Today we’d like to introduce you to Liv With Jess.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
JESS: In the beginning, we shared a common goal: to move to South Korea and work in the entertainment industry. To achieve this, we needed a platform to showcase our skills, work, and personalities. Social media became our primary outlet, even though the idea was daunting—we’re both introverts who aren’t naturally drawn to being in front of the camera. But looking back, I’ve realized how transformative this journey has been. Taking risks, sharing videos, moving to Seoul, and proving to ourselves that we can achieve what we set out to do has taught us so much. Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs, but learning to navigate them has helped us grow. We’ve become more confident in who we are, more open about sharing what we love without fear of judgment, and more resilient in the face of setbacks. While we still strive toward our original goal, our dreams have grown, and we now know we’re capable of achieving so much more. It’s not easy, and we never thought it would be. With that in mind, we wanted to create a space where we could share both the highs and lows of our journey, hoping to inspire others to take that first step toward something new or to keep pushing forward and never give up.
LIV: With prior experience in filming and editing, along with Jess’s expertise in managing talent and events, it provided some advantages. However, launching an entire channel required us to develop a unique style, vibe, and graphic identity from scratch. We dedicated considerable effort to creating a personal and engaging aesthetic for our videos. This challenged us to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability. I vividly remember our first filming session; we were terrified and a complete mess in front of the camera, which was a stark contrast to our usual behind-the-scenes roles. Our goal became finding the right balance between being entertaining and presenting our true selves—two introverted girls navigating life and the entertainment industry, highlighting both the highs and lows. As a result, our content consistently features playful, vulnerable elements and enriching conversations that reflect our personalities and the genuine experiences we want to share with our audience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
LIV: The biggest obstacle right now is that we need MONEY. There are numerous projects we want to produce on a larger scale for this channel, but the reality is we need a bigger team and more funds to do so. Currently, it’s just the two of us handling everything in-house, from pre-production to post-production. We’ve become adept at operating on a budget while still producing quality content, and I’m genuinely proud of what we’ve achieved together. However, I recognize that our potential is much greater, and with a like-minded team, we could expand our capabilities significantly. It takes a village, and what we are doing right now is just the tip of what we want to accomplish with this channel.
JESS: When has pursuing anything worthwhile ever been easy? Hahaha. We’ve reached a point where we’re reassessing and refining what we truly want and how to go about achieving it. While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, our vision is evolving, and so is what we want to share with the world. Liv dreams bigger than I ever imagined, and I’m completely on board with it. She has a clear vision and a perspective that’s so different from mine. It’s not a bad thing, nor does it cause friction—it stretches me.
On a personal level, it pushes me out of my comfort zone and challenges my narrow ways of thinking. While I welcome the growth, it sometimes makes me feel inadequate, like I should be just as driven as she is. I find myself wondering: Can I actually be of any help? I know I have my own strengths, but there are definitely parts of myself I see that need improvement.
On a business level, it forces me to put my skills to the test. I have to actively use my network and logistical abilities beyond my 9-to-5 job and channel them into building our dream career. While it might seem obvious that I’d need to do this, I’ve always compartmentalized my life—my “current, real job” and my “dream job” have never overlapped. This shift is a big adjustment, but it’s a necessary step toward making our vision a reality.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
LIV: At LivwithJess, we create engaging and entertaining video content that combines humor with a playful aesthetic. At present, our channel features three unique segments: The Take, an entertainment show that delves into a range of engaging and fun topics; The Show, a creative platform where we highlight our artistic talents; and The Log, which offers our audience a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our lives and the makings of our projects. Each segment offers a unique perspective on our journey, intertwining personal experiences with broader themes. Our aim is to cultivate a community where viewers feel connected and inspired as we navigate the ups and downs of our creative pursuits, in turn motivating them to chase their passions with the same enthusiasm and commitment.
