When I write this post, we are less than 24 hours out from Donald Trump taking office for the second time as President of the United States. As I’ve been reflecting on this, I realize that there’s a lot I have to say, particularly from the role of a creator and “influence” in the media world.
As a Black artist, much of my content centers around beauty, fashion, entertainment, and the art of storytelling, particularly as it applies to a Black woman navigating industries that rarely center voices like mine. On the surface, these topics might seem light, even surface-level, as if my role is only to make things look polished and effortless (or pretty). But the truth is that being a Black artist in these spaces has meant navigating profound challenges that go beyond aesthetics. It means constantly working against being underestimated, ignored, and boxed in—and, above all, it means taking on the responsibility of creating space, not just for myself but for others who feel just as invisible.
I want to share that this is not exclusively a Jamé problem — I’ve seen this in my peer circle for years. Black women have constantly had to overprove while being underestimated, underpaid, and undervalued.
The role of the Black artist
Artistry, especially in difficult times, demands resilience. It asks us not just to show up but to do so authentically. But showing up authentically is no small feat. We’re expected to “stick to the script,” talk about what’s trending, look the part, and move through the world quietly grateful for any platform we have. Trust me; there have been many times that I’ve been gaslighted into believing that I’m supposed to be grateful for what I have or have been given. So many things look glamorous on the outside, but the truth is people don’t know what it costs to do or gain what you have.
But as I’m continually reminded, being a Black creator means representing myself and being present for others who are watching, hoping, and waiting. In times like these, when social issues, injustices, and personal and professional setbacks are everywhere, it’s more apparent than ever that this work isn’t about just me.
There’s a unique set of challenges that comes with being underestimated. People often assume that because I’m a Black woman and a creator in lifestyle spaces, I have less insight to offer beyond makeup tutorials or outfit inspiration. But that’s a narrow lens. Just because I use my platform to create engaging, visually appealing content doesn’t mean my voice is limited to that realm. I’ve worked in newsrooms, won awards for my journalism, and left traditional journalism right at the cusp of what I knew could become a career-shifting moment.
Looking back, I notice that tendency in myself: I work very hard for something, and as soon as I am about to get everything I thought I wanted, I leave.
As I step deeper into this industry, I am continually reminded that I have to create the roles and opportunities that don’t yet exist for me—and that, too, is artistry. Creating my own path is one of the most extraordinary acts of defiance I can imagine because it’s both a personal victory and a contribution to the community at large. I’ve done it for years with TheBlondeMisfit and Misfit Creative Media. You have to create the reality in which you want to live.
This path has never been easy. Each day, I strive to make room for more voices for Black and brown artists who deserve space in these conversations. The drive to create isn’t just about individual growth but amplifying stories and experiences that have been pushed aside or overlooked. And now, more than ever, the push to create these spaces for others feels heavier and more urgent.
In the future, I aim to keep building these spaces, transforming what I started with TheBlondeMisfit into a platform that shines a spotlight on the many incredible, diverse stories around me. I want to continue fostering spaces that uplift, inform, and empower because I believe in our collective potential and power to create change.
Being a Black artist in hard times means wearing many hats: advocate, creator, challenger, and ultimately, visionary. My journey may look different from others in this industry, but I know that through the ups and downs, I am here for a purpose that extends far beyond myself. I’m here to continue showing up, not just for me but for every creator and storyteller who needs a reminder that they, too, belong. And to those who doubt us or try to confine our potential…I see you, but I’ll be too busy building to stop.
