We were lucky to catch up with Jacquelyn Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacquelyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am happiest when I am creating. There is a level of necessary required energy (creative magic) and I always think to myself how worth it is to be in “the zone.” When I’m working in a creative space it becomes my real-life Twilight zone; easy to get lost in and lose touch with the reality of things that really matter. Acting, modeling, and styling will always be an epicenter of my creative freedom and release, but the importance of finding time for myself without connection to my craft has become evidently clear to me. God has a way of lining it all up for me when it’s just right, and in the same way he’ll place obstacles to show me another way. I know there is a path for me that still can lead to my own walk of fame. My dreams of being bigger than THIS life are living and breathing with me every step of the way.

As individuals, artists contribute to a sense of community; however, I realize throughout my journey my desperation for a greater purpose stemmed from being within an industry that lacks realness in whole. For the first time I said out loud, on the last set I worked on, “This is not for me.” It’s not that I don’t fit in the industry anymore, it’s that I’ve always stuck out to the point that I know my goals are making way for a different alignment. Money is not the motivation. Community and connection are the most important driving factor in this world. You’ll still catch me doing what I love because I know what I want and I know why I am here.

Passion without purpose is merely pride without pain; a temporary ride. Through knowledge and wisdom, we uphold the Times. I am building upon my everchanging story with my chosen field of education, Journalism, as my future professional career. Is that a regular job? I’m sure there’s a journalist Barbie somewhere on the shelf. I have a vision that will take me beyond the horizon and capture it while I am there to share a favorite pastime of artists and bring awareness to the details.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I’ve been involved in tv and film for the past 8 years, since I graduated high school, and I loved performing growing up so finding an industry to make a living in while fulfilling my childhood dreams of being an actress was more than a perfect match.

Everyone starts somewhere. I began as a background actor on the film of Ride Along 2, and many shows later I set out with high hopes to California to further my education as an actor at a performing arts college outside of LA.

I was a well-rounded theater kid, with great vocal techniques and a required pair of tap shoes and sick draw back I learned in my first semester tap class. After the noise of the music quieted and my happy feet stopped I took a moment to consider what I had set out for. Acting is my forte, and because Atlanta really does influence everything I moved back to audition for a role on the show The Vampire Diaries, as well as work in other movies with big names like Jennifer Aniston and countless others.

The starry-eyed dreams continued, and so did the work behind them. As I navigated my way up on the totem pole, I booked my first stand in role in Season one of Stranger Things. I was standing in for Mike, he was shorter than me then; I can’t begin to explain the excitement I felt in my heart the last night of filming season one (it was the kiss scene between Eleven and Mike; OMG yes, I had to stand/sit in.). I knew I was apart of something huge, and it felt special. I am beyond grateful and blessed for the experiences I’ve had. By the time season three rolled around I had doubled for Nancy in season two (I’m talking brown curly wig and all) and Mike was now taller than me.

I most often bring up doubling the daughter in Ozark, because I tend to get “You look like that girl in Ozark,” so it’s cool to say, “Which one? I worked on the show as both of them.” I did work with Julia Garners character as well as her stand in.

I found my home in wardrobe after years navigating the sets as a production assistant on shows like Family Feud where I received my first Sag-AFTRA card standing-in doing a recorded rehearsal of the show (talk about stoked!!). God continued to place me in positions to receive my ‘little blessings’ on set, and no matter how big or small, I have been grateful for them all. I still have dreams to be on camera, however working in wardrobe I often end up on screen anyway. What can I say? The camera’s really do love me (blonde power!)!

Modeling was incorporated into my journey during the time I was working on finding what I liked doing in the entertainment industry. I initially started because I thought it was perfect for submission pictures for getting more acting jobs but it quickly became a huge passion and part of my life, inspiring me to love myself like never before. I believe in myself like never before, and trust my creative direction.

I am proud to say I have given back to the same community that lifted me up through helping women that have reached out to me get started in modeling. I teach them this isn’t just about modeling; it’s deeper, it’s BELIEVING in themselves. I even find myself applying the same process of self-love to friends and loved ones who are close to me. I’m always trying to share what I have gained on this journey and enjoy it with who God allows to be there. My big heart will lead me to change lives; it already has helped others find love in themselves. I plan to continue breaking the mold of being a Barbie with my handle on @Goldendreambarbie by just being myself.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I often feel misunderstood by non-creatives, but I am coming to a place that I realize there is a level of conditioning that blurred the line between what’s acceptable and what is not in this industry. I think IATSE negotiating better terms for union shed light on the ongoing struggle. I hope crew continues to fight for better conditions and begin to think about the toll and life-long effects of being in the industry. Tv and Film has been deemed the worst for mental health because of the inconsistency of the hours.

If I was asked this exact question before I had a child maybe I wouldn’t have the same compassion for myself but thankfully I can see that being able to be there for your family in a healthy way is more important than an impossible work schedule and that’s a valuable lesson to non-creatives as well. I’m hoping to see more improvements in the industry overall, but it’s safe to say not much has changed even after the uproar of IATSE.

Non-creatives need to give credit to creatives. We take risks to chase a passion, it’s not a glamorous job like people may think. We may not work Dolly Parton’s 9-5, but it’s hard to make a living no matter how you do it. Keep in mind people who work in film and tv are putting their job before their own needs. That takes sacrifice. I will always respect that no matter my ever-changing disposition on the industry, but please, my fellow dreamers, remember to respect yourself too.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Coco Chanel said, “A girl should be two things, who and what she wants.” Barbie said it with “You can be anything.” I have always believed with class, confidence and a little bit of lucky madness, dreams really can and do come true, and I will keep dreaming until they do. Every single wish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kavyar.com/faatfbep21hk
• Instagram: @goldendreambarbie
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jjclark21

Image Credits
Denardo Lee Gastin @theoriginald.I.gital