Give The Girls Their Flowers: Ayanna J
Graphic Designer | Communications Specialist | Self-Taught Storyteller
Knowing how and when to pivot has been key for me.
For Ayanna J., the journey hasn’t been linear—but it’s been hers. From pivoting out of law school dreams into creative work, to becoming a self-taught designer with a Master’s degree under her belt, Ayanna has proven that figuring it out is still a form of blooming.
She carries herself like a pink peony—elegant, strong, warm, and resilient. Her story is a reflection of how grace and grit can coexist, and how sometimes the most unexpected detours are actually the path.
In this feature, Ayanna shares her story of growth, reinvention, and why beauty appointments and Beyoncé are sacred self-care.
Let’s get into it.
Figuring it out.. STILL
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Figuring it out.. STILL 〰️
Q: If your life was a novel, what would the title be?
Ayanna: “Figuring it out…still!”
Q: If you could describe yourself as a flower, which one would it be and why?
Ayanna: “If I were a flower, I’d say a pink peony because it represents elegance, strength, and warmth, much like how I carry myself. It’s vibrant and bold but also soft and graceful, reflecting my ability to be both strong and gentle in any situation.”
Q: What’s a song that instantly makes you feel like that girl?
Ayanna: “long way 2 go - cassie”
Q: What’s your go-to “romanticize your life” activity?
Ayanna: “Getting myself dolled up—hair, nails, lashes—it not only boosts my appearance but also lifts my mood. I always look forward to my beauty appointments; they’re like a little self-care ritual that I genuinely enjoy.”
If I were a flower, I’d say a pink peony because it represents elegance, strength, and warmth, much like how I carry myself.
Q: If your younger self saw you today, what’s the first thing she’d say? Would she gag?
Ayanna: “She’d be so confused, considering I was 100% sure I’d be a lawyer by now, LMAO. She’d probably say, "Girl, what even is communications? And since when do you know anything about Adobe, graphics, or a master's degree?" But of course, she’d be amazed too because it means we’re self-taught. One thing about it!”
Q: What’s something people assume about you that’s totally wrong?
Ayanna: “People always assume that i’m mean, because allegedly i have RBF. i’m literally just reserved and once im comfortable, you’ll love me lol.”
Q: Who in your life has truly given you your flowers (figuratively or literally)?
Ayanna: “My mom, literally. My first name, Ayanna, means "beautiful flower" in Swahili—she knew what she was doing, 😂. But beyond that, she’s been my #1 cheerleader through every phase of my life. A mother's job is never done, and the unconditional love she gives is unmatched. From dance recitals to school presentations to investing in my dreams (aka sending the funds!), she’s always there. She’s the one who gives me cards for every holiday with the most uplifting messages. That woman believes in anything I say I want to do and always encourages me to go for it!”
Q: What’s a lesson you learned the hard way, but you’re grateful for?
Ayanna: “Nothing good comes without effort (but I’m still learning how to be patient with that).”
Q: What’s a fear you’ve conquered that you’re most proud of?
Ayanna: “I used to be super shy, but I’ve definitely broken out of that shell over time. I still have my moments, but it’s way easier now to get up and give a presentation or talk to any crowd, big or small. I’m still a work in progress though! I’m working on going to social events solo to step out of my comfort zone instead of feeling like I need someone to go with me.”
Getting myself dolled up—hair, nails, lashes—it not only boosts my appearance but also lifts my mood.
Q: If you could have a two-hour conversation with any woman (alive or passed), who would it be and what would you ask her?
Ayanna: “Girl, Beyoncé! I’d want to know if she feels fulfilled overall and how she developed such an inspiring work ethic. And of course, I’d need some advice! How does she manage to prioritize work-life balance? Oh, and what REALLY happened in that elevator, you know what I mean.”
Q: What’s a fictional character (from a book, TV, or film) you know you’d be besties with?
Ayanna: “Not a fictional character but i feel like me and nene leakes would get along just great”
Q:Which book made you want to drag the author for emotional suffering?
Ayanna: “Wouldn’t say drag necessarily but the coldest winter ever by sista souljah. i can read this book 100x and stilllll be in shock about Winters life”
Q:If you could give yourself flowers for something you’ve done lately, what would it be?
Ayanna: “Knowing how and when to pivot has been key for me. My life took a complete 180, and instead of dwelling on self-pity, stress, or fear, I decided to roll with it. Things changed, and I could either let it overwhelm me or take a step back and find a new direction. I chose to embrace the shift, stay flexible, and focus on what’s next. It’s all about adjusting to the curveballs life throws at you and finding a way to move forward, even if it’s in a different direction than you imagined.”
It’s all about adjusting to the curveballs life throws at you and finding a way to move forward.
Ayanna’s journey is proof that pivoting doesn’t mean failure—it’s an act of courage. She’s leaned into the unknown, built her skills brick by brick, and continues to redefine what success looks like on her terms.
She’s not afraid to adjust, evolve, and rise again, even if the path ahead looks different than she once imagined.
"It’s all about adjusting to the curveballs life throws at you and finding a way to move forward."
💐 Follow Ayanna on Instagram @ayannajdesigns and check out her work at ayannajdesigns.com. Read more inspiring interviews in the "Giving the Girls Their Flowers" series.
