In another century, merchants carried spices, silk, and stories across oceans. Today, creators like Kerry-Ann Collins — better known to her 235,000 Instagram followers as Chiney K Pop Girl — trade in a different currency: content. A Jamaican-American content creator, radio host, and entrepreneur, Collins has taken her work far beyond the Caribbean, building a career based on personality, performance, and a knack for connecting with audiences around the world.
“I was, I guess, what you now call a content creator before there were content creators,” she said in a recent interview from India, where she’s collaborating with Latin American and Caribbean creators. “Before that was a thing, before influencing was a thing.”
Her stage name is a nod to both heritage and dancehall culture. “It came from my mom’s Chinese heritage and my name, Kerry. Also, when the Chiney K riddim came out, Chiney K just made sense — and it stuck.”
Collins studied media and film at William Paterson University in New Jersey and California State University, Northridge, with a focus on the craft of filmmaking — videography, lighting, camerawork, acting. TikTok hadn’t been invented yet. Instagram was still a fledgling platform. Facebook was king. “Being that this was my profession, these platforms were an outlet for me to put my work out there,” she said. “I have a personality that draws people in… I’m the funny kind of girl.”
After struggling to land traditional media work, she bought a Canon 60D and started posting to YouTube. Her first paid job offered her $800 to cover an event. “They said, ‘Be yourself.’ I said, ‘No way. I can get paid for being myself?’ From there, I just kept creating content.” Over time, her influence grew. “If I say, ‘Buy this pencil,’ people will support me and buy that pencil. Back then, those words — influencer, content creator — weren’t even used. It was a professional field.”
Staying True in a Trend-Driven World
In an industry defined by shifting algorithms and viral moments, Collins has maintained a commitment to authenticity. “Nobody else can be you. That’s all I know how to be,” she said. “Back in the day, I used to curse casually, but as I matured I realized it wasn’t necessary. I’ve never been one to make negative content, bring down a person or a business, or air personal issues on social media.”
She questions the drive for fame at all costs. “People enjoy my content because it’s relatable, clean, and funny. Some think going raunchy or discussing other people is the quickest way to go viral, but what does that really mean?”
Travel has shaped her perspective. In Asia, she’s observed how technology, performance, and commerce merge in everyday life. “In China and India, I’ve learned so much,” she said. “People go live, showcase their talents, sell things — they understand data and analytics. A lot of people in Jamaica don’t realize the potential of that. You can still be at the top of everyone’s tongue doing clean, fun content.”
Cultural Observations From Abroad
Having lived and worked in multiple countries, Collins draws parallels and distinctions. “The cultures and the people are very warm and inviting, much like Jamaica. But of course, the history is deeper in places like India and China. Jamaicans don’t always understand our influence until we travel — we’re so respected everywhere we go.”
The contrasts stand out, too. “In China, the streets are quiet. People are going about their business — no loud arguments, no music blasting like in Kingston or Brooklyn. In India, during the daytime, you mostly see men out working; many women are at home managing the household.”
Travel has also brought lessons in local rules. “At the Taj Mahal, I was told ‘no spinning’ while taking a video — and I couldn’t display my Jamaican flag. Flags can be political symbols, so I understood.”
Business Beyond the Camera
Her trips have sparked more than just creative inspiration. On her first visit to India in 2018–2019, Collins discovered Ayurvedic haircare practices. “I was on my own natural hair journey and realized we buy so much Indian and Brazilian hair but don’t take care of our own.”
That realization led to her own hair growth brand, now sold islandwide in Jamaica. “It’s for men, women, and even kids. Instead of focusing on negativity online, I ask: how can I use this platform to create income? Social media lets you reach thousands from your mobile device.”
In Five Years?
“In five years, I see my brand in CVS, Walmart, Target — on shelves internationally like it is in Jamaica. I see myself doing things on a much bigger scale, but still being my true Jamaican self.”
Her only major regret? Missing Vybz Kartel’s Brooklyn concert. “I literally cried when I saw your coverage. I’ve already bought tickets for the next one — I’m not missing it again.”
