Rising Stars: Meet Najara Clark of Carolina Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Najara Clark

Hi Najara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Originally from Brazil and now a proud American citizen, my journey has been one of reinvention, perseverance, and a deep desire to make a meaningful difference. For 15 years, I worked as a fashion designer, building a career that allowed me to express creativity while shaping the world around me. But in 2021, when my mother was diagnosed with cancer, my life took an unexpected turn.

As I watched my mom fight a battle no one should have to face, I realized that I wanted to have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives in a way that went beyond fashion. Inspired by my mother’s strength and the care she received, I decided to change careers and pursue a nursing degree. This shift was not only a professional transformation but also a deeply personal one, as I yearned to contribute to others’ well-being in the same way I wished for my mom.

I was accepted into Cape Fear Community College, where I have been honored to study nursing. I will graduate in 2025 with the goal of becoming a nurse who serves my community with compassion and expertise. In the meantime, I have been working as a CNA at a local hospital for over a year. This experience has allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge, connect with patients, and give back to the state that has embraced me with open arms.

I am proud to be the first person in my family to attend college, and even prouder to be on the path to completing my degree. I hope to serve as an inspiration, particularly to other Latinos, showing that it’s never too late to change careers, start over, and improve your life. Through hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Alongside my nursing journey, I continue to use social media to empower both women and men, blending fashion, lifestyle, and self-expression. I believe in the power of style to tell stories and create connections, and I use my platform to inspire confidence and celebrate individuality.

My story is one of resilience, growth, and the belief that every chapter of life offers the opportunity to make a positive impact. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our paths don’t always go where we expect, but they often take us to exactly where we need to be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most significant struggles has been the language barrier. Coming from Brazil, I had to learn English fluently to pursue my dreams in the U.S. At times, it was frustrating—especially in school and in a professional environment where communication is key. But over time, I’ve worked hard to improve, and now, I see language as one of my strengths rather than a limitation.

Another hurdle has been age and self-doubt. At 37, I often found myself questioning whether it was “too late” to start a new career, especially when I saw younger students around me. But I’ve learned that age is just a number, and the desire to make a difference in people’s lives is timeless. The more I leaned into my purpose, the more I realized that the richness of my experiences, both personal and professional, actually gave me an advantage in connecting with others.

The cultural differences have been both challenging and enlightening. As I embraced my new life in the U.S., I had to navigate different social and professional expectations, which sometimes felt overwhelming. I’ve had to adapt to a new way of working, communicating, and even thinking about life and success. But in doing so, I’ve also learned to appreciate the beautiful diversity of this country and the strength in bringing my own cultural background into everything I do.

The emotional toll of my mom’s cancer diagnosis was another immense challenge. It was incredibly hard to balance my new career aspirations with the responsibility and emotional weight of being there for my mom. I didn’t want her to feel alone, but at the same time, I knew that I needed to pursue my education to honor her struggle and ensure that I could be the person who could help others in a similar situation.

And finally, money—or the lack of it—has been a constant stress. As I switched careers and returned to school, I had to juggle part-time jobs, living expenses, and tuition fees. It often felt like I was running on empty, both financially and emotionally. But each time I faced a setback, I reminded myself of my purpose and kept going.

Despite all of these obstacles, I’ve found strength in each one. The language barrier pushed me to become more resourceful. My age and background taught me patience and self-compassion. The cultural differences gave me a new perspective on life, while my mom’s illness ignited a passion for nursing that was deeper than I could have imagined. And as for the financial struggles, they taught me the value of perseverance and planning. Every challenge along the way has only fueled my determination to succeed, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a local hospital, and I absolutely love the hands-on experience it gives me with patient care. It’s an incredibly rewarding role where I get to make a direct impact on people’s well-being every day. I specialize in providing compassionate, day-to-day support to patients, helping them with activities of daily living, assisting with mobility, and ensuring their comfort. It’s not always easy work, but it’s fulfilling, and it has deepened my respect for the healthcare field.

I’m particularly passionate about oncology nursing, which is where I’m focused on taking my career after graduation in May 2025. Having witnessed my mom’s battle with cancer, I feel a personal connection to oncology care. I want to be there for patients and their families in the same way that I wished for more support during my mom’s journey. I’m drawn to the emotional and physical aspects of oncology nursing—being able to provide both comfort and clinical expertise during what is often one of the hardest times in a person’s life.

What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. Transitioning from fashion to nursing while supporting my family, working, and going to school is no small feat. But the fact that I’m on track to be the first person in my family to graduate college feels incredibly fulfilling. It’s a huge personal milestone and a testament to the power of perseverance.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of experience. I bring a creative, empathetic approach to my work, whether in fashion or nursing. My background in fashion taught me how to connect with people through style and self-expression, which I now translate into empowering others through my nursing care. In both fields, my focus is always on elevating the self-esteem and emotional well-being of those I interact with. I believe that care isn’t just about treating the body—it’s about treating the whole person, and that’s what I aim to do.

In addition to my healthcare career, I continue to use my social media platform to empower others. I share my journey, offer encouragement, and create content that celebrates self-expression through fashion and lifestyle. I believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and valued, and I use my platform to spread that message. Whether it’s sharing style tips or discussing mental health, I want to help people feel inspired and strong.

Ultimately, I’m passionate about the intersection of healthcare, self-empowerment, and community, and I’m excited to continue merging these areas of my life as I grow in my nursing career.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Collaborating in Healthcare: As I continue my nursing journey, particularly in oncology, I’m open to collaborating with hospitals, healthcare organizations, or community groups that align with my passion for empowering patients and providing compassionate care. I’m especially interested in programs or initiatives that support cancer patients and their families, and I’d love to partner with those looking to make a positive impact in this area. As I work towards becoming an oncology nurse, I hope to also connect with organizations focused on patient advocacy, education, and support for underserved communities.

Social Media Collaboration: I’m always looking for brands, organizations, or fellow creators who share my mission of empowerment, especially in the areas of self-care, mental health, fashion, and lifestyle. If a brand or individual has a message of confidence, positivity, and inclusivity, I’d love to explore ways we can collaborate, whether through sponsored content, co-hosted events, or awareness campaigns. My platform is all about inspiring people to embrace who they are and to take steps towards living their best lives, so if your work aligns with that vision, we can definitely connect!

Support My Journey: Supporting me can be as simple as following along on my social media platforms, where I share insights, updates, and inspiration. Engaging with my content—whether it’s through likes, comments, or sharing my posts—helps amplify my mission and reach more people. I also appreciate any words of encouragement or advice from people who have been on similar journeys, especially those in the healthcare field or the Latino community who might relate to my story.

Mentorship & Guidance: I’m always eager to connect with others who have experience in nursing or healthcare, especially oncology, as I continue my studies and prepare for my career. I’d love to learn from mentors who can offer guidance, whether that’s about the challenges of the healthcare field, navigating patient care, or balancing personal growth with professional success.

Community Impact: Lastly, I believe in giving back, and I’m always looking for ways to contribute to causes that support both the healthcare community and marginalized groups. If you’re involved in any initiatives that align with my mission—whether it’s raising awareness for cancer, supporting Latino communities, or empowering women—I’d love to partner on projects that make a difference.

I believe in the power of collaboration and community, and I’m always open to new opportunities that help me grow while also contributing to the growth of others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @najaraclark
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/najara.oliveira1
• Youtube: @najaraclark
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/capefearcc/photos/meet-najara-oliveira-clark-najara-is-a-driven-student-in-our-associate-degree-nu/1011531454351923/?_rdr