Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Kadijah Shalene @jakemodels

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I come from one of the smallest towns in Long Island , where being different is equivalent to being a real live alien. However I was literally raised to be that way. My mother took care of myself and my older brother by her lonesome, so I never really got to enjoy the luxuries other kids enjoyed my age, especially clothing. However that never stopped me from being into fashion! Yet since I always knew my mother wouldn’t buy me the latest greatest clothing I learned to take what I have a create my own style.

More than occassionaly spending time in Brooklyn with my father shaped me a lot also not only in the fashion area. One thing my father taught me other than "even just touching boys can give you HIV" , was to be a well rounded person. That sparked my interest in my multiple talents hobbies that I still enjoy today such as , dance , singing , rapping playing music, sports, crochet and many more. It also made me who I am today. A multi talented fashionista.

Right now I am freelance modeling as well as creative directing fashion shows in the Long Island area with a group call LIFE (Long Island fashion exchange ) . I also have my own clothing line of hand made crocheted tops and bathing suits. During my spare time I still rap sing , and occasionally play the guitar (not that great at it but good enough for a video ) . However I’ve been more focused on modeling and creating a brand that rings for myself and my line.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

My topics of interest are modeling, fashion, makeup/ beauty dance, hair styling and music. I usually try to post modeling photos and fashion look photos. When I find the time I like to post videos of me rapping and playing the guitar. I plan to start posting more video eos of dance as well .
I want to start doing dance and pole workshops

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

When I was middle school my friends and I had this thing where the boys had girls names and the girls had boys names. So my name that was given was Jake. I kind of just held on to it . I’ve always wanted to model since the age of 10. So during high school while coming up with a screen name I believe for aim , I put the two together. Then during my 10th grade year I started putting it on all of my photos. Soon one of my friends said you just start your own group of models and put that logo on the bottom of their pictures as well. So for a few year about 6 other ppl and myself were a group of models just taking pictures every lunch period trying to be had high fashion as we could with our digital camera. And for a while it was sparking, but one day I just decided to keep it for myself and use it as a brand for just myself .

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I don’t really use any apps . I try to get edits from the photographers I work with usually. However if I have good raw photos I will just brighten add a little contrast , turn down the shadows and sharpen them directly on intagram . If it is a beauty shot that needs softening I use Facetune to smoothen the skin on the face.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

I really like @aailyahjay @karinjinsui @michaelmorgon (my good friend) @inkmyafrica @ashforde @ashkardash

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

If you mean to make there instagrams look better? Consistency .

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

Knowing that people look up to you feels great . It makes me want to continue to give out positive examples of being comfortable with yourself and different from others !

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Team up with people that relate to the brand to help you promote. People like to see people they know and love participating with the brand that is promoting. It will encourage them to be proactive with the brand as well !

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

The amount of times you post can be important however if you’re posting something that doesn’t catch the eye , or seems interesting at all , no one will even stop to look or if they do they will not take an extra step to knowing exactly what is being posted or promoted.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Seeing direct sales and profits made just because of your influence !

Topics:

• Design
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Hair & Beauty
• Photography

Country:

United States of America