Meet Jetson Slayter

We were lucky to catch up with Jetson Slayter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jetson, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Growing up as Black and Asian, I often felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. Whether I was in predominantly Black spaces or Asian spaces, I was always different, and that made it hard to find my place in the world. It was tough as a kid to feel like I never truly belonged. But over time, I started to see my unique background as an advantage rather than a setback. I realized that standing out gave me a strength others didn’t have—it made me adaptable, resilient, and driven.

I had to work harder to prove myself, and I became determined to push through every challenge I faced. Being an underdog shaped my mentality. I knew people had doubts about me, whether because of my race or mixed background, and that drove me to work even harder to overcome those stereotypes and succeed.

Now, I embrace that identity. I use my story to inspire others, especially kids who might be feeling the same way I did—like they don’t fit in or have a role model who looks like them. I want to show them that being different can be powerful, that the underdog can rise above expectations and defy the odds. My success isn’t just for me; it’s for every kid who’s ever felt left out, misunderstood, or underestimated. I want them to see that it’s possible to not only succeed but thrive, even when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a social media content creator, I get to share my experiences and perspectives with people from all over the world. I don’t particularly like the term “influencer” because it feels too focused on promoting products, whereas my passion lies in creating authentic content that showcases my adventures and lifestyle. Yes, I do work with brands and promote products, but only when I’m genuinely excited about them and 100% believe in what they stand for. My content is an extension of who I am—it’s about connecting with others, entertaining them, and bringing them along on my journey.

What excites me most about what I do is the chance to share my unique perspective. Growing up Black and Asian, I always felt like I saw the world a little differently, and now I have the platform to share that with others. Whether I’m showing off the hidden gems of my home in Hawaii or taking my audience with me as I travel the world, I love being able to bring people into my life and experiences in a real and meaningful way.

Since I was a kid, making home videos with my sister Anyssa, I’ve always felt drawn to the camera. I think deep down, I knew I was meant for something where people would know my name, and social media has allowed me to step into that. It’s not just about fame; it’s about creating content that entertains, inspires, and resonates with people. I want to be someone that others—especially those who feel like they don’t fit in—can look to and feel connected with.

Looking ahead, I have some exciting projects on the horizon, including expanding my content to cover more travel experiences outside of Hawaii. I’ll continue to work with brands that align with my values, but I’m also focused on growing my brand as a platform for representation and inspiration. I want people to know that no matter where you come from or how different you feel, there’s space for your voice, and you can achieve success by being exactly who you are.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been self-love, resilience, and having just a bit of delusional belief in myself. As a gay man of color, I had to prioritize learning how to truly love myself, which is not always easy in a world that often tells you you’re “too different” or doesn’t quite know where to place you. Every year, I’ve discovered more about who I am, and I’ve learned to love myself more deeply with each new phase of life. It’s a battle, but it’s the most important one I’ll ever fight. Prioritizing self-love has been key to my growth because you can’t truly succeed without knowing your worth, no matter what the world says about you.

Resilience is another crucial part of my journey. For the past 12 years, I was homeless, and while that experience was tough, I never gave up on the belief that I could create the life I dreamed of. I reminded myself daily that what was happening wasn’t happening to me but for me. Every setback was setting me up for a comeback. I kept my focus on my dreams, even when the world around me seemed to be falling apart, and that determination is what led me to where I am now. I never lost hope, and now I’m living out my dreams—because I refused to give up on them.

Lastly, I had to embrace a bit of delusional belief in myself. I’ve always been just delusional enough to believe that I could become a huge social media content creator. I had to believe in my dreams when no one else did. That belief drove me, even when success felt far off. I set big goals, dreamed big, and worked tirelessly toward those dreams. And eventually, after years of persistence, I achieved what I set out to do.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: learn to love yourself first. Your journey will be a lot smoother when you truly understand and accept who you are. Be resilient—whatever you’re going through, keep going. Life can throw you curveballs, but it’s how you handle those challenges that defines your future. And finally, don’t be afraid to dream big. Be delusional enough to believe in your wildest dreams and work toward them with everything you’ve got. You are capable of so much more than you realize, and just because things are tough now doesn’t mean they’ll always be that way. Embrace your story, but don’t let it define you. Instead, let it highlight the strength, passion, and drive that make you who you are.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has had a profound impact on my life is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I’ve read it dozens of times, and every time I revisit it, I discover new insights that feel like they’re exactly what I need in that moment. It’s one of those rare books that evolves with you as you grow, and different agreements will stand out depending on the phase of life you’re in.

The wisdom in The Four Agreements has been a game-changer for me. It’s helped shape my outlook on life, teaching me how to find peace and purpose even in the face of challenges. The four agreements—Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best—have served as guiding principles for how I approach my personal growth and relationships.

For example, the agreement “Don’t take anything personally” has been huge for me, especially as a content creator and a person of color. There will always be criticism, hate, or negativity, but learning not to take things personally has allowed me to focus on what truly matters: my self-worth and my goals. People’s opinions or judgments aren’t a reflection of me—they’re a reflection of them.

Another agreement that consistently resonates with me is “Always do your best.” Whether I was homeless or pursuing my dreams of becoming a social media content creator, I reminded myself that as long as I was giving my all, I was on the right path. And that’s not about perfection, but about doing the best you can with what you have, in that moment.

The beauty of this book is that it can speak to every phase of life. Sometimes, I find myself focusing on being more mindful with my words; other times, it’s about learning not to make assumptions. But every time I read it, it’s a reminder of how I should approach life.

If I could offer advice to anyone on their journey, it would be to pick up The Four Agreements. It has something for everyone, and it can serve as a roadmap for personal growth, helping you navigate life’s challenges with more clarity and grace.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsonslayter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jetsonslayter