I actually think everyone should keep a “go-to wisdom” journal. It’s a great keepsake to refer to in your own personal time. It feels safe, warm, and intimate. Like a private conversation with your past, present, and future self.

I’ve kept it private… until now. I hope these serve you well as they have done (and continue doing so) for me.

1. You are the creative director of your life. Design it how you want.

2. What others think of you is NONE of your business.

3. Switch to your “other self.” The one who has the life you want. What decisions would you make today?

4. Are you decided or still deciding?

5. What you repeat becomes who you are; choose your repetitions wisely.

6. Find ways to be connected to your future instead of your past.

7. If you can imagine a different life, that means some version of it already exists for you.

8. Stop hiding. The world needs you and your light.

9. It doesn’t get easier, you just get better.

10. Consistency beats talent.

11. You can’t control other people. You can only control how you react in every situation.

12. Move in faith. Not fear.

13. Your thoughts literally create your reality. Choose wisely.

14. You are always one decision away from a completely different life.

15. A subtle shift in your mindset can change your life.

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Which one resonates with you most?

I’d love to hear which sentence made you pause and think. Save this post and come back to it whenever you need a gentle reminder of your own power.

What I loved most about that experience was how fun it was to make extra income that didn't come from a "job." I've always loved the thrill of figuring out how to make fun money—there's something so exciting about creating your own opportunities.

Lots of trying and failing and trying and succeeding ways to get here with learning how to make money online.

I chose to use the additional money for workout classes, dance & acting classes, headshots, shoots, casting subscriptions, groceries, clothes, etc.

So here's what actually worked for me—the 10 side hustles that gave me the financial freedom to pursue what I loved:

1. Dropshipping – learned online

Start up cost: $20-200

Business Model: Partner with a supplier. Set up your Shopify store. Run ads to drive sales. Buy low (ex: $10), sell high (ex: $43). Supplier ships. You keep the profit.

This was my first ever "side hustle" easing into Covid—a home goods store. Honestly? It was a fun and rewarding experience when I look back. It felt surreal to wake up to orders on my phone from people all over the world.

Pros: fun to see the growth of your store over time, make money in your sleep, work from anywhere, empowering to hire contractors and suppliers, faceless business, hold no inventory, can hire contractors to do what you're not good at

Cons: lots of failures until you find what sells, can be discouraging when you don't see success early on, wasting money on contractors that don't add value, takes a lot of work before it becomes passive

2. Selling on Etsy (digital downloads, nothing physical) – learned online & fashion school

Start up cost: $0-$50

Business Model: Create digital product that solves a problem on Canva (guide, template, planner, calendar, etc.). Set up your Etsy store. Upload product with SEO keywords. Let Etsy deliver automatically. Customers buy. Orders roll in. Repeat with new products.

If you have a specific POV or specific knowledge on something, you can definitely sell it. Not as easy as it looks, but when you hit the jackpot on a good e-guide, it can make you money. This is an automated selling system that made it easy for me to receive weekly and/or monthly deposits.

Pros: create from your experience & knowledge, nothing physical to sell, orders delivered automatically, timely but easy to make, make money in your sleep, paid marketing not needed

Cons: trial & error before becoming passive, marketing can take a while to get on Etsy's first pages, Etsy takes a percentage from every order, orders can slow down depending on niche

3. Seamstress

Start Up costs: $0 – $125 (sewing machine or sewing kit)

This works if you live on a college campus or near a college town. You can offer simple sewing services like: shortening straps, cleaning up threading, hems, cutting shirts, button replacement, etc.

Make a poster ad on Canva and post it in student common areas, coffee shops, libraries, dorms, apartment complexes. Word of mouth also gets around, and in no time you'll have extra money for easy work that takes less than 30 minutes to do.

Pros: easy to complete (if you have sewing skills), can take on multiple projects at once

Cons: none (IMO)

4. Fashion Freelancer/Contractor

Start Up Cost: $0

With this, you could freelance any skills you're really confident in and learned throughout school. For me, that was Product Development & Fashion Design. Network via LinkedIn, friends, old work connections, Upwork. Narrow down 3-5 skills you are 100% knowledgeable and good at. You can sell hourly or per project (I prefer project).

If you've never freelanced, start with a simple portfolio of example or past projects from school. I've helped clients with mood boarding, target market research, tech design, merchandise design, and social media planning.

Pros: can set your own rates, based on your personal skills, work from anywhere, can outsource help from other freelancers, great way to build up boundaries

Cons: can attract rude/crazy clients, can take more time depending on project, work/life balance gets tricky without clear boundaries

5. Background Acting

Start up cost: $0

When I was starting off in entertainment, background acting was a great source of income just for a day's work.

I signed up with Central Casting, they took photos of me, then I'd receive casting texts for availability. Days of work could easily make me anywhere between $250-$500.

Pros: great opportunity to network with other artists, free meals, spending a day on a professional set, direct deposit, pay bumps (when applicable)

Cons: lots of waiting if you're not being used on set, sometimes you're not used at all

Platforms for Background Acting: Central Casting, Backstage, Casting Networks, Casting Frontier, and various Instagram casting accounts

6. Content Creation (Tik-Tok focused)

Start up costs: $0

Choose between UGC (User-generated Content—you don't have to post on your socials) vs. Content Creation (posting on your social).

A way you can solidify an income in content is by creating a personal brand. Post about things that you like and enjoy talking about. If you can create a community through who you are authentically, you could be offered brand deal opportunities.

Ways I've made money: Affiliate partnerships (Amazon Store & other brands), brand partnerships, TikTok shop sales, and TikTok creator fund

Pros: get paid to be you, post about what you want, free products & opportunities, exposure of your personal brand for other career opportunities

Cons: burnout possible, possible comparison with other creators

7. Substitute Dance Teacher

Start-up costs: $0

Subbing jazz or ballet classes are always such a fun time. In my opinion, if your schedule is irregular or you may travel a lot, subbing is a great way to stay connected with teaching and pour into your students.

