Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rayna Ali-Patterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rayna, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose was very important to me as I became a mom. If I’m honest, I didn’t really think too much about it before that. After becoming a wife and mom, I knew life would be different and that I wasn’t just living for me. Working in corporate was never fulfilling, it was just paying the bills and but I wanted more. Even after getting my degree, it still remained hard and I wasn’t happy. That’s when I decided to fully walk into my purpose by doing something that I loved, and that was sharing my curly hair journey online in 2013. I knew helping other women to embrace their hair just like I was trying to do was walking in my purpose. I wasn’t too sure how I would get compensated for this, but I was more focused on my happiness at the time. Little did I know, this would grow into a career! I’ve been creating content full time for over 10 years now. Trusting in the path that God set out for me was how I found my purpose. I believed in myself and I remained consistent. There’s power in trusting the process!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Rayna – a full-time curly hair, lifestyle, and midsize fashion content creator born, raised and based in Los Angeles, CA. Online, I go by @itsraynacamille (formerly @happycurlhappygirl). I’m a proud mom to a teen, wife of 17 years, and a new dog mom – and I’m absolutely obsessed!
Being a full-time creator has been such a blessing. I began influencing before it was even a thing, and what started as sharing my journey online has blossomed into a career that spans over 10 years. I love empowering women to embrace and love their curly hair, and I’m especially grateful for the community I’ve built along the way. Connecting with women who look like me has been the icing on the cake.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to expand my brand and business even further. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’m thrilled to still be in the influencing game after all these years!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I would say that the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have shaped my career are:
Authenticity & Consistency: One of the key factors that helped me build a loyal following over the years is staying true to who I am and consistently showing up online. Being authentic and transparent has allowed me to create a genuine connection with my audience. People want to relate to you, and when they feel like they know the real you, they’re more likely to trust and engage with your content. For anyone just starting out, my advice is to embrace your uniqueness and don’t try to imitate others. Stay consistent, and let your true self shine through every post.
Community Building: Early on, I realized that it’s not just about the content, but about creating a space where people can connect, feel seen, and be supported. Whether it’s through sharing experiences or offering advice, building a community around your brand has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. For newcomers, my advice is to focus on nurturing relationships with your followers, engaging with them, and making sure they feel valued. A community that feels connected to you will always be your biggest supporters.
Adaptability & Learning: The digital space is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires being adaptable and open to learning new things—whether it’s mastering a new platform, understanding new trends, or learning about the business side of influencing. I’ve always made it a point to keep evolving and investing in my personal and professional growth. To those just starting, don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Stay curious and never stop learning. There’s always something new to discover in this industry!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was ensure I was exposed to a variety of cultures. Growing up surrounded by people from different ethnicities and backgrounds gave me a deeper understanding of how others think and live. This experience shaped my empathy and fostered a love for everyone, not just one specific group. Looking back, I now realize just how essential that exposure was in shaping who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itsraynacamille
- Youtube: @happycurlhappygirl
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
