Atlanta is a place that’s booming with opportunity, especially as the film and music industries continue to grow and thrive. One of my best friends, Jada Young, has been able to follow her dreams by pursuing acting and modeling in this great state, coming out of her comfort zone and truly displaying that the sky’s the limit. I sat down with Jada to ask her more about her career and journey.
Jhazzmyn: How did you get involved with acting? Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?
Jada: I’ve always dreamt of being on television. I remember watching the Cheetah Girls on Disney Channel when I was around five years old and just imagining being part of their group and starring in many other Disney shows and movies. I was in the 6th grade when I started searching for auditions and begging my mom to take me to those auditions, but the timing wasn’t right. It wasn’t until October 2017 that I got the urge to search for casting calls in Atlanta. God led me to a casting for extras in The Hate U Give movie. I was booked back to back on multiple sets the following three weeks.
Jhazzmyn: Do you feel like there’s ever a “right time”?
Jada: In short, yes. I’m a firm believer that things happen exactly when they are supposed to. Some people land their major role at 5 years old, while others may get theirs at 35 or even 60. It’s never too late or too early to get started, but timing will always align with one’s destiny.
Jhazzmyn: If you don’t mind my asking, what do extras get paid?
Jada: Payments vary, but you can make some pretty good money being an actor. You don’t even have to have a speaking role either. The starting pay is $64 for 8 hours and then time and a half if they keep you on set longer than 8. For my first speaking role, I was paid $300 and was brought to South Carolina to film and the director paid for my meals. When I was featured on Black Lightning I was paid up to $285 after taxes for one day of work.
Jhazzmyn: What are the hours like? How do you enjoy the work?
Jada: A typical day on set is 12 hours. They feed you breakfast when you arrive and lunch after 6 hours. People often forget that acting is still a job. Yes, we’re filming your favorite show and working with your favorite actors, but it’s still work. Sometimes we have early call times. The earliest I’ve had to be on set was 4:30 A.M. after leaving a set at 1:30 A.M. The working conditions aren’t always great either. Most filming takes place during the winter. So, we’re often wearing summer clothes in 34 degree weather. I wouldn’t change it though. It’s all worth it in the end. The long hours, the extremely cold or hot weather and the times when you’re so very sleepy.
Host: Okay, wow! You pulled an all nighter going from set at 1:30 to set at 4:30, sis. I admire your work ethic. What is it like working on set? Do you meet lots of celebrities? Do you make friends? Do you sit around a lot?
Jada: There’s a LOT of waiting around. It may be four hours before the director is ready for you to come to set. That leaves a lot of room to network and make new friends though. I’m a little shy…well very shy. So most of the time I’m just sitting and reading a book or if I do get the courage to speak, I mingle. I do see celebrities, but I’m not allowed to go up and speak to them. It’s super unprofessional and will get you kicked off set and possibly blacklisted. People tend to forget that celebrities are human and as I stated earlier, acting is still a job. They have to remain focused on their lines and their surroundings. Even though I am a fan, I’m also an actor. So I remain professional and do my job. I’ve made some amazing friends from working on set. It’s not uncommon to see the same people all the time, so you might as well get to know each other. Also, some people aren’t aspiring actors. They’re photographers, designers, singers and/or rappers. I’ve even met a chef. You never know who you’re going to meet and who will become a blessing to your journey.
Jhazzmyn: That makes a lot of sense, professionalism is everything. What are the pros and cons of acting?
Jada: Um. Let’s start with the cons. So, the hours are long. Sometimes it can be very cold. The production assistants aren’t always nice. I’ve encountered a little prejudiceness and pretty girl privilege. I’ve learned to stand on my own two feet though and demand my respect. You have to fight for your respect, because people will disrespect you if you allow it. On the brighter side, I’ve gained a newfound confidence within myself. I’m certainly not the Jada I was when I started at 19. I’m wiser, mentally and emotionally stronger and know that I can and will accomplish anything I set my mind out to do. Being an actor, or really an artist as I like to call it, is hard but it will mold you into the butterfly you were made to be.
Jhazzmyn: So, as an actress, how do you feel about the film business back when they were saying that they are no longer going to work here because Kemp is the Governor and he is creating some of these policies around abortion and things of that nature? The movie biz has grown quite a bit and has created lots of jobs for people from directors and producers to tech people to the actors, etc.
Jada: Honestly, I was shocked but not surprised. I, too, don’t agree with the new policies that have been created. I actually planned to move to Los Angeles once I got enough money saved up, but my mom told me to stay here and continue doing what I’m doing. If they do decide to film elsewhere then of course I’m going to follow my heart and go after my dreams.
