Jahkara Smith

Jahkara Smith (born September 5, 1996) is an American YouTuber and actress. She is best known for the YouTube channel Sailor J, where she published parody make-up tutorial videos. She came to further recognition for her starring role as Margaret "Maggie" Leigh in the AMC supernatural horror drama series NOS4A2 (2019–2020). She also appeared in the Hulu horror anthology series Into the Dark.

Early life Smith was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 5, 1996.

Career YouTube Smith began posting YouTube videos in 2017 on her channel Sailor J while working at a United States Air Force base. Her first videos were parodies of make-up tutorial videos which include social commentary, having been inspired by sexist comments she read on those videos. They quickly went viral thanks, in part, to celebrities such as Sia sharing them. By March 2018, her YouTube videos had received over 10 million views.

Her tutorial videos have included commentary on subjects ranging from Native American-inspired make-up to the phrase "thoughts and prayers". In addition to make-up tutorial videos, Smith has also published videos on subjects including Harry Potter Hogwarts Houses and Zodiac signs. Audio and video clips from the Sailor J channel later went viral on TikTok, which Smith did not support.

In July 2020, Smith confirmed the deletion of her YouTube channel. However, as of October 2025, she has begun posting new content.

Acting In 2018, Smith signed on to star as Margaret "Maggie" Leigh in the AMC supernatural horror drama series NOS4A2. The series premiered in 2019.

Also in 2019, Smith portrayed Shay in the Hulu horror anthology series Into the Dark, starring in the episode titled "Pure".

Personal life Smith joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18. Shortly before she planned to leave home, the shooting of Michael Brown took place. Smith cites the resulting protests and curfews as eye-opening for her.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2019–2020 NOS4A2 Margaret "Maggie" Leigh Main role; 20 episodes 2019 Into the Dark Shay Episode: "Pure"