artwork, so I began networking in the music and entertainment industry. Through working in festivals, studio sessions and modeling jobs, I found the people who were for me and allowed me to flourish as a creator. I started an eyelash business after graduating to get a feel to owning a business, which is an experience I am thankful for. Half of the battle was finding people for me, and one of my biggest blessings that came from stepping outside of my shell was meeting my best friend in the space we were creating.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
WORK WITH OTHER WOMEN. My life changed so much as a creative when I started working with a team of women instead of men. I know men really dominate the entertainment industry behind the scenes, but I thought that I had to tolerate a lot of sexualization, disrespect, and treatment I did not want just to be in the room when I first started networking. It really took a lot for me to realize that most men in this industry are not really my friends, and I was able to execute my own visions when I started working with mostly women.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal has always been to do literally everything so that my future kids think they have the coolest mom ever. I am also working to be a living testimony that anything is possible and life has no limitations.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Shot by: @eyeofmarko