Podcast Summary: Nara Smith on “On Purpose with Jay Shetty”
Podcast Information
- Title: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
- Host: Jay Shetty
- Episode: Nara Smith: ‘The Comments and the Hate Got to Me. I Was Crying Every Single Day.’ The REAL Story Behind Her Viral Persona, Online Criticism & Discovering Her Self-Worth
- Release Date: July 9, 2025
Introduction to Nara Smith In this compelling episode, Jay Shetty welcomes Nara Aziza Smith, a South African-born model and digital creator who has garnered over 14 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. Known for her vibrant cooking videos, fashion-forward outfits, and authentic approach to motherhood, Nara shares her journey of balancing a thriving online presence with the challenges of personal life and mental health.
Early Life and Modeling Career Nara recounts her early foray into modeling at the age of 14. Inspired by the budding social media platform Instagram, she began posting her outfits and eventually caught the attention of IMG Models. Reflecting on her upbringing in Frankfurt, Germany, Nara credits her German grandmother for instilling a love for cooking, piano, and reading—habits that deeply influence her content today.
[12:02] Nara Smith: “I had no sense of embarrassment or humility. I was like, yeah, I look great. I'm tall, I'm whatever.”
Meeting and Marrying Lucky Blue Smith At 18, Nara met Lucky Blue Smith, a relationship that rapidly culminated in marriage. She describes their whirlwind romance:
[19:25] Jay Shetty: “That's beautiful. That's amazing. That's a true, like, rocket shit.”
[19:31] Nara Smith: “It Truly was. And a lot of people were really questioning whether we were sane and doing it this quick. But I wouldn't have changed it for the world. It's been great.”
Their early commitment was built on mutual values and clear communication, setting a strong foundation for their relationship.
Navigating Early Marriage and Motherhood Nara discusses the dynamics of marrying and having children at a young age. She emphasizes the importance of aligning visions and values with her partner, which has been pivotal in maintaining a healthy marriage.
[24:41] Nara Smith: “My dad has instilled very strong values in me. As soon as I turned 18, I knew what I wanted my life to be.”
She and Lucky share responsibilities equally, debunking traditional gender roles and fostering a partnership based on collaboration and mutual support.
Dealing with Online Criticism and Mental Health A significant portion of the conversation delves into the toll of online negativity on Nara’s mental health. She candidly shares how hateful comments led her to despair during her pregnancy:
[57:46] Nara Smith: “I would be crying every single day. I didn't want to leave the house because all the comments and the hate got to me so bad.”
Nara explains her strategies to cope, including separating her social media interactions from her personal life by maintaining two phones—one for public engagement and another for personal connections. This boundary-setting has been crucial in preserving her mental well-being.
[56:52] Nara Smith: “I post my thing, maybe read a few comments, but that phone is gone. I don't read my comments. My personal phone is for everyone that actually knows me.”
Building Authentic Content and Personal Brand Nara emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her content creation. Her videos, which combine cooking with high-fashion outfits and soothing ASMR-like voiceovers, reflect her genuine passions rather than a facade designed for views.
[73:50] Nara Smith: “It's me and my tripod. It's okay. He does cleanup, bless his heart.”
She shares how her content evolved organically from personal interests and health journeys, allowing her to connect deeply with her audience while maintaining her authentic self.
Managing Social Media and Preserving Self-Worth Addressing the challenges of social media, Nara speaks about the detrimental effects of external validation and the importance of self-worth independent of online feedback.
[94:08] Nara Smith: “If you wait for it to be perfect, you'll never get started. I would much rather you try your absolute best and put something out.”
Nara advocates for creating content driven by passion rather than performance metrics, fostering a sustainable and fulfilling online presence.
Balancing Career and Family Life Nara discusses the intricate balance between her burgeoning career and motherhood. Her approach includes setting clear routines and ensuring that her work does not overshadow her family life.
[86:01] Jay Shetty: “What’s exciting you right now? Like what? You’ve got so much going on. What about it is just bringing you joy and bringing you life.”
[86:07] Nara Smith: “I feel grateful to fulfill my dreams and live the reality I’ve always dreamt about since childhood.”
This balance is maintained through mutual support with Lucky, allowing both partners to pursue their careers while actively participating in parenting.
Advice for Aspiring Creators Nara offers invaluable advice for those aspiring to build their own digital presence or modeling careers:
- Find Your Passion: Engage in activities you love rather than chasing trends or what’s perceived to perform well.
- Consistency is Key: Regularly posting content, even through trial and error, can lead to unexpected viral moments.
- Authenticity Over Perfection: Authentic content attracts genuine followers and sustains long-term engagement.
- Balance Performance and Passion: Create a mix of high-performing content and personal passion projects to maintain both engagement and satisfaction.
[100:10] Nara Smith: “Building something on what you love instead of what’s trending... People are going to stick around for that.”
Final Reflections and Final Five Questions Towards the end of the episode, Nara and Jay participate in the “Final Five” segment, providing quick insights into her personal philosophies and experiences.
- Best Advice Received: “Don't try to be perfect. Just do it.”
- Worst Advice Received: “Try to get it perfect because nothing's ever perfect.”
- Least Nara Smith Thing to Do: “I don't style my hair every day.”
- Role of Faith and Spirituality: Essential for grounding and purpose. “It’s my center... keeps me humble and compassionate.”
- One Law for Everyone: “Being more compassionate and not doing things you wouldn't want people to do to you.”
Conclusion Nara Smith’s episode on “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” is a heartfelt exploration of her journey through fame, early marriage, motherhood, and overcoming online negativity. Her candid discussions offer listeners profound insights into maintaining authenticity, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering meaningful relationships both online and offline. Nara’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of self-worth and the importance of living life on one’s own terms.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- [16:47] Nara Smith: “It's never worth it to sacrifice your health and how you feel for something because you are going to be good enough in whatever way you choose to show up.”
- [56:52] Nara Smith: “I post my thing, maybe read a few comments, but that phone is gone. I don't read my comments.”
- [94:08] Nara Smith: “If you wait for it to be perfect, you'll never get started.”
- [100:10] Nara Smith: “Building something on what you love instead of what’s trending... People are going to stick around for that.”
Key Takeaways
- Authenticity Matters: Staying true to oneself fosters genuine connections and long-term success.
- Mental Health is Paramount: Setting boundaries, especially in the digital realm, is crucial for personal well-being.
- Balancing Roles: Effective communication and shared responsibilities are vital in maintaining healthy relationships.
- Passion Over Perfection: Pursuing what you love leads to more sustainable and fulfilling endeavors.
Listeners who haven’t tuned into this episode yet will find Nara Smith’s story both inspiring and relatable, offering valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of modern life with grace and authenticity.