We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Naïka Winy Jean Louis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Naïka Winy , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Growing up, I faced many challenges with my self-esteem. People made fun of my forehead, saying it was too big, and criticized me for being too skinny or “too simple.” Later, when I transitioned from permed hair to natural hair, the teasing got worse—not just from classmates, but even from some of my family. When I cut my hair short and wore twists, people said I wasn’t pretty, and their words deeply affected how I saw myself.
The turning point came when I realized that my value didn’t depend on others’ opinions. Embracing my natural hair and unique features was a journey, but it taught me the importance of self-acceptance. Becoming a content creator helped me gain confidence as I put myself in front of the camera and shared my authentic self. The positive feedback from my audience reinforced that my individuality was something to celebrate. Being recognized as the “Watch & Sea Beauty of the Month” is one example of how embracing my true self has opened doors and opportunities I never imagined.
To build my confidence, I focused on progress over perfection. I practiced self-affirmations, leaned into the qualities that made me unique, and surrounded myself with people who uplifted me. It wasn’t always easy, but those steps helped me embrace the things I was once teased for, like my natural beauty and simplicity.
Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. The parts of me that others once criticized—my hair, my features, my authenticity—are now the things I celebrate most. If I could share one lesson, it’s this: your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace it fully, and let it shine.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a content creator specializing in hair and skincare, and my journey began with personal struggles, from embracing my natural hair to building confidence in my skin. Over time, I’ve turned these challenges into a passion for helping others feel confident in their own beauty. Through my platforms, I create content that educates and empowers people to care for their skin and embrace their natural hair, no matter what others may say. What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with people and make a real difference in how they see themselves. I focus on authenticity and relatability because I want people to know that their natural beauty is enough.
A key part of my work is actively engaging with my audience. Sometimes, my followers reach out to me, and we have conversations about hair, skin, confidence, and more. I make it a priority to let them know they are worth it and don’t need anyone’s approval. It’s important to me that they feel valued, and I’m not just here to showcase products but to truly connect with people. This interaction is what motivates me to keep going, as it reminds me that I’m making a difference in the lives of those who follow me.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing my platform, inspiring others, and sharing more about my experiences. I want to be a source of encouragement for anyone on their journey to self-acceptance, helping them realize that their uniqueness is their greatest asset.
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, the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey are resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Resilience has been crucial, especially during challenging times when I doubted myself or faced criticism. Being able to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward helped me stay focused on my goals.
• Authenticity is another key quality that has set me apart. It’s so important to stay true to who you are, especially in an industry that can sometimes push you to conform. Being genuine in my content and interactions with my audience has created deeper connections and has allowed me to stay aligned with my values.
• Continuous learning has been vital in staying relevant and growing my platform. Whether it’s improving my skills in content creation, understanding new trends, or learning about skincare and haircare, I always seek to expand my knowledge to better serve my audience.
For those just starting their journey, I would recommend focusing on these areas. Resilience helps you handle the ups and downs, authenticity keeps you grounded, and learning ensures that you’re always evolving and improving. Keep an open mind, embrace feedback, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each step is a part of your growth.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I first take a step back to pause and breathe. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure and rush through things, but I’ve learned that taking a moment to reset helps me approach challenges with a clearer mind. One of my go-to strategies is prioritizing tasks. I break things down into smaller, more manageable steps and focus on completing one thing at a time. This way, I avoid feeling like everything needs to be done all at once.
Another key strategy is staying connected to what grounds me. Whether it’s going to a coffee shop, listening to music, or chatting with someone I trust, these moments of self-care help me reset and regain my focus. I also remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help or delegate when necessary. Overwhelm is often a sign that I’m taking on too much, so I try to listen to my own needs and not shy away from seeking support.
At the end of the year, I always make it a priority to take a full two-week break from content creation. During this time, I disconnect completely from the work and take a vacation to recharge. It’s essential for me to step away and give myself the space to relax, so I can come back refreshed and ready to continue creating.
Lastly, I practice gratitude. When things get stressful, reflecting on what I’m thankful for—whether it’s my journey or the support I receive from others—helps shift my perspective and puts things into context.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coilycrimpy?igsh=dDduemR2cGwxdHdi&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@coilycrimpy?si=7-T8iis_s3D_x_Se
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coilycrimpy?_t=ZT-8tK33FEe98N&_r=1
Image Credits
Photography by @lovelylynnmua
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