We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jael B. Gadsden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jael B. below.

Jael B., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I have been fortunate in the past several years to earn a living from my creative work. I am from Charleston, SC, and I moved to Los Angeles after graduating college to pursue my dreams of singing and acting. I lived in Los Angeles for a few years working a full time job while still pursing singing and acting. I performed live music with a band and went on auditions. After working that way for a few years, I accepted a gig in Singapore and worked overseas for a year and a half as a full time performer singing. After Singapore, I was contracted to work at Universal Studios, Japan and lived and worked there for 7 years as a full time performer doing various shows. Coming back to the States in 2020, I am still working as a full time creative doing live music shows, regional theater, and writing music. I have 3 albums currently on Spotify and Apple Music. I think I’ve learned over the years, that there are so many resources and gigs that I could do as a singer that I wish I had known sooner. I wish I had started theme parks sooner, done a cruise ship, or looked for more opportunities at regional theaters. But I am happy for the journey that I’ve had because I feel like every step got me to where I needed to be.

Jael B., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a singer, songwriter, performer from Charleston, SC. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Furman University. I have been singing since I was 9 years old starting in church, in local talents shows, and community theater and events in my hometown. I studied music throughout middle school, high school, and in college. In college I was also in a girl group named Ebone and we sang on Showtime at the Apollo. I provide songs for various occasions, I teach voice lessons, I provide a live band to various businesses, and I work as a singer/Actor in musicals regionally and internationally. I am also a songwriter. I compose music and I also collaborate with producers and provide lyrics for songs. I am most proud of my songwriting and I still would like to be known for my songs one day. Mo most recent album is entitled, “Red Bridge Sunrise.” I also recently played Celie, in “The Color Purple” musical at Springer Opera House, and had the opportunity to perform as Rachel Marron, (the role Whitney Houston-my favorite singer played in the movie) in “The Bodyguard” musical, both dreams roles. I would like clients to know that I can provide them with good singing, a song written if they need one, professionalism, years of performance experience, acting, and a positive attitude!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect about being a creative, is being able to express yourself in a unique way. As a creative, I feel like I’m a painter. I add colors and life to the world through my singing, through my songwriting, and as an actor by becoming a reflection of a real life person and allowing someone to possibly see themselves in me, and possibly be moved or inspired. If my artistic expression can inspire someone or make someone feel that I have done the job that God has put me on this earth to do. I am feel fulfilled and it’s my way of giving back to the world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being an actor, you go on so many auditions, and you get a lot of No’s or not this time. And I’ve gotten my fair share of NO. But I am still here working as a full time artist and I never let the no’s stop me. It just made me work harder and perfect my craft. I am doing music full time and have learned so much on my journey. Even when I didn’t make as much in the beginning, I kept going. And the achievements and the people I’ve met along the way have made the journey, all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jaelbathsheba
• Instagram: jaelgadsden
• Facebook: jaelsongbird1
• Youtube: jaelbathsheba