We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kadé Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kadé, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Starting Jaido Studios was like embarking on an epic journey of self-discovery. I was previously affiliated with an entertainment and lifestyle magazine which opened opportunities for me to co-own MEMT modeling agency and Areli Productions. I’m grateful because those moments taught me so much about business, film, and entertainment as a whole. The difference now is that I am the sole owner of Jaido Studios. no partnerships etc.

It all began with this spark – a vision to change how we see people of color in the media. I briefly tried acting and I noticed that I kept landing the same types of roles. It was frustrating feeling like there was a cap on the roles that I could land solely based on race and appearance. I ultimately wanted to play by a different set of standards and rules which creates a space for all people to have a fair shot.

I have a mix of skills from design to film and tech, which kind of brewed together to form the idea.
Step 1 will always be research. you have to have a full understanding of what you’re getting yourself into. I dived deep into understanding the film industry, especially here in Georgia, to find our unique space. Then, the nitty-gritty of setting up a business – the paperwork, defining our audience and creating content that resonated with them.

The biggest mistake you can make is being a one woman film studio. There aren’t enough hours in a day to wear every hat and I had to learn that the hard way. Step 2, is form your dream team. It was crucial to find people who got the vision and were equally as passionate about the message. From there, it was all about bringing our first project to life. That was a real rollercoaster – writing, shooting, editing – learning at every step.

As time went by, we expanded – films, TV shows, music videos. Each year was a new adventure, learning new things and meeting new challenges. I’m grateful for it all because I am a forever student and each moment can teach you so much.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this world of creativity and media was a blend of passion and curiosity. With a background that spans across design, film, fashion, and technology, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling and how it can reshape perceptions. At my studio, we’re all about innovative storytelling. Our portfolio is diverse – we create films, TV shows, music videos, and promotional content. The main thing that sets us apart is our commitment to breaking stereotypes and bringing fresh, inclusive narratives to the forefront. We’re not just producing content; we’re sparking conversations and challenging norms.

I’m incredibly proud of how Jaido Studios has grown, especially in pushing the envelope in terms of representation in media. For anyone looking to connect with us, know this – we’re about impactful stories, quality production, and redefining the media landscape. We’re here to tell stories that matter, stories that resonate and leave a mark.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that success in the film industry required strictly following traditional paths and formulas. Early in my career, I believed that adhering to established norms and industry standards was the only way to achieve recognition and impact.

However, as I ventured deeper into my journey with Jaido Studios, I realized the importance of innovation and authenticity. The film and media landscape is dynamic, and what truly sets a creator apart is their unique voice and perspective. This realization led to a shift in how I approached storytelling and production, focusing more on originality and inclusivity. Unlearning this lesson allowed my studio to flourish by creating content that is not only high-quality but also groundbreaking in its representation and narrative.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

So, here’s the thing that might seem a bit odd to folks who aren’t in the creative field – it’s this whole concept of taking ‘creative risks.’ In our line of work, especially in film, we often venture into uncharted territory. We might try a new storytelling angle or a unique visual style, and to us, it’s all about pushing the envelope. But for someone outside the creative bubble, this can look like we’re just throwing the rulebook out the window. They don’t always get that there’s a method to our madness. It’s not just about making films; it’s about creating something really special and unique, even if it’s not immediately clear to everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.myjaido.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaidostudios, https://www.instagram.com/iamkadehill
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kad%C3%A9-hill-9683a384/

Image Credits
Julia Thaiese Alvin Nyemah Nick Kayea