Conversations with Hess Wesley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hess Wesley

Hi Hess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where I was born, and took a pivotal turn when I moved to the United States at a young age with my family. Early on, my passion was evident—I found myself drawn deeply to storytelling, creativity, and performance. Initially, my path led me into acting, and I soon found myself involved in over 60 commercials, embracing each project as a unique opportunity to refine my craft.

Over time, my passion evolved and expanded. I discovered an innate love for not only performing in front of the camera but also guiding stories from behind it. This sparked a transition into directing, cinematography, and editing, leading me to launch my own production company, Hess Wess Productions. Through this company, I’ve had the privilege of crafting narratives for brands and films that aim to inspire, challenge perspectives, and create meaningful dialogue.

Currently, I’m co-directing season two of “60 Day Hustle,” an engaging docuseries that combines entrepreneurship, personal transformation, and reality TV elements. Beyond commercial projects, my passion for activism and social justice continually fuels my creative projects. Right now, I’m developing a series of short films that highlight critical issues, hoping to foster awareness and prompt meaningful conversations.

Each step of my journey has been driven by a core belief in the transformative power of storytelling, both to entertain and to drive social change. I’m deeply committed to using my voice and platform to uplift stories that might otherwise remain unheard, blending art with purpose at every opportunity.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve faced significant losses that profoundly shaped me and motivated my drive to succeed. Losing my father, Hervé, was particularly impactful. His dream was for our family to move to the United States and find prosperity, and I’ve carried that aspiration forward in his memory. The passing of my mother, Missoule, who always believed deeply in my potential, further reinforced my commitment to making my family proud.

I also experienced the loss of my dog, Boba, who was THE HOMIE!!! He had been a steadfast companion and emotional anchor in my life through a lot of pain. Additionally, financial pressures forced me to relocate back to my hometown of Miami for a bit to regroup, as life in Los Angeles became increasingly challenging.

However, despite these hurdles, the lessons of faith, resilience, and perseverance instilled by my parents have guided me through these difficult times. I’m grateful now to share my journey with my wonderful wife, Jasmine, who offers unwavering support, love, and companionship. Each challenge has ultimately strengthened my resolve, pushing me forward toward my goals.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a director, actor, cinematographer, and editor with a deep passion for storytelling and visual creativity. My work spans many areas, including commercials, short films, and activism-driven content. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the projects I undertake, whether in front of or behind the camera. My focus has always been to capture and portray genuine human experiences in ways that resonate deeply with audiences.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my short film, “Adonai.” I wrote, acted in, produced, and co-directed this film, and it was a significant milestone for me. Winning numerous awards—including Best Drama Short Film at the Burbank International Film Festival, and Best Short Film in the Urban Film Festival in Miami, and several others. It not only validated my creative vision but also boosted my confidence, reinforcing my sense of purpose in this industry.

Another memorable achievement was my very first commercial for Church’s Chicken, which I booked at just 20 years old. Landing the lead role and earning over $20K for one day’s work opened my eyes to the incredible possibilities within this profession and fueled my desire to pursue this path wholeheartedly.

Aside from filmmaking, my activism has been a cornerstone of my career. I’ve attended over 100 protests, documenting more than 50 of them. My work has been featured on major news networks such as MSNBC and Fox News, and notably appeared on one of my favorite political shows, “The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth.”

What sets me apart in my field is my dedication to capturing the human perspective boldly and authentically. I strive to think outside the box, continually seeking innovative ways to create empathy and deeper connections through storytelling. My approach allows audiences to not only see but genuinely feel and understand the perspectives of the characters and stories I bring to life.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is simple but crucial: always trust your gut. Intuition is powerful, especially in creative fields. When you find clarity about your direction or hear something that resonates deeply with you, lean into it completely, commit fully and GO HARD!!!

Also, it’s important to recognize that striving for perfection, especially in the entertainment industry is a lost cause. It can often do more harm than good. While aiming for high standards is admirable, perfectionism can be paralyzing and exhausting. I’m still learning to embrace the idea that growth can sometimes involve making mistakes and learning from them. We get to experiment, fail, recover, and improve. Authenticity and resilience are far more valuable and sustainable than perfection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hesswess.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/hesswesley
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/hesswess
• Twitter: https://x.com/hesswesley
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hesswesley