Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayden Collier.
Jayden, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Being a young black man who was raised in what some may refer to as the ” hood ” or black hole. I wanted to beat the odds and make something out of myself. My interest was often times overlooked being that my peers chose different routes. I’ve always wanted more. Challenging myself was the challenge, even when I was doing the most it still felt like I had so much room for more to accomplish. I’ve always loved Fashion, creativity and photos. I didn’t know If I’d ever be able to do all three and do them well. I was wrong, I started finding myself and finding my niche. Going through dark times I wanted something that’ll set me free and allow me to have fun. From taking photos for yearbook in grade school to coming home and snapping photos on my iPod touch until it ran hot are all things I can vividly remember. I didn’t care about the horrible angles or cheesy edit. It was the creative aspect I feel in-love with. Being able to create with no limit. I got to where I am today by having faith, trial and error and understanding it’s always room for growth. I also do both photography and modeling so it’s been different experiences for both.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
struggling times are tough. They’ll destroy your ability and perspective on what you’re trying to accomplish. It hasn’t been smooth. I feel like no road is, especially in the beginning. The bumps along the way create a stronger foundation. Which allowed me to appreciate how far I’ve come. I’ve faced doubt, rejection, criticism and so much more. I’m a firm believer of “It’s not what you go through it’s how you get through” Despite Facing challenges, I knew what I wanted as my outcome. I fell into a small depression, I felt like my work wasn’t worth being broadcasted. I felt like my modeling wasn’t vogue enough, So many things got into my head. Meanwhile, I was still getting bookings and contacted for projects. That in itself showed me there were people who love and appreciate my work and I’d never give up on myself again. Being a creative Individual, I was surprised I ran into creators block. I had to realize I wanted to create so many things but a lot required more than I thought. Thankfully I can create with more models and creatives as I progress in what I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Things I do. – Photography
– Brand Influencing ( Goli, Forever21, H&M, Perry Ellis, Russel athletic, vanlinker shades, etc)
– Styling
– Creative Director
– Video set Production
– Modeling
– Run way shows
I am proud of my ability to always step out of my comfort zone and make myself stand out. My creative eye and drive to always want more set’s me apart.
What does success mean to you?
Thank you for that question. To me, success is to obtain a purposeful, financially free, comfortable life. I feel reaching both small and large milestones towards a goal is achieving success. I view success as a process where challenges encourage me to look at things from different perspectives and to find creative solutions to problems. My goal is to influence people worldwide that Anything is POSSIBLE.
Hahaha, I know I’m successful when I walk in the store and don’t go straight to the clearance rack ( kidding lol)
Contact Info:
- Email: JCphotographyy@yahoo.com Jaydencollier18@gmail.com
