Today on The Engaging Marketeer, I am speaking with actress, model, singer, beauty pageant contestant and organiser. She set up her own beauty pageant. Jaada Lawrence-Green.
Jaada started her career at the age of one—I don’t think that was her decision—but she’s carried through and has been in a number of television, film and stage productions, including a Marvel movie: Black Widow. This is phenomenal. I’m very excited about this.
I’m going to be speaking to Jaada about what she does, how she does it, and how she is so incredibly positive despite being in an industry where you’re constantly getting knocked. She’s a remarkable lady. Let’s get in there with Jaada Lawrence-Green.
[01:29]
Darren:
I believe you started your career at the age of one. Is that correct?
Jaada:
Yeah, so I started at the age of one. My family put me into modelling, and that’s how I kind of began my career in the industry.
They kind of thought maybe I might have a talent for it or maybe I might enjoy it, and it might be like a fun pastime, but it became something that I really grew to love as I navigated the industry and grew within it as a child.
[02:04]
Darren:
So modelling and acting isn’t really a career you chose. It’s a career that was chosen for you, and you just went along with it because you enjoyed it and liked it?
Jaada:
Yeah, so modelling was something that I was put into as a child. From the age of one, I started modelling, and I kind of grew as a model over time.
Acting was something that kind of happened, I would say, more by choice.
I went into a performing arts school and started learning performing arts, and I chose to do that because I had a passion for the industry. That stemmed from modelling, so it was all really helpful and made me realise my passion for the creative industry.
Starting so young and having that foundation was huge.
So yeah, modelling in particular wasn’t something I chose, because I was so young, but growing up and being able to choose it and navigate it my own way has made me appreciate it even more.
[03:10]
Darren:
I presume you can’t remember what your first gig was, being one year old, but what’s your earliest memory of actually working?
Jaada:
My earliest memory was probably performing arts. I remember doing lots of theatre shows, and I really, really enjoyed that. That was probably my first real memory of my career in the creative field.
I also have memories of modelling as a kid—I remember doing a bookcase photo shoot and really loving that. I’ve also got pictures and things of when I did campaigns as a child, so it’s really nice to look back on.
[03:47]
Darren:
You must have some really good childhood photos.
My sister took all my photos as a kid and she’s a terrible photographer—people’s heads were always cut off.
But you must have some awesome pictures.
Jaada:
I do. Some really cool campaign photos from when I was a kid. I also remember doing my first catwalk and the pictures from that.
Some really cool pictures… and also some really cheesy ones.
I had some very interesting style choices as a kid. It wasn’t all super polished.
[04:16]
Darren:
What sort of interesting style choices are we talking about?
Jaada:
I think everyone had a bit of a rock or punk phase. I definitely did. I had some rock-inspired fashion phases and went through a lot of different styles while finding my own.
Now I’ve found my style, but it’s cool to look back and see what I went through.
[04:51]
Darren:
There are a few famous people who started modelling and acting very young.
Anyone you looked at and thought, “That’s the kind of career I want?”
Jaada:
Not really. For me, it’s more about trying to be the best version of myself.
I’m not trying to emulate someone else. As long as I’m living my passion and doing what I love, that’s all I can ask for.
Darren:
That’s a polished answer. But it’s a good answer.
[05:23]
Darren:
Out of all the different things you do, what gives you the most pleasure?
Jaada:
Fulfilling creativity.
Because I do so many different things, I get to expand my skill set in different ways—acting lets me express emotions and explore characters, modelling involves campaigns and visuals.
I love testing my creativity in different ways.
[06:34]
Darren:
Is there a job or a role you haven’t done yet that you’d love to do?
Jaada:
I really like horror films. I know I’m quite bubbly and smiley, so people don’t expect that, but I’d love to be in a thriller or horror. It’s such a contrast from what people think I’d do—and I think it would really test me as an actor.
[07:51]
Darren:
Have you seen who we’ve had on the podcast before?
One of my friends is a horror movie producer—Jonathan Sothcott. He’s done films like We Still Kill the Old Way, Renegade, stuff with Danny Dyer, vampire movies, werewolf movies…
Jaada:
That sounds really interesting!
Darren:
He’s London-based. I’ll put you in touch.
Jaada:
That would be amazing! I’m originally from Birmingham but spend a lot of time in London too.
[08:57]
Darren:
You’ve done beauty pageants too, right?
