Rising Stars: Meet Jessica Ross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ross

Hi Jessica , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started just north of Los Angeles, where I grew up immersed in the entertainment industry. It’s a world that’s always been part of my life. From a young age, I was fascinated by the idea of performing. I remember enrolling in acting classes when I was still in elementary school and being so energized by the craft—though, back then, I had no idea where it would lead. Honestly, I wasn’t even focused on a career at that point. My focus wasn’t sharp; I simply enjoyed the process, the creativity, and the spark that public speaking, writing, and acting brought me. I had an inkling that I was destined for this life, even if I didn’t fully grasp it yet.

College was a pivotal time for me. I took theater courses, public speaking, marketing, and public relations, all of which solidified my love for acting and storytelling. During this time, I worked on independent films and local TV shows, which gave me a taste of the real-world dynamics of the industry. It was while I was participating in these projects that I had an “aha” moment— the way time seemed to evaporate when I was engrossed in a scene, and I knew then that acting was more than a hobby; it was a calling.

In addition to acting, I’ve always had a flair for hosting. Whether it’s live red carpet events or TV segments, I love engaging with people and creating memorable moments. Hosting events like iTalk Los Angeles and the Hollywood Now Film Festival helped me sharpen my quick-thinking skills, which are essential in this industry. My journey has been one of constant learning and adapting—acting, public speaking, producing, hosting—it’s all part of the same narrative, and I’m so grateful for each chapter that’s brought me here.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely been anything but smooth, but I think that’s part of what makes this journey so interesting!

At the start of my career, the biggest challenge was figuring out which direction to take. The entertainment world is vast, with countless genres and avenues to explore. I think every actor faces that challenge of deciding what roles to pursue and which ones to avoid. I quickly realized that to stand out, I had to make strategic decisions about where to focus my energy. You can’t be everything to everyone; you need to hone in on the genres and roles where your talents can truly shine. That took time and a lot of introspection.

Then came the pandemic, and like everyone, I had to adjust. Suddenly, we were all self-taping auditions, which is a completely different skill set. It’s one thing to act; it’s another to also be your own director, cinematographer, and editor. I had to learn the technical aspects of it – mastering lighting, angles, and sound while still delivering an authentic performance.

But it wasn’t just about technical skills; one of my agents encouraged us to start creating our own content. That’s how my reality TV show, Hollywood Unexpected came to life. It was born out of the chaos, really—a friend’s surprise trip to Virginia after a stressful year sparked the idea, and I decided to run with it.

Then, of course, came the strikes, which were unprecedented. The industry has faced so many shifts in such a short amount of time, and navigating that uncertainty has been a challenge. But if the past few years have taught me anything, it’s the importance of remaining agile.

You have to be willing to adapt, to change direction at a moment’s notice, and find creative ways to move forward, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m incredibly proud of the range of projects I’ve been involved with over the years.
One of the highlights has been completing the pilot for Chasing Stars, a comedic-drama TV show that’s particularly special to me because it features an all-female lead cast. It was empowering to work with such a talented group of women, both in front of and behind the camera. I think projects like this are essential, not only for representation but for shifting the narrative and demonstrating what women can achieve when we support one another.

Recently, I launched a holiday fashion collection with Shine the Light On, a project I love for how it allows me to give back, support animals, and channel my enthusiasm for fashion What makes this endeavor truly special is that 75% of the proceeds will be donated to World Animal Protection, a cause that I’m deeply passionate about. Fashion, for me, has always been a form of self-expression, but it’s even more meaningful when it can contribute to something bigger than myself.

Beyond acting and fashion, I’ve also ventured into podcasting, where I get to explore and discuss topics that I find fascinating—everything from trends to events to philanthropy. As a reporter for Heart of Hollywood Magazine, I get to combine my love of storytelling with journalism. It’s given me a platform to cover a wide array of topics, from interviews to charity events, which has only broadened my understanding of the industry.

My ability to adapt to different roles, be it in front of the camera or behind the scenes, is what makes me stand out in this fast-paced industry. Being multi-dimensional in a field that’s constantly evolving, I’m proud of how each of these roles complements the others, allowing me to bring something unique to every project I’m part of.

On the horizon, I’m excited to be hosting So Let’s Shop in Beverly Hills on November 22nd. The event includes panels on beauty & wellness , fashion and lifestyle, and Business and Entrepreneurship. There will also be a fashion show, beauty lounge, brand activations, and those Instagrammable moments everyone loves! It’s an amazing opportunity to bring together industry leaders, actors, influencers, and creatives in an environment that’s both festive and inspiring.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship is such a vital part of any career, especially in entertainment. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors over the years, and I’ve learned that finding the right mentor begins with knowing what truly inspires you. Once you have that focus, it’s about putting yourself out there. Start by thinking about your interests and what direction you want to go. Then, immerse yourself in those spaces—whether it’s attending events, joining organizations, or pursuing internships. The key is to meet as many people as possible, exchange contact information or follow them on social media . Get to know people, learn their stories, and find those you genuinely get along well with. The right mentor is someone who not only understands your goals but also pushes you to grow in areas where you might need improvement.

For me, networking has been about consistency and reliability. I make it a point to attend and speak at events, but also to be someone people can count on. Building a reputation as someone who is dependable and easy to work with has opened so many doors. People need to know that they can rely on you, that you’re consistent, and that you bring value to the table. Volunteering has also been a great way to meet like-minded individuals while contributing to causes I care about. Networking plays a pivotal role in this industry, serving as a cornerstone for building meaningful relationships that often lead to collaborations, mentorships, and exciting new opportunities.

I believe success is a blend of strategy, continuous learning, and perseverance. In this ever-evolving industry, you have to stay open to new possibilities and remain determined, even when the road gets tough. It’s an ongoing process, and I’m excited to keep progressing and evolving alongside the incredible people I meet along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.imdb.me/jessicaross
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicarossofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicaross2018/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicaross19
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaRoss
• Other: https://shinethelighton.com/collections/the-jessica-ross-collection

Image Credits
A Photo That Fitz
Albert Ortega