We recently connected with Jana Hahn and have shared our conversation below.

Jana, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

After finishing my internship with the Walt Disney Company in 2022, I knew that I wanted to further pursue entertainment (performing, theater arts, film, etc.) further but I did not know the path in which that would be. Have you ever wondered to yourself, “How am I here right now?” that was my exact thought process as I worked on a set for a feature film for a local author here in Tennessee. Not only had I grown up reading and loving the author’s work, but I understood the purpose from which she wrote: life incorporated with God’s truth. I had only lived in Tennessee for a few short months when God started opening up doors in the creative arts/ entertainment industry. This was my first recognized project and my role was not on screen, but as a background costume designer. What does that mean? Doesn’t sound too flashy right? My job was to speak with the project manager and develop the “look” that the director wanted to portray in a scene with the background cast that day. Each background cast member would come to me with their various options of clothing and I would dictate what they wore to align with the film’s vision.

My love for being on screen and stage have always been evident but taking this role far outweighed them all. This behind the scene role expanded my understanding into the functionality, process, and team effort it takes to put on a film. Not only so, but it proved to me that you must be willing to try various roles and utilize opportunities in order to become fully knowledgeable and a master in your craft. And this principle applies to all work fields. Overall, you must trust the process and maximize every opportunity despite it not appearing to be the end goal. For these small roles are stepping stones to the next big thing.

Jana, 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 local titleholder with the Miss America/ Miss Tennessee Organization as your current Miss Shelbyville 2024, I will be competing for the opportunity to represent our state at Miss America this June in Johnson City. The crown and sash have provided for me a larger platform to share my passion for mental health advocacy, vocal performance, and public speaking. After graduating from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies: communications, psychology, and theater arts, I knew I wanted to make a difference in every environment I was planted in. I currently exercise my talents as a marketing coordinator for an orthodontic practice in Nashville alongside doing film, acting, and modeling on the side through Third Coast Elite Talent Agency here in Nashville. My goal in life is to be intentional with every individual that I meet and to inspire everyone who meets me to walk away feeling encouraged, motivated, or seen.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Relatability.

From music, to speaking, and media, etc, the strongest common thread weaving throughout it all is the connection individuals find in it for themselves. Oftentimes visionaries/ artists/creative individuals (including myself) are afraid to share an idea or pursue it due to the inability to comprehend that someone else feels the same way. Or the common “what if” we all know and love… the fear of rejection. Despite all of those factors, I have learned to “do it anyways” or do it afraid! After posting an educational video on instagram, about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with a live exposure and response prevention example, I have repeatedly been shown that I am not alone. This then led me to take a step further and film advocacy videos with Rogers Behavioral Health on mental health awareness and perform an original song called “Pain into Purpose” at a writer’s round here in Nashville for Mental Health Songwriters founded by a dear friend/musician, Zhaklina Spencer. Seeing your work or art impact another individual’s life makes the journey SO worth it.

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

My favorite quote states, “One day you will tell the story of how you overcame what you are going through now and it will become the page in someone else’s survival guide”.

This quote serves as a constant catalyst to continue to press on everyday no matter the task or project. If conquering a fear, producing creative avenues, or publishing media content helps someone in their own journey then I am all for it! “Pain into Purpose” is a catchphrase I commonly use as a result of going through various difficult situations and reversing them to have meaning. One of my favorite verses in scripture in Genesis 50:20 states, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” What was initially painful can in return produce purpose and life. It is not an easy process but can be done.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Janahahn4 @misshelbyvilletn
• Facebook: Jana Hahn

Image Credits
Samuel Allen Kristy Belcher