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

Jeanette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I most definitely wish I started my creative career sooner. Coming from a very small town in the Alabama, I honestly thought some things just weren’t possible coming from where I’m from. By the time I got to high school most classes and activities for the arts were gone. There were few opportunities outside of school to express ourselves artistically. Unfortunately, most were far away.

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.

Coming from Alabama to Michigan for college, getting into the industry was a dream far back in my mind. I got into modeling out of nowhere. It was always a dream of mine, and because I always shopped at Teasers boutique in Detroit, the owner Paulette; encouraged me to model in a fashion show for her. The ball began rolling from there. I began working with different photographers to help build my portfolio. I wanted to get better. I was encouraged to try some acting class to help with my facial expressions. It just so happened that Groupon had a free class for the Michigan actor’s studio. From there I took more classes and went on random auditions to help with my nerves. To my surprise, I got a part on a web series called Living it Up. I kept going from there; continuously working on getting better through students’ films, and indie projects that have landed on Tubi and amazon prime. I’m steady going. I’ve managed to get signed to some talents agencies as well as a boutique model agency in Michigan called Polished Models. I’m quite proud to have had opportunities in 8 different movies or series that have landed on major platforms. One was a more popular indie film I was a part of is called Dear Future Husband. One proud model moment was when I was selected to be a Jet Beauty of the Week for Jet magazine. It’s out of publication now but the magazine was popular, look it up lol. Recently I’ve been dedicating more time into getting better as an actress by exploring new classes. This is much bigger than being popular to me. I want to continue to improve and take a chance at auditioning for major projects. I’m also stepping out of my comfort zone and working with some other artists in Michigan to create our own movie. For more information about it please check us out here https://wefunder.com/its.a.rap.production

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As an actress and model, I think most people’s first instinct is to find an agent. There are other platforms you can use to find jobs as a model and actress that are actually legit. Those sites are actors’ access and casting network, but you defiantly have to stay consistent with checking those sites for opportunities. This was before social media became even bigger than it is today, and people can get discovered through there now. Don’t underestimate those sites.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I know i got a late start on my journey, and I feel it’s never too late to do anything you want, but if I can get my own movie done and grab a role in a major movie or tv show. I would feel I’ve reached my goal as an actress.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jaydrake_
• Facebook: Jay Drake
• Twitter: Jaydrake_
• Youtube: MissJaynet