“I think it’s important for people to know that me and Jadah are not siblings … we are not related,” said Johnson. 

She emphasized a distinction that has followed them as they’ve grown in popularity. Their bond is one they chose, formed as randomly assigned freshman roommates. Johnson is a trained dancer from LA and Clay, a thespian from Chicago. Beyond the screen, both women have undergone significant personal growth shaped by their time at Howard. 

For Clay, a senior BFA musical theater major with a sociology minor, Howard became a space for transformation. “My experience at Howard has been one that has taught me to find my own individual voice,” she said. “Starting out I was very shy and I didn’t put myself out there a lot.” That growth was strengthened through her friendship with Johnson. “Being friends with Jade really helped me get out of my comfort zone.” 

Soft spoken and demure, Clay describes Johnson as a “naturally outgoing person.” The two only want to see each other win. No competition, just vibes. Their friendship and now business partnership thrive not because they are the same, but because they complement one another. 

Johnson, an advertising major, views their platform through strategic lenses. “All the students, like everybody is doing something, and I feel like the school is very competitive, and it makes you kind of want to do something more for yourself,” she said, reflecting on Howard’s culture when she arrived as a freshman. That environment pushed Johnson to think beyond content creation and toward building something sustainable.  

“What I do technically is what I do managing our page.” Johnson said, noting how their social media presence aligns directly with her academic training. A natural go-getter, Johnson is on the path to creating a scalable and successful social media empire. 

Her Instagram account @jadeandjadah has about 756,000 followers, in addition to well over 1M followers across platforms. Needless to say, Johnson’s business acumen is on point.  

She is also clear about the role Howard has played in opening doors. “Howard’s name has a LOT of clout! Howard’s name holds weight,” Johnson said. “A lot of our opportunities came strictly because we go to Howard.”  Still, Johnson credits her growth not just to the institution or their platform, but to life experience. Arriving on campus at 17 and now preparing to graduate, she describes a shift in both maturity and mindset — especially in how they approach business, partnerships, and their own value as creators.

That evolution is visible in how the duo now navigates opportunities, moving with more intention and professionalism than when they first began posting content. 

Clay’s transformation is equally grounded in her craft. A graduate of Chicago High School for the Arts, where she studied classical music and is a classically trained singer, se describes musical theater as an outlet that allows her to step beyond herself. “I call it a little superpower,” she said. “As soon as I get on stage, I become a different person.” It’s a discipline that has strengthened her confidence, both on stage and off. 

While their digital presence continues to expand, both women remain grounded in a larger purpose. They have spoken about using their platform to create access for others, including efforts to support students navigating the college application process. Their ambitions stretch beyond internet virality, reflecting a desire to build work that carries meaning and longevity. 

Balancing that vision with the realities of college life is no small task. Between classes, rehearsals, and content production, their schedules reflect a level of discipline often hidden behind the ease of their videos. Peer features like those from Sommer Time reveal the structure behind their success — long hours, intentional planning, and a shared commitment to growth. 

As graduation approaches this week, both young women are thinking about what they will carry forward with their fellow Howard Alumni. For Clay, it is confidence and hope — not just for herself, but for her peers. For Johnson, it is a clearer understanding of value, vision, and the potential to turn influence into enterprise. 

After graduation, Johnson and Clay plan on pursuing respective careers in theater and advertising, but not without continuing to use their social media platform to help the community. They are determined to build their platform in order to help the next generation.

Together, they represent something more nuanced than what audiences might first assume. Not twins. Not sisters. But two individuals who chose each other. And, in doing so, built a partnership rooted in growth, intention, and the possibility of something lasting beyond their initial social media success.