Darren: Today on The Engaging Marketeer, I’m speaking with actress, model, singer, and beauty pageant organiser Jaada Lawrence-Green. She started her career at the age of one — not her choice, I imagine — and has appeared in TV, film, and stage productions, including Marvel’s Black Widow. I’m excited to talk to her about what she does, how she does it, and how she stays so positive in such a brutally competitive industry.
Darren:
You started your career at the age of one. Is that right?
Jaada:
Yes, that’s right. My family put me into modelling when I was one. It started as a hobby they thought I might enjoy, but I really grew to love it. Acting came later — that was more my own choice. I studied performing arts, and my passion grew from there.
Darren:
So modelling was something you were placed into, but acting was a decision you made?
Jaada:
Exactly. Modelling began before I could even make decisions. But once I got into performing arts, I chose that path. That foundation helped me discover my love for the creative industry.
Darren:
What’s your earliest memory of working?
Jaada:
Probably performing arts and theatre. I remember being on stage, loving the experience. I also remember doing a bookcase photoshoot and my first child catwalk. Lots of fun memories — and some very cheesy photos with questionable fashion choices!
Darren:
Did you go through a punk phase?
Jaada:
I did! I had a bit of a rock style going on for a while. I’ve been through lots of phases, but now I’ve found a style that’s me. It’s fun to look back and see how I evolved.
Darren:
Do you look up to anyone in particular in the industry?
Jaada:
Not really. I try to focus on being the best version of myself rather than trying to emulate someone else.
Darren:
You’re involved in so many things.
What gives you the most creative satisfaction?
Jaada:
Exploring different sides of creativity. Acting lets me express emotions, modelling lets me be part of visual storytelling, and each role lets me test different skills.
Darren:
Is there a job you haven’t done yet that’s on your bucket list?
Jaada:
I’d love to be in a horror or thriller film. People don’t expect that from me because I’m bubbly, but I think it would be such a cool contrast.
Darren:
Funny you should say that. One of my friends, Jonathan Sothcott, produces horror films. I’ll put you in touch.
Jaada:
That would be amazing! I’m based between Birmingham and London so that would work well.
Darren:
You’ve also been involved in beauty pageants?
Jaada:
Yes, I started as a contestant because I loved Toddlers and Tiaras. Since there weren’t many pageants in the UK, I entered a few and eventually started my own. At 13, I ran my own company making pageant dresses for international clients, especially in the US.
Darren:
You ran a pageant company at 13?
Jaada:
Yes. I pitched it to my parents at 12. They said no. I asked again at 13 and they agreed — probably thinking I’d forgotten. But I hadn’t! I handled design, communication, flyers, logistics, and dress creation.
Darren:
And what happened to the business?
Jaada:
I eventually moved on. I was doing acting, singing, modelling, gymnastics — it was a lot. But the experience taught me so much about business and project management.
Darren:
Beauty pageants get a lot of criticism, especially in the US. What’s your take?
Jaada:
They can be really positive if done right. I focused on building confidence, encouraging friendships, and giving people a platform to shine.
You need a strong mindset and a good support system
Darren:
Did you run into the “pushy parent” stereotype?
Jaada:
Yes, but I understand it now. Most of them just wanted the best for their kids. It’s a high-pressure environment and they were being protective, not malicious.
Darren:
You were also in a Jackson 5 docuseries?
Jaada:
Yes, I played Hazel Gordy in Breaking the Band. I didn’t meet the Jacksons — our scenes were shot independently — but it was a fantastic experience.
Darren:
How did you land that role?
Jaada:
It was through an audition. I’d worked with the production team before. I submitted my tape, got the part, and filmed the wedding scene between Hazel and Jermaine Jackson. The setup was beautiful.
Darren:
Acting involves a lot of rejection. How do you deal with that?
Jaada:
It used to affect me a lot as a child. Now I’ve learned that what’s meant for you will come. Every audition is an experience. Even getting to the shortlist is an achievement.
Darren:
Let’s talk stage. You were in Footloose.
Did you get stage fright?
Jaada:
Yes, I always get nervous, especially on stage. But it’s a good nervous. It gives you adrenaline. If I make a mistake, I try not to beat myself up. You just do your best and move on.
Darren:
You’ve worked in several disciplines. Do you think that variety helps?
Jaada:
Definitely. It’s helped me be less critical of myself and understand different perspectives on set. I’ve learned that not everything is within your control.
Darren:
What was it like working on Black Widow?
Jaada:
Unreal. I was a double for one of the characters, Lora. I did the behind-the-scenes shots where her face wasn’t visible. I got to watch Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, and Rachel Weisz work — they were incredibly professional and kind.
Darren:
Any projects coming up?
Jaada:
Yes, but I can’t talk about them yet! I’ve been working on some exciting things and hope to share them soon.
Darren:
How often do you work? Is it consistent?
Jaada:
It varies. Some weeks are busy, others are slower. It depends on what’s available — acting, modelling, presenting, content creation.
Darren:
Not everything is red carpets. Any tough shoots?
Jaada:
Yes — I once did a modelling shoot in Wales in pouring rain. It was miserable at the time, but the photos turned out beautifully. Totally worth it.
Darren:
Most of your work has been in the UK?
Jaada:
Yes, I’d love to do more international work. Cities like Florence, Venice, or Rome are definitely on my list.
Darren:
What brands have you worked with?
Jaada:
I did a Skechers commercial with footballers like Harry Kane, and a Nando’s campaign with Bukayo Saka for his Saka Sauce. He was great in the kitchen too!
Darren:
Do you ever worry about criticism?
Jaada:
It comes with the job. I don’t internalise it. People have opinions, but I focus on what I can control and keep doing what I love.
Darren:
Would you recommend your career to a young relative?
Jaada:
Yes, but I’d be honest. There’s glamour, but there’s also hard work and rejection. You need to love it, not just the idea of it.
Darren:
Is there any part of what you do that you don’t enjoy?
Jaada:
Not right now. I love everything I do — acting, modelling, presenting, content creation.
Darren:
Do you think schools prepare students for this industry?
Jaada:
Not really. A lot of acting courses don’t reflect the real industry. It depends on whether the teachers have real experience. When they do, it makes a huge difference.
Darren:
Would you ever move into directing or producing?
Jaada:
It’s not something I’ve done yet, but I’d definitely consider it. It’s a great way to stay creative and shape your own projects.
Darren:
How can people reach you?
Jaada:
Through my website, jaadalawrencegreen.com, or on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. I’m also on YouTube.
Darren:
Links will be in the description. Jaada, thank you — your positivity is infectious. Apart from the rain in Wales, it sounds like you love everything. It’s been a pleasure having you.
Jaada:
Thank you so much for having me!
More about Jaada:
Jaada Lawrence-Green is a British actress, model, singer, and former beauty pageant organiser who began her career at just one year old. Starting with modelling, she later pursued acting through formal training in performing arts. Her diverse career spans TV, film, theatre, commercials, and brand campaigns. Notable credits include a role as a body double in Marvel’s Black Widow and appearances in productions such as Breaking the Band.
She’s also an entrepreneur, having founded and run her own beauty pageant business at 13, including international costume design. Jaada is known for her creativity, business acumen, and relentlessly positive mindset, navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry with maturity and resilience. She’s passionate about taking on challenging roles—particularly in genres like horror—and remains open to future ventures behind the camera.
Website: https://jaadalawrencegreen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jaadalg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaadalg/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaadalg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaadalg
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
