Life & Work with Jabrilla Carr of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jabrilla Carr.

Hi Jabrilla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Sacramento, California, but moved to the Atlanta area in February 2022. Prior to that, I worked as a Child Welfare Social Worker in Sacramento. While the work was meaningful and impactful, it was also emotionally demanding, and after five years, I found myself burned out. In 2020, I made the difficult decision to leave the field and take time to reassess what I wanted the next chapter of my life to look like.

From January to June 2021, I traveled through Tanzania, Kenya, and Senegal, spending most of my time in Diani, a small beach town on the coast of Kenya. That season gave me something I had not had in a long time: space. Space to rest, explore, dream, and think intentionally about the future. I knew I wanted creative entrepreneurship to be part of that future, but I struggled to define exactly what it would look like because I have always had a variety of interests and passions.

What became clear during that time was that I loved travel, cultural exploration, faith, and I wanted to share this with others in hopes to encourage and motivate them. When I returned to the United States, I ultimately decided to move to Atlanta because I was drawn to its vibrant Black culture, entrepreneurial energy, and sense of opportunity. Moving to Atlanta turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me the space to continue growing, tap into my creativity, and explore new opportunities. Over the past year especially, I’ve met some incredible creatives and built meaningful relationships that have helped Atlanta feel like home.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I’m grateful for the growth that has come from the challenges. During my time in Africa, I experienced culture shock and, at times, struggled with being so far away from family and friends. When I moved to Atlanta, I faced a different set of challenges. I was building a life in a new city while navigating career uncertainty, searching for new opportunities, adjusting to the rising cost of living, and trying to find genuine community and meaningful friendships.

I will say that things began to shift when I rekindled a deeper relationship with God and found a church community that truly felt like home. Having that foundation gave me the support, encouragement, and perspective I needed during difficult seasons.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth often requires discomfort. Many of the things I wanted, whether it was travel, a new city, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, required me to step into unfamiliar territory. While that wasn’t always easy, it stretched me in ways that have made me more resilient and confident.

I’ve learned that if you’re committed to living a full life, you also have to be committed to the pivots that come with it. Those pivots often bring obstacles, but in my experience, they have always been worth it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Professionally, I work as a Travel Consultant, but outside of my day job, I’ve increasingly shifted into content creation, travel education, and community building. Through my Jay Cherie platform, I create lifestyle content centered around travel, Christian faith, fashion, and local experiences.

I often describe myself as a “Social(light),” which reflects both my love of connecting with people and exploring new places, and my desire to bring light wherever I go. For me, that light is rooted in kindness, respect, curiosity, and faith. My guiding scripture is Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I’m especially excited about launching Black Travel Academy, a platform designed to educate and inspire novice Black travelers. My goal is to help people travel with more confidence while fostering meaningful connections to Black history, culture, and communities throughout the diaspora.

What I’m most proud of is having the courage to pivot and create something that reflects who I am. Through travel, storytelling, and community, I’ve found a way to combine many of the things I care about most while helping others expand their worldview.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people and communities who have contributed to my journey.

First, I have to shout out my church, LIIV Atlanta, for providing a space where I could reconnect with God and build meaningful community. Through the church, I’ve met people who have helped me feel a true sense of belonging in Atlanta.

I also have to shout out Dr. Nadine Duncan, founder of The Traveling Black Women Network, for her encouragement, and inspiration in the Black travel space.

I want to acknowledge a few creators whose content inspired me to start sharing my own. I don’t know them personally, but seeing women successfully blend faith, fashion, and lifestyle content showed me that I didn’t have to choose between my interests. Special shoutout to @yaniqueduke, @mayagalore, and @toyinbanks.

I also have to shout out my “content besties,” women I know personally who I can call for collaboration, feedback, creative ideas, and encouragement: @beingmiracleonpurpose, @luvyouvei, @sapphirebombshell, and @inherlayers.

And finally, my family and friends deserve endless credit. They have supported me through every pivot, big move, career change, and new idea. Having people who believe in you, even when you’re still figuring things out yourself, is a gift that I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Beacons.ai/jaycherie
• Instagram: @jaycherie_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557787740432
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfQ2lrMHDFrVzRP2dTg2hg