Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayla Vaughn.
Hi Jayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello,
I hope you’re doing well! My name is Jayla, I’m 22 years old and I’m currently transitioning back into school while exploring the intersection of social work and communications. I’m also in the process of building my brand, Gr8tion, which focuses on creative storytelling, advocacy, and community care—particularly for youth and families. In addition to Gr8tion, I’m working on a few other ventures that align with my mission to make a positive impact through creative expression and community engagement. I’ve also been looking for more nanny ventures to further connect with children and support families in a hands-on way.
While my primary focus is social work, I’m equally passionate about the production of various multi-faceted projects that intertwine everything I love to do. My career has spanned several fields, including working at Sheppard Pratt, the school system, and nannying, where I’ve developed a strong foundation in child development and welfare. Additionally, I’ve ventured into RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) training but stopped, which has further enhanced my understanding of behavior analysis and how to support children with various needs.
With experience working with children since 2019 and a deep passion for child development and welfare, I’m seeking hands-on experience that blends content creation, child-focused social work, and community impact. I’d love to explore the possibility of shaping a role or internship that supports child welfare initiatives through communication and digital media.
I’ve also done some graphic design work, such as creating flyers and videos, which has helped me refine my creative skills for content production.
I’m especially interested in how content, advocacy, and engagement can be used to enhance early childhood education, support services, and storytelling for underserved communities. I believe creativity and compassion go hand in hand when it comes to building meaningful support systems for children and families.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been smooth, and there have been a lot of personal and professional challenges along the way. As a 22-year-old woman navigating life while also dealing with trauma, it’s been a juggling act. Balancing my passions with personal growth, trauma recovery, and building a career has been tough at times. Financially, emotionally, and mentally, it hasn’t always been easy, and there have been moments when I felt overwhelmed.
On top of that, I’m a private person, so I tend to keep a lot to myself, but the struggle can sometimes feel like too much to carry alone. Despite all the difficulties, my love for my passions—social work, creative storytelling, and my brand has always outweighed the tough moments. It can be overwhelming at times, but I keep pushing forward, knowing that the hard work I’m putting in now will eventually be recognized.
The journey has been a reminder that sometimes the greatest challenges lead to the most meaningful growth, and I’m looking forward to the day when all this effort will pay off.
Genesis 1:28 has been a huge scripture for me during this time it speaks to the blessing of creation and the responsibility to steward the world with care and purpose. It has been my foundation as I navigate building Gr8tion and pursue my passions, and I look forward to sharing more as I continue to grow and develop.
Stay tuned for more details as I continue to work on bringing Gr8tion to life!
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?
Currently, I work as an Additional Adult for Baltimore County Public Schools, where I support students and help create a positive, inclusive learning environment. This role has deepened my passion for child development and social work by allowing me to engage with youth in meaningful, day-to-day ways.
I’m also transitioning back into school with a focused plan to build a career that blends social work, communications, and youth advocacy. I’ve been actively applying to internships and volunteer opportunities and I’ve already started some exciting hands-on work with different organizations in both social work and communications. Stay tuned for more details on that journey.
In addition to that, I’m exploring more nannying opportunities on the side. This allows me to connect with children and families in a more personal, one-on-one way, which keeps me grounded and fulfilled while balancing everything else.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend my passion for social work with my love for creativity. I believe that storytelling and creative expression can have a profound impact on community care and advocacy, and I’m dedicated to using those skills to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Balancing my career, brand, and side projects is challenging, but it fuels my drive to continue moving forward, and I’m looking forward to seeing all these pieces fall into place.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5–10 years, I see myself walking fully in my purpose, freely merging my passion for social work with my love for communications. I want to move beyond traditional roles and truly branch out especially into the social media and digital storytelling world. There’s a growing need for authentic, purpose-driven content, and I believe that the work I do centered on youth, advocacy, healing, and community can thrive in those spaces.
I plan to complete my Bachelor’s in Social Work while continuing to grow Gr8tion into a platform that raises awareness, empowers others, and uplifts underserved voices through creativity and storytelling. Whether it’s through digital content, campaigns, vlogs, or collaborations, I see myself using social media as a tool for connection, education, and impact.
Spiritually, I remain extremely close with God, and staying aligned with Him is what gives me clarity and strength. My faith isn’t just a part of my journey it’s the compass. As I grow professionally and creatively, I’m committed to keeping God at the center, knowing that everything I’m building is only possible because of Him.
I’m also intentional about nurturing my personal life my relationships, my emotional well-being, and my peace. To me, success means freedom: the freedom to be myself, to move in purpose, to create without limits, and to live a life that reflects both my faith and my calling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Jaylathegr8._
- Youtube: @Jaylathegr8