Maintaining a good relationship with your studios could also turn into long-term partnerships or even a maintained position (if you're looking for that).

Pros: easy to do, can work with any type of class, pour into the next generation of dancers, paid same day, doesn't feel like work

Cons: none

Rates: Anywhere between $35-$75/hr (Depending on city/state)

8. Applying for Settlements

Start-up cost: $0

There are websites like topclassactions.com that allow you to apply for settlements in ongoing cases. I've also received letters in the mail or through my email. Some settlements have paid me up to $400. I look at it like free money.

Pros: takes 60 seconds to submit

Cons: can take months to receive payment sometimes

9. Freelance Luxury Retail Associate

Start-up cost: $0

This was an opportunity I came across while in fashion school in LA. I was able to apply for open retail positions at stores to be a stylist, greeter, or restock associate for the day.

It was great to pick up shifts if I needed extra money for a trip, a new outfit for an audition, or even just for basic living expenses.

Staffing Websites: POURED, Instawork, Upshift, Reflex, ShiftNOW

Pros: can pick up shifts whenever, paid same week, can get discounts on clothing

Cons: working with rude managers/associates

10. Selling Pre-Owned Online

Start up costs: $0

This is probably one of my favorites. When it's time to get rid of something and I'm not donating it, you can 100% count on me to sell online.

I've made hundreds online by posting gently used/new items like: purses, furniture, clothes, electronics, dog clothes, and more.

Platforms you can sell on: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Depop, eBay, Poshmark

Using good SEO is key. Make the title similar to what someone is typical to search for.

Pros: can work on your own schedule, you set the price

Cons: can take a while to sell

Overall, if you're interested in trying out any of the examples I listed, remember to have an abundant mindset when you do. Don't be afraid to keep working against failure. That's when success gets closer.

I basically begged my parents for braces—probably every car ride home from school—and they always told me I didn't need them.

(For story purposes, let’s call my elementary school friend, Jared.)
Jared’s dad was a dentist.

My parents took me to visit him, and I remember sitting in that dental chair thinking 'This is it—finally someone will see what I see.' Of course he also says that I didn't need them.

I was so upset. Basically thinking, “I have to be the girl without braces–I feel left out.” Any other status symbol at the time—Abercrombie low-rise jeans, Hollister polos, Pink yoga pants, UGGs—I had. But braces? No.

Here I was, devastated about having straight teeth. Now, as a 27-year old, I’m Like... girl, what. Lol.

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This made me realize, we all wanna feel like we’re apart of something. Whatever that something is. It’s a natural human feeling.

I was so worried about wanting be like everyone and doing what everyone else was doing. Without realizing that my teeth were naturally nice.

They didn’t need fixing. I simply didn’t need braces.

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t insecure about my smile. I just hated that I felt left out everyone around me getting braces. Literally the ultimate FOMO.

I was trying to fix something that wasn’t even broken. I had to stand with the, then, uncomfortable feeling of not ‘fitting into the crowd’ and had learn to be happy with my smile.

The same smile that later would get me booked for a national holiday commercial with Outback Steakhouse and an international beauty campaign Allē. Thank God I didn’t get braces!

This made me realize how owning your individuality is what makes you different. That’s the key to being magnetic and attracting what’s for you.

You won’t ever be able to miss anything that’s truly for you when you’re authentic and own who you are.

You should stop looking around. Stop scrolling. Stop stalking. Stop comparing. And start looking within.

Ask yourself, what makes you special?

Worry about what you have going on. Don’t stay focused on other people living their lives while you’re not even living yours.

And remember this… What other people think of you is NONE of your business.

In this new season of September…

Start to embrace and embody new changes, new decisions, new actions and new ways of being. Just start.

In any new season, you’ll find that right before you choose to make a decision, you’re brain will sense a calm silent gap in time.

This gap is choosing between your old self’s decisions and your new self’s decisions.

It’s the moment where timelines split and you get to choose which reality you want to step into.

AKA – choosing old decisions you’d make on autopilot (dead ends) vs. new decisions you should be choosing that are aligned (opening doors).

*Find what your auto-pilot decisions are*

Here's what I do when I catch myself about to make an auto-pilot decision.

Anytime I'm about to do something mindless—applying to "safe jobs," doing busy work for my goals, playing iPhone games, binging my current Netflix show, scrolling to watch content—I ask myself: "Is this a Braces Moment, or am I actually moving toward what I really want?"

Don't do things just to do them anymore. Start taking aligned actions based on who you want to be and what you want. Don’t settle. Go for EXACTLY what you want.

If it's a Braces Moment: You're wanting something just because everyone else has it, or you're avoiding the real work. Time to make a better choice.

If it's actually enhancing what you want: Good job! But now, keep taking aligned action.

We spend so much time trying to figure out who we should be that we forget who we actually are.

Take a sheet of paper and title it: "What I love to do" + today's date.

Write down everything you love to do—things that make you happy or make time fly.

Look at it as much as you need, then let yourself naturally remember over time.

Here's what I'm really asking: Stop trying to blend in with everyone else. You are different. You have different interests, different experiences.

This is what makes you an individual. This is what makes you who you are.

Do this and start unlocking the life that’s waiting for you and you only.

Trying to keep up gets exhausting.
So where does that leave us as dancers, artists, athletes, and humans trying to do the best for our bodies?

A while back, I joined a group session with a wellness and personal trainer from the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries at The Ailey School. He dropped some major gems—things that dancers should look out for to actually maintain and extend our careers.

This list helped me—and still does. I hope it helps you too.

