The Jikaria Sisters: Embracing Their South Asian and American Identities on TikTok

The Jikaria Sisters: Embracing Their South Asian and American Identities on TikTok

Omika, Rishika, and Aashika are three sisters from NYC who share content on their TikTok account @jikariasisters. They create inspiring content that combines their South Asian and American identities, covering dance, music, fashion, beauty, culture, and social causes. Being part of the API community means bridging their Indian and American cultures and embracing their true selves without hiding any part of their identity. They aim to show others in the community that it is possible to pursue both art and traditional careers, breaking the stereotype that one has to choose between the two.

The TikTok community has inspired the Jikaria Sisters in three main ways. Firstly, they find inspiration from other creators who embrace their diverse identities and backgrounds. They have formed friendships with many creators who share similar cultural experiences. Secondly, they have built relationships with their community across five continents, engaging in important conversations about culture and society. Lastly, they are inspired by the equity that TikTok represents, as anyone with a camera can create and share content, breaking down barriers in the art world.

One of their favorite TikTok videos is a dance mashup of a Bollywood song and an American song, combining their love for both Bollywood and Hip Hop. This video showcases their ability to embrace both sides of their culture and has been recognized as the start of South Asian fusion dance on TikTok. They have created many more mashup dances since then.

Apart from the API community, the Jikaria Sisters also identify with the mental health community. They believe in the power of dance for promoting self-care and wellness and encourage their community to incorporate self-care through the arts. They also identify with the women in law, women in STEM, and women in business communities, as they pursue multiple careers. They are passionate about increasing South Asian and female representation in these spaces.

One of their favorite campaigns so far was their collaboration with Toyota for a Diwali campaign. They participated in a photoshoot and dance to celebrate the holiday and promote one of Toyota's 2022 vehicles. It was an honor for them to spread awareness about their culture while working with a familiar brand that their entire family, including their parents, supports.

For dance creators looking to build a brand on TikTok, the Jikaria Sisters advise staying authentic to one's identity and interests. Their followers appreciate authenticity, along with the joy and happiness they bring. Consistency is also key, even during times of feeling unmotivated. They believe that consistent creativity, experimentation, and learning will help creators grow personally and professionally. TikTok can be a platform for self-exploration and self-expression.