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

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Honestly, it really just comes down to my parents believing in me. That’s it.

When you’re a kid with big dreams, having someone in your corner who actually takes you seriously makes a huge difference. They didn’t just say “yeah that’s nice,” they encouraged me, they supported me, and they gave me space and tools to figure things out.

I was always messing around with my granddad’s camera, taking photos of family around the house during holidays and stuff. They definitely weren’t great photos, but I loved doing it; I loved holding the camera and catching those little happy moments.

Later on, my bonus dad had an appraising business, and he’d be out taking pictures of houses all day. When he came home, I’d grab his camera and start taking my own photos. This was back when floppy disks were basically SD cards ,if you know, you know.

Then I took a film photography class in high school and completely fell in love with it again, but this time in a different way. It clicked that this could actually be something real, something I could do for a living.

And every time I talked to my parents about it, they were always reassuring me, always hyping me up, always reminding me that it was possible. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders. And honestly… sometimes that’s all you really need.

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, but most people call me Jess. I am a Black female photographer originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I have been living and working in Los Angeles, California for the past eight years. My journey into photography began straight out of college, after earning my BFA from the College for Creative Studies in the heart of Midtown Detroit. That experience gave me not only the technical foundation I needed, but also the confidence to step into the world and truly begin practicing my craft.

My love for photography, and fashion photography in particular, started long before that. As a child, I was completely captivated by the show America’s Next Top Model. There was something about the artistry, the storytelling, and the way images could shape perception that deeply inspired me. That early fascination planted the seed for what would later become my career.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I hit the ground running. I began assisting on set and working closely with my mentor, Elton Anderson. On my very first day in LA, he was shooting Jay Ellis, and in that moment I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. That experience affirmed my decision and motivated me to keep pushing forward.

As my career evolved, I found myself working in fast fashion, photographing e-commerce for brands like Forever 21, Fashion Nova, and Shein. Along the way, I had the opportunity to collaborate with incredibly talented creatives and photograph inspiring people such as Kelly Rowland, Kyle Kuzma, Mike Epps, and many others. Each experience shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow both artistically and professionally.

Creativity is at the center of who I am. I love what I do, and I am grateful for the platform and opportunities I’ve been given. More than anything, I want women of color to know that this path is possible, that you can come from a small town, dream big, and reach those dreams. I am proud to be one of the few Black women leading creative teams within major fast fashion companies, and I see that as both an honor and a responsibility. My journey is a reflection of faith, perseverance, and purpose, and I truly believe I am walking in exactly what God has planned for me

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is knowing there are no wrong turns , only discoveries. Sometimes the things we call mistakes are actually invitations, guiding us toward something more honest, more alive than what we planned. Art lives inside all of us, waiting to be listened to. It doesn’t ask to be perfect or to look like anyone else’s — it only asks us to be brave enough to explore, to try, and to uncover what wants to be created through us. I recently opened an Etsy shop as another creative outlet, i encourage everyone to try something different every now and then!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Many people don’t realize that creativity is not a straight line. It doesn’t follow the rules of traditional success where effort always leads immediately to reward. Creativity moves in seasons, moments of clarity followed by moments of doubt, bursts of inspiration followed by quiet pauses. And all of it matters. Every phase is shaping you.

There will be times when you feel blocked, uncertain, or behind. That doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re becoming. Once you find the thing that lights you up, the thing that feels aligned and begins to open doors, hold onto it. Protect it. Nurture it. That spark is your compass.

You won’t always be doing exactly what you dreamed of, and when you finally arrive at a goal, it might not feel the way you imagined. But that doesn’t make it wrong, it means you’re evolving. Growth asks you to stretch beyond what’s comfortable and familiar.

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I worked with people I didn’t know, in spaces that felt intimidating and uncertain, but those moments built my foundation. They taught me that your network truly becomes your net worth, and that showing up going to the art shows, starting the conversations, putting yourself in the room is how opportunities find you.

Being creative means believing in yourself even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It means trusting the process when you can’t yet see the destination. And if you do that, if you stay open, stay brave, and stay committed, you will land exactly where you are meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicagail-photography.com/
• Instagram: @nostressjesss
• Linkedin: Jessica Pierce
• Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NostresJesss?ref=dashboard-header