BY MICHELLE KIM
Jade has ridden the waves of life's challenges with a mixture of fear and tenacity. Her journey began with a childhood curiosity for YouTube and transformed into a passion that propelled her into the world of social media stardom, surfing, and entrepreneurship.
Jade's YouTube journey started when she was just ten years old. Fascinated by the idea of sharing stories and interests through videos, she began creating content about her favorite dolls. Although her initial motivation was pure fun, she quickly saw the potential to turn her passion into a career. Transitioning from dolls to documenting her learning experiences, she carved out a unique niche that reflected her evolving interests, especially after a near-drowning experience led her to conquer her fears of the water.
Photo credit Zane Miller
At the age of 20, after years of fear stemming from her inability to swim, Jade decided to document her journey of learning to surf. This decision not only showcased her tenacity and courage but also allowed her to connect with a broader audience who appreciated her transparency and honesty. Jade's surfing content is more than just entertainment; it's a raw reflection of her journey through fear, failure, and eventual triumph. Her success on YouTube opened doors to becoming a full-time content creator, and despite the inherent uncertainties of that career choice, Jade believed in her skills and potential. She embraced the ups and downs of her creative pursuits, from struggling to monetize her channel in the early days, to partnering with brands and eventually managing her own business ventures.
“If you put enough time into something, you can be great!”
—Jade Darmawangsa
Emphasizing the importance of strategy and analysis, Jade applies a meticulous approach to her content creation, influenced by her father's career as a data scientist. Every week, she examines metrics such as audience demographics and retention rates. This analytical mindset has been instrumental in refining her content and growing her audience, a detail that goes unseen by many of her fans.
Photo credit Zane Miller
Jade's entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in her quest for independence and creative freedom. From running dropshipping ventures as a child to leading her own company today, she values the ability to control her own journey. Being her own boss allows her the flexibility to enjoy the lifestyle she cherishes, filled with travel and the freedom to surf when and where she likes.
However, Jade is candid about the risks involved in such an uncertain career path. There are months of financial difficulty, but for her, the challenge is part of the adventure. She balances her passion for social media and content creation with a realistic understanding of its instability.
Photo credit Zane Miller
Looking forward, Jade envisions a community that supports her future entrepreneurial projects related to surfing. She aims to introduce innovative products into the market and continue sharing her surfing journey. Aside from professional goals, she dreams of mastering the art of surfing at Pipeline and cherishing personal happiness, rather than a specific financial target.
Jade's story is one of courage, resilience, and authenticity. Her journey shows that embracing your fears, following your passion, and paving your own path can lead to incredible experiences and success. Whether it's surfing the iconic Pipeline or navigating the complexities of the YouTube algorithm, Jade continues to inspire through her dedication and genuine love for sharing her life's journey.
Go check out Jade @jadedarmawangsa