Glow in the Dark Body Paint & Smoke Bombs, is a simple yet infamous duo created by none other than Rochelle and Serene, local Milwaukee artist that’ll soon sweep the nation with their business plan. Thank you to @dreamserenephotography, @ericprochnow and @black_fiyah_ for hosting a Photoshoot with other photographers at Rochelle’s apartment for only 40 bucks! The team and I arrived at the event, through the smoke off the porch was a woman with a turban wrapped around her hair.

“You must be, Jaydon. My name’s Rochelle – my friends call me ‘Ro’. I can already see what we’re gonna do with you, you have a strong carriage and remind me of a Primitive Warrior.”

“A Warrior!?!? I mean you’re the artist, say no more!”

She took me back to the studio (bathroom) and pulled her phone out to show me a 9 x 9 reference on Instagram of various war paints she could mimic until it was my turn to shoot.

The first one that locked with my minds eye, was the paint pattern of a Shaman. I requested it to be with blue, yellow, and white glow in the dark paint to keep the consistency, as she started to paint at my body of a canvas she says,

“Something about me knew exactly what to paint for you before you even came in, do you have any warrior ancestors you’re aware of in your ancestry background?”

“I’m not sure I do, but I’ll definitely need to look into that, as far as I know I’m just black and white!”

She chuckled and flipped me over to start painting on my sensitive but ticklish back.

“Yeah, I’d look it up too, it just feels like there’s something guiding me to carve out these markings, which is why I asked if you may know of any ancestors over watching you today! Either way you gonna Slay!”.

As the markings took a little longer than the other models do to all the fun we were having theorizing.  Before the shoot began, Rochelle introduced my form to the artists and reminded me to “Remember what we talked about in the bathroom!”. It was then my turn to go beneath the black light, the markings glimmered, my face fierce with my pointy K-9s. The two photographers were getty with excitement after each pose amped up, I knew to embody my “Daring” trait I had to be aware of posing exaggerated and more awkward than normal to capture the reincarnation of my channeled ancestors. The music was hyped and Eric the photographer was enticing with energy.

“I feel as if there’s an actual warrior in front of us, I’m jealous you got most of the good angles, Serene!” he said.

The chemistry in the room was motivating enough to achieve Truu Art in this collaboration. I’m excited to work with Serene, Eric, Rochelle, and the gang again. Rochelle in particular invited me to a Milwaukee Modeling Group, as well as Serene and Eric were thinking of inviting me to a spot of interest for the next photoshoot (Spoiler Alert: It’s a burned car in the middle of a desert). Thank you for the opportunity and excitement in today’s shoot on August 17th of 2019, I’m glad we could find rest for my ancestors since a piece of our intertwining destiny was fulfilled.

 

||| R’Jae |||

Wind + Fire + Water and Air

Deity strikes down faster than a hare

At the cost of my life if it is fair

Rituals + Summons + Karma and Prayer

God has made the darkness his lair

My life I will give if the moment flares

Angels + Demons + Guides and Souls

Almighty is He a promise he holds

Sacrifice my life to reach my goals

||| Inferno |||

Thank you to Rochelle for keeping her word, I am now apart of Milwaukee’s Model Group. She casted me during my auditions for “I am Aware and I Care Cancer Awareness MMG Fashion Show”. On October 5th of 2019, all us freelance models had to arrive in black attire to demonstrate our personality before even thinking about wearing the expensive merchandise set aside, though the fur coat line was distracting, I had to keep my focus narrowed to show Rochelle that I have more than what it takes to be a model, not just a primitive beast. The rehearsals as well as the venue both took place in a church named “One God Ministry” on West Burleigh St. I arrived in the basement of this church with a small group of wandering eyes and no Rochelle in sight. Without a direction to go, I wasn’t sure if my destiny led me to be a surprise Christian…

Until Rochelle walked in as the woman of the hour, acknowledging everyone and I by name as she glided by. I was simply impressed by how she operated a large group of attendees while also directing the directors behind the judges table. She didn’t miss a new face without hyping their spirits up ahead of their walk, she enjoyed the models who sparked in their own personality that could be expressed down the runway. I had a fun time being extra and shimming on the runway carpet in a basement of a church! The pastor of said church came to upgrade us to another room where the ‘last supper’ took place before a birthday party, reason being he had to preach to his 7:00 p.m. astrology class, his fine tailored suit and stethoscope around his neck made me curious of his will to join us down the runway. Thank God, this room was much bigger than the last, models were able to have more room for each other! For our next segment we rehearsed was “Sunday Morning” by Madonna. Then, Rochelle introduced to the class our lead dancer Angel, a Grade-A Mover. He was shy in the beginning and undecided with what to incorporate into his alleged choreographed dance. I raised my hand and offered to be his backup during the segment, he quickly decided “No” on that idea but Rochelle on the other hand thought that I would be a perfect decision. Period. We were instructed to woo the models with our dancing while the ladies brushed us off. In no time at all Angel set a 19 year old boy to be his dancing rival. I showed the crowd my various styles of freestyle I’ve learned from my training, ancestry, to my golden era back at iPop in Los Angeles, California. The hype didn’t just come from Rochelle anymore but even Jesus Christ himself.