Fun Fact

Back in the 80s, the stereotypical dancer diet was known as “The 4 C’s”: Coffee, Coca-Cola, Cigarettes, and Chocolate. Yikes. We’ve come a long way…

REST

Aim for 8–10 hours of sleep (yes, really).

Naps? Keep it short—30 minutes is enough for a mental recharge.
Anything longer can leave you groggy or mess with your rhythm.

NUTRITION

Breakfast – Protein and complex carbs

Best to eat it in parts throughout the day & before class

• Examples: eggs & whole grain toast, oatmeal & fruit, tofu scramble

Snacks – Frequent & filling

Pair a protein with a fruit or veggie

• Examples: hummus & carrots, apple & almond butter, Greek yogurt & berries

Lunch – This is where simple carbs shine—fuel your energy for upcoming class

Your body digests them quickly = performance boost

• Examples: white bread, white pasta, rice cakes

Dinner – Focus on protein, veggies, and whole grains

Think: grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, bigger salads, whole-wheat bread

Quick Tips:

Skip the salad before class—all that fiber and cellulose can leave you bloated and heavy.

Craving sweets? Go for dark chocolate—it’s a simple sugar and gives a little energy burst.

BODY & HYDRATION

There’s no exact rule for how much water to drink—every body is different.

What to look at instead:
Your pee! It should look like light lemonade 🍋 If it’s clear, you might be overhydrating.

Pro tips:

Add a pinch of salt to your water for better hydration retention. I’m also a big fan of electrolytes; they are your best friend. I love using this brand personally.

Gatorade and Powerade can help—but in moderation (they’re sugary).

Stretching: – Best time? End of class or end of the day.

Use active movement stretches instead of static holds before dance.
This warms you up and increases flexibility without tearing muscle.

Final Note

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the “rules.”
But your wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about listening to your body, moving with care, and making choices that serve your long-term journey.

✨ For the creatives paving their own way—this is for you.

Stay inspired. Stay true. Stay on your path.

A while ago, I came across some of my old notebooks—pages filled with scribbled notes from summer intensives, drop-in classes, and dance programs.

If you’ve ever taken a dance class where journaling was encouraged (or even required), you know what I’m talking about.

Writing after class—capturing certain quotes, insights, or gut punches—can carry you through more than just dance. It can carry you through life.

Because let’s be honest… life can be hard.
Dance can be hard.
Being human can hard.

Sometimes we need to see our own words—or someone else’s—to remind us why we’re still here and still moving. Why it is we do what we do.

What is your why?

You probably agree… or else you wouldn’t be reading this right now. 💫

I don’t know who said every quote I wrote down—but I’m grateful for each word that stuck with me.
Below are a few that I return to often. Whether you're a dancer, a creative, or just a human being navigating life… may something in here speak to you too.

(Okay, maybe not #9 unless you're deep in the dancer world —but hey, apply what fits.)

💬 Words That Have Stayed With Me:

1. You can always do more and be better. - Alonzo King

2. Determination is more important than ability. - Alonzo King

3. Any sense of doubt is a door to failure. - Alonzo King

4. Find exploration within language, realism, people, and your body.

5. You should look back at your life and say, “Job well done. I’m ready to go.” - Alonzo King

6. Watch how you treat people. They’ll remember how you made them feel.

7. Putting yourself down is chipping away at your self love.

8. Cast love to people.

9. Get the idea of being a ‘type’ of dancer out of your head. - Maurya Kerr

10. Women are always expected to be pretty in dance, it’s okay to not be.

11. Your mindset… despite the difficulty or problem, you can make the best out of the situation.

12. You’re never too old to stop learning.

13. No one is you and that is your power. (my personal favorite!)

Whether you’re dancing, healing, dreaming, resting, creating, or just breathing—remember that these words were once written to help someone move through a moment.

If even one of these speaks to your soul, pass it on. Someone else might need it too.

✨ For the creatives paving their own way—this is for you.

Stay inspired. Stay true. Stay on your path.

At 27, I can finally say I’m starting to feel somewhat together financially. And by "somewhat together," I mean I feel secure in my future. I know where my money is going every month, and every dollar has a job. 19-year-old Jada would be proud… though she definitely spent money like it grew on trees. Love her, though. <3

Looking back, I’ve made some great mistakes (hello, designer shopping spree at 20 with my first corporate paycheck), received a handful of big checks, and learned lessons that ended up fueling my healing and growth.

Because honestly? How we handle money reflects how we handle ourselves—our fears, values, beliefs, and relationship with security and abundance.

How we do one thing, is how we do everything!

So, at 27, I want to share the money lessons that shaped my path. Some I learned easily (rare, lol), most I learned the hard way, and a few I’m still learning now. Whether you’re starting your financial journey, recovering from past money mistakes, or trying to align your spending with your values—I hope some of these resonate.

1. Figure Out Your Money Mindset

Your money mindset is a collection of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how you think about and interact with money. It influences your financial decisions, shapes your perception of wealth, and impacts how you handle challenges. A positive mindset can lead to financial peace; a negative one can keep you stuck. If you’re unsure where you stand, start with a free online quiz to get a baseline.

2. You Need to Become Financially Literate

If you weren’t taught about money, now’s the time to teach yourself. Half the battle is simply knowing how money works. Listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and most importantly—read books. Here are five that helped me tremendously:

• The Psychology of Money

• I Will Teach You to Be Rich

• We Should All Be Millionaires

• Rich Dad Poor Dad

• Rich as F*ck

3. Use Your Money as a Tool

Money is a tool—not your identity. Use it to enhance your skillset, support your health, invest in your goals, and enrich your experiences. Ex: $100 on groceries = fuel for your body to stay energized and focused.

Think about what your money is doing for you.

