In the shiny and often too-perfect world of Instagram influencers, many creators strive to create an image of a flawless life, a spotless house, perfectly behaved children, and the marriage that most could only dream about.
It’s an unrealistic expectation, and Jaclyn Singletary Gibson isn’t here for it.
Her images and videos are both relatable and vulnerable, displaying her role as a devoted wife and working mother who is willing to tackle tough issues that today’s women all face. “My goal has always been to share openly,” Gibson says, “especially about things that are tough to talk about – sex, conflict, finances, and relationships in general.”
Her following of 250k+ on Instagram and 79k+ on TikTok shows that people gravitate toward her realness, openness, and willingness to be vulnerable about all aspects of her life. Gibson strives for authenticity in what she describes as “a space filled with a lot of fake!”
Keeping the Focus on Family
“My content is for everyone,” she shares, “and it’s based on the sometimes not-so-fun reality and depths of marriage and motherhood.”
She cares much more about being relatable than about looking “good”. Granted, she’s a gorgeous woman and has impeccable fashion sense – but these aspects are not her focus. “I do love fashion,” she says. “But that’s like a bonus. The purpose of the fashion tips that I share is basically to make the life of a mom easier. Easy pieces that go together. Comfortable clothes that still look cute. Looks that can easily go from day to night.”
Some of her go-to brands are ZARA, SKIMS, Savannah Morrow, Needle & Thread London, and even more accessible brands like H&M and Target. “What I wear doesn’t have to be expensive or a specific label,” she says. “I like to be comfortable. I’m a mom, first and foremost. My kids are more important than my clothes.”
The True Definition of Home
She brings up issues that many women struggle with but often aren’t comfortable talking about. “I always want to be as real and open as possible,” Gibson states. “I want to always remind women that whatever you’re facing, whether it’s body issues, marriage problems, parenting difficulties – you aren’t the only one, and you are not alone.”
One of these major subjects is something that many families are facing: the current housing crisis. “For the past three years we’ve been staying with my parents,” she says. “It’s been a blessing. My parents are wonderful. But it’s time for us to move out.”
After much deliberation and prayer, Jacyn and her family have opted to rent a home for the time being. “We aren’t ready to buy,” she says. “This is the kind of thing I talk about on my various social media accounts. A lot of people are looking at renting right now, and I want people to know that it’s okay. Not everyone needs to rush out and buy a house. If you don’t know where you want to end up, if you aren’t there financially, whatever the reason – it’s not a big deal.”
Home, she shares, isn’t the city where you choose to live. It’s not whether you own or rent, whether you’re in a house or apartment – home is what you make of it, and most importantly, home is family.
No Such Thing as “Perfect”
Gibson strives to be an example of someone secure in herself, someone unafraid of being honest about life’s hardships. She feels strongly that women should feel free to be themselves: “You don’t have to look and act and dress and talk like everyone else,” she insists. “Who are you? Look inward and know yourself so you can be confident showcasing your true self to the world.”
She leads by example, posting content about things that most are afraid to share. She shares makeup struggles and successes, her favorite morning routines, how she hates wearing bras, and her adventures in different hair colors. She wears what she wants, says what she feels, and isn’t worried about looking or seeming a certain way.
“There’s no such thing as perfect,” she laughs. “Imperfection is perfect.”
A Breath of Fresh Air
Gibson’s accounts feel safe and have been described by followers as a breath of fresh air. Her TikTok videos make use of popular sounds and songs, keeping it fresh and trendy, but she intersperses these with “real talk” about the different types of subjects that most influencers hesitate to tackle.
Her message is clear: she feels that people should be true to themselves and that everyone should feel free to be open and genuine. “I spent twenty-five years trying to be someone I literally could never be,” she admits. “You will add the most value to those around you when you are 100% yourself and are able to accept who you are. That’s the only way you can also grow in the areas where you need to grow.”
Pushing Boundaries and Societal Norms
“I am not scared to talk about the ins and outs of my marriage,” Gibson says. “And people are always going to have their say. There are negative comments. But I’m not going to stop being who I am.”
Her goal is to continue to reach young women and as her follow count grows, more and more people are being touched by her heartfelt stories. She’s passionate about women being the best versions of themselves for their families, spouses, kids, and themselves. “I want to let women know that they are worth the dream life that they can’t stop picturing,” she says, “whatever that might look like for them. I do want to relate that it takes hard work, sacrifice, and not giving into societal norms.”
In type Jaclyn-style real talk, she shares her ideals about success: “Success is not a destination. It’s not financial. Success is caring more about what you think of yourself than about what others think of you. Every single day we have the choice to live with intention. If you end each day proud of what you accomplished or how you grew, that’s success.”
Contact Jaclyn Gibson via e-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaclynmgibsonTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@jaclynmgibsonn
