Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jameka Terri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jameka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The Expression Session is my baby. The Expression Session is a Nomadic Artistic Experience. TES began as an Open Mic Night. But once the ball began rolling I realized God was asking for so much more. The Expression Session while plagued by COVID and still refinding its consistent footing. Has afforded a multitude of Artists the opportunity to have a paid gig that cares. I began TES because I just wanted to be the one gig where you were valued in all ways including monetarily. Which often unspoken; this is not normal in the industry. I intend to change that. One show at a time. Currently TES is on pause to ensure that the show is experienced in its fullness and at its highest standard moving forward. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Thankful to the cities that I have graced and looking forward to gracing even more in the near future.

Jameka, 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 began as an actor. I still mainly identify as an actor as it has been been the most useful skill I’ve acquired to date. I began acting in church at about 10 years old and I was smitten. Dove deep into the world of theatre as a way of escape initially but I soon decided this was it for me. Receiving my first check at 14 definitely served as motivation to take this acting thing seriously. As I grew older I began to fall into different positions in theatre including, stage hand, production assistant, stage manager, Assistant Director and Director. I learned that I not only loved theatre, but I love production in all its fullness. Every part of the process excites me. I began hosting for the longest running and most popular Open Mic Night in Cleveland Ohio at 21. I served there for 2years. Really learning processes, people, marketing and leadership. I was able to become Assistant Producer and Host before leaving in 2017 and moving to Virginia. In Virginia I was given the opportunity to begin my show independently. The Expression Session has since partnered with many local companies bringing these sometimes elaborate shows to life. Including 6 months of sharing our Nomadic Vibe with Buffalo Wild Wings and even giving back to the Nonprofit of my choosing.

Fast Forward to today and I am planning a comeback that leaves me more excited than I’ve ever been. A god ordained plan never fails. I’m just excited to follow his guidance.

The Expression Session now has a clothing brand ‘Summmaddattt Apparel’ dedicated to uplifting artists of all Mediums. As well as a bath care line ‘Euphoric Bath Sessions’ dedicated not only to healthy, clear, radiant skin but soul healing and restoration as well.

Moving forward with wisdom. I’m excited for all that God will do through The Expression Session.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When first doing my show in Fredericksburg, Virginia I had quickly decided that the show would be nomadic. For several business reasons. I’ll leave unmentioned. However, I booked a venue, placed a down payment and as we began the planning phases of bringing things to life I noticed many undiscussed charges. As well as an increasing level of difficulty that didn’t seem warranted. A week before the show I received a phone call saying my deposit was being returned and I could no longer use the facility. Within 48 hours in a place where I hadn’t recided even a year, I had a new venue and was ordering new marketing and calling a videographer for videos at the replacement venue. These artists, whether they know it or not, needed that level of commitment to their expression.

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

I want to provide an experience that patrons, staff, bartenders, servers, all look forward to being apart of. An experience where behind the scenes you are treated as the royalty that is on the stage. Where love shows it self in receptive ways and networking is an unspoken given. A safe space for artists that is consistent and always improving its quality. For the staff to be excited because the pay is right but so is the atmosphere. Where everyone benefits in exactly the way they need to. I have yet to see that. So it’s up to me to create it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jamekaterri
• Facebook: Jameka Terri
• Youtube: jamekaterri

Image Credits
JangImages NitaSnaps