4. Have Different Checking Accounts to Split Your Expenses

This changed the game for me. I keep separate accounts for bills, creative expenses (like classes, outfits, and casting websites), and everyday spending. Zelle yourself exact amounts (+ a little extra) when you get paid to keep everything organized.

5. For the Love of GOD… Live Below Your Means

If I could go back, I’d shake myself and say: stop trying to stretch a lifestyle that doesn’t fit your income. It’s better to have money left over than to constantly feel like you're scraping by. As you grow into higher income seasons, your spending can grow with you—not ahead of you.

6. Credit is King

Credit opens up access to so much: apartments, car loans, business funding, home ownership. Keep an eye on it. Check your score regularly at annualcreditreport.com. If things get messy, AI tools or a credit repair service can help.

7. Stop Keeping Up with Your Friends & Social Media

You don’t know who’s getting help from parents, a partner, or living off credit cards. Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. Stay grounded in your reality and build from there.

8. Always Communicate for Fee Waivers or Discounts

Have overdraft fees? Late payments? Call and ask for them to be waived. Booking a hotel or rental? Ask about unlisted specials. You’d be shocked how many savings are just a question away. I’ve literally saved thousands this way.

9. Get Life Insurance ASAP

My grandpa gifted me life insurance at 16. Didn’t get it then—but I so get it now. It’s a contract that protects your loved ones and future. And the younger you are, the cheaper the premium. Some policies even let you borrow from them while you’re alive. That’s what wealthy people do.

10. You’re Not Fully Utilizing Your Insurance Benefits

A lot of us miss out on perks. Your health or auto insurance might include discounts for gym memberships, concerts, amusement parks, or even travel. I pay $19/month for my gym because of my insurance plan—check yours!

11. Credit Cards are Life Savers (If You Know How to Use Them)

Use credit for everyday spending like: groceries, gas, and bills—then pay it off like you would with your debit card. You earn points, build credit, and create protection for your purchases. My favorite cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Discover IT

This is how hundreds of people Travel Hack! Look it up. 😉

12. Save Money—No Matter How Small

Even $20/month matters. The habit is more important than the amount. Over time, psychologically it builds confidence and a safety net for your future self.

13. High Yield Savings > Regular Savings

If you're saving, make it work for you. High yield savings accounts (like Marcus by Goldman Sachs) pay you interest monthly. I have mine set up in buckets for things like:

• Emergency fund

• Travel

• New car

• Holiday shopping

14. Credit Card Debt is Not the End of the World

In my mid-20s, I was unemployed and my credit cards got charged off. I felt ashamed and stuck. But I called and negotiated a settlement—one card dropped from $5,000 to $800. There’s always a way forward.

15. Stop Being Scared to Look at Your Account

Avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. Look at the damage, understand what happened, and course-correct. Empowerment starts with awareness.

16. Weekly Money Dates are Essential

Every Sunday, I check in with my finances. It doesn’t have to be military, it can be fun; make it an experience. I light a candle, play some music, review transactions, and ask: what did I spend? Was it aligned? Did I overspend? It’s become a routine—and it’s changed my relationship with money.

17. The 3 Accounts You Should Have: Checking, HYSA, Roth IRA

We’ve covered checking and savings, but don’t forget your Roth IRA. It’s a tax-free retirement account that grows your money long-term. I personally use Vanguard and love it.

18. Always Keep Cash on You

Girl math? Maybe. But having $20 in your wallet feels abundant. I use it for tips, small purchases, or spontaneous acts of kindness. Try it.

19. Wait 24 Hours Before a Big Purchase

If you’re unsure, sleep on it. Clarity comes when you create space. A dream, a conversation, or even your gut will tell you what’s right.

20. Sell Your Skills

If you have 5+ years of experience in anything, you have value. Package your skills, build a portfolio, and start offering services. Someone out there needs exactly what you offer.

21. Invest in Your Looks

Let’s be honest—how you present yourself matters. I’ll always spend on gym memberships, nails, hair, and skincare. It boosts my confidence, which impacts how I show up. Clarity. Confidence. Cash Flow.

22. Always Get Insurance

Don’t play with it. Car, home, phone, flights, health, pets—get covered. Two of my worst financial setbacks happened when I let insurance lapse.

23. If It Saves Time or Stress, Buy It

Convenience is luxury. I invest in:

• Direct flights (First-Class for Longer Travel; cheaper upgrades the day of your flight)

• Grocery delivery

• Bi-weekly cleaning service

• A quality mattress

• Facials (especially for on-camera days)

• Sirius XM in my car

• Subscription service for supplements

If I can afford it and it buys me peace, it’s worth it.

24. Respect Your Money

Money respects you when you respect it. I do this by:

• Paying bills on time

• Tracking expenses (Excel Spreadsheet hello! Or even Apps like PocketGuard or YNAB)

• Keeping my wallet organized

• Separating emotions from spending

25. Pay Yourself First

Save before you spend. Automate 20% of your income if you can. That’s the number one thing I wish I did when I got my first job.

26. Don’t Overshare Your Financial Details

Your money is your business. Be open with trusted people—but you don’t need to announce every paycheck or bonus. Protect your peace.

27. It’s Never Too Late to Start

Whether you’re 19 or 49—it’s not too late. Start small. Stay consistent. Take control of your financial future today.

Consistency is Key.

✨ Additional Advice ✨

28. Ask God to help guide you on your financial journey.

Sometimes clarity and provision don’t come from a spreadsheet—they come from prayer, patience, and trust. Read testimonies of how others received exactly what they needed, even when they lacked the funds or the “how.” You’re not walking alone.

Here are a few verses that have encouraged me:

• Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

• Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

• Proverbs 10:22 – "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it."

Your path with money doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Start where you are, with what you have—and keep walking forward.

