Today we’d like to introduce you to Jae Henderson
Hi Jae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Doing comedy was on my bucket list. I knew I was humorous, and I knew I could write jokes. I actually used to write jokes for the award-winning radio show “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” in my 20’s after interning with them in Dallas. I also used to be a radio personality and a talk show host. In both if those roles it’s important that you be able to speak in a way that makes people want to listen. So, when comedienne LaToya Tennielle announced that she was going to have a Women In Comedy Boot Camp, I signed up for it. I had no idea I would enjoy it that much. LaToya encouraged me to pursue comedy because I am actually funny and she believed we needed more clean comics in the Memphis area. I started performing in and around the city improving my show and making connections. I’m glad I listened. She’s also been mentoring me to help make sure I have a good show. People are starting to notice my talent. I actually have a show at our local comedy spot, Chuckles, this month opening for a national comedienne Kiara Benson on her Big Body Benz Tour. That’s a big deal for a newbie.
Last year, I decided to put together a female comedy trio called She Saved & Silly. It’s made up of myself, another boot camp participant Quin Kelly and seasoned comic Mzzz. Kecia. Quin is a self-esteem coach and loves helping others find the beauty within themselves. Mzzz. Kecia has been doing comedy over 21 years and is known as the Queen of Memphis Clean Comedy. We each have our own style of talking about everyday life, church life, and relationships but most of all we’re hilariously funny. We also complement each other well. She Saved & Silly made its debut Mother’s Day and got rave reviews. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m in the beginning stages of my independent comedy journey and with She Saved & Silly. The greatest challenge is letting everyone know that what I’m doing exists. I’ve been in entertainment and PR for over 20 years, but I’m new to comedy. There’s a lot of networking, making phone calls, sending emails, and doing social media. I’m working hard to make a name for myself while continuing to learn the craft. Also, the Memphis comedy community has been very supportive. More seasoned comics often give me great advice on how to be successful.
I try to make sure that each show that I do individually and with She Saved & Silly does is quality. I’ve done several shows as an opening act and so far, the laughs are still coming. People tell me all the time about how comedy is a male-dominated field, and it can be brutal. That may be true but as long as there are opportunities out there, I’m going to find them. Funny doesn’t have a gender. Also, what God has for me is for me. He keeps on opening doors and I’m grateful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a clean comedienne living in Memphis, TN. That means my jokes don’t contain profanity or lewd content. It actually falls right in line with my books. I write inspirational romance which is the edgier side of Christian fiction and always make sure there are some laughs in my books. I’ve written 11 so far. I promised myself years ago that I wouldn’t do anything that I’d be ashamed to show my grandmother. She’s no longer alive, but I still stick to that. I think of it like this, if I left this earth tomorrow and someone did a reel of the things I’ve done in my professional life, would there be parts that I would ask to omit? If so, maybe I shouldn’t be doing them. That’s no shade to anyone else and the content they produce. I truly believe there is time and place for everything, but each person has to do what they’re comfortable with and I’m most comfortable doing clean jokes. I love making people laugh. I believe that laughter is temporary relief from all that ails you, and I’m happy to administer a little medicine when I can.
What made you create She Saved & Silly?
I created She Saved & Silly because I wanted to present something different. I see comedy shows all the time with different comedians in the lineup. I endeavored to create a consistent show with three hilarious female comics in Memphis that we could take anywhere. If we work together consistently there’s the opportunity to add some elements to it that you usually don’t see. It’s going well, and we look forward to booking more performance dates locally and nationally. I also believe in empowering women and this show allows me to showcase some very talented women who specialize in making people feel good, especially women. So, we all win!
I hope the people reading this will support me and follow me on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejaehenderson.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatdidjaesay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatdidjaesay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaehenderson
- Other: http://www.facebook.com/shesavedandsilly
