Meet Jaquayla Baker | Model and Podcast Host

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

Hi Jaquayla, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The biggest lesson I have taken from starting my own brand is that you should never wait until it’s “perfect” to start. Start somewhere and grow! To me that is the biggest part of developing your brand. Also, I have learned that consistency is so important. Not only does it show the love and discipline you have towards your brand, but it also shows other how important it is to you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When people ask: What do you do? I simply reply: I am the brand, I do whatever you need (within respectable means of course). As a freelance model and the recent launch of my podcast (Tuned in at 12:01) I am most excited about seeing where my connections and network can take me and how I can bridge the gap for others inspiring to do the same. I believe the fact that I have been able to meet so many amazing individuals with a wide array of talents/knowledge, I am able to not only learn from them but help others that want to expand their brands and do the same.

I started this journey with photography. As a young girl, my dad always had disposable cameras which eventually transitioned into him buying me digital cameras. Anytime one broke, he got me another one. Photos and taking pictures has always been a thing we shared. After graduating from college, I decided to invest in a real camera to do lifestyle shoots or help small brands create content and grow their social media platforms. From there I got into modeling, simply because I was over trying to make others the model, when in reality, it was me the whole time. I moved away from photography a bit, but I still had a love for cameras. The idea of launching my podcast was something I had thought on for about 2-3 years before I even launched it. Overall, I knew I had the personality, looks and ability to communicate with any type of individual and I wanted to monetize off that. That is what led to Tuned in at 12:01.

Modeling was something I always found easy doing. As previously stated, I had always been in front of a camera from a young age. Launching my podcast was not so easy. I wanted it to be perfect and I had these goals I wanted to come to past in a certain time. Eventually, I got over that and told myself, “just start”. I was able to connect with some other entrepreneurs in the city of Memphis that helped me and gave me advice on how to navigate the space successfully and now I am soon to film episode #4 which is really exciting to me. I watched a ton of podcast and did research, but hosting is something that comes naturally to me because I truly do not meet a stranger. People tend to open up quickly to me or feel comfortable enough to grant answers to questions I may have.

Some lessons I have learned is to do your part, expect nothing from others. Sometimes people want to see how bad you want it so take the initiative. Also, use your resources! Don’t feel like asking for help is a bad thing, especially when you have people who are willing to help and want to see you win. Lastly, have a plan but still go with the flow. You know what you want to present to the world, no one else. Trust yourself and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

I want the world to know that I have a lot to offer and I want to be a help to others however I can. While being a pretty face is fun, I want people to know who I am beyond the surface and that I am an asset to others if needed. I want to create a platform where people feel they can take information and apply it, while also enjoying great vibes and energy. My podcast is also sponsored by Disbelef Tequila so always expect a fun time while watching. You never know what gems you’ll take away once a person has had a few shots of tequila 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is so funny considering my best friend is visiting this weekend from Tampa. We have started this thing where we have dinner at Hen House, it’s become one of our favorites! Amazing food and very aesthetically pleasing for pictures. You always have to get great pictures. We both love tequila, but a favorite bar is so hard to choose from. I have began to realize I am a huge fan of hotel bars lol! A few of my favorites would have to be: Central Station Hotel, Arrive Memphis and Curfew which are all located in Downtown Memphis. I typically try to find an event that one of my friends may be hosting or dj’ing at for a night of fun and brunch is a MUST. I enjoy being out of town more than anything, but a few cool spaces in Memphis would be: almost any restaurant (the food here is so good), hookah spots/lounges and SaltWater Crab for the drinks.

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?
Wow, so many people have helped me grow and put my vision into place, but my biggest shoutout would have to go to my videographer/photographer Jonathan Ford. He truly has supported me and my goals more than anyone, and he just gets “it”. Not only does he understand where I want to be, but he always goes an extra mile to make everything better than what I expected. My parents would also have to receive recognition, because they support all the crazy antics I want to try and no matter what, they always encourage me to go after the things I want in life.

Instagram: @_therealjkb // @Tunedinat1201

Youtube: Tuned in at 1201

Image Credits
All Photos taken by: Jonathan Ford Logo by: Tierney Letcher