Growing up an only child, my family let me be my own person. And to be honest, I’ve always felt like an outsider or different but I never let that get me down or pitied myself because of it. Often times, I was the only one doing my own thing & didn’t look towards anyone else for validation or to be liked.

I remember in high-school I was still deciding where I wanted to go for college. On the offical day of college decision day, I coudln’t even turn in my decision because I was still in between. I remember that when I finally decided to choose FIDM and move out to Los Angeles, I heard a few girls say that they thought I was better than them because of my decision.

No baby girl. You think I think I’m better than you. I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I’m just making my own decisions for my life and not looking for validation from other people. What are YOU doing?

When I look back, I’m grateful to have a family that allowed me to flourish into my own type of person. Now, it wasn’t until I moved to bigger cities and growing older that I saw how being authentic could be taken differently by the wrong people.

If you’re around the wrong people, they will make it seem like you need to change who you are. Change your looks, what you wear, how you speak, talk, act, etc. But baby, once you rip that mask off (because I went through it –– it feels amazing.

I think that’s what I’ve grown to love about being authentic. By being authentic and being you, the right people will love it and the wrong people won’t. The more you walk through life with a mask on, you’ll only attact the wrong type of people because they think you’re something that you’re not.

So, if you find yourself currently in a phase where you’re wearing a mask (through your social media, your friends, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your job)… I’d recommend to rip that $hit off asap!

You Can’t Borrow Your Way to Authenticity

There comes a point where you need stop looking around and start looking within. You can scroll, save inspo, mood board the aesthetic, and day dream all day—but if all you’re doing is mimicking what’s already been done, then you’re just playing catch-up in a game you were meant to lead.

You can try to copy someone else’s sauce, but it won’t taste the same.

And honestly? It’s not even your flavor. It’ll never hit the same because it’s not coming from you.

Your Flavor Is Already Inside You

We forget how powerful it is to simply be ourselves. We think we have to do what they’re doing to be seen, to be valid, to “make it.” But your power—your sauce, your edge—it’s already inside you. You just haven’t fully trusted it yet. What are you feeling resistance towards? Take a moment––a beat if you will––and look in.

You’re not meant to blend in. What makes you different? That’s your competitive edge. That little thing you’ve been trying to tone down because it’s not what everyone else is doing? That’s the thing that’ll separate you. That’s the thing that will make people remember your name.

Take Action. Don’t just watch.

I know it can be sooooooo tempting to look to others when you're still trying to figure yourself out. Especially when you're in that weird in-between space—wanting clarity, craving momentum, but feeling stuck watching everybody else “win.”

But hear me: you won’t discover your voice by playing copycat. You find it by moving. By doing. By taking action, even when it’s messy, unsure, or half-baked.

You don’t discover who you are from the sidelines. You find that out in the process. Through the trial. Through showing up. Through trying, even when you don’t feel ready.

Inspiration Is a Spark, Not a Blueprint.

And listen—I’m not saying you can’t be inspired. You can. You should. There’s nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from others. We all do that. We all learn by observing.

But take inspiration and remix it into your language. Don’t just copy-paste the vibe. Add you to it. Add your own seasoning, your own intention, your own story.

Let other people inspire you—but build your own thing. You were never meant to fit into someone else’s blueprint.

Set the Tone for You

At the end of the day, it’s about setting the tone for you. Your timing. Your style. Your voice. You’re allowed to be in process. You’re allowed to experiment, to pivot, to evolve. Just make sure it’s your voice guiding the direction.

Because when you create something that’s actually aligned with you—not what the algorithm wants, not what’s trendy—that’s when the real magic shows up.

Your Sauce Will Hit Different—When It’s Yours

That’s when people start to pay attention. That’s when you stand out. That’s when the sauce hits different—because it’s not a copy. It’s not a remix.
It’s original. It’s bold. It’s you.

And trust me—you’ll be so glad you stayed true to yourself. Even if it takes a little longer. Even if it doesn’t make sense to everybody right away.
It’s worth it.

Do you call your mom to vent to her? Do you call your boyfriend? Do you Facetime your best friend in another state? Do you run to Chat GPT?

Or do you scroll endlessly? Do you journal? Do you run to Substack to see if anyone else can describe what you’re going through (btw I’m glad you’re here).

In my times of when I’ve felt overwhelmed with so many choices or so few choices, I chose to sit and do nothing. Scary thought right? Let me explain.

Zooming out and taking a step back.

I’m not where I want to be at in my life yet. Sure – the usual material things like: my home, my car, my closet my credit score, and more are all things I want to upgrade.

But lately, I’ve been waking up every morning with this dread of figuring out what I needed to do that day to get ahead. Often making decisions based on what I thought I needed to do instead of what I wanted to do.

Yes – two things can be right at once but this constantly kept me in a loop of feeling overwhelmed.

Often times when I’ve felt overwhelmed, for some reason the first thing I felt I needed to do was more.

Try this: the next time the feelings over overwhelm start to come up, take a step outside and sit. No phone, no laptop, no music. Just sit with you, yourself, and your thoughts.

This feeling? It’ll pass.

Your brain is doing its job—trying to keep you safe. But the moment you pause and quiet the chaos, you’ll see: the noise was actually the thing feeding the fear.

Learning to silence the noise.

Is it just me or when I feel overwhelmed, my brain goes into major overdrive. For some reason, the first thing I feel I need to do is more.

Having thoughts of, “If I do more of x, it’ll get me x.” “If I do more of this, maybe this will get me this.” And yes–some of this can be true, but the reality was this kept me stuck in a cycle of surviving and instead of truly living.

First thing I want to let you know is that you’re not alone. This is a common feeling I’ve come to terms with the older I get and the more I dive into my 20s.

What has helped me is to disconnect from all distractions and sit in silence. Zoom out from everything you think you need to do and instead do absolutely nothing.