I knew I was on the right path if Rochelle told Angel that “Jaydon is free styling something you were supposed to be choreographing!”

I took a seat after my additional cameo was added, to return taking notes on professional runway strategies the modeling veterans were teaching. Surprisingly, I get a tap on the back only to see Angel reaching out his hand for a shake. Both of us shook on it, and put the past behind us, at least I did.

At last, I’ve arrived a little late for the rehearsal on Saturday October 12th, because I was entirely available during my free time on the weekends other than Wednesday in the middle of the week. I head to the basement where we casted auditions to notice that no one else was there, I checked the kitchen were the pastor moved us prior, to still see no one there but broken bread. Music started to rumble the ceiling above me which focused my attention upward, following the music from our routine, it led me to the Sanctuary of the church where the venue would soon take place. The room was so big and beautiful I took a step back as if I had received a revelation, it was filled with religious art and stained glass, with the pulpit acting as the end of our runway. I patiently waited for my section of Sunday Morning to be rehearsed. Luckily to keep me company, I had the honor of meeting Rochelle’s nephew Lavonte in the forms of playful faces and pew-illusions! Though it was a pleasure being introduced, after he asked for my phone to “play some games”, I was only left conversing with his rapid moving thumbs. Rochelle called me over to graciously spot me two vip tickets for my parents, anxious to tell them everything I’ve gotten an opportunity to star in thus far!

I showed up to the rehearsal of the upcoming Saturday on October 19th. This time all the ‘wandering eyes’ were lined up in the Sanctuary watching the “Queens” segment, with Rochelle starring as the Queen Bee. Micah was one of the three fashion designers there that casted me in his “Crowns” line, which would basically have me shirtless with a crown and a cape, not to mention the shredded pants. I retracted back to my self-designated spot on the pew, patiently waiting for any segments I’m included in to be rehearsed. Until Rochelle hesitates to inform me that the “Sunday Morning bit” was taken out because the designer went AWOL, she told us that she’s been ‘hit with worse in the process’. With restlessness in her eyes she longed to inform Angel, though he had great time invested in it. Immediately I started to second guess If I should stay the remaining duration of the rehearsal, but Rochelle stood up and said:

“For all the Models in MMG, remember to be respectful to each other and what we are doing here, you shouldn’t be leaving the rehearsals early because you finished all that you wanted to do. If you’re only doing this for yourself, we don’t need you to walk back through these church doors. Period!”

I was quite inspired by her daringness to wrangle back the undecided models’ attention, funny how she could easily demonstrate to the class who was still talking without even opening her mouth. For the artists that were in that room, I am grateful for her putting me back in check to remember what I was doing this for, that “I AM Aware and I Care”.

Today on Wednesday the 23rd, was our lucky ladies birthday! Or how Rochelle prefers to it as “Chapter 38”. I wanted to come into rehearsals with a gift for all the hard work I’ve seen her pump into this production, from her wrangling, to her demonstration in every segment, even her catchphrase that can unthinkably be used in more variations than all the characters combined in “Period”. Midway through the classes transition, Ro’s nephew Lavonte yelled “CAKE!!!” therefore he was bombarded with hushes and shushes, around the corner with thirty-eight candles and a cake was Dekuan Sutton, the designer of the “Exclusive Brand (EB)”. Rochelle’s face cringed as the once focused room shifted their awareness to the celebration of their director, everyone synchronized their voices to the classic mind hurdling melody “Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Rochelle, Happy Birthday to you!” The stubborn candles took four breathes until extinguished, and at the end of the sprinkles lied Rochelle’s eyes growing watery. She mentioned to all of us that this was her first birthday  after her beloved father has passed away, the room tensed up and the attention drew to the tearful words of wisdom and motivation that escaped Rochelle’s lips.

