We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaida Foreman. Check out our conversation below.
Jaida, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m proud of building trust and confidence in myself. Especially as a performer to non-performers, I can come off as someone who is incredibly self confident. No one (besides maybe my therapist. Shout out to therapy!) sees the imposter syndrome that I’m consistently overcoming on a daily basis. As opposed to downplaying or dismissing the work I do, I’ve been on a journey of giving myself way more credit. Even through the struggles of experiencing imposter syndrome, I choose to show up any way. The more I show up, the more evidence and real life experience I have to show myself. Every decision I make may not play out the way I expect, but usually what comes out of it is just as worthy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Jaida, a performer and theater artist based in NYC. My work spans stage and film, including recent projects with Hamlet Isn’t Dead and short films. I’m drawn to stories that explore humanity, transformation, and emotional truth, and I approach every role with a deep respect for collaboration and craft.
What I love most about performing is the connection — with castmates, creative teams, and audiences. Live theater creates a rare kind of shared experience, and I take pride in helping build spaces where people feel seen, moved, and a little less alone. As an artist, I’m especially interested in projects that center underrepresented voices and challenge the way stories are traditionally told. At its core, my work is about presence, vulnerability, and using storytelling as a form of community care.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Lack of comprehension and emotional regulation. Often, people believe that simply communicating solves issues. I’ve learned and experienced that communication only serves when all involved are seeking to hear rather than just be heard. This life, especially with the current state of the world, throws a lot of stressors out way. Effective and efficient communication comes from recognizing the stress one feels, breathing through it and committing to understand another. Interacting from a place of curiosity rather than defensiveness helps to soothe and restore what raised cortisol levels can throw away.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh, definitely! I did NOT have the best college experience. In fact, after graduating, I was prepared to walk away from performing forever. Then, three years later, the pandemic happened. The only thing that kept me sane (especially being sheltered in place with toxic and abusive family members) was my love for the arts. I started attending and curating open mics (both virtual and in person), sharing my craft and I was reminded of how much I love to perform. Not only is it a skill I’ve honed by going to school and studying the craft, but the act of performing itself comes so authentically to me. Returning to my passion was like coming back to myself. I do believe there are times when one must re-route but even more so, I believe anything that creates joy is more than worth experiencing.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
“Everything works out for me better than I could have ever expected it to.” This affirmation, this belief is as much as a commitment to myself as it is to everything I pursue. I mentioned earlier that every decision I make doesn’t always yield the results I anticipate. That used to cause me insane amounts of anxiety and made me feel like a failure that should just stop trying. However, I really believe in kismet and in the power of faith. Since I believe that everything is going to work out, even better than I could ever expect, I can rest assured. If it doesn’t look how I expected, that just means the Universe is still building something incredibly amazing in my favor. My only job is to believe that and move accordingly. I owe it to myself to experience something wonderful.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop working my day job or looking for other “survival work” and just completely focus on my craft.
Huh.
That’s a very eye opening question! I’d rather live my last theoretical years completely devoted to what I love instead of trying to make ends meet while fitting it in when I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaidaleilaniforeman.com
- Instagram: @jaidalforeman
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