Story & Lesson Highlights with Jessica Heath of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Heath. Check out our conversation below.

Jessica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
My peers and colleagues! I am constantly learning from those around me. I recently spent a few days on a set where I was able to watch and absorb from a group of very talented filmmakers. Observing their shorthand and the way they interacted with each other was truly magical. It was like a big, beautiful machine that I am honored to be a small part of! Shoutout to Katherine Connor Duff and our entire cast & crew of “This Little Piggy Goes to Market.” I am in awe of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far… it’s just the beginning!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello amazing reader! I am a writer, producer & actor in the film and television community.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I very recently had a career rebirth experience. It changed my life completely. I’ve spent the last few years expecting my life to go down a specific path. I was convinced that I wanted to be in corporate entertainment. I wanted to be a small part of a larger company and work my way up the ladder. Then, after years of constant job rejection, I finally realized that maybe there were other options for me. I didn’t have to be suffering for what I thought I wanted. I didn’t have to keep applying to jobs I only kind of wanted. The wonderful thing about entertainment is that you can sort of do whatever you want. You can make whatever you want. So, I switched gears and I decided I would make the art I wanted to make and not bother enduring painful “career stepping stones.” Ever since I made that decision, I’ve been happier. I made a conscious mental shift that has now led me to feel more inspired and creatively fulfilled. I am somewhat thankful for that breaking point, because it brought me here. Today, I am happier than I ever have been.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
It wasn’t fear, exactly. I think I’ve spent a lot of my life waiting. I expected things to just come to me or fall in my lap. Growing up, a lot came easily to me (and I am eternally grateful for that). Because of this, I thought my whole life journey would too… and that wasn’t the case. I didn’t find out until later in life what I wanted to do because I was just waiting for my life to unfold. I thought I didn’t really need to make any decisions. If only I would’ve put some effort towards finding my true path, then maybe I would’ve made it there sooner. So, I think waiting has really held me back. I wasn’t afraid of anything, just expectant. Trust me, I am no longer like that. I pursue and fight for what I want now. It was a hard lesson learned.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Growing up in the South, you’re taught the sanctity of Sundays. Although rooted in religion, I found that just keeping one “day of rest” a week is the only way to stay sane. Every Sunday of my childhood, we went to church then had lunch at my mamaw’s house. It was the law as far as my family was concerned. You didn’t work and you spent the day with loved ones. Unfortunately, I now live on the other side of the country from my family, but I do spend the day with my husband and we try our best not to do any work that day. We’re a football household, so it’s now our law to spend the day watching our games and relaxing together. I’ve realized how important and special Sundays are now. I look forward to them and I cherish them. I will protect that value at all costs!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! I try to do that with everything. If I’m told to pick up garbage I will make sure there isn’t a single piece left on the ground. A job well done (no matter the job) will always bring me joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessicalheath.net
• Instagram: @jessicalheath

Image Credits
Frank Krueger, Sara Caldwell, Chip Riggs, Derek Niemchick