Meet Jayla Jackson | Activist & Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayla Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jayla, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Being an entrepreneur has evolved into a very attractive aesthetic. I myself, haven’t even graduated high school and run two businesses. In addition, I am surrounded by other young people who also run successful businesses. Consistently, the verbiage in the messaging that is around an entrepreneur career is working for yourself. It sounds independent, it sounds powerful, and it sounds freeing. And yes, in a way you are working for yourself. But in no way possible can you run a successful business by yourself. And that was the most important decision that I had to make. I have control freak tendencies which makes it hard for me to trust other people with a task. Also, there is a satisfaction that comes from being able to say I work for myself and I do things on my own. But all it will do is create stress, mess, and unnecessary setbacks.

Entrepreneur means for yourself but not by yourself. And if a team works effectively, then you will be working for other people. My parents, my PR team, the other businesses and organizations that I collaborate with, make up artist, and more all play a very important part in the overall success of a brand and business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wear many hats as a creative. I currently function predominantly as a poet, writer, screen writer, filmmaker, host, photographer, and other roles as well. Inside of my art, I always look for ways to use my mediums as vehicles for social justice narratives. I am an activist first and an artist second. At the age of 17, I am Atlanta’s youth poet laureate, I’ve had my work shown in the high museum, I am hosting my own show doing correspondence for New York fashion week, revolt TV, and others, I have spoken for companies like Coca-Cola, Warner media, the international women’s convention, the cube national teachers conference, I have written and produced several short films, and in each of these I have created ways for other young people to come in behind me.

Typically, I am the youngest person in the room, people love to help but I also run the risk of being used and manipulated. I have to constantly be aware and mindful of my relationships with people and the boundaries in them. But I believe there’s no greater time to start pursuing the things that you want then while you’re in high school. Your youth is your advantage and your selling point. I have received the fortunate opportunity to speak with some of the most prominent people of their industry and all I have wanted to do with the advice they’ve given me is share it. And this is the purpose of my show, The Socialite.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely start the day with The Breakfast Boys in College Park or Huskers in Stone Mountain. Both give great aesthetics and even better food. Depending on the day, I might take them to a live taping of the Comedy Hype News Show or to the roof of Ponce City Market. The high museum shows student artwork which are phenomenal. For lunch, I’m for sure hitting up Fresh Treats off Glenwood in Decatur. Unbelievable food!! I think I would end the day with a drive in movie at Starlight after grabbing dinner from 656 on Pryor Street for great wings and pasta or Bangkok Station for some amazing Thai Food. If desert is in question, Red Velvet Mama is the only option. There are two locations, Greenbriar mall and Stonecrest mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I must always give all thanks to God, who is the head of my life. My spirituality has grounded me in ways unimaginable. I cannot thank my faith enough for taking me this far.

Secondly, my parents Jay and Lynn Jackson are the biggest supporters in my life and our major members of my team.

I must also give thanks to the Ron Clark Academy. It is where I attended middle school and where I first found my love for social justice. Ron Clark academy was able to nurture myself and my peers in a way that would distinguish us from our counterparts.

During my sophomore year of high school, I joined the Veritas Debate Institute formally known as the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project. This program is a satellite program of Harvard College that recruits, trains, and matriculates highly motivated youth into a summer debate program at Harvard University. With this program, I develop great skill and proficiency in social sciences, public speaking, and professionalism. I also started my career with a historic win as my partner and I became the first black girl duo to ever win the Harvard International Debate Competition and with an undefeated record.

And lastly I must give thanks to Susan Barnes. She was my mix media arts teacher at the Ron Clark Academy but she is now my forever second mom and mother poet. She introduced me to my first love and first language which is poetry and ultimately she changed my life. She gave me an outlet for the things that were inside of me and put me on a track that would not only change myself but the community around me. I cannot thank her enough.

Website: jaylajackson.com

Instagram: @thejaylajackson

Facebook: @thejaylajackson

Youtube: @thejaylajackson