When you pullback, step outside, take a deep breath, and sit with yourself, something pretty magical happens.

Having patience in the silence.

Learning to sit in the chaos of your mind can be a scary feeling but once you get past it, you conquer it.

Patience is a virtue, especially in silence—where the loudest answers often arrive without a sound.

In that quiet, the answers are already making their way to you. Just stay open. Don’t block the blessings because they didn’t come loud or obvious.

I also like to call this, divine guidance from God or aligned action. These divine downloads could be a nudge to:

• read that book you never finished (that inspires you to the next step)

• reach out to an old friend from college (that happens to connect you to your next client or business partner)

• submit to that agency that’s been on your mind (that ends up booking you your first 5-figure job)

• post that piece of content you’ve been sitting on (that gains the attention of a brand you’ve always dreamt of working with)

Listen to what your heart naturally gravitates towards. You realize that you’re gonna be okay. Even if it doesn’t look like it at the time or it doesn’t feel like it, just know that you are.

Doing too much and all at once will honestly just make you feel even more anxious and more overwhelmed. TBH you just end up feeling like Spongebob. FYI (WE DON’T WANT THIS!)

The next best thing to doing nothing.

When I’m finished with doing nothing and want to do something to get some juices flowing, you can find me doing one of the following:

• Taking a walk – No music, no headphones, just me + nature (and my dog Louie)

• Taking a nap – those mid-day naps hit different

• Reading – Poetry books, the Artists Way, the Four Agreements, the Bible

• Journaling – Stream of consciousness

• Listening to music – Classical or anything instrumental

• Coloring – Via my iPad or hands down a coloring book with pencils, markets, etc.

Remember, sometimes you need to surrender what you have going on. Surrender is a success strategy.

So, I’ll leave you with this…

The next time you feel anxious about what to do next, pause and take a deep breath.

Trust that it will come to you.

Have patience in the process and know that you’re meant for something special. What’s worth having will be worth the wait.

And if you need the advice again later down the line, remember to come back to this and re-read.

Signing off,
Jada

Then out of nowhere, my family sat me down and asked me, super gently,
“Which one do you want to focus on more—Dance or Gymnastics?”

At that point, I was doing both. Training for the competitive gymnastics team and leveling up in my dance classes.

Without even thinking, I said,
“Dance.”

Soon after, I left my training team and coach, and auditioned for the dance competition team.

I made the team (thank God), and rehearsals kicked off for our first comp that fall.

I was one of the new girls on the jazz team. And one day during rehearsal, our teacher Miss Robyn asked if anyone could do tricks or flips.

My hand shot up—“I CAN!”

Everyone stepped to the side and I did what I knew best: a running round-off back handspring.

She ended up giving me a little feature in the routine just for that tumbling pass.

Now you might be thinking… Okay Jada. You can dance. You can flip. Cool. But why does this matter?

Here’s why.

Later that weekend, my mom got a call from the Head of the Studio asking for a meeting.

I was confused. I had a great week at dance and just got a special part—what could this possibly be about?

Turns out, some of the girls had gone home and told their parents about my part…
And the parents did not like that.

A bunch of them emailed the teacher and studio director asking why I got something special and nobody else did.

Their response? “She’s the only one who can tumble. We want to highlight that in the routine.” And that was that.

But honestly? That moment stuck with me and I didn’t realize it until yesterday. I’m 27 years old and this happened over 16 years ago. It made me wonder,

Is this why I’m sometimes scared to stand out? What happens if I shine? Is it okay to be different?

Why does it so feel so hard to just be me again?

The truth is:

Dimming your light doesn’t protect you—it delays you.

Because really—whose life are you living? Yours, or theirs?

They’re out there living their lives. So why shouldn’t you live yours fully and as bright as possible?

Over time, dimming your own light can you lead to the following:

• Fear of Being Seen

• Fear of Standing Out

• Perfectionism

• Analysis-Paralysis

• Feeling Insecure… and more.

To be honest, you may not even realize that you’re dimming your light either. You may just have low self confidence, so in the meantime… work on that. ;)

For me, I was dimming my light by hiding online. A hobby I used to love started to feel scary and even like a burden.

Social media used to be fun for me. Posting my outfits, dance class clips, a cute cafe I found, a new mirror I thrifted—just little moments.

But when I stopped showing up? So did the flow.
The brand deals slowed down. The random, God-led opportunities stopped.
Even my personality started to feel hidden.

And it wasn’t just online. When I dimmed my light in real life, things got really weird.

Not terrible. But stuck. It felt like I was floating and lot living, and I knew things could be better.

Part of that came from isolating myself during my healing season…
But another part of it? Was the people I was around.

Take up space. The right people won’t be threatened by your shine—they’ll support it.

Let’s be real–when someone humble you, throw shade, or put you down, you should automatically know a couple things. That person is likely:

A. Insecure.

B. A Hater.

C. Both.

This is why it’s always important to take inventory of who you surround yourself with.

This pertains to: Friends, Family, Co-Workers, etc. Always take inventory of who is in your circle.

If you’ve got a “friend” who’s always side-eyeing your wins, making shady comments, or downplaying your glow-up… That’s poison. Remove yourself.

(One of my “friends” at the time literally laughed when I said I needed to work on something for my business… hater much?)

When you're surrounded by people who are secure in themselves, your shine won’t bother them.

You won’t have to explain your light, dim it, or shrink to fit. Being YOU will just… feel easy. You will be in your natural flow state again.

Consistency + Authentic You + Aligned Action = Flow Living

One bold decision can shift your entire life.

So when you finally get tired of being scared to “go for it”?
Go anyway. JUST DO IT. (Nike don’t sue me).

