We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jayla Smith. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jayla, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of the ongoing relationship I’m building with God. It’s a deeply personal journey that happens quietly, beneath the surface of everything else. While it might not be visible to others, it shapes my values, my resilience, and how I show up in the world. It’s not a destination, but a continuous process of growth, reflection, and trust — and it’s something that grounds me in ways that aren’t always outwardly noticeable but are profoundly important to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Jayla, and I’m truly honored to have this second opportunity to share my work. My journey is deeply rooted in my love for God — He’s carried me through many storms and continues to guide me toward my purpose.
I have a passion for learning and creating, always looking for new ways to keep my mind engaged and my ideas flowing. I’m the creator and founder of J’s SweetTooth — a brand dedicated to satisfying your sweet tooth while exploring the fun and creativity behind unique treat creations.
What makes my story special is that it’s built on faith and intentional living. Right now, I’m working on new treat ideas, special sales, designing a website, and learning how to create content that helps bring more visibility to my brand. It’s a growing process — especially while juggling a busy work schedule — but I’m seeing steady progress.
My goal is to truly enjoy what I do. And if it leads to greater success through the effort I put in, I welcome it — Lord willing. This isn’t just a business for me; it’s a reflection of my personal journey, my growth, and my faith. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Through my work, I hope others feel seen, inspired, and encouraged to chase what matters most to them.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I used to believe I wasn’t smart or intelligent. I would watch my peers excel in sports, spelling bees, Honor Society, and consistently bring home A’s and B’s. Academics felt like a struggle for me — not because I wasn’t capable, but because I wasn’t fully focused. My mind would drift, and I found it hard to concentrate on things that didn’t spark my interest.
I knew early on that sports weren’t my thing, but what really made me doubt myself was seeing how easily others seemed to grasp schoolwork while I was constantly wondering, “Why wasn’t I born to be smart like them?” It made me feel like I was missing something.
What I didn’t realize back then was that I was intelligent — just in a different way. I had so much creativity and passion. I loved doing makeup and hair, and being captain of my step team brought me joy and a sense of purpose. Those creative outlets kept me grounded through the ups and downs of school.
Now, looking back, I understand that my mind wasn’t unfocused — it was forward-thinking. I was already dreaming about my future and what I wanted to build. I’ve learned that intelligence isn’t one-size-fits-all. My creativity, leadership, and vision are all forms of intelligence that school didn’t always measure — but they’ve shaped who I am today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resilience, and how to fully lean on God — especially when life felt uncertain or disappointing. For a long time, I thought success meant going to college, earning a degree, and becoming something “big” like a doctor or a lawyer. I had really high expectations for myself because that’s what I thought success had to look like.
But when things didn’t go the way I planned, I felt lost. That’s when I had to stop, pray, and really ask God to show me where He was leading me. Through that struggle, I realized that success isn’t just about titles or degrees — it’s about purpose, peace, and being obedient to the path God sets for you.
Suffering taught me how to listen more closely to His voice, how to trust His timing, and how to find value in becoming who I was created to be — not who the world expected me to be. Success may bring recognition, but suffering brought clarity, humility, and a deeper faith that success on its own never could.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to learning more about God and deepening my relationship with Him, no matter how long it takes. I recently started a personal Bible study to help me grow in my understanding of His word and who He truly is — not just what others say about Him.
For a long time, I felt distant from God because I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community. I constantly heard things like “God hates gays” or “You’re going to hell,” and it made me feel like I didn’t belong, like I was already condemned. It pushed me away from seeking God for myself.
But over time, I realized that so many of those voices came from people who were often the most judgmental — and the least reflective of God’s true love and grace. I had to unlearn what I was told and choose to seek God on my own terms, with an open heart. I’m not perfect, and I’m still learning every day, but I’m committed to staying close to Him because He is my source of peace, hope, and strength in a world that can be so harsh and unforgiving.
This journey with God is personal, and it’s not always easy, but it’s real — and it’s mine. And I’ll stay committed to it, no matter how long it takes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was a light — someone who brought joy, laughter, and realness into every room I walked into. I may come off tough on the outside, but those who really knew me understood that I was soft as butter on the inside. I loved hard, and I’d go above and beyond for the people I cared about — even if the love or support wasn’t always returned.
I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up, no matter how hard things got. Sure, I might cry about it first — I’m human — but by the grace of God, I always kept pushing forward. I stayed true to who I was and didn’t take mess from anyone. I stood up for my family — blood or chosen — no matter what.
At the end of the day, I want people to say that I showed up with loyalty, love, and a boldness that couldn’t be shaken. That I made people feel seen, protected, and inspired to keep going — just like I did.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/js.sweettooth_?igsh=d20zbXAwaDhzb3A4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16yWt17U8v/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok-
https://www.tiktok.com/@treatsandmej?_t=ZT-8xVip2ewxGH&_r=1
