Her motto is 'Love the Life You Live, Live the Life You Love,’ which is enough to inspire anybody. When I first discovered the young Ashleigh Jadee, I was intrigued. She was 19 at the time and had already pretty much established her own little empire. The self-professed Visual Artist is a photographer, and videographer, as well as being a make-up artist. Her determination to make it within the Visual Arts industry has made me, along with many other young people living in London, want to pursue my dreams. Follow her on Twitter: @MsAshleighJadee, you can find her on Tumblr and Youtube, and visit her website: http://www ashleighjadee.com
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background
“I’m 20 years old, born in Essex then moved to London when I was 15. My mother is White British & my dad is Black Caribbean.”
When did you realise you wanted to be (or had the potential to be) a photographer/videographer?
“I realised I could make a career out of photography when I used a camera in college back in 08. I started taking photos and never put it down since. “
How did you get into the industry?
“I assisted a photographer called Jay Stewart, he then brought me to shoots where I met new people and started to network.”
How long did it take for you to get noticed/signed?
“Ermmm, after about 2 months of shooting I got asked to join Staple House by Scorcher and his team. It happened quite quick actually but I was constantly taking photos, learning how to edit and so on..”
Would you say anyone helped you get where you are today or was it all you?
“Of course! My photography teacher Brian Legget, Jay Stewart who I then assisted, Staple House, Marvin Harrison, Napper, John Wright… They are the main ones, then I also have Complex Elite who helped me with getting into filming.”
When did you first realise that you had become “famous”?
“(laughs) ‘I’m not a star’ * Rick Ross voice * People try call me famous but I’m really not..”
What tips or advice do you have for anyone trying to get into the same or similar industries?
“Work hard, work harder, make sacrifices e.g. social life, spend less time out partying. Network and be willing to listen and learn all the time."
Who is your biggest role model or idol?
“I have a couple role model’s who I would like to aspire to be like, Melina Matsoukas is one as I want to be a video director in the long run. Also people like John Wright, Hype Williams, Jay Z, Beyonce, Richard Brandson, Oprah, Kimora Lee Simones, Birdman…. I look up to a lot of people.”
What drives you towards success?
“A better lifestyle for myself, family and friends. To inspire other people, I like to help people a lot, so I want my story to inspire someone so they know that if you work hard you can actually be whatever you desire to be.”
What are your aims/goals/plans for the future?
“Get my own office, go international, build a strong team, make a lot of money, own a successful business and just have my dream career.”
When is your next project out/what is your next big project?
“I’m going to shoot my 1st short film soon, I actually wrote it myself randomly after I watched a documentary on Oprah and Kanye West’s Runaway film.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
“On my own yacht somewhere in the Caribbean Islands (laughs). Nah, in 10 years, I’ll be at a point in my life where I can retire if I want to. I’ll be shooting high budget music videos and adverts. I’ll also have a couple other businesses outside of photography & filming….”
What sort of experience would you say you had of the education system?
“School was fun, I look back now and wish I had done business or listened better in maths and stuff. But knowledge is key, you should never stop learning. There’s so much stuff to learn about in the world, I don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to learn about the world..”
How has peoples’ attitudes/behaviour changed towards you since becoming “famous”?
!(laughs) people think I know celebrities when I really don’t (laughs). Ermm same really some people hate but I love that.”
Who is your favourite Photographer/videographer?
“For photographers, I don’t really have a favourite one, I kinda just love images. Videographer wise Melina Matsoukas, Hype Williams….”
Who do you admire/look up to the most within your industry
“John Wright, Rankin, Hype Williams, Melinda Matsoukas, Jonathan Mannion…”
What are your pet peeves?
“Negative people & Dream Killers!! Argh shut uppppp!”
What would you say the worst thing about being famous is?
“(laughs) do I have to answer this one?”
If you could go back in time to wherever you first started what you are doing now, would you still do it
?
Of course!
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