Ajib Gathoni, a vibrant personality in Kenya’s entertainment industry, has swiftly become a household name through her passion for dance, brand influence, and content creation, particularly on TikTok. Since her journey began with a modest church crew in Mombasa, Ajib’s fan base has expanded rapidly, especially after her fame surged in 2020. Today, her unique dance style and lively online presence not only bring her paid dance engagements but also subject her to the inevitable wave of public scrutiny that often follows popularity.
Ajib’s experience with criticism reflects a common theme in the lives of many public figures today. While the spotlight grants fame, it also exposes vulnerabilities that critics both constructive and antagonistic can exploit. In a recent appearance on the Cre8 podcast, Ajib candidly shared her strategy for handling this public critique, offering insights into the often-underestimated challenges faced by digital creators. Her approach is a testament to the mental resilience and emotional intelligence needed to survive and thrive in a hyper-critical digital age.
Building a Foundation in Dance and Social Media Fame
Ajib’s passion for dance is deeply rooted in her beginnings. Starting as part of a church dance crew in Mombasa, she honed her skills, developed her unique dance style, and cultivated a love for the art that would later set her apart. When she began posting dance videos online, she had no idea her content would resonate so strongly with viewers. By 2020, her social media presence, particularly on TikTok, exploded, garnering her widespread attention and a growing fan base.
As her fame grew, so did her opportunities. She began to attract paid dance engagements and brand partnerships, which were highly valued milestones in her career. Yet, with these successes came the reality of public attention a double-edged sword that exposed her to praise, criticism, and sometimes outright hostility.
For Ajib, fame has been a blessing and a challenge. While it brings opportunities, it also requires a level of mental resilience. Reflecting on her experience in her interview, Ajib noted, “If anyone’s got medals for ignoring criticism, it’s me.” Her statement isn’t a dismissal of her critics but rather a declaration of her determination to protect her mental health amid the public’s scrutiny.
Facing Criticism with a Thick Skin
Ajib’s strategy for dealing with criticism can be summed up in one word: resilience. Like many young creators, Ajib is well aware that the internet can be harsh, with people criticizing everything from her appearance to her creative output. She understands that such criticism is part of being in the public eye, and she approaches it with a thick skin. “You definitely need it,” she said in her Cre8 podcast interview, acknowledging that her career and public persona require her to endure and sometimes ignore the judgments of others.
This thick skin isn’t merely about brushing off comments or pretending they don’t hurt. It’s a deliberate choice to prioritize her mental well-being over the opinions of strangers. Ajib elaborated on her non-confrontational approach, sharing that she actively chooses not to engage with antagonistic feedback. “I wouldn’t give anyone airtime because the moment you react, they think, ‘Game on.’” By ignoring hostile remarks, she denies critics the satisfaction of a reaction, demonstrating a maturity and self-discipline that is essential for maintaining longevity in a career fueled by public opinion.
Ajib’s choice not to engage stems from her philosophy that not all feedback deserves a response. Engaging with every comment, she believes, would exhaust her emotionally and detract from her passion for dance and content creation. “I’m not confrontational at all,” she explained, emphasizing her decision to avoid unnecessary conflict. This philosophy allows her to stay focused on her goals and her artistry, rather than being consumed by the demands of online critics.
The Role of Constructive Feedback
While Ajib actively avoids hostile criticism, she remains open to constructive feedback, which she sees as a valuable tool for self-improvement. Unlike antagonistic remarks, constructive criticism often comes with suggestions and encouragement, making it beneficial for personal and professional growth. Ajib acknowledges this difference, saying she values feedback that comes with “solutions.” This kind of engagement, she believes, fosters productive conversations that can help her refine her work and continue to grow as a creator.
Ajib’s selective openness to feedback highlights an important aspect of handling public criticism: not all critiques are the same. Some are malicious and unhelpful, while others can be transformative. By filtering out negative comments and focusing on constructive input, Ajib maintains a healthy boundary that allows her to grow without being overwhelmed by negativity.
Setting Boundaries with Critics
Despite her resilience, Ajib understands the importance of setting boundaries when criticism becomes too intrusive. In her interview, she shared a simple but effective strategy for dealing with particularly harsh critics: blocking. “If someone makes me second-guess myself, I block them,” she stated, adding that she doesn’t want “that energy” in her life.
This practice of setting boundaries is essential in a time when social media allows anyone to voice their opinions. For Ajib, blocking is not about silencing criticism but about protecting her peace of mind. By curating her online environment, she creates a space that fosters positivity and self-confidence rather than self-doubt.
Ajib’s approach to boundary-setting also reflects a shift in how public figures manage their online personas. Rather than allowing critics free rein, Ajib takes control of her interactions, choosing who has access to her and who doesn’t. This empowerment is essential for maintaining a sense of self-worth and self-respect in the face of relentless scrutiny.
Learning from Past Responses to Cyberbullying
Ajib’s journey has not been without missteps, especially when it comes to responding to cyberbullying. She candidly admitted that in the past, she sometimes reacted pettily to negative comments. This honesty reveals a side of Ajib that many can relate to the natural impulse to defend oneself when attacked. However, she has since realized that these reactions often play into the hands of bullies, who thrive on getting a reaction from their targets.
Now, Ajib embraces a different approach. Rather than engaging in petty exchanges, she seeks out constructive conversations that contribute positively to her growth. By focusing on feedback that includes solutions, she redirects her energy from defensiveness to self-improvement, transforming criticism into an opportunity for growth. Ajib’s evolution in handling criticism serves as a reminder that learning from past mistakes is a powerful tool for personal development.
A Lesson in Self-Confidence and Emotional Resilience
Ajib Gathoni’s approach to handling criticism offers a valuable lesson in self-confidence and emotional resilience. Her ability to navigate public scrutiny without losing her sense of self reflects a strength that is essential for anyone in the public eye. By choosing not to engage with negativity, focusing on constructive feedback, setting boundaries, and learning from her past reactions, Ajib has developed a strategy that allows her to protect her mental health while pursuing her passion.
Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring creators and public figures who may struggle with the pressures of fame. Ajib’s journey reminds us that criticism, while unavoidable, does not have to define us. With resilience, self-confidence, and a strong sense of boundaries, anyone can thrive in a world that is often quick to judge.
In an era where social media blurs the line between personal and public life, Ajib’s approach is a model for maintaining mental well-being while pursuing a career in the limelight. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, self-worth, and emotional intelligence in navigating the complex dynamics of public opinion. Ajib Gathoni is not only a talented dancer and creator but also a role model for anyone learning to handle criticism with grace and confidence.
