Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Livwithjess. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Livwithjess, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Liv: The shutdown of 2020 served as a herald, pushing me to take a leap of faith rather than live a life filled with regret. Seoul had intrigued me due to its distinctive and innovative production style, particularly in music videos that echo the grandeur of old Hollywood infused with a Marvel-esque quality, with complete sets, stunning visuals, and crisp lighting. I admired the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fully exploring creative possibilities, qualities I aspired to learn from. I knew I needed to commit to film full-time, as my previous attempts in NYC had left me complacent and with more questions than answers. Determined to fully dive into my dreams, I resigned from my job, packed up my apartment, and left the city I loved. I didn’t want there to be any backup plan; I wanted to dive in without a safety net because I knew if I did, I would not take my time in Seoul seriously.

This transition took a significant toll on my mental well-being. Saying goodbye to my old life while trying to rebuild from scratch was overwhelming to navigate and process within a limited timeframe. New York City had truly become my home, yet I also felt a surge of excitement for Seoul. This led to a conflicting and bittersweet process. There were many moments when I thought about giving up, but I held onto the hope for answers. On top of my stress and grief, Jess had it even more severe. A month before we were set to leave, she was injured in a car accident, leading to several months of serious health issues. At one point, we feared she might not be able to join me in Korea. Thankfully, she received medical clearance to fly, allowing us to proceed with our plans, though we had to make necessary adjustments to prioritize her well-being.

Finally, in Seoul, I discovered the clarity and answers I had been seeking. The supportive community and available resources allowed me to immerse myself in our projects, adhere to a committed schedule, and gain insights from the industry. This fueled my motivation and confirmed that I was on the right path. Although visa constraints limited our stay, my time in Seoul represented a pivotal turning point and solidified my commitment to my aspirations. Now back in the States, we are focused on honing my language skills, building our platform, and preparing for future opportunities in Seoul.

Jess: I agree with Liv; it was a huge risk going to Seoul. While I had friends there, we essentially knew no one, didn’t speak the language well, and had no jobs waiting for us. To top it off, due to my accident, I had limited mobility and was in constant pain. I often tell others that my time in Seoul was both the greatest and worst experience.

On one hand, I was living in the city I had always dreamed of, but on the other, I could only go out for about 3-4 hours before the pain became overwhelming and my body gave out. One would never guess from our content how much I was struggling. We would film our adventures, and afterward, I’d return to our apartment, lie on the heated floor for relief, and cry out of frustration and disappointment.

Despite these challenges, I was determined to power through, and so much good came from our time in Seoul. We learned a great deal about how the industry works, completed various projects, and, most importantly, made wonderful friends and connections. We left Seoul knowing, “Yes, we can work and do what we love here.”

Livwithjess, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Liv: Hi! I’m Liv.
Jess: And I’m Jess!

Together: We are LivwithJess!

Liv: Thanks for having us! We’re excited to share a bit about ourselves and our journey. We are Liv with Jess, two ladies documenting our creative path as we navigate the entertainment industry. We’re all about adding a personal touch to our style and creating captivating content.

Jess: To know us a little better, I think it’s important to know that we are both introverts deeply passionate about storytelling. Our content varies, but it includes:

**The Take**: Here, we offer insightful perspectives on various engaging topics, from the latest pop culture trends to our personal experiences as creatives.

**The Log**: Join us for a peek into our daily lives! Follow for behind-the-scenes content showcasing our stories and adventures, from projects to exploring the world together.

**The Show**: This is where we present our creative works to our fans.

Jess: What brought us together is we had a common goal, we wanted to go to South Korea and work in the entertainment industry. We talked about it and essentially I was like, “We need to showcase what we can do to even get a foot in.” So we decided that we should create a brand and use social media to our advantage, despite the fact we are both introverts and my love-hate relationship with social media.

Liv: What sets us apart is that we are here to walk you through our journey. As two introverts in a field that demands sociability, teamwork, and building connections to create something remarkable, stepping outside our comfort zones can be quite challenging. Through our collective experiences, we strive to highlight our mistakes, achievements, and the important lessons we’ve gained along the way, and force ourselves to be a part of that room. It’s easy to be an artist who keeps to themselves, but I believe art’s full and final beauty is revealed through sharing it with others no matter how imperfect it may be to the creator.

Jess: We believe in creating content that embodies authenticity, positivity, and joy. If our work isn’t life-giving, we don’t find it worthwhile. Life has its highs and lows, and by sharing glimpses of each season we experience, we can help others relate to and find themselves in our story. While it may seem counterintuitive to discuss the lows when we aim to create uplifting content, we view these challenges as opportunities for growth. By using our struggles to propel us forward, we hope to encourage others not to give up and to invite them to shift their perspectives.

