Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakeisa Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a first-year college student where it all began. I was bright and full of promise. During my second semester, I received a phone call from a strange man. He asked me to come see my test results. They tested for everything so this was anxiety-provoking. The next day I went in to receive the news that changed my life. I was HIV positive. My world stopped in that moment. I couldn’t believe it. I had just gave my life to Christ and found this out a few months later. As time went on and I went through my healing process, I realized I needed to help other people. I had everything they said I wouldn’t have. I was thriving, and I knew it was time. So in 2017, I shared via YouTube and then published my first book in March 2018. That one book changed the trajectory of my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been smooth. It’s been hills, valleys, ups and down. One of my biggest struggles has been my own internal stigma. When I was diagnosed, I had already had opinions on HIV. Those didn’t leave after diagnosis. I felt lonely, depressed and tainted. I also began to see that the world around me felt like I did. It was safe to keep my status to myself. I also battled with my own mental health issues and lack of community. I didn’t see anyone who looked like me living with HIV. I felt all alone in my diagnosis. Then when it was time to share that was another added layer. Although I had really begun to love myself, the world around me still has an extreme stigma. So I had a lot of support, but also people had a lot of opinions about me and sharing my story.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Aniyahs Space?
As a result of my personal story, I started a nonprofit organization called Aniyah’s Space. Here at Aniyah’s Space, we provide holistic care services for women living with HIV. We understand that a diagnosis of HIV can be multi-faceted, and we want to ensure that the women are equipped to take care of every area of their lives. We ensure that we go beyond the diagnosis. We also make sure we are educating our communities about HIV prevention and treatment. What sets us apart is that we focus on creating community and safe places so that women are encouraged and empowered to get in and stay in care. Staying in care for a woman living with HIV is so essential. Without the proper support system, this can be difficult. We offer yearly retreats and awareness events. We also have support groups and membership programs for women living with HIV. We provide self-care boxes to women living with HIV, which was such a success during this pandemic.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would have to first credit God, my lord and savior Jesus Christ; without a real relationship, I wouldn’t be able to do this. This is all His strength through me. I also have to shout out to my board members; Ashley, Charmica, Crystal and Classie. They make it a joy to plow and do the work. This organization is not single-handedly ran mph myself. I have to also thank two coaches that helped me launch and grow; Crystal Durham and Chanel E. Martin. Both of them gave me the tools necessary to be effective on this journey and do it right. It’s not easy to be an entrepreneur, let alone run a nonprofit. They changed my life and business. Now I get to do the work.
Pricing:
- $65 Supports a self care box for a women living with HIV
- $97 For a whole woman coaching session (women living with HIV only)
Contact Info:
- Email: aniyahspaceorg@gmail.com
- Website: www.aniyahspace.org
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/aniyahspaceinc
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/AniyahSS
