Name: Jess

Social Media Handle/Username: D3XD3X

Introduce Yourself/Tell About Yourself: I am a 39 yr old single mom of 5 kids. I wasted a ton of money on college to switch Careers. I am self taught in everything I do from computers to graphic design, photography, marketing, to music. I started making music in the mid 90’s after learning about battle rap/freestyling and it became a good release for me as a teen. I was already writing so it clicked and I found my voice and eventually started recording. I took a good 10 years off to raise my kids, but I’m motivated and back into music currently. I started eventually doing photography because I learned early in life how important memories are. I wanted to capture them for others and highlight the importance of framing those moments. I think we rely too much on digital forms of pictures and don’t treasure prints anymore. Art has always been heavy in my life and what I always tend to come back to. You could say it’s my true passion.

What Inspires You Every day? : My kids are my inspiration. I try to find inspiration in everything, but ultimately they are what keep me grounded and focused. I was a wild one before I had children. They were a huge blessing to me. They each have their own personalities and aspirations and I can see a little bit of myself in each one of them.

What is some words of wisdom you live by?: “It never hurts to ask and the only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask.”

My mom drilled this in my head constantly. I was a shy introverted child always afraid to ask questions.

What is your ultimate goal in life? : Just to be happy and successful. I want my kids to see that even through the struggles it’s possible to come out on top as long as you work hard and stay focused. If they succeed, than I know I have succeeded.

How have you been during the pandemic and how has it affected you? : I am a hermit already so I love the idea of social distancing and rocking the mask through walmart like subzero. I also have 5 auto immune diseases so I opted to homeschool and have been since the pandemic started. It was an eye opening experience. I had 11 zooms a day between 3 IEP kids to manage. I turned my office/studio into a classroom and put my safety and my kids education first.

What is a message you would like to give others? : Be yourself. At the end of the day, you have to be your biggest supporter. So make yourself happy regardless of what others think (as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone). Don’t ever depend on anyone else to provide YOUR happiness. It comes from within. You will search forever if you seek it from others.

What else would you like to tell others about you or your life?: I have been homeless a few times, started over more times than I can count, struggle with PTSD as a result of past domestic violence, severe panic disorder and anxiety. I advocate highly in these areas so that people know they aren’t alone and the grass is truly greener on the other side.