That thing you’re avoiding? The one decision you keep circling back to?
It could change everything—your finances, your energy, your relationships, your confidence.

Post the video. Speak up in class. Wear the outfit. Send the email. Go on the date. Book the trip.

Do it and stop caring about who you may make uncomfortable. As long as you’re moving with goodwill and not intentionally hurting anyone, LIVE YOUR LIFE.

So please—Promise me and mostly yourself that this moment right here is the last time you ever dim your light.

Ever again.

Even if you didn’t grow up with family who made it seem like you were too much, you may have gathered this idea from old friends, relationships, co-workers… who genuinely just did not get you. And that’s ok.

But let me say this loud and clear:
Putting yourself out there isn’t self-centered.
It’s self-honoring. It’s you saying, “I matter. My voice matters. My presence matters. I have something to say.”

And yeah, some people might try to make you feel like you’re “too much” for doing that. But let’s be real—people who say things like that are often projecting their own insecurities. That’s not your responsibility to carry.

A Little Bit of Self-Centered Energy Is Necessary

Now I’m not talking about ego, I’m talking about alignment. Being a little self-centered—in a grounded, humble way—is actually necessary. This is your life. You only get one. So… what are you doing to make the most out of it?

Are you shrinking yourself to stay invisible? Or are you owning your story, your voice, your truth? Your authenticity?

Because when you stay quiet out of fear, you’re not being “humble.” You’re being absent from your own life.
And I know that’s not what you were put here for.

Authenticity Is Always in Style

When you put yourself out there from a real place—not for clout, not for attention, but from an authentic place—something shifts.
You start attracting the people who actually see you. Who actually get you.

When you’re not being authentic? You’ll attract people who connect with a version of you that’s not even real. And that’s a trap. Because now you’re performing. Now you’re managing a mask.

Authenticity saves you from all of that. Put your stamp on everything you do. Say it how you say it. Move how you move. Because that is what people will remember.

Trust Yourself Through the Highs and Lows

Being authentic doesn’t mean you’ll always win. Sometimes you’ll put yourself out there and it won’t land. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes you’ll get it wrong. Sometimes you’ll fail.

But please—don’t let that make you crawl into a hole. Don’t start doubting the very essence of who you are.

Failure isn’t the end. It’s just a checkpoint. The key is to keep trusting yourself anyway. Even when it’s awkward. Even when it’s slow. Even when it feels like no one’s watching.

The more you trust yourself, the more you become the validation you’ve been searching for.

Your Life Is Yours to Shape

At the end of the day, this is your life. Your name is on the journey. Your fingerprints are on every single chapter. So why wouldn’t you show up like it?

Being seen isn’t a bad thing. Being visible doesn’t mean you’re vain. It means you’re owning it.

My last takeaway for you is…take up space, be authentic, trust your voice, and move like you were made to be remembered. Because you were. NEVER forget that.

We all have those wild ideas floating around in our heads—the ones that seem so out there, so crazy, that you’re afraid to take them seriously. You think to yourself, “What if it doesn’t work? What if people laugh? What if I fail?”

But here’s the real truth: it’s only crazy because you think it is. Own it. Take it from the invisible world of thought and manifest it in the real world.

The world needs your creativity, your unique perspective. The world needs YOU! PERIOD.

Someone, somewhere is waiting for you to put that idea out there. They need exactly what you’re holding onto, afraid to release.

I was listening to this song with Big Sean recently, and one lyric just stood out to me: “Wanna call you crazy, but you only crazy 'til you make it, but then you a genius.” I will literally listen to this song alone because of this lyric.

The world might call you crazy for your ideas at first, but once you bring them to life?

So why wait? This isn’t living delulu either… it’s called trusting in yourself and your ideas.

Be Brave—But Be Brave Faster

It’s so easy to let fear get the best of us. We want everything to be perfect before we show it to the world. But here's the thing—perfection doesn’t exist.

You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. What you do need is to stop overthinking and start putting those ideas into action.

Trust yourself enough to take your creative ideas out of your head and put them to the test. The more you wait, the more the world passes by, and those ideas stay locked inside.

The longer you sit on your creativity, the longer you stay stuck. It’s not about waiting for the right time; it’s about making that time now.

If you want to learn more about what happens to the creative ideas you never act on, read the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Your Title Doesn’t Define You

Right now, you might be stuck in a particular place or phase in your career. Maybe you're not where you thought you’d be at this point, or you’re not seeing the growth you want just yet.

Maybe the title you carry at the moment feels limiting or you feel disconnected completely.

Your title doesn’t define you.

It’s just a snapshot of where you are right now. Tomorrow? You could be somewhere completely different. Things can change overnight. I’ve seen it and have personally experienced it. Never forget that.

Your future is not determined by where you are today.

Don’t let your current situation box you in. You can shift, you can evolve, and you can redefine yourself at any moment.

The only thing that truly defines you is your willingness to go after what’s in your head and make it happen in the world.

Be the Creator You Were Meant to Be

Creativity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, putting your ideas out there, and testing them to see what sticks.

You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to take that first step, trust the process, and let your creativity lead the way.

You don’t figure things out by researching, brainstorming, and thinking… you figure things out by ACTION. The more actions you take, the more information and answers you receive.

The world is waiting for you to take the leap. Stop hiding. Step into what’s yours. Own your creative ideas, make them happen faster, and let go of the fear of “not being ready.” You’ll be glad you did. Your dreams are closer than you think.

Action Steps to Own Your Creativity Today:

1. Take Action Now: Don’t overthink it. If you’ve been holding onto an idea, make the first move today.

2. Put It to the Test: Test it out in small ways. Share it with one person, create a mock-up, or make a prototype.

3. Shift Your Focus: Change your mindset from perfection to progress. Move faster, but keep your focus on what matters—the outcome.

