Meet Aiyana St. Hilaire | Blogger & High school student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aiyana St. Hilaire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aiyana, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Regarding my blog sphere “As I Know”, I wanted to create a space for me to write, educate others, and foster learning and change. This blog’s purpose is to delve deep into societal issues surrounding race, culture, equality, and justice. Then, these vast issues will be analyzed and broken down from my perspective, As I know. The goal of this blog is to cultivate thought surrounding major current events in the world, and inspire thinking. As young people, we hold the power to ultimately change the world, and through this, the power to foster an inclusivity that has yet to come. Through explaining societal issues “As I Know” them, the ideals of marginalized communities will ultimately be supported and promoted. Within my blog sphere, I also wanted to create a space to showcase my art, most of which is inspired by social issues and my own form of activism.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work consists of a creative blog called “As I Know”, found on as-i-know.com. With my blog, I wanted to create a space for me to write, educate others, and foster learning and change. This blog’s purpose is to delve deep into societal issues surrounding race, culture, equality, and justice. Then, these vast issues will be analyzed and broken down from my perspective, As I know. The goal of this blog is to cultivate thought surrounding major current events in the world, and inspire thinking. As young people, we hold the power to ultimately change the world, and through this, the power to foster an inclusivity that has yet to come. Within my blog sphere, I also wanted to create a space to showcase my art, most of which is inspired by social issues and my own form of activism. Something that sets me apart from others, is the combination of art, activism, and journalism, in a meaningful nature that sends a digestible message to the masses. I’m most proud of how I am, slowly but surely, making strides with my work as I teach others about the world around them. It makes me excited to feel as though I am making a difference and changing minds. Regarding my writing, I’ve always been interested in the subject, but this is the first time in my life where I have truly used my skills for good. This journey was fairly simple for me, and most of my struggles have been internal. A challenge I faced the most was fear and a lack of confidence surrounding showing my work to others, but once I overcame it, I felt sure of myself. A truly important lesson that I have learned is that “humility is healing”. And what I mean by that is opening yourself up to criticism, constructive of course, and placing yourself in a vulnerable position can be beneficial as it allows you to hone your skills and grow as a creative person. When I receive feedback, good or bad, I utilize it and allow myself to become better. In the past, I may have received criticism and react negatively, but now, I choose to use this humility as a means to advance myself and my work. Something that I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my intention is to foster a more knowledgeable and aware community as well as bring awareness to important issues.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was visiting Miami for the day, I would take them for breakfast at “Salty Donut”, a gourmet donut shop with steep prices, but amazing flavors and luxury goods. While we were in the Wynwood area, I would take them to visit the Wynwood Walls so that they could be exposed to the amazing art and murals in Miami. Then, I would take them to Historic Overtown, the historically black part of Miami, so that they could be exposed to the rich culture of Miami. While we’re in the area I would definitely take them to Little Haiti, so that they could see the vibrant Caribbean culture within Miami as well as the cultural center. Since Miami has so much history from so many cultures, I would also take them to the breathtaking Vizcaya Museums and Gardens for some fresh air and gorgeous sights. Another daytime activity would be the Coconut Grove Farmers Market. The Market is right in the middle of Coconut Grove, a region founded by Bahamian immigrants and full of rich history. At the farmers market, they’ll have access to so many unique fruits and vegetables, incredible food, one of a kind clothing, and the work of so many artisan jewelers. With the beautiful weather we have in Miami, I would definitely take them to hang out at one of the many parks in Miami for a chill picnic. On another day, we may go to the Adrienne Arsht center to catch a show, concert, or theatre performance. At the end of the day, I would definitely take them down to Virginia Key Beach Park to watch the incomparable Miami sunset. During the times of segregation, this was one of the only beaches where Black people in Miami were allowed to frequent. To top off the night, I would definitely take them to the House of Mac, a black owned restaurant in Wynwood with incredible food and a lovely ambiance.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all of my friends and family who motivate me to do what I do and empower my work. I would not be where I am now if it was not for a group of supportive individuals in my corner constantly propelling me to do better and be better. I have a bit of a self sabotaging streak, and the support of others inspires me to go after things. I would also like to shoutout all the English teachers who have honed my writing skills and the Art teachers who have made me grow as a creative individual.

Website: as-i-know.com

Instagram: @asiknow.blog

Other: Personal instagram @yayasthilaire Email for professional inquiries: yayast.hilaire@gmail.com