We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessenia Mills a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessenia, thanks for joining 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?

I believe the common misconception is when pursuing the creative industry, an individual must cease one for the other. Many of us are hidden in plain sight. I have met many talented creatives who were also in the military or flipping burgers. I even know of nurses and lawyers in this business. Being a creator is not a choice, but a necessity to be who we are. It follows us wherever we go.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

This is Jessenia Mills. I am an independent Singer-Songwriter, Actress, Commercial Model, and Producer. I started my journey over 20 years ago at a very young age in the small town of Spring Hope, North Carolina. I lived and continue to live a normal life: going to school, working to make a living and living to make it work. Growing up along the countryside, we learn how to do a lot with a little. I discovered early that if I wanted to pursue my dreams in the arts, I needed to put in the labor.
If I wasn’t serving tables at a restaurant or selling internet packages, I was networking and learning about commercial modeling. I studied photography and video editing while writing music and acting in theater, commercials and short films. There was no question I wanted to pursue music and tell stories from different points of views.
During the Pandemic, I wrote & independently released my first album, “Love & Madness” while creatively producing, writing, directing and editing my music videos. I have my film team, family, friends, and many colleagues to thank for their incredible hand in this journey. I want to be able to connect with others on a deeper level that allows us to reflect and cultivate who we are, and who we become.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This is something I believe many creators and non-creators alike can understand. There is never a right time. It is easy to remain complacent with statements like; “It’s not ready yet”. “I want it to go this or that way”. Or “They will judge me”. It is easy to repeat this cycle and become jaded with our dreams and the direction they are heading.
“Steadfast”, I told myself. It is the unwavering dedication to not just the dream, but the entire process to achieving it. It is not supposed to go according to how we planned or on our time. In my times of doubt and despair, there is one thing I remind myself to keep going: Today is all we have for certain. Make it count.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Networking. With many talented, budding artists coming to the scene, I find they ask the same question, “Where do I start?” It starts with networking and studying the business. The rest will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jesseniaofficial.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisjessenia
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thisisjessenia
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisisjessenia
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jesseniamills
• Other: Want More? Visit: https://ffm.bio/jesseniaofficial

Image Credits
Copyrights & Credits go to: Jessenia Mills (Jessenia)