Life & Work with Emily Jones of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Jones.

Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always loved performing growing up, but for a long time I didn’t realize it was something you could pursue as a real career. I spent most of my childhood wanting to be a doctor – until high school, when I joined the Glee Club, which also functioned as a Thespians theatre troupe. That was my first real exposure to theatre, and I fell in love.

I went on to attend American University, where I majored in theatre while still remaining on the pre-med track. During college, I studied abroad at the British American Drama Academy in London, where I received conservatory-style training that solidified my passion for acting. Even though pre-med was still technically a “backup,” by that point my mind was made up – I wanted to pursue acting professionally.

I always knew my goal was film and television, so in 2022 I moved to Los Angeles to fully commit. In the beginning, I said yes to everything. I worked the front door at events, managed social media, assisted influencers and celebrities, created UGC content for brands, acted in kids’ YouTube projects, worked as a background actor for shows and movies, worked in PR and marketing, organized closets (yes, actual clothing closets), and worked for free more times than I can count. I focused on building relationships, learning every side of the industry, and submitting myself to as many projects as possible.

Over time, that consistency led to booking roles more regularly. As momentum grew, I signed with a manager and agent and was able to transition into working full-time as an actor in Los Angeles. Saying yes to so many things early on allowed me to develop skills beyond acting as well. I now also produce photoshoots and shows and work as a creative director for magazine cover shoots and branding projects. My path hasn’t been linear, but every step has shaped where I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, I worked for free constantly just to build relationships and get my foot in the door, so financial instability was a consistent source of stress. Because I was juggling so many different gigs at once, my health also took a hit – especially after my second year in LA. I wasn’t great at maintaining a work-life balance, and while that level of hustle helped move my career forward, it came at the expense of almost everything else.

I also struggled with understanding the dynamics of the industry. In the beginning, I took a lot of things at face value and tied too much of my personal self-worth to relationships that were ultimately very surface-level. Over time, I learned that most things in this industry are business, not personal. Once I adjusted my expectations and set clearer boundaries, everything became much easier (and healthier) for me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My first love, and my number one dream, has always been acting. Performance is at the center of everything I do. Right now, much of my work has been in the vertical space, but this year I’m intentionally expanding into feature films and television. Most of the roles I’ve played so far have leaned toward drama, but comedy is something I genuinely love and want to do much more of, and I’m also stepping into the action space – recently being cast in projects where I get to play strong, “badass” characters.

Alongside acting, I’ve also taken on producing and creative roles that grew naturally out of my early years in Los Angeles. I’ve worked as a producer on smaller shows and regularly produce the magazine cover shoots that I also creative direct. This work has been featured in publications such as Glamour, Forbes, The Hollywood Times, Grazia, and L’Officiel, among others. I’ve also creatively directed a client’s looks for the entire 2025 Grammy Awards weekend, which resulted in multiple Best Dressed placements – an experience I’m incredibly proud of.

My most recent venture is music. I grew up singing, but this year will be my first time actually releasing my own music. Collaborating with The Apartment Boys via Red Eye Music House has been a really cathartic and fulfilling experience for me. My first single, “Blank Check” came out on March 7th and I am releasing an EP in June.

What I’m most proud of is that I built this career myself. I didn’t come into the industry with connections or a built-in advantage; everything I’ve achieved has come from persistence, hard work, and creating my own opportunities. I’m also proud to come from Saipan, a tiny island just 45 square miles in size. That experience shaped what truly sets me apart: my work ethic and life perspective. Growing up in Saipan gave me a unique perspective of the world and a deep appreciation for the small things, while watching my parents build their own businesses taught me the value of hustle and discipline. That grounding continues to shape how I approach my work and my career, and I truly believe anything is possible if you believe in it and are willing to put in the work.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Simply put, success is fulfillment. Success manifests itself differently for different people, but at the core, I believe the sense of fulfillment is what truly makes someone successful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emlisajones/