We recently had the chance to connect with Ayden Jai and have shared our conversation below.
Ayden , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe many people silently struggle with individualism. the ability to be alone and truly content with themselves. Most people have no desire to be alone, independent, and self-reliant out of fear of abandonment, a need for constant interaction, or discomfort with their thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, by no means as humans are we meant to be isolated for extended periods. Yet, it’s in those quiet, solitary moments that real clarity emerges. I feel as if there is clarity on the other side of that solitude, where you find yourself and discover the truths that constant noise can keep us from seeing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there, my name is Ayden Jai, and I am a global tastemaker, leader, and innovator based here in Atlanta. I am the director of Chique Drogue, a creative talent agency that delves into runway production and model/talent representation, and TheDroneClone, a media company specializing in aerial drone photography and videography. We capture life’s moments and transform them into real-world cinema, offering a fresh perspective from above.
I think what makes these things unique is that they have never been done in the same capacity. For example, Chique Drogue, yes, fashion shows have been around since the beginning of time, but it takes a special individual to think to put multiple designers on one platform/runway to showcase their designs. The last time I saw something like that was maybe Bronner Brothers.
And for The Drone Clone, I don’t know anyone who is taking a drone, putting it in the air, and documenting cool ass life moments from that view, like me. Secondly, it’s also very hard to control/fly a drone, so there is a large skill gap.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Without question, my parents taught me the most about work. Both of them are entrepreneurs who sacrificed tremendously to create opportunities for me. Growing up, seeing them work on their businesses always pushed me. It’s in my blood. My father migrated to the U.S. as a bodybuilding champion and built his own fitness center and social club lounge from the ground up. My mother returned to school to become a nurse, working long shifts and being gone from home, to make it happen for me. They taught me sweat equity, and watching their dedication instilled in me a relentless work ethic — it’s only right that I honor their sacrifices and carry the legacy forward.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
For a long time, I believed I was shy, timid, quiet, because that’s what others told me. I was a soft-spoken kid, and often the smallest in my friend group, and I let that shape my identity. The truth of the matter is, I had always been the main character of my story — a superstar, I just needed the confidence to own it. If I could say one thing to little Ayden, it would be: “You are the best person for this life. No matter what challenges may come, you are fully capable of handling them- so lean in.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
The way I differentiate between fads and true foundational shifts is through reflection. Each year as I get older, I look back and identify the moments where life changed — for better or worse. I found that the biggest foundational shifts occurred right after there was a “fad”. Meaning, what felt like chaos or a passing storm is often just a “fad,” a temporary disruption paving the way for something greater. Time and again, the challenges I thought would break me ended up creating opportunities, relationships, and breakthroughs I never expected.
Now, when “fads” appear, I don’t panic. I recognize them, acknowledge them, and trust that a deeper shift is forming beneath the surface. That’s a mindset anyone can adopt: don’t mistake turbulence for permanence — often, it’s just the ground clearing for your next chapter.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people say I was an altruistic person — someone who truly cared for others, even those I never met.. A true humanitarian. Beyond success or recognition, my deepest desire is to see my people win. I’ve always seen myself as a social catalyst: if I can help someone unlock their potential, I’ll do everything within my power to make that happen. I often think about leaders like Lao Tzu or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — individuals whose influence stretched far beyond their lifetimes. To have your work spoken of generations later is the highest form of impact. Do you know how powerful and influential you have to be for people to talk about your work centuries later or to have your work showcased in history books, after you’ve passed? That’s the legacy I intend to leave on Earth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chiquedrogue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruhayden/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayden-jai-b18887149
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SmartCrayfish
- Other: https://bruhayden.myportfolio.com/
Image Credits
@lennytookit
@jennessy_0
@thedroneclone
