Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerone Darden

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, and my journey started at a young age. My first real role was playing Simba in a version of *The Lion King* back in elementary school, which sparked my passion for performing. Inspired by icons like Michael Jackson and guided by mentors along the way, I took every opportunity to grow—whether it was singing in school choirs, diving into theater, or exploring behind-the-scenes work.

After high school, I self-designed a Performing Art Studies major at Moravian College and worked at Zoellner Arts Center, honing my technical skills as a stage technician. Life took an unexpected turn due to some legal issues, but I kept my passion alive and returned stronger than ever. In 2022, I got back into the industry, taking modeling courses and landing roles in theater, short films, commercials, and more.

Today, I’m not just an actor and model but also a photographer and production assistant, constantly pushing myself creatively. I currently work with ArtsQuest, a non-profit arts organization, as an Operation Assistant and Production Team member. I’m always looking for new opportunities to grow and share my work with the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road has definitely had its bumps, but I think that’s what makes the journey worth it. One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with legal issues that put my career on hold for several years. It was a difficult time, but it taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of never giving up on your dreams, even when things seem impossible.

Breaking back into the industry after that pause was another hurdle. I had to rebuild connections, refine my craft, and essentially start fresh in some areas. But every setback has only made me more determined and focused on what I want to achieve.

That’s not even to mention the hits my self esteem took just during audition and interview sessions. At the same time, this forced me to take a good long look at myself and realize that no matter what, I am worth it.

I’m grateful for the struggles, though, because they’ve shaped me into who I am today. They’ve made me appreciate every opportunity even more, and they’ve reminded me to stay persistent, no matter the obstacles.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

When it comes to my work in modeling, I specialize in runway. I’ve been fortunate to walk in several fashion shows, including events at New York Fashion Week and Beautiful You Fashion Tour. Whether I’m on the runway or behind the camera, I love bringing a designer’s vision to life and creating memorable moments through fashion. I’m often known for my height and my ability to bring both elegance and energy to the runway.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being crowned ‘Mr. Runway Royalty’ at Lehigh Valley Fashion Week in 2024. It was a huge honor and really reinforced my passion for this industry.

What sets me apart is my versatility and background in performance. Because of my acting experience, I bring a certain depth and storytelling aspect to my modeling. I don’t just wear the clothes—I embody a character or mood, which helps me create a connection with the audience. I also pride myself on professionalism and my ability to adapt to different styles, whether it’s high fashion, commercial, or editorial.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

The COVID-19 crisis was a time of reflection and adjustment for me, like it was for many people. One of the most important lessons I learned was how to slow down and be more present. Before the lockdowns, life was always moving at such a fast pace, and the pandemic forced me to take a step back and really evaluate what matters most.

I also learned the value of resilience. It was a challenging time, both personally and globally, but it reminded me of the importance of staying mentally strong and adaptable. I focused on self-care, improving my health, and taking small steps toward bettering myself every day.

Another lesson was the power of connection. Even though we were physically distant, staying in touch with friends, family, and collaborators in creative ways—whether through virtual meetups or just checking in regularly—really showed me how important those relationships are in keeping us grounded.

Overall, the pandemic taught me that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we respond to challenges. It was a time to build resilience and find peace in the slow moments.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/firekeeper_jeada
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jerone.darden.1