Niyah Imani Jean-Pierre: The 13-Year-Old Haitian-American Star on the Rise

At just 13 years old, Niyah Imani Jean-Pierre is already carving out a powerful presence across fashion, film, and digital media. With a résumé that includes major runway appearances at New York and Los Angeles Fashion Week, national television exposure, magazine covers, and a growing social media following, Niyah represents a new generation of young creatives redefining what it means to be seen and heard.

Rooted in her Haitian heritage and proudly representing the Caribbean diaspora, Niyah brings both talent and purpose to every space she enters. From her early start on PBS Kids Talk About to her expanding career in modeling and acting—including her role in My Soulmate—she continues to balance ambition with authenticity. Whether she’s walking the runway, creating content, or inspiring other youth online, Niyah remains grounded, focused, and driven by a desire to uplift others.

In this exclusive Caribbean E-Magazine feature, Niyah opens up about her journey, her inspirations, and the vision she’s building for the future.

At just 13 years old, you’ve already built an impressive career in modeling, acting, and content creation. How did your journey begin, and what first inspired you to step in front of the camera?

My journey started when I was young. I’ve always loved performing, and seeing my uncle doing voice acting for a Netflix project made me feel like, “Wow, this is something I can really do too.” Modeling started with watching people who came before me, like Zendaya, and feeling inspired by how confident and creative they were. I walked my first show in 2024 in NYFW for the designer Elsa Fairy dresses, and it felt surreal. Recently, I walked at the Avalon Theatre in LA for Charlie Fashion Design during the CIE Music Meets Fashion x Raw Nation Ent event, and that amazing feeling is still there. Booking my first project really sealed everything for me and made me want to keep going.

You were first introduced to a national audience through PBS Kids Talk About. What was that experience like, and how did it shape your confidence and voice as a young creator?

PBS Kids Talk About was such a special experience because I actually booked it with my dad, James Jean‑Pierre. We even got to build a fort together for the parent PBS Kids article or newsletter, which is still one of my favorite memories. Being on that show helped me find my voice and made me feel confident sharing my thoughts on camera.

Your Caribbean roots, particularly your Haitian heritage, are an important part of who you are. How does your culture influence your work and identity in the entertainment industry?

My Haitian heritage keeps me grounded and reminds me to work hard and stay proud of who I am. It gives me strength and inspires me to represent my culture in a positive way. I hope other Caribbean kids can see me and feel encouraged to follow their dreams too.

You’ve walked in major shows like New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week. What was your most memorable runway moment so far?

My most memorable moment was walking at New York Fashion Week in September 2025. I wore a gown designed by Frocknfreckles, and it honestly felt like it was made for a princess — the sage color, the details, everything was perfect. That show meant a lot to me, and becoming an official ambassador for the designer made it even more special.

From magazine covers like Bold and Beyond and Teen Cruze to features in major youth publications, what does it feel like to see yourself represented on such big platforms?

It still feels unreal sometimes. Seeing myself on covers or in features makes me proud of how far I’ve come, and it motivates me to keep growing and trying new things.

You’re balancing modeling, acting, and social media at a young age. How do you stay focused and manage everything while still being a teen?

I stay focused by keeping a good balance. I make time for school, family, and fun, and I stay organized with my projects. Having a strong support system helps a lot too.

As an actress, you’ve taken on a supporting role in My Soulmate the Movie. What did you learn from that experience, and do you see acting becoming a bigger part of your future?

Working on My Soulmate the Movie taught me how much teamwork goes into making a film. I learned how to take direction, stay in character, and be patient on set. Acting is something I want to keep doing and growing in.

Your social media presence continues to grow, with viral moments reaching over 100K views. What kind of content do you enjoy creating the most, and why do you think it resonates with your audience?

I love creating fun, positive content — especially behind‑the‑scenes moments, fashion clips, and anything that shows my personality. I think people connect with it because it’s real and shows who I am beyond photoshoots and events.

You’ve been nominated for the 2026 National Social Media Awards for Youth Creator of the Year. What does this recognition mean to you at this stage in your career?

When Steve, the founder of NSMA, called me, I was so excited to learn about my nomination. Knowing that so many people nominated me makes me feel really supported. I’m also grateful that NSMA created youth categories for the first time this year. It means a lot to have a platform that recognizes the work young creators are doing and gives us a chance to shine.

With your upcoming feature on The McCord List TV, your visibility is expanding across multiple platforms. How do you prepare for interviews and being in the spotlight?

I prepare by staying calm, being myself, and thinking about what I want to share. I practice speaking clearly and confidently, but I also try to have fun with it. I want people to see the real me.

As a young Haitian‑American making waves globally, what message do you hope to send to other Caribbean youth who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

I want them to know that their dreams are possible. No matter where you come from, your voice and your talent matter. Stay proud of your culture and never be afraid to go after what you want.

Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals and dreams for the next few years—both in your career and personally?

My goals are to keep growing in modeling and acting, work on bigger projects, and continue inspiring other kids. Personally, I want to stay grounded, keep learning, and enjoy every step of the journey.

Conclusion

Niyah Imani Jean-Pierre is more than a rising star—she is a reflection of what’s possible when talent, culture, and confidence align at a young age. With each runway, screen appearance, and piece of content she shares, she is not only building a multi-platform career but also creating space for other Caribbean youth to see themselves represented.

Her story is one of inspiration, discipline, and purpose. As she continues to grow in modeling, acting, and digital media, one thing remains clear: Niyah is just getting started. With her strong foundation, supportive community, and unwavering pride in her Haitian roots, the future ahead is limitless.

For young dreamers across the Caribbean and beyond, Niyah’s message is simple yet powerful—your voice matters, your culture is your strength, and your dreams are within reach.

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Instagram: @niyahimani21

Tiktok: @niyahimani6

CREDITS:

Sage dress: Designer: Frocksnfreckles (@frocksnfreckles)  Photographer: Getty Images