Jaada:
Yes! That started when I was a kid. I loved Toddlers and Tiaras and was fascinated. But there was nothing like that in the UK at the time.
So I took part in beauty pageants, really enjoyed it… then decided I wanted to do it in a more managerial way.
So I started running my own pageants and even made pageant dresses for international clients, mostly in the USA.
[10:09]
Darren:
You ran your own pageant business as a child?
Jaada:
Yeah! I had the idea at 12, but my parents said no.
At 13, I asked again—they probably thought I’d forget—but I didn’t.
They helped me get started. I designed flyers, communicated with clients, organised venues and prizes, handled the costume orders.
It was a lot, but I loved it.
[11:19]
Darren:
How many pageants did you run?
Jaada:
Quite a few. They were mainly in the UK. I got interest from the US mostly for dresses. It gained traction quickly.
[11:54]
Darren:
Is the business still running?
Jaada:
No, I moved on. I was juggling acting, singing, modelling, gymnastics, cheerleading…
I really loved it but wanted to focus on growing in other areas.
But that experience helped shape my business mindset. It taught me a lot.
[12:55]
Darren:
Beauty pageants have a stigma, mostly due to America. What’s your take?
Jaada:
I get the stigma, but I think they can be done in a fun, confidence-building way.
When I ran pageants, it was all about building confidence, enjoying the stage experience, and forming friendships.
With the right mindset and support system, they can be really positive.
[14:03]
Darren:
Did you have to deal with the “overbearing parent” stereotype?
Jaada:
Yes, lots of them!
But looking back, I get it. Most of them were just trying to support their kids.
It’s nerve-wracking for both the children and the parents. I understand it better now.
[15:42]
Darren:
Let’s talk about your stage work—you were in a production about the Jackson 5?
Jaada:
Yes, it was a docuseries called Breaking the Band, and I played Hazel Gordy.
It was incredible. The cast and crew were amazing. I even filmed a wedding scene based on Hazel’s marriage to Jermaine Jackson.
[16:50]
Darren:
Did you meet any of the Jacksons?
Jaada:
No, I didn’t. All the interviews and scenes were filmed separately.
It was all pieced together in post-production. I would’ve loved to meet them though!
[17:49]
Darren:
Did they give any feedback on the show?
Jaada:
I didn’t get any direct feedback, but I imagine they spoke with the production team.
I hope we did their story justice.
[18:25]
Darren:
How did you get that role?
Jaada:
I auditioned. I’d worked with the same production company before on a different Breaking the Band episode about NWA.
They were looking for someone who resembled Hazel. I sent in a tape and got the role.
[20:08]
Darren:
Acting is cutthroat. How do you deal with not getting roles?
Jaada:
When I was younger, I took it hard. Now I’ve learned to just do my best and let go.
You can’t control everything. Even getting shortlisted is a big deal.
If you don’t get the role, take what you learned and move on.
[21:47]
Darren:
I can hear knocking in the background. Is that your end?
Jaada:
Yes—sorry, that’s my dog!
Darren:
That noise came from a chihuahua?
Jaada:
Yes! They’re tiny but so loud. One sec, I’ll go check.
brief pause
Jaada:
They were just excited. Very loud for such small dogs.
[23:11]
Darren:
Let’s talk musicals. You were in Footloose, right?
Jaada:
Yes, as part of my drama school. It was amazing and helped spark my love for acting. I still have those songs stuck in my head!
[23:45]
Darren:
Stage acting is high pressure. Any nerves or stage fright?
Jaada:
Always! But it’s a good nervous. The adrenaline is part of the fun.
You just do your best and enjoy it.
[25:26]
Darren:
Do you beat yourself up if you forget a line or a move?
Jaada:
Not anymore. I give myself grace.
Stage shows usually have multiple performances, so there’s always another chance to improve.
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s about how you handle them.
[27:32]
Darren:
Do you think working across so many disciplines has helped your mindset?
Jaada:
Absolutely. It’s made me more understanding and less critical of myself.
You realise that not everything’s about you—sometimes it’s the production, or the timing.
It gives you perspective.
[29:05]
Darren:
But not all directors are chilled. Some are demanding. Have you worked with any like that?
Jaada:
Yes, I’ve worked with a mix.
I understand it though—there’s a lot of pressure on set, especially when time and money are involved.
It’s stressful for everyone, not just the actors.
[30:16]
Darren:
You worked on Black Widow. What was that like?
Jaada:
Incredible.
The sets were amazing. The team was fantastic.