“It’s been hard keeping everyone together with all the naysayers, people dropping in and out, and all this stuff happening behind the scenes I’m really trying to stay professional and keep you all away from. I appreciate you all being here with me on my birthday…I just want you all to be successful! That’s why I am so hard on you all. I really just want you to do your best, I have a passion for this industry. I want to see my modeling babies and new faces to receive the same blessings I’ve had in my career, I want to see all of you shine! Booked & Busy. Period. God made us all come together, and He’s been helping me through my mental and physical struggles, when I hang up my heels, I’ll know I shared my blessings with you so you could succeed! We are together because of Him, and we from Milwaukee! Sleep on Us when!?! I love you all.”

Those choice of words spoke to me, she perseveres beyond her birthday, her father, her passion, her career, and even for God. Just like her nephew she was bombarded with the best of wishes, yet I was still bummed that I didn’t have a gift for her then. Luckily, at Edible Arrangements I was able to ship her favorite chocolate dipped fruit after the show was over…it was Bananas!

One last day on Friday the 25th, before us makeshift Milwaukee misfits got to strut our stuff for our fashion lines. Unfortunately, not as many models showed up, thinking they had it on lock; but just as many models were asking what the title of our routined production was a day away from the performance. Rochelle of course did what any other director would do, she told the class to answer the question for her as she was busy feinting from the insultingly obvious answer: “MMG’s I Am Aware and I Care Fashion Show!” the class belted. She arose from her pew and muttered to herself up the runway that she’s thankful about rehearsing today. My name was unexpectedly listed in yet another fashion line by a designer named Mike Scrill, of “Happy Hustlin”. I jot over to the start of the runway to meet my new designer, Mike Scrill, he was in a branded green beanie with a happy gapped-tooth smile. Talk about being your brand! Mike was a generous clothes designer that I immediately clung to his style, he wanted us to put up hand-horns which represented “happy hustling” after we’ve walked for him in the show. So we did as we were told, we danced and walked to “Pump it Up by Joe Budden”, until I see out of my peripherals a little kid with a big afro march to the front by the choir. Simply pick up two drums sticks. Then started banging on the church’s drums as if he caught the Holy Ghost! As the models one by one dart over their shoulders thinking the noise was part of the song, I see Rochelle’s face go from “Happy Hustlin” to “Hella Hoping” the kid didn’t break nothing! The child was then snatched by the arm from one of our early morning announcers, and he balls out crying out of the church as if the devil tempted his last minute drum solo. To this day we still don’t know who that kid was, he left thine hearts louder than he entered.

Now it was time for our craft to be put to the test on Saturday 26th. No more time for comments, questions, or concerns about what we were here to do. First thing I did once I arrived at church was practice my memorized routine in the empty venue, down to routines I wasn’t even apart of. Meanwhile, as more models flooded into the church at 1 p.m. they would pass by to peak inside the Sanctuary to see a wandering nomad taking his positions. One of those witnesses was my designer Micah Stier, who made renaissance crowns for his first fashion show, he constructed a beautiful turquoise gemstone crown that took six plus hours to make, which he made me aware it was purchasable by the end of the show slightly after my fitting. I make my way to the lobby and registration to see who was here so far, that’s when I see Rochelle and her family hop out of a van with a bunch of equipment and head inside. I helped hold open the entry after Lavonte let the doors slam in Rochelle’s face on her way in with all her stuff, I ask if I can be of any assistance anywhere before the show starts. She then glances up at me with a crooked smile as if no one else has asked her that question all day. “My modeling sister Eboni P should be here soon to help me with dress and makeup prep, but stand by if anything else changes”, as the name of her modeling sibling was manifested, subsequently Eboni P Jones was the very next to show up with her family, designer of “Avid Boutique”, now it was a party! Rochelle assigned me to escort Eboni and her bags upstairs to the female fitting rooms, were the rest of the designer’s displays were setup. Eboni graciously thanked me and entered the room with her family, without any second to waste Rochelle announces to us models to return to our designated rooms before our audience arrives. From the outside you could say the women’s dressing room was a deluxe walk-in closet, as for the men’s dressing room, it was a stuffy half-closet full of nine men, four boys, and a women, wait what?

