Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade the HBIC.
Hi Jade, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started from a very young age, honestly my art became my escape, the way I expressed myself. When I was young, I had so many emotions pent up and withheld; I did not know how to navigate my feelings or how to communicate them. First came writing, then music, dancing, cooking, then fashion, YouTube, then drag. I was always told, “You are something special, and you’re gonna be a star”. It took me years to finally see what everyone else was seeing. When I did and realized my potential I packed my bags and moved to LA to get away from the life I was living start fresh, and embark on the journey of making a life and career for myself. The decision to just up and move from The Bronx to Los Angeles alone was a big one but I have so much faith in my willpower and have no doubt that the stories I have to tell the world, the shows I’m putting on for people will put smiles on peoples faces, inspire and motivate people and maybe even change some lives. I am 22, soon 23, and blessed to be able to say I’ve been able to accomplish alot, I was captain and choreographer of my own dance group for four years, I have won dance competitions, drag competitions, and performed at big parades like the Puerto Rican and Dominican day parades.
I am trained in more than 10 styles of dance, I host two podcasts (HB podcast & Queens on deck) and a YouTube series called “Hotbox W/ The HBIC”. Yes, I am the HBIC but it’s more then just a phrase to me it’s really a mindset and lifestyle. Honestly a huge part and reason I am where I am today is my drive and determination, I don’t do all these things for the money; I do it for my family and my future kids, I do it for people like me, I do it to entertain people and give them something to laugh and smile about. I am determined to be happy and at peace in life, to succeed, and leave a legacy behind. So, though I am two years into living in LA, and though I am building a name up for myself and though I have managed to do so much for myself despite all the distractions and outside energies and all the crazy things that happen in my day-to-day life, I have a lot more to accomplish. I have a lot more to grow and give, and knowing that the reason I started is the same reason why I am where I am and is the same reason I continue to strive for greatness is a great realization because it shows that no matter where I aim there my eyes will always be on that same target.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely has not been a smooth road, but if the road to success was so easy there wouldn’t be any traffic lights or signals and we’d all get to our destination super fast, rather than be running late cause we are stuck in traffic. I have dealt with issues like financial, mental and even physical. Being a performer, injuries are a risk, and I’ve had a couple that have required surgeries. Also, being an entertainer especially drag and content it isn’t cheap we have to invest in looks and equipment, and living in the most expensive city in the country with inflation in a world post-pandemic is not a walk in the park… hell it is not even a hike up hill. But I’d say the biggest obstacle has been me. Having to overcome internal issues and keep myself motivated and out of a dark hole is rough sometimes. It becomes even harder when you are isolated, with not many people around to help alleviate the stress or help distract you or even help motivate you. However, I have been able to take isolation and make it a good thing by using the time to get to know myself better and understand not only myself but people, situations and the world better.
Growing up I suffered with really bad depression and mood swings, but I have been able to grow out of that mindset and see the light in everything. So now I have been able to make bad situations into good ones by being counteractive with my thoughts and actions. And instead of letting things set or hold me back I let them be lessons and steps towards the right direction. Ultimately the only person or thing that can really stop me or get in my way is myself, and one thing I won’t do is stop my progression, my bag or block my blessings because I won’t ever give up & neither should anybody. That is why I have been able to build myself up to be The HBIC because I take rocks and make em diamonds, lemons into lemonade, pennies into dollars, and push through with a smile on my face and chin held high.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multi-talented entertainer, entrepreneur, and influencer. I am most known for my dancing, my YouTube and my drag. I do a little bit of everything, fashion design, writing, modeling, acting, etc. I am probably most proud of my drag because it combines alot of my skills and specialties into one, and most proud of my YouTube/podcast because it has always been my number 1 baby and where we are taking things starting January 2024, I am super excited for because I’m really pushing myself and stepping my game up so stay tuned. Honestly what sets me apart from others aside from all my talents is me, my energy my personality is so authentic, and everyone always points it out to me so I figure that’s what makes me different from others. Is being unapologetically me at all times, and not giving a F*** about what others think or say.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love collabs and working with people, it is actually a big part of why I have started HB Productions to give a platform for other up-and-coming creatives and entrepreneurs to showcase themselves. Plus it’s fun to come together with other creatives and bounce off of each other’s thoughts, learn new things, and even push each other. Especially in the entertainment industry, it’s all about networking and building community. So if anyone is interested in coming on the pod, or needs some choreography, or even wants to spark ideas for a new venture, I am always down just hit me up. People can support by just following, showing some love and telling a friend.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_hbic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5w9TxJjsLkWuL1XB3mXOHg
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/headbitchproductions/
