Today we’d like to introduce you to Ember Jade Williams.
Hi Ember Jade, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I was a kid, the creative arts have been a part of who I am. I was always the person dancing around the house, outside with my headphones listening to every instrument and the emotion behind a song. As I got older, I realized performing wasn’t just something I enjoyed. It became how I expressed myself.
Over the years, that passion grew into drag, choreography, music, and community work. Performing as Jade Avenue has allowed me to combine everything I love into one creative space while giving me the opportunity to connect with people in meaningful ways. I’ve learned that entertainment isn’t just about putting on a great show. It’s about creating moments where people feel seen, inspired, and free to be themselves.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many artists, I’ve faced self doubt, rejection, and moments where I questioned what was next. Every experience has helped shape me into the artist I am today. Over the past year, I’ve had opportunities to perform across Minnesota, teach my first drag workshop, collaborate with other creatives, and continue discovering new sides of myself as both an entertainer and a person.
Today, I’m focused on continuing to grow, pushing my creativity, and building a career that’s rooted in authenticity. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me because I know I’m only getting started. I truly believe the future version of me is going to accomplish incredible things, and every step I’m taking now is helping me become that person.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Looking back, I think one of my biggest obstacles has actually been myself. Learning how powerful I am while also learning how to fully step into that power has been a journey. There were times when I questioned myself, struggled with self doubt, or felt like I had to shrink who I was to make other people feel more comfortable. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that I never have to make myself smaller for someone else to shine. I can walk into any room authentically as myself and still belong there.
Another challenge has been staying motivated and finding a healthy work life balance. As an independent artist, there isn’t always a big team behind me. A lot of the planning, creating, promoting, and performing falls on my shoulders. While I’ve been fortunate to have support from friends, family, and my community, I’ve also learned how important it is to believe in myself even when I don’t have all the resources or support I wish I had.
Every obstacle has taught me something about resilience. No matter how difficult the road gets, I know my dreams are worth fighting for. I remind myself every day why I started, and that’s what keeps me moving forward. I truly believe that if you stay consistent, keep learning, and never lose sight of your purpose, anything is possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a performing artist and entertainer whose work blends drag, dance, choreography, music, and storytelling. Performing has always been a part of who I am. Long before I ever stepped into drag, I knew I wanted to be on stage. Dance and music were my first loves, so transitioning into drag felt natural because it allowed me to combine all of my creative passions into one art form.
Since beginning my drag journey, I’ve had the opportunity to perform across Minnesota, teach my first drag workshop, collaborate with talented artists, and continue growing both creatively and personally. Every opportunity has taught me something new, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. Even though it’s been a few years since I released music, I’m still proud that I took that leap. Knowing people still listen to and connect with my songs reminds me that art can have a lasting impact.
What sets me apart is the experience I hope to create for others. I want people to leave my performances feeling more confident, more joyful, and more comfortable being themselves. I believe authenticity is contagious. When people see someone fully embracing who they are, it gives them permission to do the same.
As a Black trans woman living with HIV, I know how important visibility and representation are. I don’t just perform for myself. I perform for the people who may not see themselves represented often and for the next generation of artists who need to know their dreams are just as valid as anyone else’s. If my journey encourages even one person to keep believing in themselves, then I’m doing exactly what I set out to do.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the entertainment industry is going to continue evolving over the next five to ten years. We’ve already seen so many changes, especially when it comes to representation and the conversations happening around diversity and inclusion. While there have been incredible opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists and other underrepresented communities, there have also been challenges that remind us why visibility and advocacy are still so important.
I also think social media will continue to play a huge role in how artists build their careers. Today, you don’t have to wait for someone to discover you. You can create your own opportunities, build your own audience, and share your work directly with the world. At the same time, I hope people don’t lose sight of the importance of developing their craft. Going viral can open doors, but longevity comes from hard work, consistency, and continuously growing as an artist.
More than anything, I hope the industry continues moving toward authenticity. Audiences connect with people who are genuine, and I think we’re entering a time where being yourself is becoming more valuable than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of success. My hope is that the next generation of artists has even more opportunities to create, be seen, and know that there’s space for their stories too.
As someone who’s Black, trans, and living with HIV, I hope the industry continues creating space for people from every background to tell their stories. The more perspectives we see, the more people realize there’s no one right way to be an artist or to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solo.to/javenue
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjadeavenue?igsh=d2pxdzZnZTE0bzJn&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/itsjadeavenue?s=11
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itsjadeavenue?si=koUhRSloImrwijzq
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/bITsYmv0lf5grtmO4x
