The Style Issue September 25, 2025
Twenty years ago, a young woman with a proud Afro took the Miss Jamaica World stage and changed everything. Today, Dr Terri-Karelle Johnson stands as one of Jamaica’s most beloved media personalities and advocates, having transformed setbacks into stepping stones.
As we celebrate two decades since her groundbreaking pageant victory, we look back at the 10 pivotal moments that shaped the remarkable woman who has become synonymous with grace, resilience, and purpose.Page 2 The Style Issue chronicles her journey. See more highlights on Social Page 16.
Making History @TEDx (2021) On September 25, 2021, Terri-Karelle became the first Jamaican woman to speak at TEDxAston University in Birmingham. Her talk, ‘Untapped Conversations With Kids’, drew from her experiences as a mother to highlight inclusive language about disability. This moment elevated her from national personality to global thought leader.
From Speaker to Author (2022) My Brand Compass: The 13 C’s to Building Your Personal Brand launched on April 19, 2022, becoming a national best-seller. The book crystallised two decades of wisdom into practical guidance. When she later released an audiobook version, it demonstrated her commitment to accessibility for people with visual impairments or reading disabilities. Jermaine
The Crown That Started It All (2005) Terri-Karelle Griffith defied pageant expectations in 2005, proudly wearing her natural Afro throughout the Miss Jamaica World competition. Her victory was about more than winning a crown — it was about authenticity triumphing over conformity. At Miss World in China, she placed in the top 15 and won the People’s Choice vote for the Caribbean, all while staying true to herself. Cancan Chu
When Dreams Changed Direction (2007) After completing her veterinary degree in Cuba, Dr Terri-Karelle Griffith discovered that the veterinary board in Jamaica didn’t accredit students who studied vet med in Cuba. The woman who dreamed of caring for animals since childhood suddenly found herself professionally adrift. Rather than viewing this as failure, she would later call it redirection — the catalyst for her true calling.
Sunday Night Stardom (2011) Despite being a ‘media newbie’, Terri-Karelle stepped into the role of Digicel Rising Stars host in 2011. This role would span 12 years, making her a Sunday-night fixture in Jamaican homes. During this time, she also became a mother to Naima-Kourtnae Reid — one of her proudest accomplishments. Balancing motherhood with her media career would later inspire her advocacy work for children and people living with disabilities. Jermaine
Betting on Herself (2017) Terri-Karelle formally registered TK Dreams Holding. This wasn’t just about starting a business — it was professionalising her personal brand. The move transformed her from a media personality taking side gigs to a legitimate businesswoman, opening doors to major partnerships. Jermaine
