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

Hi Ayden, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When I think of taking a risk, I think about countless life decisions I made that altered my journey. Some positive, some not so positive. I think about all the rewards that have come from the risks I’ve taken. I also think about the additional steps I had to take on my journey. I think about the time I flew to New York in 22′ for NYFW with no connections and literally $150 in my pocket and how that has since turned into me working directly with a network of fashion designers on their shows/collections. I think about the time I felt stagnant and took the risk to start a creative talent agency. I remember hosting an Airbnb business with my business partner against the property’s wishes almost getting an eviction and having to find a new home in 7 days.

If we wait for the ‘perfect” moment to arrive we might miss out on what is best to come yet. That is why I always vow to look at the potential. I believe the worst risk is not knowing the what-if that could’ve transpired.

There are no rewards at the end of curiosity, so don’t spend too much time wondering. Do.

Take the risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was younger (about 12-13 years old) I started making YouTube videos and gameplays/commentary on games that I was playing at the time. I had no idea what I was doing honestly and was having fun. Unbeknownst to me, I had to be doing something right because I would end up having multiple NBA 2K videos go viral and gain hundreds of thousands of views on the platform. This would initially catapult my creative career as I fell in love with creating and film & media in general. I never resonated with the term “starving artist” but my mentor Bang always tells me “You are an art baby”, which is true. I have always lived for the fine arts/creativity-inclined things, so it’s no surprise to see me in the line of work that I do. In 2021, I wanted to get into real estate so bad but didn’t have any credentials or knowledge in the field. What did I do? I found a workaround to be in real estate and learn the ropes. Droning. I knew I had to stand out and develop something special if I wanted longevity. The result, I learned real estate to leverage acquiring assets while building up my clientele. Being a drone pilot isn’t easy but it has taught me so much and allowed me to work across many different mediums. Fast forward to Chique Drogue, I had always been a fan of fashion and incorporated fashion into my lifestyle but never took the initiative to be a director until this year. Feb 2024, I hosted my fashion show in less than a month which attracted the likes of all creatives in Atlanta. For me, it was so new and overwhelming but I kind of enjoyed it. The pressure of getting up at 7 AM to meet a rollout deadline, models and designers dropping out of the show last minute, or even running around the venue like a madman during rehearsals was fun for me. I was so proud of myself for being able to create a community around hobbies that I was interested in. It was cool to step out of my comfort zone and be put to the test. However, what looks like a glimpse of quick spotlight that happened all so fast, is something that took me over 10+ years to manifest and come to fruition.

At the end of it all, I want those who know me (or don’t) to know that you create your destiny by moving with proactive action and intention. I also think it’s important to include that it is okay to be well-versed in multiple interests. Stay true to yourself and you will always win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend Hiyli was visiting Atlanta, I would take him to American Deli’s or JJ’s straight off the plane for good ATLien eats!

From there, I would to take him to El Malo for a nice night out filled with nice drinks and dancing. Then on a chill day/ catch a inning at Truist Park to watch the Braves OR go to the High Museum of Art for an art exhibition . If we’re looking for some active activities, I’m definitely taking bro to ‘The Painted Duck’, ‘Ormsby’s’ , or Andretti’s!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As far as showing gratefulness/thanks I would like to thank my mentor Anthony Howard personally. I am pretty sure he is the original person that recommended me to your publication so I thank both of you guys. Secondly, I would love to dedicate a shoutout to Sydney “Chanel” Jackson. Syd is another multi-faceted creative director in the film & media space that curates short films, and is currently developing a TV series highlighting the black experience and navigating adulthood as a black woman in an urban city. Sydney is also an actor and theatrical appreciator who has carved out her own path in Atlanta.

Website: https://www.chiquedrogue.com

Instagram: @bruhayden

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayden-jai-b18887149/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bruhaydenn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyeGMfJnPiW5AFNQoPAlzHg

Other: Creative Director Portfolio – https://bruhayden.myportfolio.com/

www.bruhayden.com

Image Credits
Jordan Armani
ZionAtl
GarysVengance
Ok.Ama
Suprime Banks
Jaylin Mikaela

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.