We recently connected with Jessi Joplin and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I’m definitely happier as an artist and creative. I’ve worked 9–5 jobs before, and while they offered stability, they always felt limiting – like I was dimming my light just to get through the day.
There was a moment last year when things got especially hard. I remember sitting in my car after a long day, completely drained, thinking, Would it be easier to just get a job again? The idea of clocking in, getting a steady paycheck, and not constantly being in survival mode was tempting, but it felt soul-crushing.
That moment reminded me that I didn’t leave those jobs to live safely – I left to live fully. What I’m building now, with Manifest Party, Fab Stains, and my music, actually reflects who I am. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Jessi, 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?
I’m a Black, queer artist, DJ, actress, and musician. I’m the founder of Manifest Party, an inclusive event series where we build our own immersive DIY spaces to showcase music, art, and community. I also run Fab Stains, a sustainable fashion and accessories brand focused on self-expression and ethical production.
Through my work, I aim to create spaces that celebrate individuality, and center underrepresented voices. Whether I’m on stage, behind the decks, or designing, my focus is always on connection, creativity, and cultural impact.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is creating spaces and work where people—especially Black, queer, and alternative communities—feel seen, included, and celebrated. As a bisexual, Black, and queer creative, representation matters to me on a personal level. Whether it’s through a music video, a DJ set, a party, or a fashion piece, I want to build a space where people like me feel empowered to show up fully as themselves.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can better support artists by investing in us—financially, structurally, and culturally. That means more accessible funding, grants, and affordable spaces to create and share our work. It also means uplifting voices that have historically been excluded, especially Black, queer, and independent creatives. A thriving creative ecosystem depends on equity, not just exposure. Artists need resources, not just recognition, to build sustainable careers and communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jessijaejoplin.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/jessijaejoplin
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/jessijaejoplin
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessijaejoplin
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jessi-jae-joplin/488497052
https://open.spotify.com/artist/05yjGKbL6EopTx9h3O59Lk
Image Credits
Gabby Manson (@_gabbymanson_)