Meet Jessa Doll

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessa Doll.

Jessa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Vancouver Canada. I attended a fine arts high school where I studied art, dance and musical theatre. I slowly transitioned into more of the dance world and attended a competitive dance studio until grade 12. It was then I joined a semi-professional dance company (The Source Dance Company). After two years of training with this company, I joined Canada’s elite dance agency daCosta Talent. I always knew I wanted to move to Los Angeles espicially after numerous trips as a teenager. Therefore I slowly began growing my resume and working on my entertainment work visa to move to the states. In 2014 ,I received my O-1 artist visa and made the move to LA. I have been living in Los Angeles for five years now and couldn’t be more happier with the move, even though it can be a damn rollercoaster at times. Which I’m sure anyone in this industry can agree with.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The move was not as easy as I had anticipated. I had thought with visiting so many times it would make the transition easier but it was definitely still a struggle. I had to grow a backbone real quick and learn to be very independent. Not only that, the industry was a lot more riskay than the Canadian industry. In Canada it’s a lot of smiley happy tv and film work, where as in LA a lot has to do with the sex appeal and or being edgy, I definitely had to come out of my shell. It was all about adapting but also staying genuine. Another struggle I face is with my type of visa I am only able to work in my field therefore am sometimes limited income-wise. I worked side jobs entertaining at Disney princess birthday parties and at a dance studio in exchange for class. I was often the underdog growing up so I was used to things being difficult and having to push through, I was determined to make the move work. I often went weeks grocery shopping at the 99cent store and eating ramen to save money.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a professional dancer that specializes in commercial hip hop and street jazz, although I am trained in all styles. I have also begun to dabble in the choreography world where I work with upcoming artists as well as movement coach for actors and singers. Which I absolutely love doing.

My proudest moment I would say was when I booked my first big artist job 4.5 years in. I had gone home for the summer testing out if I wanted to move back. I felt defeated and wasn’t making a lot of money at that point. Ultimately I just wasn’t sure if It was something that was ever going to click for me especially after 4.5 years of very little success. At the end of August, I booked Ariana Grande “God is a Woman” vmas performance in New York City. She was at the top of my goal list of artists to work with and had never been to New York before. The whole experience was unreal and a dream and set the ball rolling finally for my career.

Since Ariana Grande and almost moving home I have worked for artists such as JLO, French Montana, Jeremih, Hailee Steinfeld, Lele Pons and am now on tour with leading male Latin artist Maluma.

I really pride myself on being professional, diligent, proactive while being genuine and kind.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have too many mentors and supporters to list all of them but of course my parents. They have always been the most supportive in anything I do. My agencies in both LA (BLOC TALENT) and Canada (daCosta TALENT). Brian and Scott Nicholson who have mentored and been close friends of mine since moving to LA. Rhapsody James who kicked my butt in her training program one summer when I wanted to move back home, Menina Fortunato, Kelly Konno, Mykell Wilson and so many more!

Contact Info:

• Email: jessa.m.doll@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jessicadoll

Image Credit:
Wes Klain @olphotographic

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