We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jess Cajina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jess below.

Jess, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being an artist and creative is a risk in itself. There is always a struggle of “Am I cut out for this? Am I good enough to be successful with art alone”? As an artist, you are constantly comparing yourself, putting wear and tear on your body, always being rejected, being told “no” or “come and see us next season”, trying to market yourself to be noticed, being pressured to “find your brand”, spending an abundant amount of money to invest in yourself, and being told to look a certain way, train with this person and that person… With all this pressure put on your shoulders as an artist, it is easy to fade Into burnout or disinterest in your craft. Being a creative is incredibly vulnerable and we subconsciously live off of the admiration of the outside population.
Although this sounds misleading and a rigid lifestyle to the normal human, we creatives thrive off of it. I know personally that the grind and the hardships that I endure make future successes pay off in a way that vibrates the soul. The creative path is not for the weak But it isn’t impossible. I am persistent when it comes to self-doubting and being highly critical of my work. I do not believe that those thoughts stop when creating and showcasing your craft. My perpetual back and forth of loving and hating my career is more often than I like to admit. Despite those emotions, dancing, singing, acting, and creating set my soul on fire and I know I was put on this earth to change lives with those crafts. How lucky am I to be so invested in something that makes life worth living, that makes my body illuminate with happiness, that introduces me to a beautiful community of movers and artists? People search their whole life to find that fire and I have that passion at my fingertips. I guess I am obsessed with the hard work of this job. Having a father who migrated to the States from Nicaragua and being in the army fighting in the war, to my mom sacrificing everything to make ends meet to feed her family, and waiting tables to get by, I know that perseverance is in my blood.

Discussing working a “regular job”, I find it fascinating and disheartening at the same time that individuals do not categorize art and creative output as a “regular job” or a “career.”
I have taught dance classes my whole life. My first job was when I was 14 years old. My childhood dance teacher allowed me to teach for her, in return for free dance classes since my mom couldn’t afford them. I loved teaching, it helped my creative brain grow and it helped me pour my love for dance into others. Without those years of teaching at a young age, I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today. I choreograph, dance, teach, and perform for a living. That is so cool to say out loud to someone who asks. Of course, there have been many times, past and recent, when I have been scraping pennies to get by… Again, it just makes me grateful and inspired to work harder and to create more opportunities for myself.
Without being creative, I wouldn’t have met such beautiful people in my life who have taught me so many life lessons and who have provided me with tools to advance my career.

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.

My name is Jessica Cajina, I am a queer Nicaraguan American creative who is based in Oklahoma. My pronouns are she/they. I am a 24 year old professional choreographer, teacher, dancer, singer, and actor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance Performance. I have taught master classes and have choreographed in Oklahoma, Texas, and Alaska. I have performed professionally in Los Angeles,New York City, Oklahoma City, and Texas. I am currently a member of a professional hip hop dance company named “Abstrakt MIndz” and I teach dance full-time. My specialities include Hip Hop, contemporary, jazz, theatre dance, tap, and ballet.

I have been blessed with an abundant amount of projects. I have choreographed many collegiate shows, competition dance teams, regional theatre shows, and my choreography has been showcased, awarded, and acknowledged at national competitions.
I have starred in music videos and have worked with so many brilliant creatives.

My product is me. I dance and perform with my whole heart and soul. I perform, choreograph, and live as if it is my last day on earth.

I create art that craves the eye to be drawn. My choreography is raw and true. I don’t stray away from a challenge and I celebrate authenticity from my students, clients, and for myself. I want every person I encounter and dance with to feel safe in their skin around me.

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

I unfortunately struggle with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, bulimia. Some days are harder than others and my moods fluctuate without my control which makes everyday a battle.

I have had recurring weeks where I felt like I wasn’t worth being alive, I endured in self harm, have cried endlessly, have pushed friends and family away, and have been a sheet of pure numbness.

Although I struggle with these emotions, I am blessed to have found medication, a healthy partner, therapy, and a community to help me find my self worth again.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love being able to distract individuals from their worries, stress, day to day life with my art.
I think that without creativity, movement, and craftsmanship that fills the heart, the world would be so bland.

I also find the most rewarding aspect of my craft is the praise and thanks of just making someone feel confident in themselves or inspired.

I also find the rewarding privilege to constantly learn from others. Whether that’s perspective, movement, emotions, love, or just simply being.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @okcajina
• Facebook: Jessica Cajina

Image Credits

Emma Castor, Miki Galloway