Jessica Greene shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Movement, music, and movies are three things that put me in a trance of being so connected to the present moment, everything else happening in life seems to slip away. When I come back to myself the things that seemed overwhelming tend to sort themselves out and are less daunting. Practicing yoga and hiking are moments where I am so connected to my body and the natural rhythms of nature that the stresses of the everyday word seem to dissipate. Seeing live music and movies have the same effect on me too. I think it is because all these things for me are ways to creatively channel my emotions and connect to something bigger outside myself. My problems seem smaller, my emotions feel universal, and I see things from a broader perspective. I can then come back to myself in a clearer, more aligned state of mind.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an actress and yoga and pilates instructor. I teach at Sweat Yoga in West Hollywood and Artha in Studio City and Santa Monica. I also host my own international yoga retreats and wellness events under my brand “Just Let Go” as my initials are JLG. In the acting wold I recently worked on a new Netflix comedy and some commercials. My passion for connection, movement and storytelling inspires everything I do whether it is in acting or wellness.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Definitely my parents. They taught me the importance of working hard and creating your own opportunities through putting in the hours necessary and networking. Both my mom and dad had very successful corporate careers but were also very present in raising my sister and me. They prioritized family, taking vacations, and a rich social life while also building their careers. I think the work hard, play hard mentality is one of the most valuable things you can develop. Working hard is just as important as being able to pursue the things that bring you joy and have meaningful relationships. They showed me that you can have both. It’s all about knowing how to prioritize your time, not letting things outside your control overwhelm you, and remembering that all things in life come and go in seasons.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
My dance career. I danced on a competition team for seven years from 6th to 12th grade and then in college I danced on the University of California’s basketball dance team Trojan Dance Force. Then I stopped completely and focused on acting and teaching yoga and fitness. I didn’t want to pursue dance professionally; however I do miss the training, the rehearsals, the costumes, and the overall excitement of performing on stage in a way that is so different from acting.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
In the end everything will be ok, if it’s not ok it’s not the end. Looking back in hindsight at all the highest points in my life, they have all come after a time I really struggled with something. But I kept showing up and putting in the work when it got hard and things turned around. I do believe this relates to the universal law of karma. If you keep taking responsibility for your actions even when things aren’t going well, they will inevitably turn around in ways you may not be able to foresee.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes! Working on set as an actress and teaching yoga and Pilates really do excite my soul every day. I get to connect with others doing what I truly love. I get to express myself through storytelling and movement. Every day is different. There is no better high then finding out you just booked a big acting job or stepping into a full room of people and leading them through movement and breath guided by a killer playlist. Of course, not every day is easy. Sometimes I am tired and sore yet I have to teach, or pour so much time and energy into an audition for a job I don’t book, but at the end of the day when it hits it makes all the struggles worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessica-greene.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.lelia/
