biography
Aja Moon, formerly known as Aja Jernagin, is a remarkable 36-year-old black woman whose life has been defined by her relentless pursuit of personal growth, service to others, and creative exploration. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Washington, DC, Aja's journey has taken her from the halls of the US Army Reserves to the stages of prestigious art galleries, showcasing her talents and inspiring those around her.
Aja's transformative path began in 2011 when she made the decision to join the US Army Reserves. Fueled by a deep sense of duty and a desire to serve her country, Aja dedicated herself to her military career. Her commitment and hard work soon propelled her to transition to Active Duty in 2015, where she continued to excel and make significant contributions
all about aja
While diligently serving her country, Aja simultaneously embraced her role as a mother. In 2013, she joyfully welcomed her beloved son Daniel into the world, an experience that further ignited her passion for personal development and becoming a positive role model. Drawing from her own experiences in motherhood, Aja aspired to empower and uplift others facing similar challenges.
In 2017, Aja's natural inclination to guide and inspire others led her to become a certified life coach by way of Lisa Powers Health and Wellness. Recognizing the power of the spoken word, she launched She Lifts Podcast, using the platform to share motivational messages, practical advice, and stories of resilience. Aja's podcast quickly gained traction and became a source of inspiration for listeners worldwide.
As if her accomplishments weren't impressive enough, Aja surprised many by venturing into the realm of bodybuilding. In 2017, she competed in The Catonsville Conquer hosted by OCB, showcasing her dedication to physical fitness and mental discipline. Despite being a newcomer to the sport, Aja defied expectations and secured a remarkable second-place finish, demonstrating her unwavering determination and ability to conquer new challenges.
Aja's achievements continued to multiply as she embarked on a multidimensional creative journey. In 2018, she took to the TEDx stage to share I Don’t Like Your Friends: Abandoning Fear, Depression and Anxiety”, a glimpse of her personal story of refining her circle. Her captivating talk offered in Hilton Head, SC, resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring them to embrace their own potential for expansion and transformation.
That same year, Aja found love and tied the knot, celebrating the start of a new chapter with her husband and life-long friend Thomas. Together, they embarked on a shared journey of support, love, and mutual growth.
In 2019, Aja channeled her passion for education and well-being into a groundbreaking teacher well-being pilot, hosted at Anacostia High School in Washington, DC. Through her “Mindful Mondays”, “Self-Crush Wednesday” and “The Peace Room”, she empowered educators to prioritize self-care and mental health, ultimately enhancing their ability to guide and inspire students. The success of her pilot program contributed to Anacostia receiving the “Standing Ovation Award” in the “Whole Child” category in 2020 and earned her recognition and accolades within the education community.
Aja's creativity and artistic expression also took flight in 2020 when she discovered her talent for painting. Embracing this newfound passion, she began exploring different mediums, themes, and techniques, using art as a means of self-expression and healing.
Determined to refine her new and budding artistic skills, Aja enrolled at the Academy of Art University in in San Francisco in 2021, immersing herself in a formal art education. Her dedication and talent caught the attention of the art world, leading to her inclusion in a prestigious group exhibition “Art For Real” at the Boomer Gallery in London in 2022. Her art captivated viewers, inviting them to experience a profound emotional connection to vibrant color and introspection.
The following year, in 2023, Aja collaborated on a groundbreaking piece, at New York Fashion Week. Her piece, “Muva: A Portrait of Pepper LaBeija”, donned a luxurious garment which showcased the intersection of creativity and self-expression, captivating audiences and challenging conventional notions. “Muva” is also on display in Barcelona, Spain in “Passeig de Gràcia”.
Aja's artistry and curator skills flourished further in 2023 when she exhibited her collection “creatHER: constructing the Black Woman” at the Sebrof Forbes Cultural Arts Center. Her remarkable journey from vision to creation, combined with her healing-based approach, solidified her reputation as a rising star in the art world.
In the same year, Aja organized and curated the "Noted In COVID” Group Art Exhibition, a poignant collection of artworks reflecting the experiences, struggles, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this powerful exhibition, Aja provided a platform for artists to express their emotions and unite communities in a time of crisis.
Aja Moon's journey has been one of resilience, service, and unwavering commitment to personal growth. From her years in the military to her inspiring work as a life coach, artist, and curator, Aja has consistently demonstrated the power of determination, passion, and creativity. Through her various endeavors, she continues to uplift and empower others, leaving an indelible mark on the world and inspiring countless individuals to embrace their own unique paths.