Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jes Mendoza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jes, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
One of the most significant challenges facing profitability in the poetry industry is the limited size and reach of the platform, particularly within mainstream media and the arts. I have the privilege of knowing many remarkable poets who are inclusive and supportive, fostering an environment that encourages growth and collaboration, the overall visibility of poetry remains quite narrow—at least for now. Many individuals who engage with mainstream culture aren’t aware of the diverse applications of poetry in many different occasions throughout life. Poetry is not merely a means of expressing love; it is a beautifully rhythmic form of communication that can resonate with everyone.
Jes, 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?
As previously mentioned, my primary profession is in Engineering, which is truly my dream career. However, my passion for writing poetry began when I was 13 years old. Initially, it served as a means to organize my emotions and gain a deeper understanding of myself. Today, poetry has become a medium through which I navigate and grow from life’s experiences.
I draw inspiration from various sources: my personal experiences, prompts from friends and family, and even snippets of conversations I overhear while out and about. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that I am committed to crafting beautiful poetry tailored to the occasion you request.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey as an engineer is unique, yet I also embody the spirit of a poet. Against the odds, I refused to let others define my path. Instead, I pushed myself beyond the expectations, determined to become the person I envisioned. Balancing my professional and artistic careers has been challenging, but the successes along the way make it all worthwhile.
One memorable example is the struggle I faced in getting one specific poem noticed. After numerous rejections, I revisited the poem, revised it extensively, and decided to take a risk by posting it. Days later, I received requests from strangers asking me to write poetry for them.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I’d known about self-publishing sooner! I poured countless hours into manuscript after manuscript, only to face rejection after rejection. Some publishers wanted experienced writers, while others simply said “no.” It wasn’t until I met my now good friend that I learned about self-publishing. Now, I’m reformatting my manuscripts to self-publish and finally amplify my voice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thejmendoza, @the.artofshowingup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mendoza-2ab828208?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessrick?_t=8oNFqjIdQvW&_r=1
Image Credits
photo credits:
Erin Sherrill
James Cano
Muddy Dash