Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessella Gaymon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessella Gaymon.

Hi Jessella, 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?
I was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina where I graduated from Reid Ross Class High School. In the Fall of 2020, I began my journey at North Carolina Central University declaring my major as Criminal Justice. Little did I know after two years of being an undergrad my heart found my true passion. During the beginning of my junior year, I felt conflicted studying Criminal Justice knowing I have a strong desire in media (photography, videography, content creating, graphics, etc.) As the Fall semester ended I reached out to a friend who had experience studying Mass Communications and asked for her personal experience studying media. After a few conversations and reflection, I changed my major and studied Mass Communications the following semester.

The journey started difficult with expenses for equipment, finding a balance while remaining consistent, learning new skills and so much more. My mom purchased my first camera so that I could practice photography and videography. I began to carry my camera to events and study other well-known photographers at my school. As time passed I started to grow in my skills, connecting with other photographers, and booking clients. Aside from starting my business, I took my content creation more seriously. I even had a saying I created for the beginning of my videos “How are you feeling? What’s your vibe?”

My content creation started that following Summer with my series “Getting My Pool Ready for the Summer” My parents needed the pool cleaned and I had nothing better to do that Summer. My videos began to have a huge audience and engagements. I was learning new things from every video. The series gave me so much confidence for the new academic year.

As the fall semester started I was honored to join the greatest sorority you could join Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Being a part of this organization has allowed me to work on my skills while serving as the Epistoleus (Social Media Chair). I also was announced as an AT&T Rising Future Maker for the class of 2023. This program has allowed me to make connections with executives in different companies. This opportunity allowed me to talk to individuals in my possible career industry. With me being focused on learning new skills and networking I still struggled to find an internship and “graduate on time”.

With me changing my major my graduation date was pushed back a whole year. It was the most disappointing news to receive especially serving as the Senior Class President. Something about me is though, I try to make the best of every situation. I started a brand new series for next school year. “End. of an Era: Escaping College”. The series has kept me busy this Summer and has helped many individuals who fell into my circumstances. It felt great to know I wasn’t alone while still making an impact.

I am returning to school this month (August) and am scheduled to graduate in May 2025. I am excited to see what I can accomplish with this last year given to me. I am hoping to continue to connect and have a full-time job offer waiting for me somewhere!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road but like J. Cole says “It’s a beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success”. Every day has not been a perfect day but I have never met anyone successful who said this was going to be easy. Some struggles along the way were when I doubted myself about my passions. There were so many rejections from opportunities and jobs that made me feel less than what I was worth.

There were long periods where I would bed rot and just put myself in a hole unable to do anything. In those moments it was not like I did not have anyone to call on or a support system I chose to deal with it all on my own. I did learn though, that you can’t do life on your own without community. “The fastest way to failure is thinking you can get through life on your own” was one of the first things I heard when I decided to become a student leader.

Like most college students I faced days back to back filled with depression and anxiety. I encountered people I thought I would call my friends forever but left when things got hard. The journey has not been a smooth road but results along the way have been beautiful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer, videographer, graphic designer, content creator, etc. I am proud of every aspect of my work. This all started in December of 2022 and to see myself not even two years in I have accomplished so much. Unlike other creatives, what sets me apart is my authenticity and transparency. In today’s society, social media is about putting on an image and setting/copying trends. With my platform, I try to remain transparent with my followers and the engagement I receive from my content.

I am best known for my series/videos on my platforms (Instagram/TikTok)! Everywhere on campus, I would hear “I love your pool series” “Hey HoneyTrapShawty” (My Instagram Handle), “When are we getting another series”, “I love watching your videos” and so much more. I am proud of the “End of an Era: Escaping College” series I started. That series has reached over 10K views on every video. I get DMs here and there about people’s journey with college and what they are struggling with during their journey. I am very proud of myself for keeping it up no matter where I find myself.

How do you think about happiness?
This is an interesting question considering I am still figuring that out. What makes me happy is the little things in life. The moments of silences, the gardens on a sunny day, editing videos, spending quality time with people, and even a vase of nicely bloomed roses. It is so easy to think about the bad things in life because they tend to be huge but when you look at the little things life isn’t that bad after all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeytrapshawty/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessella-gaymon-8a3277200/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Honeytrapshawty
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thevisionarytrap/