Daily Inspiration: Meet Tessa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa.

Hi Tessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I played the North Star in my preschool’s nativity pageant and I hadn’t stopped performing since. Growing up, I was always surrounded by music and theater—whether it was writing songs in elementary school, leading choirs, or starring in high school musicals like Cinderella. I even fronted a local punk-rock band for a while, which was such a formative experience for me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The art always came naturally, what was difficult was sorting out the way in which to obtain my artistic pursuits. Moving to New York at 18 was exciting, but also overwhelming. Rejection is a constant part of this industry, and it takes a thick skin to not let it define my worth. Creating my debut EP ‘In Transit’ was its own emotional journey—putting out songs that reflect such vulnerable moments in my life felt equal parts terrifying and liberating.

But through all of it, I’ve learned to trust my voice and embrace the discomfort that comes with growth. Every struggle has taught me something about who I am as an artist and a person, and I carry those lessons with me in everything I create.

When I graduated I needed a way to not only support my livelihood, but also my creative career. So like many artists I had to get a side hustle, but mine was a bit out the ordinary for an artist during that time. I wasn’t waiting tables or working in ticketing (both of which are great jobs to have). I actually ended up getting an internship at a public relations company right out of college, which turned into a full time job and created a whole double life working in the NYC marketing world. I worked there for 5 years and every day I truly felt like Hannah Montana. I’d clock in looks at briefs, decks and spreadsheets. Then I’d clock out for my lunch and record VO auditions, memorize lines and prep for self tapes. For a while there it really was, ‘The Best of Both Worlds” but time went on and I got older and I knew I had to take a step away from corporate world to fully pursue my artist dreams.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist—an actress, singer-songwriter, and journalist—based in New York City. At my core, I’m a storyteller, and I use different mediums to explore the emotional textures of everyday life, especially through the lens of identity, relationships, and personal growth.

In acting, I’ve trained at Atlantic Acting School, Stonestreet studios and most recently at The Lee Strasburg Theatre and Film Institute. I’ve performed on Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway stages throughout Manhattan, as well as in multiple film and voiceover projects.

As a singer-songwriter, I released my debut EP ‘In Transit’ in 2023. It’s a deeply personal body of work that covers every stage of a romantic relationship. What makes the EP special is that it’s not just a collection of songs—it’s a real-time diary of emotional growth. I’m especially proud of how raw and honest it turned out to be.

I also work as a journalist, contributing stories and articles that reflect my interest in culture, the arts, and identity. Whether I’m on stage, in the studio, or behind the keyboard, I’m always trying to connect with people in a way that’s real and resonant.

What sets me apart is probably the way I blend all of these passions into a singular voice. I’m not afraid to be vulnerable, and I think my willingness to sit with discomfort and turn it into something beautiful is what makes my work authentic. Also, I’m not afraid to try my hand at an aspect with in the performing industry. If there’s something I’m interested in doing, I do it.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a kid, I was big mixture of feelings, glitter, and big ideas. I was always performing—whether it was singing into a hairbrush, writing song lyrics in my journal, or convincing my friends to be in some DIY music video shot on my laptop’s webcam. I unabashedly loved creating and being the center of attention. Something I think we grow out, but maybe we ought to keep a bit more of that confidence into adulthood.

I did a little bit of everything growing up—literally. Soccer, gymnastics, pom-poms, multiple choirs, a punk rock band, musical theater, you name it. One minute I was singing Rodgers & Hammerstein, the next I was yelling into a mic at a garage show. During junior year of high school, I was featured in over 10 different club photographs. Admittedly some I went to more than others, but that just goes to show how enthusiastic I’ve always been about wanting to do anything creative. I’ve always aspired to be a modern renaissance woman, even from a young age.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tessamedina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstessadarling/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmonlxdwZHTI7q4Y2yTjplA?view_as=subscriber
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-206544535
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gbXEEqVuP5ovWJC1uAOyP

Image Credits
Jalen Vasquez
Jody Wong