Watching actors like Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, and Rachel Weisz was surreal.
They were talented and so lovely off-camera.
[32:18]
Darren:
What exactly was your role?
Jaada:
I was the double for Lora, played by Liani.
So I was in the shots where her face wasn’t shown—mostly back shots or coverage setups.
It was so cool to be part of something like that.
[33:25]
Darren:
Do you have consistent work, or is it up and down?
Jaada:
It varies. Some weeks I might have multiple jobs, others are quieter.
The work can range from acting to modelling, to presenting, or content creation.
[34:37]
Darren:
It’s not all red carpets. Ever had moments where you wished you were in an office?
Jaada:
Not really the job—but the weather!
I did a campaign shoot in Wales where it poured with rain all day.
We had to hike to remote locations. The photos turned out amazing, but in the moment, it was rough.
[35:51]
Darren:
Was that for photography or video?
Jaada:
Photography—modelling campaign.
You couldn’t tell it was raining at all in the final shots. That’s the magic of photography.
[36:21]
Darren:
Was it in the Brecon Beacons? Lots of films have shot horror scenes in that area.
Jaada:
I don’t remember the exact area, but there were definitely a lot of fields and hills. We hiked quite a bit to get to the spots.
I’ll have to double-check where it was.
[37:34]
Darren:
If you do horror movies, you might end up back there—in the rain in Wales!
Jaada:
Honestly, I’d do it again if it meant being in a horror.
They did a great job keeping me warm and dry between shots—even though I was in yoga wear.
[38:47]
Darren:
Let’s talk glamour. You must’ve been to some amazing locations for shoots?
Jaada:
Most of my work has been UK-based, actually. I haven’t done much abroad yet—but I’d love to.
Places like Florence or Venice are definitely on my list.
[39:52]
Darren:
You’ve worked with some big brands. Which ones stand out?
Jaada:
Recently I did a Skechers commercial for their Evolution pack—it was a great experience.
I also did a Nando’s campaign with Bukayo Saka for his Saka Sauce release. That was a lot of fun.
[40:30]
Darren:
Saka has his own sauce?
Jaada:
He did at the time! It was a fruity Nando’s sauce.
In the ad, he played a chef. We were playing sous chefs in the scene, and he did a great job.
[41:39]
Darren:
Do you follow football?
Jaada:
Not as much as I probably should.
But I remember that period after the Euros in 2021 when Saka, Rashford, and Sancho received a lot of abuse. It was awful.
[42:48]
Darren:
Being in the spotlight means dealing with criticism. Do you ever worry about backlash or negative feedback?
Jaada:
It’s part of the job.
I try not to internalise it. Everyone has opinions, but that doesn’t mean I need to take it on board.
Still, I believe people should be more mindful of their words—there’s always a person behind the performance.
[44:28]
Darren:
I think everyone could benefit from your positivity.
Have beauty pageants helped you develop a thick skin?
Jaada:
Definitely. Beauty pageants, modelling—they all come with criticism.
Starting young helped me learn how to handle it and build resilience.
[46:01]
Darren:
If a younger relative came to you saying they wanted to go into modelling or acting, would you recommend it?
Jaada:
Yes, but I’d be honest.
There’s a glamorous side, but there’s also rejection and hard work.
Try it, see how you feel, and understand what’s really involved.
[47:47]
Darren:
Is there anything in your work you don’t enjoy?
Jaada:
Not really. I love everything I’m doing right now.
From acting to content creation, I wake up excited for it all.
[48:24]
Darren:
Do schools do enough to support people looking to go into this industry?
Jaada:
No.
Academic acting courses don’t always reflect the real industry. Some lecturers haven’t worked in the field.
When you’re taught by someone with real-world experience, it makes a huge difference.
[50:08]
Darren:
Many actors eventually move into producing or directing. Is that something you’d consider?
Jaada:
Definitely. I haven’t done it yet, but it’s something I could see myself doing in the future.
It would be a great way to stay creative and tell my own stories.
[51:42]
Darren:
Last question—if someone wants to work with you, what’s the best way to reach out?
Jaada:
Via my website: jaadalawrencegreen.com.
Or on social media—Instagram, TikTok, Twitter.
I’m also on YouTube.
Darren:
We’ll put all those links in the description below, wherever you’re watching or listening.
Jaada, thank you so much. Your positivity is honestly infectious. Everything’s amazing—apart from the rain in Wales.
Jaada:
Thank you so much for having me!
