Meet James (jay) Murray

We recently connected with James (jay) Murray and have shared our conversation below.

James (Jay), so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt “different”—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My sexuality? Absolutely part of my swagger; it’s like a secret ingredient that amplifies my vibe. Growing up, I spent far too much time pretending to be someone else. But hey, at least it made me one hell of an actor—if you can convince your own family, you can pretty much fool the world, right? My passion for entertainment has always been in my DNA, right alongside my love for fashion, music, pop culture… and, of course, men. Coming out at 17 felt like hitting the jackpot, an instant dose of freedom. Moving to Manhattan after that was a turning point. Now that I’m based in LA, I still carry the strength and confidence New York gave me; it taught me that my uniqueness is my superpower, the essence of who I am. These days, I stay grounded through daily prayer and meditation, keeping my connection to a higher power strong and steady.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Jay Murray is a bold and rising fashion model and influencer, captivating the fashion world and now Hollywood with his distinctive style and undeniable charisma. Having collaborated with prestigious brands like Prada, Perry Ellis, Celine, Phillip Lim, Certitude, David Donovan and Deion, Jay’s presence on the runway is as striking as it is unforgettable. With a natural ability to connect with the camera and the crowd, his career has skyrocketed, making him a sought-after figure in the fashion industry.

From New York to Los Angeles Fashion Week, Jay is a regular on both the runway and red carpet, where his fearless energy and authentic flair turn heads. His unique take on fashion, combined with his love for pop culture, film, and music, sets him apart from the rest. Jay’s unapologetic individuality, especially as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, makes him a standout figure in the industry. Always evolving, Jay is not just a model—he’s a force of nature, inspiring others to embrace their true selves while making waves in the world of high fashion.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Trust in a Higher Power
For me, trusting in God—or a Higher Power, the Universe, or Source—has been essential. My daily rituals of prayer, meditation, and personal practices each morning help me stay connected and grounded, cultivating self-love so I can give back to the world around me.
2. No Matter What…Don’t Quit
Breaking into the fashion and entertainment industry can be incredibly challenging, especially when you’re just starting out. It’s crucial to believe in yourself and remember: success doesn’t come without setbacks. Every failure is a stepping stone toward growth.
3. Always Know You Belong
Never tell yourself, “I don’t belong here.” Many people let the competitiveness and glamour of this industry intimidate them, feeling so overwhelmed that they quit, thinking they don’t belong. But I believe if you’re there, it’s for a reason. Higher forces are guiding us, so act like you belong—because you truly do.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

One of my favorite aspects of modeling is the chance to be a chameleon, blending into each project’s unique vision. I’m inspired by the diversity of people I get to work with and am constantly fueled by the creative energy that each new collaboration brings. Partnering with a variety of brands allows me to showcase the full scope of my talent and adaptability. Currently, I’m eager to work with iconic names like Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Versace, and Off-White.

I’m also thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with several Hollywood producers and directors on my debut feature short film. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, I can share that it will be released as a series on TikTok’s CLIP CULTURE platform, with the story unfolding in parts. I can’t wait to fully immerse myself in this role and bring the character to life—it’s an incredible opportunity to show my depth and passion for acting.

FOLLOW @CLIPCULTURESTUDIOS ON TIKTOK!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer Brian Wangenheim @brian_photographer_111

Courtesy of Getty Images.

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