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

Hi Jade, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Starting over is one of the most rewarding risks I will continue to embrace. The power of pressing reset and trying again is something I refuse to take for granted. In a society that often fears multi-disciplinary artists or those with diverse talents, we are encouraged to focus on one path and stick to it for life.

But I see starting over as a beautiful expression of what it means to be human. If I hadn’t given myself the grace to explore something entirely new, I would never have unlocked the full potential of my confidence. It’s a powerful reminder that creativity doesn’t reside in material possessions but within us. Without risk, there is no art and no room for innovation. Holding on to this mindset reminds me that I have nothing to lose and everything to fight for.

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.

I’m involved in a variety of creative pursuits, including editorial makeup, DJing, graphic design, music production, event organizing, and creative direction. My passion lies in creating art that transports you to another world. To me, art is all about exploring the freedom of expression—sometimes through curating a soundscape for a party and other times by painting abstract shapes on a face or a canvas. What sets me apart is my need for fluidity; I’m not one to stay in one lane for too long. I thrive on switching up my sounds and mediums, always keeping things fresh.

Reaching this point in my career required a lot of listening and learning from the mentorship of my peers. Along the way, I’ve learned that consistency is key. It’s hard work and endurance that have helped me push through challenges like isolation and self-doubt. Without the support of my community, I wouldn’t have gained the confidence to get where I am today.

I want my story to serve as a reminder of how important it is to fight for a world where we can express ourselves freely, without judgment. If you have a gift, never stop honoring it—because you never know where it might lead you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a fun time, here’s a solid itinerary: start at Cafe Duro for their banana horchata matcha (it’s a must-try), then head over to Loro for the wedge salad and pork fried ribs—trust me, you won’t regret it. To round things off, finish the night at Ladelove with delicious cocktails and some great dancing!

I’m a cancer, so I know all the best food spots in town!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to take a moment to give a shoutout to the Black queer community we’re building here in DFW. Whether it’s House music, the art of cheekbone contour, or your favorite phrases from the clock app, so many of today’s pop culture trends owe their roots to Black queer culture. Despite all the influence we bring, we often lack the recognition and credibility we deserve, which can feel isolating at times.

But it’s beautiful to see us reclaiming space in our scenes, making our presence felt once again. While there’s still much progress to be made, there’s been significant growth here for Black queer folk in Dallas. This shift has not only changed the way I see what’s possible for myself in this city but has also pushed my art into places I never thought I’d reach. I’m deeply grateful for the community’s influence on my journey and success.

Instagram: neptuneflesh

Image Credits
Zay Scorggins
Ashlan
Jade Collier

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.