We had the good fortune of connecting with Jai’koa Parham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jai’koa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Heerlen, Netherlands however I was raised most of my life in Anchorage , Alaska. I come from a multicultural household my mother whom is a phenomenal intelligent Puerto Rican woman. She has taught me many things such as being genuine, kind hearted and out going. My father is an African American man who served 27 years in the United States Air Force. He taught me to be strong , motivated , consistent and resilient. I come from an overall great family they’ve shaped me into who I am today. All of the knowledge and skills they passed onto me I still use to this day especially when it comes to my brand and how I carry myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I didn’t get my start like most individuals. I moved to Los Angeles not too long after High school in attempt to become an overnight star. However this did not goes as planned I had to battle with the crazy world of LA. At one point I became homeless for roughly a year during which time I met some pretty awesome and genuine creative individuals along the way who I am still great friends with to this day such as Shaniece Cole, Deavion Bethune and Jania Foxworth! While dealing with trials and tribulations in LA I ended up coming in contact with an assistant for the Jimmey Kimmel Show in which I did a “Fake Interview” comedy skit with Hip Hop Icon Drake. This led to me being known as the “Drake Kid” because the video went viral hit millions of views. Around this time Instagram was still fairly new and my followers grew tremendously which caught the attention of major brands and celebrities like Former NBA Player Carlos Boozer, Khleo Thomas, DJ Damage,David Correy, Lids , Starz Network and more. Overall I am truly thankful for the rough patches in my journey which has led to an amazing destination.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Tough question! There is so much to do in the city! One of my favorite places to eat at is Versace Dominican Restaurant! So that is a must go to for lunch and then Sun Dial restaurant for a little upscale food and ambience. As far as great place to hangout definitely Atlantic Station is an overall great experience. Of course shopping at Lenox Square Mall and then check out one of the best singers in atlanta Cristna (Cristy) Quinones!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to both my youngest sister Lillian Parham who happens to be a lot like me taking pride in where we come from and following somewhat in my foot steps with modeling. She is a very determined and positive individual currently she is studying psychology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. I would also like to acknowledge DeVante Jones who is my cinematographer he is hard working, consistent and a genuine person. Right now he is currently working on opening his own Studio in Atlanta, GA.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjaiparham/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjaiparham?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjaiparham/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/fMuYYdKLiLo
Other: Instagram: @iamjaiparham

Image Credits
John Eyedonnoh , DeVante Jones, Bria Celest, Jaslyani Contreras

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