We recently connected with Jennifer Messina and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during one of the lowest points in my life. I had just come out of my first serious queer relationship, and I was a mess—mentally and emotionally. I had been through so much self-hatred, self-harm, and this constant feeling of not being worthy of love or happiness. I was stuck in a cycle of relapsing into old behaviors and couldn’t figure out who I was anymore.

I remember sitting alone, feeling like I had nothing left to give, and that’s when I turned to music. I started writing down everything I was feeling—the heartbreak, the guilt, the anger—and it was like something clicked. Music had always been there, but this was different. This wasn’t just a hobby or an outlet anymore; it was my way of surviving. I realized I had to do this for real, professionally, because it was the only thing that made me feel alive and gave me a purpose. That moment, pouring my soul into the lyrics, was when I knew I wasn’t just going to dabble in music—I was going to turn all my pain into something powerful and make it my life’s work.

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’m MESSINA, a recording artist and mental health advocate, and my journey into the music industry has been anything but conventional. I started in a very different place—serving in the Army and struggling to navigate my identity and mental health. Music has always been an escape for me, but it became something deeper when I hit rock bottom after my first serious queer relationship. I was battling with self-harm, codependency, and feelings of worthlessness. It was in those moments of darkness that I turned to songwriting as a form of survival. That’s when I realized music was more than just a passion; it was my path forward.

My music is deeply personal, drawing from my own experiences with mental health, love, and loss. What sets me apart is that I don’t shy away from the raw and uncomfortable parts of life. I offer an unfiltered look into my journey through my songs, which are both brutally honest and emotionally charged. My work isn’t just about creating music; it’s about offering listeners a sense of connection, especially those who’ve struggled with feeling unseen or unworthy. I’m proud that my music resonates with people who need to know they’re not alone in their pain.

In addition to music, I co-founded “LGBT VSAP” (Veterans Suicide Awareness Program), where we provide resources and support for veterans struggling with mental health issues. Having been in that place myself, I know how important it is to have a community that understands and supports you.

Right now, one of the things I’m most excited about is my debut country album City Rose, which is all about my heartbreak and personal growth. It’s deeply reflective of my struggles, but it’s also about resilience and coming out the other side stronger. I’m also performing pop-up shows this fall alongside fellow artist Nicky Licky, bringing a fresh energy to the music scene and continuing to push the boundaries of what I can do as an artist.

What I want my followers, fans, and clients to know is that everything I create is authentic. My music isn’t polished or sanitized—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s a reflection of my life. I’m not just making music for the sake of it; I’m telling stories, and my goal is to inspire others to own their struggles and find their own strength.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there’s a clear mission driving my creative journey: to use my music as a platform for mental health advocacy and to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to break down the stigma around mental health and to be a voice for those who might be struggling in silence. Having gone through my own battles with depression, self-harm, and feelings of worthlessness, I know how isolating it can feel. Through my music, I want to show others that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to embrace their flaws.

Beyond that, I’m passionate about amplifying LGBTQ voices and creating more representation in the music industry. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been real, and I want to inspire others to own their stories, no matter how messy or complicated. At the end of the day, my mission is to bring authenticity and healing to both myself and my audience.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about the journey as a creative is the constant battle between vulnerability and self-doubt. When you’re an artist, especially someone who draws from deeply personal experiences like I do, you’re putting your soul out there for the world to see. It’s terrifying, because you’re exposing parts of yourself that most people keep hidden. There’s always that fear of not being enough, of being misunderstood, or even worse, ignored.

What people don’t always see is the emotional rollercoaster behind the scenes—the highs of feeling deeply connected to your work, followed by the lows of questioning whether it’s worth sharing at all. Creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s about confronting your own insecurities, past traumas, and doubts on a daily basis.

But that vulnerability is also where the magic happens. That’s where the real, raw connection comes in, and that’s why I do it. For anyone who struggles to understand, I’d say: It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real. And sometimes, that means showing your cracks.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennifercmessina.com
• Instagram: jennifercmessina
• Twitter: jennifercmessin
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kyLVB9TN4BpHrAGLxYE5G?si=mxhMqRb5Tlqf6zd-Ozq5qA