Jade Coiley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jade, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Just recently actually.
The last few years were tough. After years of constant stress and grief, my light started to feel incredibly dim. I very rarely wanted to leave the house unless I was working. I had zero creativity for a long time, and for a Creative that’s a bleak place to be. It was a tough chapter.
Then one day I started forcing myself to get outside, start adventuring again, and taking pictures of everything, even if they weren’t any good.
At first it felt forced, but I kept doing it. Then recently I was sitting outside at a little restaurant in Philly, on a beautiful day, and realized I was genuinely happy. My heart didn’t feel heavy, my body wasn’t tense, I wasn’t exhausted, my creativity was back online. I was just happy…and it was my new norm.
It’s hard when you’re going through “it” Its hard when you’re healing from “it”. But the feeling once you get through “it”, is a vibe like no other.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jade. I was gifted cancer, and a camera, 10 years ago and it changed the trajectory of my Life. I made a pact with God if I got out of this one (cancer) I would do something with the creative gifts I was given. When I got the “all clear” from my doctors, I knew I had to hold up my end of the deal. I picked up a camera and started making art out of every day Life. I would post my photos on social media and started getting calls about doing family photo shoots, small weddings, real estate, etc. and I felt alive for the first time in my Life.
That was 9 years ago, and I am grateful to say my photography business and I are happily thriving!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My Dad taught me amazing work ethic. He raised me as a single father from age 4 until I was 14, when he married. He worked 3 jobs to make sure we could live in a good school district amd a safe neighborhood. I had to do household chores to earn an allowance. He made me volunteer at the library or a nursing home in the summer, a few days a week during high school. He would take me with him to clean office building bathrooms on Friday nights when I was a bratty teenager, to keep me humble (then he’d reward me with a trip to Friendlys Ice Cream after). He taught me to always be open to learning more and bettering myself. He set the bar high through his own actions, and I consistently strive to make us both proud.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Just recently. I had poured years into something. I was completely invested. At one point I wanted it more than anything. I fought so hard for it, fought to hold onto it, to persevere through the challenges, to work at bettering it. I gave my all, but my mental health continued on a decline the longer I held on, so I made the difficult decision to let go. I uprooted a Life I worked so hard for, and had the courage to take a new route. It has been terrifying and sometimes painful…but, I wake up excited about Life again, that’s how I know I am on the right path.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I spent most of my Life being who I thought people wanted me to be. Going into business for myself, I felt especially called to “play the role”. That got exhausting, and it was pretty lonely. Today, what you get is Me. I am not for everyone, and that’s ok…but I will never again contort myself to fit someone else’s ideal. Those who are meant to be in my Life, personally or professionally, will. I do my best to be the best version of Me, but there is so much good that can come from allowing people to see our humaness.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want to be remembered as someone who had a lot of heart, someone who truly cared, someone who put her all into her work, who always found the silver lining, and who helped others see their own greatness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: my_uncoiled_life
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/2DISuoS
