We had the good fortune of connecting with Jada Jay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jada, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is both vital and necessary if you are pursing anything arts related professionally. As a performer (singer, dancer and actress) taking risks is what sets you apart. Taking risks essentially makes you stand out in this industry, for example, If I am auditioning for a role in a production, I make sure that both before and during my audition I do something bold and unique. This ensures that my audition will be memorable to the casting director; now whether or not the casting director likes the risk is out of my control. However, majority of the time, my choice to take risks have worked in my favor. When I auditioned for my first AD, I took a video clip from my YouTube channel of me and a friend eating tacos and drinking lemonade while giving goofy commentary about the food. Most of the time for my auditions I am very serious and follow instructions perfectly, but that particular audition I decided to stop being so serious and submit that video clip of me because it showed my silly personality and it showed me having real fun. About a month later I got an email, and I realized the brand I auditioned for was Church’s Chicken, so my very first ad I ever booked was because I decided to take a risk. Taking risks has also helped me with my singing career as well because about two years ago I auditioned for “FYGU fest Campvs Live” showcase at Texas State University by submitting a cover of me singing “Rise Up” by Andra Day. After being notified that I was selected to perform at the fest I was ecstatic, however I was encouraged to sing my original music instead of all covers. I didn’t have any of my music recorded yet but I had songs I had written years prior that didn’t fit the image I wanted to portray. So I decided to take a risk by writing some music overnight! I purchased a beat I loved, wrote lyrics, choreographed an entire dance routine and reached out to multiple dancers whom agreed to perform with me. However, the day of, none of the dancers showed up. I was left completely alone to perform, however I refused to let that ruin my confidence. I used that energy and put that emotion into my performance, which coincidentally the song I wrote overnight was called “Boss Up,” and later on that day, I won the competition and got to open in concert for Alison Wonderland, and even performed right before Dani Leigh did. All in all, if I hadn’t taken those risks, I would have potentially missed out on great opportunities.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Jada Jay has been singing for as long as she can remember, dancing since she was seven and acting for over ten years! Jada Jay has opened in concert for Alison Wonderland, Kirk Franklin & performed before Dani Leigh! She has been writing music since she was seven years old and released her debut single “Without You,” February 5th 2021! Jada Jay has sung on TV three times, once in middle school, and twice in college. She has performed at many showcases, BLM protests, Fite night events, jazz lounges, and she has even performed at basketball and baseball games at Texas State University! Pop artist Jada Jay’s first EP will also be releasing in 2021, as well as multiple on camera films and shows she has been cast in. Actress Jada Jay recently appeared in Church’s Chicken’s “First Bite Campaign” and has been cast in over 20+ theatrical productions and 10+ film productions. She also has a YouTube channel “VlogsByJadaJay” where she gives advice regarding how to be successful in college, how to maintain healthy relationships and how to find self love and improve your confidence. Jada Jay is studying her BFA all level teaching certification for theatre at Texas State University and even owns her own Entertainment company “Jada Jay Entertainment LLC” which will be launching by the end of this year! Jada Jay is equally proud of all of her accomplishments because she truly feels as though each moment has helped her grow in a new way! Though Jada Jay has faced many challenges being an African American performer, she refuses to let negative stereotypes, tough obstacles, and racially biased casting directors hold her back from achieving her aspirations. She has overcome many challenges by continuing to remain positive, and using the lessons she learned from adversity she has faced to help her grow as a performer and well-rounded individual! Along the way Jada Jay has learned to always remain humble, keep God first and that when one door of opportunity closes, many more will open if you work hard and stay dedicated. Jada Jay has always sought to inspire and motivate any and everyone around her to work hard, and she truly believes that if you keep God first and stay ambitious, you can achieve anything! She can be found @jadajaymusic on IG, Tik Tok, and Twitter; “Jada Jay” on Facebook and @louisianababyj on snapchat!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot to eat at is Wingstop because they have the best boneless wings! I am absolutely obsessed with lemonade so anytime I see a Kroger, I never fail to buy a huge liter of minute-maid lemonade! Bahama bucks is always a great place to stop by and hangout with friends, I recommend the peach flavored shaved ice (you will thank me later)! I am absolutely obsessed with shopping so I love purchasing boutique style clothing from my FAVORITE online store CHICQUTE! (GO TO CHICQUTEBOUTIQUE.COM SERIOUSLY YOU WON’T REGRET IT!)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
FIRSTLY shoutout to GOD for blessing me with my talent and every single amazing opportunity I have had on my journey thus far! Shoutout to my parents for always having my back and supporting my dreams! Shoutout to my boo for always pushing me to be the best version of me I could possibly be! Shoutout to my loyal supporters and subscribers who always support my content and anything I put out! Shout to my family for always supporting me! Shoutout To Denzel Stone for mixing my EP! Shoutout to Dragon for mastering my EP! Shoutout to my uncle the BOSS, for helping me get my LLC and for never failing to support anything I do! Shoutout to my friends who have always emotionally supported me and never failed to hype me up and put a smile on my face! And shoutout to myself because I work extremely hard and remain dedicated to my craft despite any obstacles I have faced!

Website: https://linktr.ee/JadaJayMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadajaymusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jadajaymusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejadajaymusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/vlogsbyjadajay

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jadajaymusic https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11822027/filmography https://www.youtube.com/jadajaymusic

Image Credits
Larry Walton Photos Brent Weber VisionsByKen

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