In an exclusive interview with MEGAStyle, Janina Vela shares how she rebranded herself as a content creator and now uses her influence for a greater cause
In a world where fame and influence are often praised and self-promotion is the norm, the act of serving others can seem like a small and insignificant gesture. But in reality, it is the foundation of a person’s legacy because when we choose to put the needs of others before our own, we tap into a deep well of compassion and empathy. This is the spark that ignites Janina Vela’s commitment to standing up for what is right and speaking the digestible truth to reach, inspire, and educate this generation.
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With her main purpose to serve the Filipino people, Janina is willing to carve her legacy one service at a time—from using her platform in tackling disinformation and pop culture all the way to teaching children in underprivileged communities.
From glam to advocacy
A transition or rebranding of content is a difficult and daunting process. It requires a significant amount of introspection and self-awareness to determine what kind of message you want to convey. It also requires a great deal of courage and vulnerability to put yourself and your ideas out there in a new way. Janina Vela, who was previously known as a beauty vlogger, has recently begun using her platform to advocate for various causes, encouraging Bayanihan to become the main theme of history books for future generations.
Although she is well aware that speaking her truth can either be met with acceptance or resistance, she is willing to speak up until the majority understands that Filipinos deserve better.
“I think it is my right as a Filipino citizen, my duty as a Filipino citizen, to have a say even to move or do something about these things. It is both my right and my duty.”
Janina Vela on acknowledging her purpose
By using her platform to shine a light on issues that are swept under the rug, the beauty vlogger turned social advocate shared that the important character trait that drove her to start her advocacy is one that starts within herself. As she has now widened her spectrum, she looks back on the first question she asked herself before she used the power of her influence. “Janina, what matters to you right now?” This question led her to the direction of her initial advocacy, which is about mental health and women’s empowerment.
Making her mark
We all have people in our lives who inspire us and serve as our role models. For Janina, it is her late grandmother, Helen Vela. Helen Vela was a TV and radio personality whose legacy has left a mark until today, as some people still remember her through Janina. This influential personality in Janina’s bloodline played a significant role in shaping her vision today.
Helen Vela’s legacy was shown to Janina through other people who still remember the letters and responses that changed their lives as her late grandmother hosted the show titled Lovingly Yours. By knowing that story, Janina Vela was inspired to also lead a life of purpose and make a difference in the world.
Being the young lady she is now, it is noticeable that Janina has always been someone who leads by example. So, when she asked about how she would encourage everybody, including her fellow influencers, to also use their platform for a greater cause, she touched on the beauty of quiet activism. In the digital age, activism is often associated with loud and public demonstrations, but there is another form of activism that is just as powerful—quiet activism. According to Janina, “quiet activism” is the act of having informative conversations with small groups such as your squad and family members that makes a huge difference in society.
“There are so many people that will never know who Janina Vela is. There are so many people who will not listen to the Trendsetter podcast, but those who do listen to me, they will reach those people.”
Janina Vela on believing that everybody has their own sphere of influence
Looking back
We the Youth Vote was a voter’s education coalition that Janina helped build in 2021. Her role in the organization still made use of her voice as they traveled to different schools and had discussions with the youth about social activism and democracy. For Janina, it was one of her many campaigns that really mattered because it was not just about teaching the Filipinos what to think but helping their audience form their own mindset.
As Janina looked back at the meaningful event, she is still in awe of the intelligence of today’s youth. This new era of brilliance embodied by the current generation she belongs to gives her so much hope that while she aims to shape the future through her voice, she will never be alone in the battle because a lot of young Filipinos scattered all over the world also have a similar purpose as hers.
Moving Forward
As Janina continues her course in this media-saturated age, she generously shared the significant lessons that she learned along the way. Being a social media personality for years now, Janina Vela reminded us that people like her obtain wisdom through listening to like-minded people. In one event called Youtube Creators for Change, the influencer remembered a statement that really changed her perspective on presenting herself on social media. She even scrolled through her notes to find the exact phrase that says, “Your value relies on existing and showing up.” She remembered herself as young Janina, who is a kikay beauty and lifestyle influencer who keeps showing up even without needing validation until now that her content had evolved into addressing social issues.
Meanwhile, when it comes to dealing with criticisms and bashers, the young influencer answers the question with so much wisdom. Describing her character as not completely unfazed by comment warriors online, she makes sure that she reads her comments, picking up constructive criticisms and leaving behind the bashful ones. As she is a firm believer that reading comments from people is also a medium of learning.
“I never close my ears and I will always try to go beyond my echo chamber”
Janina Vela on dealing with criticisms
Wise words for the youth
To officially end our conversation, Janina Vela wants to remind the youth that staying vigilant on social media, calling out in love, and expressing empathy are three of the most important characteristics that the youth should keep in mind. Sometimes, when we are focused on our advocacy like Janina, it is easy to feel hateful about other people’s mindsets because the only thing we want is to destroy them and tear them down, but like Janina said, “Hate doesn’t change people’s minds, kindness and gentleness does.”
Her message to the youth is an encouragement to approach others and situations with a willingness to understand and learn from different perspectives, rather than making assumptions or harboring hate. The influencer, who started as a young YouTuber of beauty and lifestyle, shows a strong sense of empathy and compassion, which shows that her power of influence is rooted in building people up along with her.
Photos from JANINA VELA
