Embracing your true self and staying authentic in a world that encourages conformity can be challenging. With social media’s pressure to adhere to specific beauty standards and lifestyle aesthetics, it can be challenging to distinguish your voice from the ongoing hubbub. However, it is essential to pause and reflect on how you truly want to be represented to the world and what makes you unique. That is precisely what Jessica Claflin, an athlete, an academic, and an influencer, is doing with her social media account, Sailstrong.

Sailstrong has garnered an organic following of over 128K, a testament to how one can stand out prominently by not giving in to prevailing social media norms. She started her account to showcase her Olympic campaign and volunteer work with young women. However, now it serves as a window into her life, letting her followers see herself in her natural and true spirit and inspiring many to dream for more. As an athlete with a deep love for sailing, she also shares snippets from her sporting adventures.

Jessica doesn’t believe in preaching; instead, she focuses on leading by example. She says, “I do not ‘push’ a message of women’s strength. I simply live it.” Her wide range of interests, spanning from academia to sports to art, sets her as an ideal role model for believing in oneself and achieving one’s goals. She then portrays these ideals on her social media, inspiring many young women to pursue their dreams and encouraging them to break all limits.

Moreover, she sets solid ideals regarding environmentally-friendly products and practices ethical consumerism, which is the practice of purchasing products that minimize social and environmental damage. Through Sailstrong, she only promotes products she uses herself and approves of, such as intricate pieces by Whale Tail Weaving and an ethically sourced, vegan streetwear brand, Ragwear. She started promoting these brands out of love and it was not until 2022 that she became an ambassador for both brands.

Jessica continues to present her unfiltered self to the world through her travel adventures, stories from everyday life, and her passion for sports. Her authentic nature, wide range of interests, and ability to spark a sense of empowerment in others define Sailstrong as a one-of-a-kind social media space.

Looking to the future, Jessica aims to grow Sailstrong with her creative and engaging content, sharing her adventures with her online family. Her message to her followers is clear – stay true to yourself, embrace authenticity, and never be afraid to stand out. To learn more about what the future holds for Jessica and Sailstrong, follow her on  Instagram and Facebook.