Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorgen Makena.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Back in Jr. High I remember being dropped off to my science class by my first boyfriend and he said to me that one day we’d get married and start a family together when he came back from his church mission. I said, “That’s probably not gonna happen, I have to move to LA to be a star.”
Not the normal reply for a young girl growing up in Utah.
I grew up in Bountiful, Utah with incredibly supportive parents and three siblings that I adore more than anything. I’m not sure what my parents knew what was coming for them when they had me as their first born. My dad grew up playing sports and my mom grew up on motorbikes. All I ever wanted was to be in front of a camera or on a stage putting on a show and thank heavens they always let me be.
I started dancing when I was young and just never stopped. I traveled all over the country dancing on weekends with amazing people who I now get to work with today. I graduated from high school a year early and made the move to Los Angeles a month later at 17 years old. LA never felt like a choice, it was just always the plan.
I’ve been able to call LA, and more specifically Studio City my home for seven years now. And girl, it feels like home. Have I become a star like I told my jr. high sweetie? Not in the way I’m sure young J was imagining…but my answer is YES. I’ve got to create a life I couldn’t have even dreamt up for myself with work I really love, amazing friendship and support from my team back home.
Shoot for the moon and land amongst the stars, I am so glad I get to live in a land full of stars!
Please tell us about your art.
Dance was my first love but in my teens, I started taking acting classes and began modeling, it was the first time I was doing something creative outside of dance. I fell completely in love with acting, and the creative process behind shoots especially the styling. I am really grateful I’ve been able to play in all of those different roles since.
As an actress, my first feature film “High Strung: Free Dance” comes out in US theaters this October 11th, 2019. (A dance film! One of my biggest dreams!) and I was the lead of my first short film last fall, “Vegas Baby”.
As a dancer, I’ve been able to work on #RealityHigh on Netflix, “Glee” on Fox, Skechers, JLO’s music video “Medicine”, and this past year I toured with the “Disney Junior: Dance Party” National Tour.
I have been able to work as a stylist, a.k.a. #WearJorgen, on music videos, campaigns, and photoshoots. I share a lot of my style on my ig @AirJorgen mostly inspired by of my love for sneakers, sports, sparkles and anything that makes me feel nostalgic. I have a prettttty impressive collection of vintage sports tee’s I’m sure your old man would be jealous of.
I am a Creative Producer for You Got This, Girl!, an online platform + app + in-person workshops/women’s circles/events creating empowerment and community for women and young girls. If you can’t tell, support and community are so important to me and YGTG! is ALL THAT and more. Ladies check it out!
And amongst the list above there are also so many other jobs that got me to these places that I didn’t include that are just as important. Here I am sounding like a grandma but each job is a building block for the next. You learn so much from each job, especially the shitty ones. I did a random dance job years ago that reconnected me with my friend Mel Mah. She went on to become a director and gave me one of my first acting credits last year, Vegas Baby. Takes a lot of blocks to build a castle baby.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I can’t speak for every artist but I know the biggest challenge I face as an artist is myself. I can be my biggest fan or my greatest enemy. I am the only thing that has gotten in my way but I have also got myself to where I am at. I can beat myself up pretty hard but I try to consistently choose to trust myself and the creativity that comes from living a life full of experience. The good, the bad, the anxiety, the excitement. All of it.
Trust that what is for you, is for you and learn to take something away from each experience that comes your way. If your heart’s good, your art will be good too.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My feature film, “High Strung: Free Dance” will be opening in theaters across the US on October 11th, and I would love for people to go out and support the film! We had such an amazing time filming in Europe and I cannot wait to see it on the big screen.
The next best place is on your small screen, I share all things work and life-related on my IG and it’s definitely the best place to find my upcoming projects! IG @AirJorgen www.jorgenmakena.
For any ladies interested in You Got This, Girl! Events in Los Angeles – We hold a free monthly event called Women’s Circle. The event includes deep discussion, journaling, and mindfulness exercises. We strongly believe that we can all reach our highest potential when we support one another. Would love to see you ladies there!
Follow our Instagram for more updates and all upcoming events! @ygtgofficial www.
It’s been so important for me to tap into all of my creative sides, my love for dance became a love for performing and creating in all ways. I hope that whoever may read this knows that there is only one right way, and that’s your way. Dive into ALL that you love, hustle, say yes to the work, and it will all add up. I know it from doing it and I gotta stay doin’ it to get more!
Never forget the sweat makes you sparkle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jorgenmakena.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @airjorgen
Image Credit:
Maxwell Poth, Christopher Peddecord, Brianna Alysse
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