@stillgoingdesigns
Today we’d like to introduce you to Samaya “Rio” Jackson.
Hi Samaya “Rio”, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Lol, this is such a fun question 😂 I’ll start by saying I am Jamaican born, New York raised and now I’m living in my dream place. Love Atlanta always have. I am a mommy of four, I am a hairstylist, actor, model, real estate investor and recently, I have been dipping into new ventures. I have been into hair since I was a little girl, had my first job in the industry when I was 16. It is something I do with a passion and if it’s hair, I know it, lol. Modeling is something I gained interest in when I was 16 also. I have always been into fashion. I actually wanted to go to the fashion institute in Manhattan, but life had other plans and instead of designing, I wanted to wear it. But I stopped when I got pregnant with my daughter. Oh yea during all this, I was attending St. John’s University (talk about stressed 😩). Then I had my daughter and halted everything to get my life together for her. I joined the army and stopped following my dreams. When I got out of the army everything was great so I decided to take my free time and follow my dreams so I started modeling and acting again. And I have been doing great ever since. I have done many fashion shows, I have worked on p-valley, rap shit, movies like love is complicated. I have honestly been living the dream and I hope to grow and get even better. I am so ready to elevate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was and still is a lot of obstacles. Like I said, my family migrated to America from Jamaica so we didn’t have a lot. Why I started working at 16. And getting pregnant at 20 while I’m in school was not a part of the plan. Then the battle of colorism is always in the front row.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Everyone in Atlanta that knows me knows me as the model/actor Rio. I love that my work forces me to meet new people whether it’s hair or fashion or acting. I get to be around so much different types of people. It’s fun and energetic and refreshing most times.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people are always surprised about me being a mom of four, a vet and the fact that I’m 30. 🤣 I love that because I’m glad I don’t look like the things I’ve been through.
Contact Info:
- Email: Therealriojai@gmail.com
- Website: StyleSeat.com/samayajackson
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/realriojae?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: Rio Jai
@chadlawsonphotos
@geenomizelli
Image Credits:
Images in black taken by @chadlawsonphotography