JESS: To be candid, we just want to be known as two women who genuinely love what we do and want to share it with others in a space designed for connection, inspiration, entertainment, and encouragement. I can’t confidently say what sets us apart from others, and honestly, that’s okay. While people often stress the importance of having a “niche” to stand out, that’s not our main goal. Yes, we want our work to be recognized, but not at the expense of falling into comparison or competition.
We live in an oversaturated world, so it’s inevitable that we’ll overlap with others—but that’s them, and this is us. We all have our own voices, journeys, and perspectives, and those differences are what make us unique. I’m proud that we took the leap to start our channel. Despite the chaos of life and the unexpected changes that have come our way, we’re still here, pursuing this dream. Our drive hasn’t wavered, and that in itself is something worth celebrating.
LIV: As for our individual specializations within this channel, I serve as the executive producer and editor of our shows. My role encompasses a variety of production elements, including scriptwriting, stage setup, sound design, and graphic design. A significant portion of my daily responsibilities involves preparing all equipment for filming and actively participating in the video editing process to ensure that production operates seamlessly. Additionally, I have been instrumental in designing and curating the show’s format to facilitate a smooth flow and enhance audience engagement.
JESS: Apart from being one of the co-founders, for the creative side of things, I serve as the creative director, head project designer, trendspotter, photographer, and executive producer. For the managing and logistical side of things, I am our manager, in charge of networking, marketing, and correspondence. Ironically enough, I love the artistic aspect of it all; it makes me come alive, but I’m much more comfortable with the logistics. I know, I know, I’m a walking contradiction.
What were you like growing up?
LIV: Growing up, I was a quiet and reserved child, especially compared to my charismatic and entertaining siblings. I lived in a small town nestled between two mountains, where entertainment options were limited, and the community rarely ventured beyond the familiar. This backdrop encouraged my siblings and me to entertain ourselves through creative hobbies and expand our imaginations.
Without cable television, we would turn to the classic sitcoms, westerns, and thrillers from our parents’ collection. I developed a fondness for iconic shows like “I Love Lucy,” captivated by how Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz engaged their audiences, as well as the suspenseful narratives crafted by Alfred Hitchcock. Eventually, when we saved enough money, we would visit the local DVD rental store, and on special occasions, we would drive an hour to the cinema to catch the latest blockbuster. These stories fueled my curiosity about life beyond my small town and the experiences I could have beyond the mountains—talking like this makes me feel as though I should start bursting into “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
As time passed, my passion for film deepened, leading me to explore the mechanics of filmmaking. I stumbled upon an old hand-me-down camera in my parents’ closet that had been gathering dust. When the original owner noticed my budding interest, he took me under his wing, teaching me the significance of light, glass, and composition. Throughout the years, I continued to push my knowledge and craft, which didn’t come without challenges. However, I eventually began to develop my own style into what it is now. I still use the 12-year-old camera he handed down to me in my work to this day. He always emphasized that true talent isn’t about the gear you have but about how you use it to bring your vision to life.
JESS: As a kid, my personality was a blend of Angelica Pickles’ sass and Sherlock Holmes’ sharpness (specifically, Benedict Cumberbatch’s version). And looks-wise? Picture Harry Potter and Hermione’s hypothetical love child. I was particular, orderly, blunt, sassy, and unapologetically outspoken—a total mood. I mean, what else would you expect from a girl whose biggest aspiration was to be Ursula from The Little Mermaid? I was a hodgepodge of entertainment.
Things changed a bit when I became an older sibling. I mellowed out… somewhat. But in true form, I evolved into an even more obnoxious know-it-all, though this time with a serious grasp of responsibility and obligation. It’s like I leveled up in maturity and sass simultaneously.
I’ve always been a dramatic child with a deep love for anything creative. When I was introduced to anime—Sailor Moon specifically—it sparked something in me. I became obsessed with drawing and designing my own anime outfits, which quickly evolved into a desire to create real clothing. That moment ignited my journey into the world of fashion, story-telling, and art, shaping who I am and what I love today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livwithjess.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/livwithjess
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@livwithjess
Image Credits
Photographed by Shayna Tyra (Instagram: @shaynatyra)