Meet Johnaya Solomon | Plus Size Content Creator & Influencer

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

Hi Johnaya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Pursuing a creative career was always a dream of mine since I was a kid. I grew up watching shows like That’s So Raven and that really showed me that it was possible to be a plus size girl, stylish and work in fashion. Since then it’s always been my goal to achieve that lifestyle for myself.
I have always had a passion for fashion. Growing up my grandmother would allow me to pick the clothes I wanted out the AVON magazines and we would go shopping on the weekends and my mother taught me how to thrift around the age of 9. Having stylish women around me that allowed me express myself through my clothing at such a young age really shaped the woman I am today.
In high school I learned about fashion merchandising through a class I was taking and I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. So when college came around I made sure to choose that as my major and here we are today working a 9-5 as a visual merchandiser and creating affordable fashion content. I’ve always been the friend/family member people have came to for fashion tips, so during the pandemic I went full into creating content because I figured I could be sharing these tips with so many other likeminded women. My main goal was to show other plus size women ways to always be stylish, on a budget particularly!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
1. Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
Pursuing a creative career was always a dream of mine since I was a kid. I grew up watching shows like That’s So Raven and that really showed me that it was possible to be a plus size girl, stylish and work in fashion. Since then it’s always been my goal to achieve that lifestyle for myself.
I have always had a passion for fashion. Growing up my grandmother would allow me to pick the clothes I wanted out the AVON magazines and we would go shopping on the weekends and my mother taught me how to thrift around the age of 9. Having stylish women around me that allowed me express myself through my clothing at such a young age really shaped the woman I am today.
In high school I learned about fashion merchandising through a class I was taking and I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. So when college came around I made sure to choose that as my major and here we are today working a 9-5 as a visual merchandiser and creating affordable fashion content. I’ve always been the friend/family member people have came to for fashion tips, so during the pandemic I went full into creating content because I figured I could be sharing these tips with so many other likeminded women. My main goal was to show other plus size women ways to always be stylish, on a budget particularly!

2. What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
I would really love people to remember me for being authentic and true to myself. For being the plus size stylish woman who always shopped on a budget. As for my legacy, funny story my niece is actually named Legacy just with an I. I truly just hope when plus size women come to my page they feel empowered. I also hope my outfits show them that it’s not about where you shop but how you put it together. I want plus size women to take up that space, no matter how it may look to others. I’ll be content with being remembered as the girl who taught them how to thrift and how to find full outfits under $50. When you look good, you feel good and I want people to always have that feeling regardless of their weight.

3. Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

Overtime my work life balance has changed so much over the years. Creating content while working a 9-5 as a visual merchandiser takes a whole lot strategic planning. I create content calendars weeks in advance so I know how I want to post daily across all my platforms. Once the calendar is made I plan it all out on Sunday’s so I know what the week ahead holds for me.
For my long form videos for youtube I film those on the weekend as that is when I have the most free time. So I try to make sure to film at least 2-3 youtube videos for the upcoming week. I also will make content including any activities I do over the weekend so that I can have extra videos to post.
For my short form content such as instagram and tiktok I have more lead way with filming those. Sometimes I’ll wake up an hour earlier for work so that I can either film a GRWM (get ready with me), a clothing haul or even take an OOTD (outfit of the day) photo. Those pieces of content are usually quicker to shoot and while at work I use my lunch breaks to edit.
It takes a lot of effort and discipline to not get overwhelmed with such a hectic schedule. Thankfully, I truly enjoy creating so much that it’s always a great outlet for me outside of my 9-5.

4. Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?

Yes, I have a favorite quote as well as a favorite affirmation that I speak daily. My favorite quote is “this too, shall pass.” This quote means so much to me I actually got it tattooed so it can always be with me. I recite it to myself often because it’s a reminder that no matter how hard or difficult a situation I’m dealing with may be, it’s not going to last forever and it’ll pass through.
As for affirmations my favorite is “show me how good it can get.” I’ve always loved this affirmation because it allows me to broaden my perspective and think outside the box. Most of the times we have our minds set on the outcomes of things without even thinking about all the other ways things can come into fruition. So affirming myself reminds me to always keep an open, positive mind.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnayapatricia/profilecard/?igsh=MW5hcnNnZWE1M210MQ==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@johnayapatricia?si=AXOYDDqvU4jPu4MK

Image Credits
vcrproductions on instagram only for the one picture with the black fur top