Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaymee Wins.
Hi Jaymee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a Filipina author, advocate, producer and commercial actor in progress based in San Diego, California for seven years continuously exploring my highest potential and creative ventures.
I’ve been living with metastatic breast cancer for nearly five years now and that prompted me to write my self-published book called “That Sh*t Called Cancer” that shares my survival story as a Filipina immigrant especially during the peak of the pandemic when I had to deal with it mostly on my own. I am also in the process of producing a documentary that shares the harsh realities of the current breast cancer landscape in the Philippines along with the raw stories of survivors from all walks of life in the country. And on the side, I’m pursuing work as a commercial actor since being on camera has always been my first love.
People follow my life journey and the content I create because they find inspiration, strength and hope with what I share. It’s not an easy life to live with a serious health diagnosis, all the more as an immigrant far away from the comfort of my hometown. And it’s very challenging to pursue your dream at a later age while being new in a progressive country like the US. Hence, putting out my story is something I’m proud of because I know that I inspire people to appreciate being alive and well.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Living with metastatic breast cancer has never been a smooth road. I live with so much uncertainty about my mortality that creates anxiety when my mind goes uncontrolled. The struggle is the constant progression of the disease along with the constant change of treatments so that it will become stable. This affects my quality of life and consumes my energy that should be going to my creative pursuits. But despite all of this, I’m still grateful I’m alive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am working part-time at the public library and have authored 2 self-published books: 1 is a cancer memoir+self-help called “That Sh*t Called Cancer” inspired by my own health journey; the second book is a cancer storybook for little kids called “No-Hair Mama, Don’t Care” that aims to help moms and moms at heart share to their little loved ones about what they’re going through in terms of cancer treatment in a light-hearted way. I’m currently working on my third book, which is a memoir about a Filipina in search of answers about why her life the way it turned out to be. I’m also in the process of producing a documentary called “Beautiful Scars” which shows the harsh realities of breast cancer care in the Philippines. I have an active presence on social media to document my progress and everyday life musings as well as doing acting for commercials and industrial videos on the side here in San Diego and LA with proper representation.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the youngest and the only girl in the family. Hence, I was the star, the rebel, the one who was loved and loved the most. I have always been very observant, sweet, gentle and kind-hearted up to the point that it became too much that my mom had to teach me how to say no and stand up for myself. I’ve always been fascinated with beauty, drawing, fashion, performing and pretty things. My heart always knew as a kid that I am on the creative, artistic side but just didn’t have the right encouragement back then since growing up in the Philippines at that time only glorified those that excelled academically. But nevertheless, I persisted.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaymeewins.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymee_wins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaymeeWins/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jaymee_Wins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JaymeeWins/
Image Credits
Photo with laptop: Mark Quion 2 photos holding the books: Nelson Labadie
