Balaij

Balaij, a young woman who was born and raised in Salem Court, one of the “rougher” neighborhoods of Jersey City, eventually found her purpose in expressing her pain through her pen. Instilled with the strength and independence her mom embodied and the wisdom and giving heart of her grandmother, Balaij has always prided herself on being able to help those in need. Unfortunately, she mentally neglected herself and buried her pain in the process.

After years of dealing with hidden insecurities, heartbreaks, deaths, bad relationships, and verbal abuse, Balaij became mentally broken. Afraid of the effects depression can have on anyone after seeing multiple family members experience it, Balaij turned to a hobby that she had since a child, which was writing poetry in her journals as an outlet.

Writing her poems and sharing her quotes via social media became therapy, allowing Balaij to release her hurt, which quickly led to helping others deal with similar issues. Since starting her own personal healing journey, Balaij has been featured in the Jersey Journal newspaper for a piece she wrote entitled “Protect Black Women.” Balaij’s favorite motto is “Turn your pain into purpose,” and that’s exactly what she did.