Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Turner.
Jade, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started modeling in 2016; modeling was always something I was very interested in but didn’t act on it until I got to college. I met these two amazing women and we were all creatives, me being a model, one being a photographer, and the other in school to be a creative director. I worked with the people around me and I never stopped. Here I am in 2020, doing so much more than I could have imagined.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some of the struggles I faced along the way of being a model for one is my skin tone. I’m an African American woman and we are still creating space for ourselves. I am a very petite model but my breast, I have a larger cup size than what would be normal for my body. Many pieces that designers would bring for fitting if they were already made I could not wear so ultimately, I’m not able to work with that designer. I’m always so cautious about my boobs when auditioning and submitting. Sometimes I would miss out on a lot of opportunities due to not being able to afford the traveling expenses. That taught me to always have money set aside just in case I need to travel. There are times where gigs are plentiful and times where the demand is slow but you must always be consistent.
Starting off most of my work I did for free, just trying to build my portfolio. It got to a point where I was in high demand and I had built up my portfolio but my inquirers still wanted to shoot for no compensation or an exchange. During this time, it’s hard for a creative because you love what you do and it’s not for the love of the money, but at the same time, this is what you do or plan to do for a living and to survive you need money. I started to tell myself if I’m good enough and you’ve considered me to shoot, I should be paid for my skill. You have to demand what you want and stand firm.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Bad Girl Cartel is a place for women creatives. Alternative creation, for women who’s ideas, aren’t consider normal. I focus on modeling and also music. Bad Girl Cartel is known to give an otherworldly experience. We strive in giving the latest fashion looks and ideas, creating new endeavors in music and hands down paving a way for women. BGC is set apart because it is a safe place for women to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. It allows them to fully be themselves judgment-free.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I hope to see more creative platforms to support women around the world and also black-owned business in collaboration with one another. More fashion weeks and events in the south, there aren’t as many outlets and events versus the opportunities they have on the east/west coast and in the north.
Pricing:
- Photo shoot 1 hour minimum: $100 ($75/hr after first hour)
- Video shoot 1 hour minimum: $150 ($100/hr after first hour)
- Feature (music) $200
- Background Vocals (music) $75
Contact Info:
- Phone: 225-614-7415
- Email: BadGirlCartel@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Bgc_BadGirlCartel
Image Credit:
Juwan Harris
Mike D Photography
Chaleur
House of Gobin
Namilia
Dolls kill
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