Social Media Influencer Jadyn “JJ” Kinchen Talks Tik Tok Ban, BLM, Basketball + More
ButterB: Welcome to 2KIB, to start things off I know you have a big following on social media, what inspired you to become active on all of these and what are you’re plans in the future?
JJ: Social media has given me a way to express myself through photos and videos. Growing up I always loved being on camera. My mom put me in little kid modeling at a young age. I also remember dressing up to take photos of myself as young as 9 years old. I would love to pursue modeling. I am only 5’4 and have had modeling agencies tell me I’m too short however, with Instagram and other social media platforms I know I can still make this possible despite some of the harsh reality of the industry . As far has Tik tok and making videos- I have tons of at home movies I would make of myself using my parents camera growing up . Ever since I was little I dreamed of doing something that was in the entertainment field and that is still my dream job. I have a little YouTube Chanel as well and I’m going to start making more videos on there soon. I do anything from comedic videos to discussing real life issues with society. Being a biracial woman myself I am very passionate about the black lives matter movement, and would love to not only be able to be a fun, goofy and raw influencer but eventually help make an impact and inspire others to use their voice.
ButterB: That’s awesome, I recently checked out you’re Tik tok page and you definitely got some good content on there! That might be you’re biggest platform so far with over 18k followers… I’m sure you heard this already but today trump signed an executive order to ban Tik tok in America in 45 days.. How do you feel about that, and how will that effect you?
JJ: I’m really upset about that. Tik tok has given a lot of people a big platform and I think that’s selfish of him to try to take it away . I guess I am going to be making a lot of videos within the next 45 days haha, hopefully his order doesn’t go through though because I’ve had a lot of fun being able to express myself and my goofy side. I will definitely be back on YouTube soon like I mentioned, so If Tik tok gets banned I will fully focus on that. I’ve heard a lot of people talking about this app called “bite” I think as well, don’t know much about it but apparently it’s some people’s back up plan if Tik tok gets deleted so that might be my move too!
ButterB: You mentioned earlier that you are very passionate about the black lives matter movement and you use you’re platform and voice to try to inspire others… When did you decide to start doing that and what inspired you?
“I’ve always wanted to help others with feeling different and being proud to be black”
JJ: Growing up as a biracial girl (black father and white mom) in a primarily white town I often faced a lot of ignorant comments from kids my age thinking it was okay to say the n word or “ what’s up n***” or say things like “you must love fried chicken”. I even had a teacher once yell for me while I was outside of the door of the classroom working on a project asking the students “where is the colored girl?”. Often times I wished I was white and could fit in like the rest. I have a whole YouTube video on my Channel about this. Having gone through that, I’ve always wanted to help others with feeling different and being proud to be black and also discuss the injustices that we face in our community. I’ve been passionate about this for a long time and will continue to be.
ButterB: That very commendable! How do you come up with new video ideas(for both YouTube and Tik tok) and what is you’re creative process?
Instagram: @jj_instakinch
TikTok: @jjkinchen
JJ: Really i just come up with things that are on my mind heavy. With my videos that I talk about real life issues in, it could be topics that are bugging me about society or things that I’ve dealt with that I want to get of myself chest. When I sit down to film I don’t really have what I’m going to say planned for most my videos I just speak like I’m talking to a friend. The last video I did was a prank one which was more laid back and just fun, and sometimes I have so much excitement just doing things like that .
ButterB: who are some YouTube channels that you are subscribed to?
JJ: To be honest I watch a lot of different youtubers. Most the youtubers I watch aren’t even things I would ever be interested in doing myself on my channel- like makeup gurus like Jackie Aina, Patricia Bright, Nikkie tutorials, etc . It’s just fun to watch different things and unwind. I also enjoy a lot of vloggers like Domo Wilson, and de’arra and ken 4 life.
ButterB: Let’s switch gears here,You were a former college basketball player,can you tell us about your basketball career, and how involved you are with basketball now?
JJ: I played basketball since I was 9 years old. I played aau for a team called Seattle rotary which was based in the city of Seattle. My experience with basketball was a lot more than basketball. It brought me friendships and life lessons I will hold onto more than anything. I ended up getting a scholarship to play juco basketball at Edmonds CC in Washington. Due to an overall horrible experience with our coach quitting on us mid season and being mentally I’d say abusive with my anxiety it was a terrible experience more so however, the many physical health problems I had faced that year, I ultimately decided to focus on my career as a nurse. I miss basketball a lot and my doors not completely closed on it after a year of rethinking and reflecting, however I do see myself in more of a future coaching position. My little sister is starting to play and I think she’ll be better than I was . I can’t wait to help her on her journey. I still love watching basketball whether it’s a college or nba game, and much so that it’s still incorporated in my everyday life
ButterB: How would you describe your fashion style?
JJ: My fashion style is very sporty (I love wearing brands Nike) & girly. I kinda just dress how I like I wouldn’t say I have one style. I love shopping online at places like fashion nova, pretty little thing and bohoo. On a day to day basis I like dressing comfortable, in a pair of joggers or leggings however I also love dressing up.
ButterB: Now its time for the famous “Butter Question” … So I’m sure you heard of the recent “entanglement” situation between Jada smith, August alsina, will smith… obviously we don’t know too many of the real details but based off of what you heard, who do you think was most at fault in that situation?
JJ: I think it was jada’s fault based on the situation we KNOW. However we only know what was brought to the media. I have heard rumors that Will had gotten with other females before as well, so if this is the case their both kinda weird in my opinion. I know for my relationship I’d be hurt and highly embarrassed if my partner was cheating on me especially having the media involved . I think jada should have owned up to what it was instead of calling it an “entanglement” to me that word seemed like an easy escape from what it really was “ a relationship”. I think If you truly love someone NOBODY else should even be thought about in that way.
ButterB: Keep It Butter!