Meet Jada Thorpe | Influencer

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

Hi Jada, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about the influencer industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the extensive behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating and maintaining a successful online presence. Most times it may seem like influencers are simply posting pictures or videos for fun, there’s often a lot of strategy, planning, and effort involved.

For instance, I spend a significant amount of time brainstorming, creating and editing content with a team. Whether it’s photos, videos, or written posts, the process can be time-consuming and requires a lot of creativity and technical skills.

Also, there is brand partnerships and negotiations. Securing brand deals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations (like FTC guidelines) requires a good understanding of business and law.

Then, there is audience engagement. Oftentimes I spend hours each day engaging with followers, responding to comments and messages, and managing my online community. This can be exhausting and requires consistency and personal investment.

Last but not least the mental and emotional strain. The pressure to maintain a perfect image, deal with public scrutiny, and constantly produce content can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. This can cause burnout which isn’t always visible on the surface.

So, while the glamorous aspects of influencer life are often highlighted, the behind-the-scenes work is intense and requires both creative and business acumen to succeed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
**Career Overview and What Sets Me Apart:**

I’ve always believed that my journey is defined by a combination of hard work, passion, and the mindset I’ve carried from my days as a Division 1 basketball player. My career today is a unique blend of my athletic background, social media presence, and brand partnerships, and what sets me apart is the way I’ve merged these different aspects of my life into a cohesive story.

As an Ethika ambassador, I’m proud to represent a brand that champions self-expression, positivity, and authenticity—values that have always been at the core of who I am. My sports background taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, which are qualities that I carry into my content and partnerships. But what I think really sets me apart from others is my ability to stay grounded and stay true to myself, even in an industry that often emphasizes perfection. I’ve learned that authenticity is the best way to build real connections with my audience and the brands I work with.

What excites me most is the ability to inspire others through my story—whether that’s encouraging athletes to pursue their dreams, motivating people to stay true to themselves, or sharing the lessons I’ve learned through the highs and lows of my journey.

**How I Got Here:**

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Growing up as an athlete, I always knew that sports were my passion, and I put everything I had into excelling as a basketball player. But balancing athletics with my personal life and the demands of social media wasn’t something I could have predicted. I transitioned into the social media world, using my platform to share my experiences, both as an athlete and as an individual. At first, it was a challenge to navigate this new space, but I realized that by being myself and staying connected to my roots, I could build a brand that was authentic to who I was.

It took time to grow my audience, to build relationships with brands like Ethika, and to figure out how to blend my love for sports with my social media presence. There were definitely challenges along the way—like the pressure of managing my time, balancing sponsorships, staying relevant, and staying true to myself in an industry that often values hype over substance. But through perseverance and a clear sense of purpose, I was able to overcome those obstacles and carve out my own niche.

**Challenges and How I Overcame Them:**

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career has been managing the balance between my personal life, my athletic background, and the demands of being a public figure. As an influencer and ambassador, there’s a constant pressure to stay “on,” to produce content that resonates with my audience, and to represent brands in the best light possible. But coming from a Division 1 sports background, I’m used to the grind—it’s just a different kind of hustle.

There were times when I felt overwhelmed or doubted whether I could keep up with the pace. I overcame this by staying disciplined. I created a routine that worked for me, set clear boundaries, and always kept my health and well-being as a priority. Also, staying connected to my “why”—why I started this journey in the first place—kept me focused. Whether I was pushing through a tough workout or brainstorming new content ideas, I always reminded myself that I’m doing this to inspire others, to challenge myself, and to make an impact.

**Lessons Learned Along the Way:**

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. In sports, you learn to get back up every time you fall down, and that same mentality has helped me in the influencer space. There are a lot of setbacks and moments of doubt, but staying committed to growth and learning from those experiences has been key to my success. Also, I realized that some people in my past are not always meant to be in my future.

Another lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. I’ve gone through periods of uncertainty about what direction I wanted to take, but I’ve realized that growth often comes from embracing change and being open to new opportunities. It’s also taught me the importance of surrounding myself with a strong support system—whether it’s family, mentors, or the community I’ve built online. Their support has been invaluable in helping me stay grounded.

**What I Want the World to Know About Me and My Brand:**

What I want the world to know is that my story is built on the foundation of hard work, authenticity, and a passion for inspiring others. I want my journey to show that it’s possible to chase multiple dreams at once. You don’t have to pick one path—you can forge your own, whether that’s balancing athletics with social media, creating a brand, or simply being true to who you are.

My brand is about more than just being an influencer or an athlete; it’s about showing up as your best self every day, regardless of the obstacles. It’s about empowering others to push through their own challenges, pursue their passions, and find balance in their lives. Through partnerships with brands like Ethika, I aim to represent a lifestyle of confidence, self-expression, and inclusivity.

At the end of the day, my story is a reminder that with dedication, persistence, and staying true to yourself, anything is possible. And I want everyone who follows my journey to know that if I can do it, so can they.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Chicago native, I always love to tour someone who has never been to my city! If my best friend was visiting Chicago for a week, I’d start by taking them to Millennium Park to see The Bean and stroll through Grant Park for some iconic city views. For lunch, we’d hit up Portillo’s for a classic Chicago-style hot dog and fries. Then, we’d take a boat tour down the Chicago River to admire the city’s world-famous architecture. In the afternoon, we’d explore Wicker Park for cool shops, coffee spots, and street art, before grabbing tacos at Big Star. For dinner, we’d go to Lou Malnati’s for deep dish pizza, a Chicago staple. The next day, we’d visit Uncle Remus, my favorite place to eat in Chicago, for legendary fried chicken, a must-try soul food spot. We’d spend the evening at The Aviary for innovative cocktails and finish off with drinks at a rooftop bar like Cindy’s Rooftop. On day three, we’d explore the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Later, we’d take a walk along Lakefront Trail, rent bikes, and enjoy the lake views. To wrap up the trip, we’d have a laid-back dinner at The Girl & the Goat in the West Loop, one of Chicago’s most famous restaurants and a night drive of the best downtown in the world with Chicago’s tallest buildings and lovely views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my amazing family. Through all the traveling, photoshoots, interviews, and even the toughest workouts, they’ve always had my back—keeping me safe and grounded. Their unwavering support and encouragement have meant everything to me. Big love to my family for being there when no one else was and for always lifting me up every step of the way.

Instagram: jayy__dubb

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jada-thorpe

Twitter: thorpe_jada

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jadathorpe3

Other: Snapchat: jadathorpe3

Titktok: jayy__dubb

Ethika Discount Code: JAYYDUBB15