Conversations with Jade Syan McKissick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Syan McKissick.

Hi Jade, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I originally went to the University of Louisville to study marketing and entrepreneurship, which started my interest in business. I was close to graduating but didn’t due to personal hardships. I started modeling five years ago when my friend was just getting into photography at the time, and she wanted to use me as a model. I didn’t think too much of it at first because I thought I was too short to model. I ended up posting our pictures on Instagram, and since then I gradually had more photographers wanting to work with me. Growing up, I always dreamed of modeling. People even told my parents I should model when I was a kid.

What initiated my drive was when I went all the way to Cincinnati from Louisville to meet with an agency around the time I started modeling. At the time I wasn’t driving, but I made a way. I was determined. I ended up getting rejected due to not having much experience. They also recommended classes, which I wasn’t able to afford then. I didn’t have the easiest upbringing either, so my family wasn’t able to help financially. This pushed me to do my own research and figure out how I can model and get discovered myself. I also tried my best to figure out how to make ends meet when I didn’t have much to work with.

A few years ago, I took my first trip to Miami, and this pushed me to take modeling more seriously. I was invited to Miami to be a brand ambassador for an Instagram store called Sauced Outfitters. I have never travelled alone or been on a plane at the time, but something told me to take that risk. My social media presence increased significantly just from that trip alone. Eventually, I got to where I was doing a photoshoot basically every weekend. Currently, I’m not signed to any agencies, but I would like to take that step very soon. Even though I’m not signed at the moment, I’ve had great opportunities such as walking in NYFW (New York Fashion Week) for Fllumaé, being styled for Yeezy x Gap, working with YouTuber and photographer Jason Lanier, being published four times, and being a brand ambassador for Gatorade during the Kroger Wellness Festival.

My brother and I also have a clothing line together called A New Dream LLC. My brother is the founder, and I am the co-founder. The brand itself was my brother’s vision and I’ve helped along the way to bring his vision to life. I ended up designing the crown logo for our brand. A New Dream is an urban streetwear brand. Our target audience is anyone of all ages, but especially anyone that understands the struggle and not having much to depend on but your dreams.

A New Dream was first established in 2020, but we took the past couple of years to plan out how to exactly go about the brand. We launched in April this year for our spring drop, and since then have had a summer and fall drop. We just recently dropped our fall collection on September 30th and completely sold out. We are currently planning for our winter drop in mid December. Our brand is starting to gain recognition throughout Louisville rapidly, and we aim for continual growth.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One obstacle that I have run into a few times is my height. I was actually scouted before, but rejected due to not meeting the height requirement. It sucked to get rejected. The modeling industry is gradually becoming more diverse, so I stayed open to the possibility that maybe there’s another agency that’s a better fit for me. I learned to view rejection as redirection.

Over the years, there have been times when I had to take breaks from everything for the sake of my mental peace. What took the biggest toll on me was when my grandad (Poppy) passed away in February 2021. I remember telling him about how I was going to walk and model for Fllumaé for NYFW. He was so proud of me, but he passed away right before I was able to show him how the fashion show went.

My Poppy was like a dad to me. My dad worked all the time, but Poppy was the main one around to raise my brothers and I. He was my biggest motivator and always told me how successful I’d be one day. His reaction would’ve meant the world to me, and it hurt that I didn’t get to show him. Despite everything, I had to realize that he will always love me and be proud of me, even if he’s not here physically.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a model, artist, and creative. Not only do I try to build myself as an artist, but I also aim to help build with the artists and creatives I create with. I enjoy the creative process that goes into all of my shoots from the styling, picking the location, and the concepts with the help of the photographers. I try to be as resourceful as possible by styling myself and doing my own hair and makeup. Over the years, I have been able to network and create with some of the greatest creatives in Louisville.

I have built my platform and connected with creatives in other states as well, but there are many that I haven’t had the chance to meet yet. I am grateful to be able to work with many talented people throughout the city. Recently, I have been travelling to neighboring cities in the Midwest, such as Cincinnati.

Outside of modeling, I am a sketch artist, graphic designer, designer, and content creator. Art is my way of expressing myself, and it’s something I can’t stray away from for too long. I feel that my purpose is to be an artist and creator.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Characteristics that I feel are essential to my success are staying determined and persistent. There have been many ups and downs throughout my journey.  There have been times when I have released work and didn’t get the feedback I was hoping for. There’s even been times when I wanted to give up. I have been modeling for five years now, but I feel that these past couple of years have been the most fruitful. Now that I can see where modeling and entrepreneurship can take me, there’s no way that I will give up on my dreams. Over time, I realized it is best to create because art is my passion, and whoever resonates with my art will gravitate towards me naturally.

Pricing:

• Modeling: Contact jadesyanbookings@gmail.com, Prices May Vary
• Modeling: Limited TFP
• https://anewdream.shop/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jadesyan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jade.syan/
• Other: https://anewdream.shop/

Image Credits
Zephon Price, Larry Renner, Fernandra Fowler, John Adams III, Mariah Kelly, Randall Routt, Brayden Hale, and Isaiah Bey