We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaida Henley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaida below.
Hi Jaida, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My confidence is a part of who I am. It’s funny—some people highlight my confidence, and others tell me to bring out more. We all have our moments where we can feel small. I believe in confidence because everyone is unique. No two people are exactly the same. That’s beautiful. You have the freedom to be uniquely YOU. I get my self-esteem from the peace that it was me who got myself this far. I have proven time and time again to myself that I can navigate myself throughout whatever life sends my way. I am authentic and true to myself. When you start to respect your efforts, you start to naturally carry yourself differently. I feel insecure all the time, and I find myself in constant comparison with others. Wondering how certain people make it to certain places and make it look effortless. This doesn’t make these people any more deserving than me. It’s all about your perspective. Do you have the ability to harness a healthy perspective on your expectations of yourself and the life around you? I often feel silly when I compare myself because there always ends up being a factor that was glamorized or not the way I carry myself. Social media is a toxic place at times because we base our worth on our views, likes, and comments. I took some time in LA to rediscover myself without social media, and it changed my perspective as well. I don’t care how many likes I get, but just know you’ll be seeing me in the cinemas one day. You’ll hear me on your radio. When you start focusing on larger goals, it makes the insecurities of the little ones not seem so bad. I also learned that I use confidence when I’m unsure. I’m sure at times I may come across as arrogant when I’m confidently wrong, but we’re only human! You just have to fake it until you make it. Don’t let others crumble you, and always smile to inspire the people around you. Confidence inspires others with courage.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Jaida Henley. I am an American singer-songwriter and actress. I am 21 years old. I moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles about a year ago by myself and have been pursuing my brand out here. I currently have four uniquely sounding songs out. Each one tells a different story. My most recent single is “Life of Mine – Jaida Henley,” and it’s an auditory autobiography about my life. I am also diving deeper into my acting career by doing commercials, music videos, and short films. My most recent release is a speaking intro during Musiq Soulchild’s “We were just binging” video. My goals as a singer and actress are to eventually have a team to help me with my momentum! We just shot our first music video, and I’ve been in the studio three days a week for the past two months now! I would love to plan a proper album drop by the fall. Besides my career, I am an adventurer and creator. I love exploring and being outside. I love music and vibrant colors! There’s so much about me that I could share!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’ve had a habit of throwing myself deep into the scene since I was sixteen. When I was sixteen, I got pretty involved in the hip-hop scene in Atlanta. Fun times for sure. At twenty, I moved by myself to Hollywood, California. When I got here, I quickly learned why it’s called “The Devil’s Playground.” Anything can happen with anyone here. Don’t be surprised. Even though I’ve had many opportunities to explore the things I shouldn’t, I’ve always maintained self-restraint. Knowing why you place yourself in certain rooms and what you don’t want to experience for yourself can really prevent you from peer pressure. Self-restraint allows you clarity and to move like a leader. I’m a firm believer that you can’t crave an experience you have never had before. Specifically in this context, I’m referring to substances and bad considerations. If I never allow myself to try certain things, how would I crave or desire to do them again?
A lot of people would fold in my shoes without the level of self-restraint I provide. Even with maintaining responsibilities, self-restraint is the best method for moving smarter and not harder.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is such a great read. For anybody who aspires to accomplish something larger than their experiences, they need to check out this gem. I read the book when I was sixteen and still remember many takeaways. I know I’ll never forget Napoleon’s chapter about forming a mastermind group. He also goes on to teach you inspiring methods to elevate your desires. He teaches the importance of writing your goals down and the repetitions of desire. I’ve never had a non-fiction book impact me as much as “Think and Grow Rich.”
My favorite fiction book is “Looking for Alaska” by John Green. I love the mystery of Alaska. I could read that book over and over and never get tired of it. John Green is one hell of an author!
Contact Info:
- Website: jaidahenley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaidahenley?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jhenleyy?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JaidaHenley?si=By1JvM_ugb7moDZ5
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/PHKZ3WdXZY14vFAd9
