Meet James McDonald: Model, Actor, & Entrepreneur

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

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I knew that I needed to express my creative side. I knew I had to release my alter ego “Jay.” So for me, my journey as a creative was spiritual. I always knew I was never meant to work for someone else. Money could never provide me what I really needed. I could’ve been a millionaire and have still felt empty and incomplete. I needed to create something! At the time, I never knew what that something would be. In my heart I always knew I was meant for television. As a kid, I would watch television then later catching myself imitating them. Imitating their facial expressions, vocal enthusiasms, mannerisms, etc. Years later, a fledgling career was born. I started attending model casting calls. I began in 2017, landed my first modeling job 2018. In the year 2019 I got my big break… New York Fashion Week and I’ve been working in the industry since. I’ve been featured on television numerous of times.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a full-time model, actor, and entrepreneur so unlike most, this isn’t a hobby but my actual profession. If I could share only one thing about my work as a model it would be that it’s a very misunderstood profession. People believe it’s all fun and lavish, but it is a real job like anything else. You have to learn the ins and outs of this craft, stay consistent, and work hard. You have long days, longer night, you are stressed, you are challenged, and you have to deal with lots of discrimination. This industry is brutal and very competitive. You’re forced to become emotionally hardcore and not to take things personally. Getting to where I am now was all about taking risk. You have to be courageous, bold, and confident to fit in this industry. I run across so many aspiring artist who are literally one risk away from fulfilling their dream, but fear delays them. My biggest challenge was me, Until I finally realized I was worth the risk, I deserved the opportunities, and I was walking in my destiny.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m such a homebody. After traveling so much throughout the year, whenever I’m back in the city, I just want to chill and hangout at some relaxing spots. I would start by taking them to Chick-Fil-A. I believe every morning should start out with prayer and chick-fil-a. Also at some point in the trip I would love to hike with them at Arabia Mountain Park and Stone Mountain. As far as food I would have to introduce them to Habitat Kitchen and Bar or MixnFixins, two great restaurants/ personal chefs. And lastly we’d have to go to Jeju Sauna Spa. That place is magical! Literally heaven on earth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my loving family and all of my supportive friends. However, a very special shoutout is due to Mr. Aubrey Ways and Ms. Fara Charles. Those two gave me my start in this industry.

Instagram: _jaytooboujie

Twitter: JayTooBoujie

Facebook: James T. McDonald

Image Credits
Photography by LisaMarie NaTeneshia Renee Photography Bdot Wilkins