An Inspired Chat with Jacqui Sim of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jacqui Sim. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Jacqui, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
While I think these are all important in their own ways, I would say integrity is the most important one to me. Doing what I feel is right and I feel peace about is important. Interestingly, if I didn’t do something in line with my values, it actually saps my energy. While intelligence is definitely important, without the right mindset it will only get you so far.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an actor. I work on film and television but I also enjoy the stage. On screen it ranges from dramatic to comedic. Most of my recent stage gigs have been comedic, such as improv shows. I am half Australian and half Malaysian Chinese, yet living in LA most of my screen jobs require an American accent. When the director calls, “Cut!” and then hears me talking in my regular accent, it usually catches some people by surprise! I am also a mother of a six-year old. I worked back in Australia as an actor and social worker. In Los Angeles, I have continued acting and had various other supplementary jobs, most recently designing 3D models and developing videos and voiceover for the curriculum I have created.

As an actor I recently booked a commercial. The crew were so professional, generous and kind. It was a wonderful experience. I also recently performed in another improv stage show. I met some new performers and got to work with some interesting and very skilled people. No matter how long I’ve been performing for, I am still learning something new.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother. She always believed in me (and still does), even when I didn’t think I could do something. She was so firm in her belief that when I had a struggle or thought things were bad, I started to believe it would come good again, because she was so convincing and committed to helping me through things. As I continued to grow from a kid to a teen to an adult, she would continue to support and believe in me. If I didn’t do something perfectly, she would reassure me and be on my side, but always honest. If I did something well, she cheered me on and celebrated with me. She was a source of strength whenever I didn’t know how to be and for that I’m grateful.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I used to worry a lot about what people think. That lead to people pleasing and doing a lot more for others than what they would do in return. Life doesn’t have to be transactional, but what I found is that some people would become upset or disappointed when I could no longer overextend. I learned that worrying about people’s opinions of me was not being true to myself. I could still walk in love and respect towards others, but having self-respect was just as important. To love other people as you would love yourself means you also have to love yourself. As I’ve been more true to myself, being lead by what I feel peace about rather than the pressure of others’ expectations of me, I have found a lot of freedom in that. As a result I receive a lot more respect from other people, too.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think a fad is a fleeting idea or popular notion that has a limited shelf life. A real foundational shift is timeless, or something that will continue to be built upon and get better over time. A fad might be thinking something is cool or hip, but a real foundational shift could be life altering, personality changing and belief shifting, hopefully and usually for the better.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when my actions are congruent with my beliefs. For example, if I believe in health and fitness (which I do), but then have a week of poor sleep, no exercise and poor eating habits, I feel less peace. I also pray to God and read the Bible and those things bring me peace. Having time to rest and relax brings me peace. Doing something that has helped another person and knowing that it made a difference brings me peace. But also doing an acting job or even an audition that I know I gave my best to and enjoyed doing – that gives me peace. Being supportive towards my husband and daughter brings me joy and peace. So many things bring me peace, even a perfect cup of coffee and a good book on a comfy couch! It’s important to know how to fill our own cup so that we can feel in alignment with who we believe we are and ready to face the day, but also we can’t give to others from an empty cup. Giving to yourself ultimately helps you be better at giving to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jacquisim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquisimhirsch
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-sim123
• Twitter: https://x.com/cheekyjacqui
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacquisim1
• Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user136845493?fl=pp&fe=sh

Image Credits
Ryan Stroud (Headshots)