Jess: I have two projects that I’m really proud of. The first is that we actually launched LivwithJess. Typically, I would hesitate to take the leap because I often think, “There’s already so much on the internet. Everyone is doing everything, so why should I add to it?” Yet, at the same time, I think, “If they can do it, so can I—if given the chance.” It’s a bit of a contradiction, and I admit I can be all over the place!

Liv has been a godsend. She is incredibly gifted and talented, and just an amazing person overall. She has so much grace for me, and I truly believe that our platform exists and continues to thrive because of her. She keeps me accountable and encourages me to step out of my apathetic shell, explore my creative side, commit to my ideas, and take action.

The second project I’m proud of is our first hired gig. We were brought on board by “Let’s Talk BL,” which is run by two friends of ours. One of the co-founders, who is a dear friend of mine, mentioned that they needed someone for videography and photography for an upcoming project, as well as help manage the logistics of the set. I immediately thought of Olivia and pitched her for the role. Even though we didn’t have a lot of material to showcase at that point, I knew she was talented and would be a good fit. Fortunately, they agreed to meet with Olivia and decided to hire us.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Liv: I believe that being creative requires continual resilience. It is essential to consistently push your craft and expand your audience. There will be times when you invest hours into a project and receive minimal interest, while at other times, a piece created with minimal effort can unexpectedly gain significant traction. It is crucial not to take these fluctuations personally; instead, one must find a balance between connecting with their community and remaining true to one’s artistic vision.

While we aim to entertain, we’re not here to just ride the high culture trend wave. Our goal is to authentically present ourselves and show you what we love. As we evolve our channel, we are diligently refining and assessing our approach to ensure that you engage with the genuine version of us. Starting from the ground up, we are committed to identifying the content we wish to share on our platform, focusing on what we can genuinely offer our audience.

One aspect for which I am grateful is the freedom to fail without the pressure of widespread scrutiny. We have built a supportive community and are dedicated to them. This space allows us to explore our identities and determine what we genuinely want to present. I would not wish the experience of going viral on anyone unless they have a well-developed plan that has been thoroughly considered over time. I observe individuals who attain viral success but lack identity, leaving them uncertain about how to navigate the sudden influx of attention and the pressure to produce content immediately.

Jess: The current season that Liv and I are in truly demonstrates our resilience. I’m still in NYC, working and focusing on my physical health, while Liv is back in her home state, also working. Although we are not together—life has led us in different directions—we haven’t lost our drive or passion for what we truly want to pursue. Our journey may look different from what we originally planned, and that’s perfectly fine.

I often joke that I would rather be bamboo, which can bend in the wind, than an oak tree, which may snap under strong gusts. I appreciate that we adapt to whatever life throws our way. We understand that certain realities are beyond our control, and we welcome those changes. This mindset helps relieve the pressure to perform according to society’s expectations often set by social media.

We prioritize quality over quantity in everything we do. Our goal isn’t fame or glory or tying our worth to a numerical follower count; instead, we simply want to celebrate our small dreams and say, “Yay, we did it! I’m proud of us.”

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Liv: In person, you might initially perceive me as quiet and reserved, which is true to a certain extent. However, those who take the time to get to know me soon discover my whimsical spirit and unconventional personality. This has been a curse and a gift. Expressing myself and connecting with others has always been a challenge. Having a personality that deviates from societal norms can feel isolating and create a sense of distance. There are times when I express myself, and people look at me as if I am speaking an entirely different language. Despite this barrier, I have found that art serves as a powerful medium of communication. It allows me to convey my emotions, feelings, and thoughts in ways that words sometimes fail to articulate, effectively dismantling the walls I have constructed around myself. In a way, I aspire to emulate the role that television, film, and entertainment have played in my life—a space to connect with others and to uncover deeper aspects of oneself. It’s quite therapeutic, especially for someone who is often trapped in their own mind.

Jess: My goal is to create a space where people can become better versions of themselves. That’s what it’s all about for me. I love championing others and witnessing their goals and dreams come to life. I believe we often lack genuine and practical encouragement. People need to enjoy the journey, stay present in their current situations, and never lose sight of their goals. I hope that the things we create and the community we are building will be known for embracing the messiness of life, while also understanding that we don’t have to stay there. We are resilient beings who can achieve anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://livwithjess.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/livwithjess
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@livwithjess
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@livwithjess

Image Credits

Personal Image: Shayna Tyra @shaynatyra
Additional Photos: Liv & Jess Call Time – Yemi Abayomi @yemidotcom