We were lucky to catch up with Jessica McEachern recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always wanted to sing and write. I have been writing books and songs for years. I have written multiple children’s books on various topics. I have written multiple songs. I can write a children’s book or a song in thirty minutes when I am in my creative space. I sang around the house when I was young, listening to Rhythm and Blues, Neo Soul, and Gospel music. I had multiple cassette tapes and CDs. I slept with my Walkman or portable CD player playing at night enjoying various genres of music. I recall singing “Superwoman” by Karyn White when I was in the car with my paternal grandmother and paternal great aunt. My great aunt mentioned that I would be a singer when I sang in the car with them. I would sing Toni Braxton’s “Another Sad Love Song” around the house. I recall an aunt asking my father if he’s heard me sing around the house. My father mentioned he hears me sometimes. My aunt mentioned to my father that I can sing. I remember my paternal grandfather stating that he didn’t know I could sing until he heard me sing at church. I didn’t notice him at church one of the Sundays I sang lead on a song. I had every John P Kee and Kirk Franklin album. I sang in the choir at church during my childhood and adolescence. Rev. Ernestine Jones, who holds a special place in my heart, was the first person to notice my voice in the church youth choir. I appreciate how she cultivated my gift and pushed me to become comfortable singing. I sang alto in the church choir, junior high choir, and high school choir. I think God made me an alto because I wouldn’t know how to act if I was a soprano. I would show out if I was gifted the range of a soprano. I loved singing in various choirs and singing with my paternal family at church programs. There are many gifted singers in my maternal and paternal family. My father can sing, but don’t tell him I said that.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a songstress, songwriter, author, publisher, and social worker. I have my Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Art in Teaching, and Master of Social Work. I have been working in the field of human services for over eighteen years. I recall wanting to be a Judge, Lawyer, or Social Worker. I have always wanted to be a singer and author. Social Work is a calling and a passion. As a Social Worker, I am an advocate and change agent. Social Workers strive for social, economic, and environmental justice. Social Workers enhance the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and society. I respect where people are in their life journey. I have a passion to listen without judgement, recognize that we are all flawed, understand that we all make mistakes, and respect that people have different experiences.

I auditioned at an event that had three of four representatives from various record labels seeking artists. I remember the feedback from the representatives present. The feedback from one of the representatives resonated with me. The representative that resonated with me complimented my vocal ability and suggested next steps. I followed the advice received from two of the representatives. When you’re purposed to do something, things will align the way they should. Everything you need and everyone you need is already connected to you. I was connected to everyone and everything I needed to publish my books and record music. The resources I needed were there and the timing was right as well.

Writing and music are forms of creative expression. Music and writing are therapeutic. Books and music are empowering. I have many gifts and talents. I am purposed to write multiple books and songs, while also being a Social Worker. Currently, I have a children’s book titled, “When I Grow Up”. I have four songs available on music streaming platforms. The songs are titled, “Be with me”, “Naughty”, “Tonight”, and “Scared to love”. I will release another song this year titled “Lipstick”. I would like to release one of my children’s books this year titled “Better Together”.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

A rewarding aspect of being an author, songwriter, and songstress is being able to connect with others through writing, books, and music. Music and books allow me to share ideas with the world. Music and books reach people of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Music and books can bring people together. Music and books can be interpreted in various ways depending on the audience’s experiences, thoughts, and perception. There may be commonalities that people can relate to through music and books. Writing is self-care and relaxation for me which contributes to my overall well-being. Not only is writing a way to express emotions and relieve stress, but writing helps process thoughts and strengthen the mind. There are many messages in books and music that can touch someone’s life, lift someone’s spirit, incite imagination, or inform.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The books I write are informative. I want to make the reader think and explore the story. The music I write explores emotions, dating, relationships, love, heartbreak, and intimacy. My songs are an expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I write and perform my songs. I don’t want to sound like any other singer. I don’t want to look like any other artist. Being one’s, authentic self is admirable. My career, family, experiences, and beliefs motivate me to write. Representation and inclusion matters. Books written by African American authors inclusive of characters of color are significant. The goals I haven’t achieved encourage me to push forward. Being a minority impels me to continually beat the odds. I set goals and I accomplish them. I want to release all my children’s books and songs. I have a collection of children’s books and songs to share. Music and books inspire. I hope my creative expression though books and music are enjoyable to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessica-mceachern.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicamceachern
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaMcEachern
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessmmceachern
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVMxNmTWzHw
• Other: https://soundcloud.com/user-304297090