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Janae Madison
Social Butterfly
KISH: When did you first realize this was your dream or purpose? Was there a defining moment that set you on this path?
Janae: I first realized this might be my dream when I was about nine years old. My mom saw something in me and encouraged me to participate in a showcase. After the showcase, I received 11 callbacks from agents who said they saw something special in me and believed I had star potential. That was a moment that really stuck with me. More recently, in my drama class, we had an open conversation about how our gifts can impact others and how people may look up to you without you even realizing it. That conversation made me think about how important it is to use your talents to inspire people. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to keep growing in entertainment and using my platform in a positive way.
KISH: What challenges or obstacles have you faced while pursuing your dreams, and how did you overcome them?
Janae: One of the biggest challenges is balancing school with everything else I do in entertainment. School is very important to me, and sometimes it can be difficult managing homework, studying, cheerleading, acting, and other opportunities. But I’ve learned how important time management is. My family also helps keep me organized and reminds me to stay focused. When things get busy, I just try to stay disciplined and remember why I started.
KISH: What motivates you to keep going, especially during difficult or uncertain times?
Janae: My family and friends motivate me the most. They always encourage me and remind me that I have a special gift. Knowing that there are people who believe in me and support me helps me stay focused and keep pushing forward, even when things get challenging. I also remind myself that every journey has ups and downs, and the hard moments help you grow.
KISH: How has your background or life experience shaped who you are today and influenced your work?
Janae: Being involved in different activities like cheerleading, acting, and hosting has helped shape who I am. It has taught me discipline, teamwork, confidence, and how to work with different types of people. Being exposed to the entertainment industry at a young age has also helped me stay humble. I know that not every kid gets the same opportunities, so I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had. It motivates me to work harder and to use my platform to encourage other young people who may have similar dreams.
KISH: What accomplishment are you most proud of so far, and why does it hold special meaning for you?
Janae: One accomplishment I’m very proud of is being the captain of my cheerleading team. Being captain means being a leader and setting a good example for others, which is something I take seriously. Another special honor was being named the 10th Anniversary Youth Ambassador for the iGen Film Festival and receiving the Rising Star Award. The iGen Film Festival is a global youth film festival where young creators learn about filmmaking, storytelling, and media careers. During the experience in Miami, I had the opportunity to meet other young creatives, attend screenings and masterclasses, and learn from professionals in the industry. Being chosen as Youth Ambassador meant encouraging other young people to find their voice and share their stories, which meant a lot to me.
KISH: What sets you apart from others in your field? What makes your story or brand unique?
Janae: Right now I’m building my brand through FLEXXJU and The Flexx With JJ. What makes it unique is that I want to help bridge the gap between my generation and the generations before us. Through my platform, I introduce young people to entrepreneurs, storytellers, athletes, and leaders so they can learn from their experiences. I believe young people can learn not only from their peers but also from adults who have already walked certain paths. I want my platform to remind kids that they can dream big, learn from others, and become leaders in their own way.
KISH: What advice would you give to someone who is afraid to pursue their dreams or feels stuck in their current situation?
Janae: My advice would be: don’t be afraid to be yourself and flex who you are. Never shrink back from your gifts. Sometimes the hardest part is just trying. But the truth is, once you try, you’ve already won because you had the courage to go for it. The worst thing that could happen might actually be the best thing; you succeed.
KISH: What’s next for you? Share any upcoming projects, goals, or visions you’re excited about.
Janae: One of my biggest goals is to continue growing JJ’s Flex Corner and building it into a nationally recognized platform that inspires young people.I’m also excited about developing my own fitness and athleisure brand, as well as creating my own lip gloss line. I love fashion, beauty, and fitness, so I’m excited about bringing those ideas to life while continuing to grow in entertainment. My vision is to keep inspiring other young people to believe in themselves and use their voice.
