Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalen Gage.
Jalen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Jalen Gage, most commonly known as Jay. I am from a small town in central Mississippi called Carthage. Carthage is a small community where everyone is pretty much family. Growing up in the area, my family played an active role in my life throughout my childhood and still does in my adult life today. Within that time, my mom always tried to take pictures of me as a kid, but I was shy and wasn’t the photogenic type. As I began my teen years, I graduated from high school and went to college, but after a year, I realized it wasn’t for me, so in 2012, I began to work on offshore oil rigs in the mid-Gulf of Mexico at the age of 19 years old, doing maintenance. During that time, I was still trying to figure out my passion in life. I knew there was more to my journey, but I wasn’t sure what at the time. In the year 2019, I found out my grandfather’s health had taken a toll. He was diagnosed with cancer and suddenly passed away. That happened to be a difficult moment in my life, being that my grandfather passed away. I needed time to grieve as I was going through the healing process of the loss of my loved one.
In the year 2021, I started to become a little more comfortable in front of the camera, and I was offered my first modeling gig in New York, but I really wasn’t focused. I was still a little nervous and new to the camera world. Moving to Mobile, Alabama in the early months of 2022 was my decision to give modeling another try. I began to adjust to the world of fashion during that period. By being authentic, I wanted to show people the real Jalen Gage. As a result, I started posting more on social media and within a day, many of my followers began to share my videos widely. I had a booking for mid-summer 2022 for my first modeling session, and that’s where it all took off. Now today I can say I am Jalen Gage, also known as Jay, the influencer, and fashion model who took a leap of faith and allowed my passion to become reality.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Several months after my grandfather passed away, I struggled with sadness and the lack of drive, so it hasn’t always been an easy road for me, even my confidence and self-esteem was low. That allowed me not to take the opportunities that I had from many agencies as serious as I wanted too but as time went on I started to adapt to the modeling lifestyle and began to become more comfortable with being in front of the camera life. In 2021 that’s when I knew I made the right decision for myself. I began to feel better about myself and put more of my attention toward what I love to do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Social Media Influencer & Fashion Model, who strives to highlight the true essence of my content and fashion diversity while utilizing my platforms to make a positive impact on young, inspiring models and potential market influencers. I’ve had the chance to work with many photographers over the past year as a fashion model; including Stella Shots, RP Studios, and small business clothing companies like JRS Men-wear, which has allowed me to display fashion in modeling swimwear, streetwear, and upscale menswear. My objective is to maintain a distinctive sense of creative content that people from all over the world can relate to through the highlighting of my work. I am looking forward to working with other individuals along this journey. I have a strong sense of confidence in street fashion and swimwear, and I enjoy collaborating with photographers and agencies with a creative drive.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would say too many others what I would say to my younger self, which is to test the waters but don’t be afraid to jump in. Otherwise, you may never know what lies beneath the surface of your fears, so just figure out what your God-given purpose is. Once that is in place, stay completely focused on the goals you’re trying to accomplish during your purpose, no matter how big or small they may be. Most importantly, know that you can succeed in it; although it may be hard or come with a few bumps along the way, it’s so much easier to work towards it rather than stop. Remember to always pray and ask for guidance with whatever problems you may encounter along the way. Never give up on your dreams; it doesn’t matter how long it may take always go after the life and dream you’re wanting and once you have a taste of it remain focused with your passion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/02_smooth_jay?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dajauan.gage?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_amazing_jay
