Meet Ayana Abdul-Raheem

We were lucky to catch up with Ayana Abdul-Raheem recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayana , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I don’t think I found my purpose, I believe my purpose found me. Through trial, error, and real-life experiences, I learned to surrender to what brought me the most joy: working with children and restoring lives. It’s something I never get tired of doing. It fills me up, challenges me, and reminds me every day why I’m here.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am someone who takes what the world has overlooked, underestimated, or devalued and restores its worth. My work lives at the intersection of education, transformation, healing, and justice. I infuse all of these together to develop and deliver curricula to young women, specifically girls of the diaspora and system-impacted youth, to strengthen their sense of self so they know, without question, that they were born with purpose and value. I’m the founder of born WORTHY., a social impact brand that spreads that message through affirming apparel, wellness work, and advocacy. I’m also the CEO and Founder of Timbuk2 Academy, a private learning center in Trenton, NJ, serving girls ages 3 to 22. While we serve all girls, we are uniquely positioned to support those facing greater challenges, including those navigating foster care, instability, or system involvement.

born WORTHY. started out of necessity. During my time with the Trenton Police Department (juvenile unit), I saw how girls caught in the system were often left behind, denied support, and left without resources. In 2018, things went left. While checking on a missing juvenile, I was involved in a car accident; the project the department did have in place to support the youth was cut. Shortly after, the girls I’d been helping started slipping through the cracks. I couldn’t stand by and let that happen, so I took it upon myself to mentor and support them. This selfless act evolved into the birth of Timbuk2 Academy. To fund their needs and remind them that their lives and stories matter, I began printing and selling born WORTHY. T-shirts. Despite their circumstances, I wanted them to know they are still worthy. Girls will always remain at the heart of the born WORTHY. brand.

What started as a message for a few girls has now grown into a movement. People from across the globe, even those behind bars, have reached out to share how born WORTHY. resonates with them. It’s become more than just T-shirts—it’s a constant reminder that our worth is not up for debate.

Something people should know is that born WORTHY. is more than just apparel. The brand directly funds internships for young women to become Community Wellness Champions. Girls are trained in holistic wellness practices and lead wellness workshops in their communities. The more merch we sell, the more girls get this life-changing opportunity. Through the born WORTHY. Project, we also offer workshops for schools, businesses, and organizations, led by our team of practitioners. This work is so special because you get to witness people see themselves for the first time. It’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of.

What’s next for born WORTHY.? Right now, I’m working with a team of creatives and will be launching a new initiative soon! I can’t say too much just yet, but it’s something really special. And finally, since running the Timbuk2 Academy is a huge part of my world, born WORTHY. is always looking for people to plug in and support the mission behind the scenes. At the heart of everything I do is one simple truth: we are all WORTHY. My work is about making sure the world recognizes it, but even more importantly, that we recognize it within ourselves.

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?

For me, the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been gratitude, discipline, and believing in myself. You have to know who you are to activate your power. So what if people think you’re crazy? People thought I was. I was laughed at, underestimated, and dismissed, but look at me now. Three years later, both of my brands have garnered national recognition. Trust yourself, even when no one else does. You don’t need validation from others to move forward; your vision is enough.

Discipline! It’s not enough to have an idea; you have to stand firm, stay focused, and do the work, even when it gets hard and lonely. Most people won’t have the courage to step out and pursue their dreams, but if you do, you’re already ahead.

Gratitude is a form of prayer for me. Give thanks for every moment. The good, the bad, the lessons, and the wins. Don’t just say thank you; show people that you truly are grateful for their support, love, and encouragement.

Only share your plans with people who can help you execute them. People often feel entitled to know what you’re doing just because they know you. If they can’t be of service, they can find out when everyone else does. Protect your vision. Don’t be surprised when your biggest supporters aren’t who you thought they’d be. The world is full of people! Go find your audience, build your community, and focus on the people that show up. That’s where your energy should go.

Set boundaries. Have fun. Be intentional. Be a good person.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was love me unconditionally and allow me to be Ayana—just as I am.  They raised me with strong morals, solid values, and good character, never pressuring me to “fit in” just because something was popular. If all the other kids had the latest shoes, that didn’t mean I needed them too. I’ve always done my own thing, had my own style, and stayed in my own lane.  They taught me the power of prayer, the importance of compassion, and the necessity of always remembering who I am and whose I am. They grounded me deeply in both culture and spirituality. They also gave me the freedom to explore my creativity in ways that shaped who I am today. As a little girl, I loved working with my hands, building, fixing, and getting dirty. Not once do I remember my father telling me I couldn’t do something because I was a girl. In fact, he’d often ask me to help him fix things. That kind of encouragement, that freedom to explore and not be boxed in, has been key in my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iambornworthy.com, www.timbuk2academy.org
• Instagram: @iambornworthy @timbuk2academy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambornworthy https://www.facebook.com/Timbuk2Academy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayanarah/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bornworthy. https://www.youtube.com/@timbuk2academy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@timbuk2academy https://www.tiktok.com/@iambornworthy

Image Credits

Johnny Luz Photography
Will Foskey- Picture with the girls standing on the bridge
Sy Battle- girls with the dress.