Meet Jaelon!

 

We were lucky to catch up with Jaelon! recently and have shared our conversation below.

JAELON!, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism is driven by an unwavering refusal to accept ‘No’ as an answer. I’m intentional about creating ambitious, visionary projects that keep me inspired and thriving.

In September 2024, I had the amazing honor of headlining the Local Licks Festival, hosted by Paducah Beer Werks in Paducah, KY. This festival, a collaborative fundraiser with the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club, holds special significance for me—just last year, I had the opportunity to open for Grammy-nominated hip-hop legends Nappy Roots.

This time, working closely with the promoter, I invited some of my talented friends to share the stage with me, along with a dance company from Missouri. Together, we created a performance that truly celebrated our youth and the vibrant talent in our communities..

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As an artist, I wear many hats: I sing, dance, act, write, produce, choreograph, direct, and curate uniquely immersive events and stage performances. Often, I get to share my original music with my band as JAELON!, bringing each element to life in a way that’s deeply true to my vision.

What I find most thrilling about my work is the authenticity it demands—everything I do is genuine, from the physical to the spiritual. I pour my heart and soul into each project, creating something that’s unmistakably real and personal.

I think what makes me stand out is the sense of unpredictability; with each project, you’ll never quite know which direction I’m going to take. It’s like a fun, steady roller coaster, always evolving and keeping audiences on their toes.

Recently, I wrapped up a special event with our local NAACP chapter, and next, I have some exciting holiday events lined up. These include ‘Black Santa 270,’ a fundraiser that donates toys to underprivileged children in the area and the annual World AIDS Day event here in Paducah, where I’ll be helping raise awareness in our community.

And for those waiting on new music—let’s just say 2025 has a few surprises in store. Stay tuned; I promise, it’ll be worth the wait. On top of that, I’m expanding into wellness branding and podcasting, where I’ll be sharing even more of my journey and exploring the mind-body connection through my art.

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?

Looking back, three qualities that have been pivotal in my journey as an artist are my work ethic and commitment to trusting the process, my ability to trust myself, and learning to manage critics—especially those who aren’t offering constructive feedback. Each of these has played a huge role in shaping who I am today.

The work ethic and self-trust have kept me going when things got tough, while managing critics has been essential to maintaining my focus and confidence. A valuable lesson I learned the hard way is not to promote a project before it’s fully completed. I once got so excited about an upcoming record that I announced it prematurely, and let me tell you, it was a humbling experience. Huge thanks to my brother for helping me realize the importance of patience and preparation before making big announcements.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to learn how to release control over every little detail. Delegate tasks to your team or trusted friends, especially when they have specific roles to play. This allows you to focus on the bigger picture while ensuring everything falls into place seamlessly. Growth happens when you trust both yourself and the people around you.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is give me the space to truly express myself. My dad enrolled me in Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy when I was just 11, opening doors to a world where I could explore and develop my talents. And my mom—she’s always been selflessly supportive, even when it meant sacrificing the living room for my rehearsal or performance space. She may not have cared much for it, but she always made sure I had what I needed to grow. Their love and unwavering support have shaped who I am today, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@E. Charles Photography
@Innerfirephotos
@dujuanthomasproductions
@Lyndsey Sparks

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your