We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jade The Hbic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jade , thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Taking the risk of moving from New York City to Los Angeles was a significant leap for me. At 20 years old, I made this move alone and without a detailed plan beyond just relocating. I made the decision quickly, packing my bags and leaving home within two weeks, and I only informed my family a week before leaving. My friends found out when my mom and sister organized a surprise going-away party three days before my departure.
I’ve always believed in taking risks, making leaps of faith, and trusting the process. Sometimes, overthinking and fear can prevent us from making decisions. Every choice we make involves risk, whether it’s something small, like riding a motorcycle, or something big, like moving to a new city. We never truly know the outcome, which is what makes it a risk.
Since moving to LA, I’ve experienced incredible highs and some lows, but the journey has been invaluable. I’ve had opportunities like living with roommates, attending mansion parties in the Hollywood Hills, performing alongside queer and pop culture icons, and meeting influencers, celebrities, and some of my childhood idols. I might not have started my drag career or embarked on my journey as a business owner without this move.
Through this experience, I’ve learned a great deal about myself, life, and people. Every day presents a new lesson and journey, all thanks to the risk I took. Because I haven’t failed and have remained focused, determined, and resilient, I trust myself to handle future risks, whether minor or major, and to navigate whatever challenges come my way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the founder of Head Bitch Productions and the creator of the HOL clothing brand.
Head Bitch Productions is an entertainment company dedicated to bringing joy and laughter to people’s lives while also educating and uplifting emerging talent. We serve as a platform to showcase up-and-coming artists, independent creators, and entrepreneurs. Through our videos, events, interviews, and collaborations, we aim to provide a stage for diverse voices and innovative ideas.
HOL is an urban streetwear brand that blends elements of street fashion with high fashion, creating a chic, edgy style with a vintage-futuristic twist. Inspired by the fashion scenes of New York City, Los Angeles, and Japan, our brand strives to offer high-quality, fashion-forward streetwear at affordable prices.
I launched these ventures to combine my passions, hobbies, and talents into one cohesive space. As someone who loves to see others succeed, I saw an opportunity to both entertain and elevate individuals, connect with diverse communities, and make a meaningful impact on the entertainment and fashion industries by merging them in a unique way.
Growing up as a gay, mixed-race, non-binary, plus-sized individual, I often felt like an outcast. Whether I was praised for my uniqueness or faced judgment, I learned to embrace being different. Now, I strive to celebrate and amplify this individuality.
The name “Head Bitch Productions” reflects my personal journey. As someone who has faced derogatory terms and slurs, I have reappropriated the term “bitch” to empower and inspire. I want everyone associated with Head Bitch Productions and HOL to feel like a boss, embracing their power and authenticity. Our mission is to encourage everyone to live their truth and embrace their unique strengths.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Starting a business is straightforward, but launching a company is much more challenging. While forming a business requires only an idea, a name, and registration fees—making it relatively easy—the real difficulty lies in sustaining it. Maintaining a business demands resilience, strong will, and an unwavering heart.
When launching a business in saturated fields like entertainment or fashion, it’s crucial to stand out. I didn’t want to follow the conventional path of simply selling shirts or putting out generic content. My goal was to be unique and distinct from the rest. Consequently, I faced significant challenges in securing the necessary funding and investments that every startup needs. Working capital is essential for maintaining revenue streams; without it, a business is merely a legal entity with a concept.
Initially, I faced obstacles in obtaining loans due to my less-than-perfect credit, which led to repeated denials from banks. Without family support to co-sign or the option of crowdfunding, I struggled to find viable funding sources. The constant rejection took a toll on me emotionally, mentally, and physically. I put in countless hours and sleepless nights, but progress seemed slow, and bills were piling up.
I had my hand raised ready to tap out but then I realized that I instead needed to tap back in and apply double the preasure. I assembled a team and continued moving forward despite the anxiety and uncertainty. I kept recieving signs from god and the universe . I kept seeing specific angel numbers and coming across videos and situations that affirmed I was doing the right thing .
One Monday morning, I received a message that was a blessing from god. After a phone call, a pitch, and some convincing, I secured an investment for my company. I’m proud to say that we are now on track for our projected launch date. Everything is falling into place, and our team is working diligently to make the launch a success.
I am immensely proud of my resilience and perseverance. No obstacle or person could stop me from achieving my goals. By believing in myself and my vision, I was able to overcome the challenges and reach this milestone. SO STAY TUNED TO HEAD BITCH PRODUCTIONS INSTAGRAM PAGE FOR WHAT BIG GAGS WE HAVE COMING !
It might sound clichéd, but never give up. Trust yourself, stay focused, lock in , apply the preassure and take one step forward each day. Your resilience, persistence, and determination will guide you to the success you deserve.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
There is an abundance of videos, books, and various resources designed to enhance your entrepreneurial mindset, management skills, and overall philosophy. One individual who has notably impacted my approach and helped me start my day on the right foot is Eddie Pinero, a YouTuber known for his motivational montages. His content is incredibly beneficial for cultivating a growth mindset and preparing your entrepreneurial mind. It encourages being present in the moment while also fostering both manifestive and reflective thinking.
In addition to online resources, I highly recommend exploring local business development centers. These centers offer a wide range of services that are invaluable for entrepreneurs. They provide access to business advisors who can offer personalized guidance, as well as resources for organizational skills, time management, and cultivating a growth mindset. Additionally, they offer financial advising and educate you on essential legal aspects, such as licensing and contracts.
Many business development centers also offer online courses led by industry professionals, which can be a great way to learn from experts and connect with other entrepreneurs. These opportunities not only save time but also make your entrepreneurial journey more efficient and effective. Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance your path to developing a healthy and productive entrepreneurial mindset.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay_hbic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaydah.b.i.c1421