4. Don’t Let Titles Limit You: Embrace where you are, but don’t let your current title dictate your future. Your potential is limitless.

My Final Thoughts

Creativity is about embracing what’s you. It’s about being brave enough to put your ideas out there, fast.

The more you do this, the more you’ll realize just how possible everything you’ve dreamed of really is. Trust yourself.

The world’s ready for what you’ve got to offer. Stop procrastinating, create, and put it out for the world to see.

You need to realize that no one cares as much as you think they do.

You will stop overthinking.

You will stop over-analyzing.

You will stop thinking you don’t deserve it.

You will stop the internal negative self-talk.

Then… one day you will decide that:

You will start to say YES more.

You will start to use your voice more.

You will start to share your art more.

You will start to show your personality more.

You will start to post more.

You will start to venture out of your comfort zone more.

You will create more than you consume.

You will start to go all in on your goals.

You will start to give less of a f*ck.

You will lock in.

And that is really when you really know you’ve hit a jackpot.

This is your sign to keep going… because you will.

Life is what you make of it. So make it how you want (with God of course).

Have you ever experienced a moment where you just knew something was right, even though there was no logical reason for it? Maybe it was a sudden urge to change your routine, go to a new class, or make a big career move — and it turned out to be exactly what you needed. Have you ever felt like it was a wink or push from God?

Well.. I’ve been there. At times, it felt scary but there was also some sense of peace in the midst of it.

Picture this…

You’re planning a big creative project and you need a photographer. Your usual coffee shop routine calls you to grab your usual, but today, something nudges you to try a new place. You decide to visit that new cafe you had saved in your notes app.

You sit in the back, get into work mode, and order your usual; a cappuccino with extra foam and almond milk. (Trust me...it's fire.)

As you work, you notice someone nearby — a man pulls out a camera and starts uploading photos to his laptop. There’s something about him that gives you a good feeling. You spark up a conversation, and it turns out he’s a photographer specializing in creative shoots. You ask about his availability, and boom — you connect! Fast forward, and that shoot leads to your favorite brand reaching out to orchestrate a brand deal with you with one of your favorite products you use as a dancer.

What happened there? You were guided by your intuition and discernment. That nudge to try a new cafe wasn’t random — it led you to a crucial opportunity.

Intuition vs. Discernment: What's the Difference?

Now, let’s break down the key terms here. Intuition and discernment are often used interchangeably, but they each have very distinct roles:

• Intuition (from the dictionary) is: the power or faculty of attaining to direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought or inference. In my simpler terms — it's that gut feeling or inner knowing.

• Discernment (from the dictionary) is: the ability to judge well. It’s not just about making decisions, but about using critical thought and wisdom to weigh options from different angles and choose what’s best.

So, intuition gives you that gut feeling, and discernment is your ability to assess that feeling with thoughtfulness and wisdom.

How Intuition and Discernment Help You Level Up

Trusting your intuition and sharpening your discernment can truly change the game in your life and career. Here's how:

1. Make Wiser Decisions
   When you trust your gut, you’re making decisions that align with your purpose and goals. Instead of second-guessing yourself, your intuition guides you toward what’s best.

2. Break Negative Cycles
   Intuition and discernment help you recognize when you’re stuck in a cycle that doesn’t serve you. By listening to your inner voice, you can steer clear of repeating mistakes. You know how they say God lives within us? God is that inner voice (the positive one).

3. Build Confidence and Clarity
   The more you practice listening to your intuition and using discernment, the clearer you become about your path. You start making confident decisions that lead to higher quality experiences.

Ways to Strengthen Your Intuition and Discernment

Not sure how to develop these inner tools? Here are practical tips to help you tune in:

1. Eat Clean, Whole Foods
   What you put in your body affects your mental clarity and intuition. Fast food and processed foods can cloud your judgment. Try eating more whole foods — it’ll sharpen your mind and energy.
   (Check out this article from Harvard Medical School on how food affects your brain: Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food)

   Pro Tip: Life’s about balance — Trust me, I loooovveeeee a good 10-count nugget with polynesian sauce from Chick-fil-A, but moderation is key!

2. Reduce Smoking & Drinking Habits
   If you smoke or drink regularly, reducing or eliminating these habits will clear the mental fog. If going cold turkey is tough, gradually cut back and remove temptation by clearing your house of these substances.

3. Remove Yourself from Toxic People
   Your intuition will tell you when someone isn’t good for you. Trust it and distance yourself from toxic exes, friends who drain you, or negative environments.
   (This might mean blocking that toxic ex or even leaving a draining work environment.)

4. Start Your Day with Scripture or Meditation
   Begin each day grounded. Read a passage of scripture, meditate, or listen to high-frequency music. This clears mental clutter and helps you tune into your higher self.
   (Start your day with something positive — don’t let your first thoughts be the news, texts, or your email inbox.)

5. Incorporate Motivational & Inspirational Podcasts
   If you need help thinking positive, listen to people who inspire you. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or just relaxing, surround yourself with content that encourages positivity and motivation. I have a podcast that has weekly new episodes here!

How Intuition and Discernment Lead to Success

Strengthening your intuition and discernment has played such a major role in my own journey (and still is). It’s helped me:

• Avoid negative situations that used to pull me down.

• Increase my confidence and sense of self.

• Cultivate higher-quality experiences both in my personal life and my creative career.

Now, when it’s time to make decisions as a dancer, model, actress, or creative, I trust my intuition and use discernment to make empowered choices.

As you evolve into your next-level self — whether in your career or personal life — these practices will give you the clarity and confidence to make the right decisions for your future.

Lastly, Trust Your Gut!

Ready to start trusting your intuition and discernment more? The next time you feel that nudge to make a decision or try something new, listen to it. It could just be the step you need to take toward your next big opportunity.