The Story Behind Jemeems: How a Nickname Became My Personal Brand
Have you ever had a nickname that just stuck? The kind that feels so natural, so you, that it becomes a part of your identity? That’s precisely what happened with Jemeems. What started as a fun college nickname has now evolved into something much bigger—a brand that embodies who I am and what I love. Today, I want to share the story behind Jemeems and why it means so much to me.
More Than Just a Name: The Evolution of Jemima
Yes, my name has always been Jemima, but the way it’s been pronounced has changed over the years. Both my parents are from Haiti, speaking French, Haitian Kreyol, and English, though their English carries a distinct accent. My name comes from the Bible—Job 42, to be exact.
Job was a man who deeply loved and honored God. He endured immense trials after the devil wagered that Job’s faith was only strong because of his material wealth. After losing everything—his fortune, livestock, and children—Job had an encounter with God. In the end, God restored all that he lost and blessed him with seven sons and three daughters, the most beautiful in the land.
"The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-Happuch." – Job 42:14
As the firstborn, my father named me Jemima, pronouncing it the way he had read it in the French Louis Segond Bible: Jay-mee-mah.
But growing up, I faced challenges with my name. Teachers struggled to say it, and classmates often made fun of it. Wanting to blend in, I adopted the American pronunciation: Juh-my-muh.
Fast-forward to college—I was volunteering at St. Peter’s Catholic Charities, helping Cape Verdean students with their homework and college applications. Twice a week, I took the Red Line to Ashmont Station, making the trek after cutting sugar out of my teas and slowly adjusting to drinking them unsweetened from the nearby Dunkin’ Donuts.
One evening, the youth leader—whose name escapes me, but I vividly remember he looked like Usher—drove the volunteers back to the train station. As we talked about the importance of language, I mentioned that my name was originally pronounced Jay-mee-mah. He immediately said, "That’s beautiful—you should go by the name your parents intended." Then, he added something that stuck with me: "Your name is easy. White people learn to pronounce all these difficult Russian names; they can learn yours, too."
That moment shifted something in me. From then on, I rebranded myself and only went by Jay-mee-mah. My identity felt restored, and everyone I met after that point in college knew me by that name. I didn’t accept any other pronunciation.
The Birth of Jemeems
Soon after, I spent the summer mentoring first-generation college students in a College Transition Program (CTP) on campus. Though I was embracing my name, I still found myself explaining the soft French J to new acquaintances. I would break it down phonetically as Jay-mee-mah to make it easier to understand.
During this time, I had the privilege of mentoring an incredible student named Emmanuel Laguerre. We formed a great bond, and one day, he playfully started calling me Jemeems. It was catchy, fun, and full of personality—just like me! I instantly loved it and began using it everywhere, from social media handles to casual conversations.
The name Jemeems quickly became a reflection of my personality. I’ve always been someone who loves humor, enjoys a good meme, and believes that life should be both meaningful and fun. This nickname captured all of that in one word, and it has stuck with me ever since.
From Nickname to Brand
For years, Jemeems was just my go-to online name. It was playful, memorable, and uniquely mine. But as I started thinking about building my personal brand—one centered around my entrepreneurial journey, self-development, and creativity—I realized that Jemeems was more than just a nickname. It perfectly represented the energy I wanted to bring to the world.
Jemeems is about embracing elegance and fun, wisdom and wit. It’s about living boldly, growing constantly, and making space for deep self-improvement and lighthearted joy. Whether I’m documenting my entrepreneurial journey, sharing self-development insights, or simply adding a touch of humor to everyday life, Jemeems represents my unique approach to personal growth.
What’s Next for Jemeems?
Now, Jemeems is more than just a name—it’s a movement. Through my blog and future projects, I hope to inspire, empower, and connect with people on a journey of growth, creativity, and personal evolution. I want this space to be a place where authenticity meets transformation, where knowledge is shared, and where laughter is always welcome.
And I’d love for you to be a part of this journey!
Lemme know your thoughts:
What’s a nickname or phrase that has stuck with you over the years? Drop a comment below and share the story behind it! And if you’re enjoying this journey with me, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more personal stories, insights, and inspiration.
Let’s grow together! ✨
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