Meet Jayla Smith | Model, Actress, Youtuber, and Brand Ambassador

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

Hi Jayla, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is inevitable. It does not matter what you do; it’s always going to require some kind of risk rather it’s big or small. I personally feel like if I’m going to take a risk then I am going to take a risk that is going to make me happy or push me forward with what I love or want to do. Risk taking has played a major role in my career because my whole career is a risk. To step out as a freelance model and creative is risky. Not everyone agrees with what you are doing nor do they agree with you but, you cannot worry about that. The only thing stopping you from your goal is you taking that leap of faith and just doing it. I truly believe that God wouldn’t have put it in your heart if you were not supposed to pursue it. If it is not successful then it is a lesson and that is okay because that is growth and is needed on your road to success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to think of myself as very versatile. I do not narrow myself down to one lane or one type of media. I love that I am able to do an editorial print one day and then walk in a streetwear fashion show the next. I do not believe in limits or boundaries. You can do anything that you set your mind to. I am most excited about this year’s content I am most proud of the growth that I have made. I started by shooting amateur shoots in my friend Soo Asia’s mother’s house, now I am getting booked for professional fashion shows, ads, music videos, and so much more. I am so excited to see where this goes, I cannot wait to see how much bigger my brand gets. The sky is the limit! And, I am on the way there. The only reason I got where I am today is by God, and being consistent. God deserves all the glory for any success that I have. I could have quit a long time ago when I wasn’t getting any bookings but, because I remained steadfast and trusting in God I have learned, grown, and have gotten so much better at my craft and I am so grateful. It definitely was not easy getting here though. There have been so many times where I wanted to quit, and I have also taken a couple breaks from it. But, it’s extremely worth it to keep going. I overcame the challenges by honestly my support system. My family and friends telling me to keep going in conjunction with the desire that God put in my heart to keep pushing is how I kept going. I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. I’ve learned some major dos and don’ts in my industry, how to keep going in the midst of adversity, and one of the biggest things that I’ve learned is that networking is key. If I could tell the world one thing about my brand is that it’s not over. I have not reached the pinnacle yet. This is only the tip of the iceberg. We have so much farther to go. So, stay tuned.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many things to do in Atlanta! One of my favorite and new discoveries is the bamboo forest in Smyrna Georgia. If you are interested in nature then I would highly suggest going. It is a 30-minute nature trail walk to the bamboo forest and it is so worth it. If my friend wants good food, I would suggest Sabiang Thai food in Eagle’s Landing if she wants something foreign, STK in Atlanta if she wants something classy, Helen’s Hot Chicken in Atlanta if she wants something spicy, or Cirque if she wants great brunch. The activities list is endless! We can go to Puttshack or Top Golf if she likes to mini golf, Main Event or Dave and Busters if she’s interested in the arcade thing, and The High Museum of Art or the MLK house if she likes museums or informational things. I absolutely love all of the places I have listed. I wish I had more room to list more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Mentorship and love are a huge part in how successful I am today. So, to narrow it down to one person or program is so difficult. My biggest support system has to be my family. The support and love that they have given me since I stepped out on this leap of faith is absolutely amazing. I could not ask for a better support system. Although stepping out on faith and doing your own thing is tremendously rewarding sometimes you do need a little outside encouragement. So, to have these people that love me and are going to always be honest with me is the best thing I could ask for. Alongside my family is also Megan Jeanee the model coach from In Your Walk. The knowledge I have gained from her over the years in her mentorship and the opportunities that she has brought me is absolutely amazing. She’s a great coach. I love how honest she is and how dedicated she is to improving the models under her wing. I am not afraid to say that I do not know everything but, learning from her I am getting a lot closer. Last but certainly not least, Tayla Reese, Conceptual Imgs, and DJ Jwattz also play a major role in my story. They have always pushed me to go a little harder and a little further. If I have a vision, they’re there to help me execute. And I can always count on them to be honest with me and that is all I can ask for. I am blessed and grateful for everyone around me that supports me and loves me in any way even if it is just a like and repost.

Website: itsjaylasmith.com

Instagram: instagram.com/itsjaylasmith

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsJaylaSmith/?ref=page_internal

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnzzEsblEYV–MWDN6O9osg

Other: Personal Instagram Page: @Jayla_bri

Image Credits
Photographers: @taylareesephotography ; @oneshotjohn ; @muh_ki_yuh Designers and Boutiques: @stvckatl ; @mjcoutureboutique ; @sean.antonie