Jhazzmyn: What advice would you have for those interested in getting involved? How can they get started?
Jada: Leave your emotions at home. There’s no room for sensitivity in this industry. You will get stepped on and pushed out the way if you allow it. So, grow some skin if you don’t have any and get ready for a ride. You’re not always going to be booked so work on your other crafts in between bookings.
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Jhazzmyn: Okay, so let’s talk about modeling. Once again, how did you even get into that? Was it something that was always a goal or did it just happen?
Jada: Oh my gosh! I was a model when I came out of the womb. I just know God sprinkled his magic in my mama’s tummy and said “Jada will be a superstar”. I’ve always loved taking pictures. I got my first camera when I was 13. It wasn’t the best, but I believe that was a sign that I would someday be working with cameras. I made my first Instagram page at 14 and called it Starmadness. I would take pictures literally all day. I loved posing and editing my photos and would get excited at the comments people would leave. For me it wasn’t always about how pretty I looked to others, but the way the photo made them feel when they saw it. Fast forward to October 2017, I reached out to a photographer on Instagram and asked if I could shoot with him. We ended up taking some beautiful photos and from there on I was able to build my portfolio.
Jhazzmyn: Jada, my friend, you literally are a superstar! How often do you shoot a month? What is it like doing a photoshoot? Do you tend to always get hair and makeup done? Do you usually have to do it yourself?
Jada: When I first started I was shooting at least three times a month. It’s so exciting, because you get to meet different photographers and learn their different styles of photography. It’s an opportunity to grow and develop who you are as an artist. You discover what you do and do not like in a photographer and when modeling. I’ve only had my makeup done once for a photo shoot. I usually do my hair and makeup myself. This dream is expensive so you have to cut costs where you can. Whenever I’m able to invest a little extra in my craft I do pay to get my hair done and for better makeup and skincare products.
Jhazzmyn: Honestly, cutting costs is a good way to learn to perfect things you could honestly do yourself. Plus, I know you’re great at doing your own hair already. What is it like working with photographers? Are they difficult to work with? Do you have horror stories or do you usually get along well with whomever you shoot with?
Jada: Some photographers are fun, chill and easy going. Others are “weird”, perverted and have no respect for the art. There was one instance where a photographer messaged me and asked me to watch him masterbate. I was so shocked and felt disrespected. I didn’t tell anyone about it. I was disappointed because I really liked his style of shooting and did not want to burn a bridge; however, I did what was necessary and have not spoken with him in months.
Jhazzmyn: That’s insane and definitely disrespectful. As mentioned early, professionalism is everything and that was not at all professional. I am very sorry about that happening. Shame on him. What was your first runway show like?
Jada: My first time walking the runway was so exciting. I practiced for three months, paid fees and Uber costs, but it was so worth it. My family was front row cheering for me and it made my heart whole to know they were witnessing my journey.
Jhazzmyn: What was your favorite photoshoot?
Jada: One of my favorite photoshoots was with the photographer that I had to cut off. It was done on Valentine’s Day last year, 2018, and the pictures told a story. A love story. My second favorite shoot was my first paid one. March of 2019, I was blessed with a paid opportunity to shoot with an amazing photographer. He reached out to me and we ended up meeting at Centennial Park and got some amazing shots. His energy was pure and he knows how to capture angles.
Jhazzmyn: What would you say to people who feel like they can’t model because of weight or skin problems or lack of self-esteem?
Jada: Girl. If you haven’t noticed, people are defying what it means to be a model. There are models that are 300 plus pounds, have skin disorders and do not look like the typical 90’s model. If you want to be a model, do it! Nobody can stop you but you. Start studying poses and get in front of the camera. I used to be very insecure. I hated my acne and my smile. I’m slim but not the most toned. I know I’m beautiful but still feel overlooked. I’ve learned not to rely on the acceptance of others. Once I began to see the light that shines through me, those insecurities and doubts that plagued my mind began to disappear. I know who I am and who my God created me to be. I don’t compare myself to others because there isn’t a soul on this earth that compares to me. I am me. You are you. You have your own light. Once you find it, you’ll be on your way to success.
Jhazzmyn: Anything else you want to say about your work as a model?
Jada: Whenever you feel doubtful, remember God didn’t create the universe overnight. It took a long time. Your journey will take time, but as long as you work hard and are open to change and self development, success will be waiting for you.
Jada is a profound woman. In addition to modeling and acting, she is the owner of Starmadness, an online company that sells handpicked necklaces, anklets, and more! I know that there will be nothing but continued success for her in all of her endeavors. I hope that this has inspired you to pursue your dreams!