As Rochelle anticipated, people in attire as expensive as the models; arrived towards the venue adjacent to the fitting rooms. Familiar faces popped up in the growing crowd such as well known actors and photographers in Milwaukee, as well as Dream Serene & Eric Prochnow (from my “Daring Photoshoot” above with R’Jae Inferno), and don’t forget about my parents too. The vibrations from the intro in our routine encored the jolting floor below us, the models began to rain down from the left and right of the pews next to our audience, and we met with our partners in the center of the Sanctuary back through the entrance. Now that the show formally commenced, we hyped each other up as we quickly returned to our wardrobe. Micah Stier being the first one in and the last one out of the closet, arranged us kings before his first upcoming walk in a fashion show. As my long awaited battle suit was securely strapped around my shoulders and chest to my fitted crown, I march like the king of the renaissance to the middle of the line; mentally synchronizing my steps to a maniacal anthem. Once the next song queued “Bülow – Not A Love Song” we all waltzed one after the other, as my coarse cape skimmed through the crowd, I followed the rhythm to the largo tempo: “One, two, three, four, and Stop!” I alternated my poses from bold to idol, and made sure to pay my respects as the prince of Wakanda by shrugging my folded arms. Though this king of kings was long lived, I yet to switch into my final look for the show…Only the Legendary Fur Coats! After I left my closet of a dressing room to leave my jewels in trusted hands. I slip into the girls dressing room to see all the hand picked models stacked above each other, giving a cold dead pan stare at their pelts behind the glass door. The office door opens slowly by a man in a navy plaid suit wearing a wide grin, before we could sink our bodies into his merchandise, he mentioned to us his name is A.J. Ugent from Furs and Fashion Inc. Behind our formally introduced designer was his assistant waiting in the corner of the room to lend us the furs off the rack beside him. As the new temporary hotspot for the models was established, I wore a brown coat that Rochelle recommended with furry black zigzag accents weaved along the pelt. Next step were my shades, that were also chosen by Rochelle because she’s the Fashion Queen of Milwaukee. Period! After finishing a couple pre-game selfies with the models in our new getups, we felt the fierceness boiling in our stomachs waiting to be expressed on the runway, Milwaukee wasn’t ready for this one…

Finally, the last song played for A.J. Ugent’s line which personally sounded like your typical pacer test music. It was as if every model that left around the door to enter into the spotlight was redeemed in their runway training, we could pull this off, even without the people who lost faith and didn’t return. But now it was I at the edge of the corner, the models formed a line in front of the room, and the audience was looking over their shoulders for me to fill the next spot. So why not make the best of the moment? I started my shuffle while leaning back with one arm swaying as the other hand held open the innards of my coat. I stopped in the center then quickly spun around (Fun Fact: Rochelle is also the “queen of spins”). As we were directed to be gradually dramatic with our $3,500+ merchandise, I rotated like an alternating mannequin next to the models. A.J. was sitting in the frontal pew like the Creator overseeing His creations, we on stage symbolized the cuddly unity of Milwaukee, we the embodiment of diversity stood united in our empowering colors. Until the last spot for a plushy coat had to be filled on stage, which was destined for our director Rochelle A. Taylor, the spotlight followed her up and down the stage three times upon arriving next in line!  She stood in front facing the audience while taking her sunglasses off, then her hand gestures in the direction of A.J. as he arose and greets Rochelle in the middle to take their final bow. Bonus walk: presented by our brave cancer survivors themselves, walking to “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. The prophecy of the “I Am Aware and I Care” fashion show was revealed before Rochelle’s eyes from her imagination, the hardworking individuals pulled through to collectively present a show no one could foresee. Period. After the congrats and claps came to a halt, both photographers Eric and Serene came up to the celebrating cast with a cringe smile. They exclaimed that most photos of the models that met the end of the runway were not captured because the shortage of correlation, and they requested we do a personal reshoot of every model in their outfits since the “Crowns” segment by Micah Stier. Though hearing the lack of footage collected by the photographers during the whole show was unprecedented to me, it added an opportunity to gather a couple cryptic shots in my king outfit with Serene, as well as a group shot with Eric including other kings from the line; and do your remember that mysterious girl from our dressing closet?

The hugs and high fives went all around the church one last glorious time, I managed to locate all my impactful influencers within my modeling family and gave them my BlueJay business card as a souvenir, for whenever they needed a creative spirit in their projects. One of those people of interest was Rochelle, which is why I wanted to dedicate this blog to you as an appreciation for all the sweat, prayers, and tears you put into the Cancer Awareness Show. You’ve displayed to your community, MMG, and God that you are Aware and you Care enough to do something about it while expressing your gifts. Your passion and restlessness is inspiring to my modeling career’s core, keep being a daring Hero to Milwaukee’s now generation and the Next! I’m glad God let our paths collaborate to create a masterpiece bigger than all of ourselves! I’ll always make way in my calendar to create another project with you that will sculpt our world. The only way is up in our careers is to Take Flight, Black Hawk!