Today we’d like to introduce you to Jena Green-Gladden.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I attended and graduated from Alabama State University with my bachelors in Communication and focus in Radio/TV. I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education from Ashford University. Oprah Winfrey influenced me to create “The Jena Green Show” after several failures with trying to secure a position as a sports reporter. I was naive at the time believing since I held a bachelors degree that I deserved to have that position knowing I didn’t have many years of experience under my belt. The Jena Green Show is what gave myself a platform as an entertainment reporter to build my name in Chicago. I decided to try something different and started promoting myself as a videographer. I moved to Miami and did one year of free videos to get my name out while working at Target.
Grammy Award Winning R&B singer Monica Brown hired me to shoot behind the scenes of her music video “Just right for me”. All this had happened from attending a pop-up shop where I shot and edited the video for free the same night and she shared the video along with giving me credit. Never know who is watching you. I stay ready to focus my camera. All thanks to Monica for taking a chance on me which led me to work with prominent people and brands such as My Black is Beautiful, Jack Daniels, VH1, Uncle Luke, Ro James, Grammy Award Winning R&B Group 112,Teddy Riley, Guy, Bryshere Gray known as Yazz, Karlie Redd, Takeoff from Migos, City Girls, Cardi B, Superbowl Live 53 and more.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bumpy ride. I’ve learned during my struggles, you will lose your ambitions and relationships along the way. Trying to make it into any industry is tough. I’ve been rejected so many times, I don’t let it discouraged me from taking my eyes off the prize. This is a male-dominated era, so I’m always working ten times harder. Success is always the greatest revenge. I’ve learned to let your haters make you greater! Everyone wants to immediately work with the big stars and don’t understand you have to put in the time and work to match your resume. I constantly try to improve my shooting and editing skills where people will eventually like what they see and will hire me. I didn’t get to work with your Yung Miami or Cardi B on my own.
One of my colleagues who’ve been dominating the music video scenes as a producer, Vanda Lee hired me in the past to work with Takeoff from Migos where it lead to being apart of the Twerk music video shoot. I tell people all the time, its all about professionalism and displaying great work ethics. I don’t pick a job based on who it is, I accept jobs based on my availability. I noticed as you continue to elevate, the deck always changes when a handful of people will not support you. Success takes a great amount of hard work and dedication that requires sacrifices. You want to build relationships with people and not only reach out to them when you need things. Some say I’ve changed, I just had to re-evaluate relationships because everyone can’t come with you to the top. I still get rejected even with an impeccable resume.
Please tell us about Jena Green Productions.
My company is Jena Green Productions. I am a videographer who enjoys focusing my lens on people who hire my services. From time to time, I offer photography services as well. Most people know me as the woman who shoots events and before the day is over, already have a recap video. I am most proud that I established myself and brand by doing things the right way and not selling myself short. This is a one-woman show and I never would’ve imagined doing videography full time. All thanks to past and present clients who believed in this young woman and took a chance on my eyes to tell your story. My work ethics, professionalism, integrity, high energy, ability to cope with failures and learn from my mistakes, and time management is what sets me apart from other competitors. I outwork others.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is playing with my mother and my care bear have I had majority of my life. My mother passed away when I was 13 years old. Memories with her warms my heart.
Contact Info:
- Email: thejenagreenshow@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @thejenagreenshow
Image Credit:
Profile Pic – Park Hill Multimedia
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