We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jake Somnath a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jake, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor. And of course I was music to my Indian dad’s ears. I thought it would be a job that would help people and make the world a better place. But the older I got the less attached I felt to that career. I started to question if that was the right choice for me. I also started to question how could I let my dad who has given his all to me down. I felt very conflicted to say the least. It was a tricky situation. I didn’t even know what I’d do if I didn’t become a doctor. So I ended up sticking with it. On the side I would take pictures with friends and model whenever I could but surly that couldn’t pay the bills? One day I had a family friend tell me to do a walk in of one of the major agencies in Dallas so I did. I racked up about 20 “No”s combined through all of them but eventually I got signed. My dad was so supportive but was hesitant because he thought the same thing “could it pay the bills” and it wasn’t till my very first national commercial that he thought maybe this is a possibility and has been totally supportive ever since. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life switching from doctor to actor but I am so glad I did and I haven’t looked back since.

Jake, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a native Texas with a melting pot of DNA running through me but mostly Indian and white. Im born and raised in Dallas and love this city. I’ve always tried to make people laugh because it’s the best thing in the world to me. So naturally I’ve leaned into entertaining.

I got in this field despite all of the bumps previously mentioned of multiple rejections. But grit and a positive mindset will take you anywhere you wanna go. And I think that not much sets me apart from other people. I think with grit and the right attitude you will achieve anything.

Honestly, what I’m most proud of is that I am lucky enough to do something I love for a living.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In a very Tom Brady ish way I am driven to be my absolute best. I believe you should push yourself everyday to improve and get better. There’s no excuse not to become the best “you” if you don’t then you’re selling yourself short. Constantly strive to improve and make adjustments to grow in every aspect of your life to make your entire life better.

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

Of course I love what I do. I cried tears of joy the very first job I got to do walking back to my car when everything was done lol. There’s no better place to me than being on set. However, I absolutely despise office jobs. I have so much hate for the kind of job that seems so meaningless and dull to me. I remember I used to pretend to be healthy when I was sick just to avoid going to my parents work as a kid. And I think both of those things push me very far to get where I’m going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Frostedjakes?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f056046a-bb6b-4832-96ce-010f8017579c
• Instagram: https://tr.ee/AB7Y9xnxKQ
• Youtube: https://tr.ee/UiwD1Tfz5n
• Other: https://tr.ee/vJbtCcKwpX

Image Credits
Shea Ann Ricio Tretookthese Marcus Irvin Asiah Spencer