Meet J. Avery Chester

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to J. Avery Chester. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

J. Avery, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Living with depression and anxiety has been a constant challenge, but I’ve found ways to persist and create light in the midst of it. Creative writing gives me an outlet to release thoughts before they become overwhelming, while musical theatre allows me to step outside of myself and escape into another world, even if only for a little while. Both writing and acting have become essential forms of therapy, giving me purpose and expression when words feel heavy. More recently, adopting my dog has added another layer of healing—his presence pushes me to get out of bed, step outside, and stay engaged with life in ways I sometimes struggle to on my own. Together, these passions and responsibilities help me navigate my mental health while continuing to move forward with resilience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a multi-hyphenate creative and entrepreneur, and most of what I do centers around storytelling, design, and helping people experience the world in new ways. Through my company, U4IC Media & Graphics, I provide graphic design, custom apparel, and creative services that help brands and individuals bring their visions to life. At the same time, I’m deeply invested in my artistic side — I write, perform musical theatre, and develop stage plays and novels that reflect themes of resilience, family, and self-discovery. Recently, I’ve expanded into travel as well, launching U4IC Travel by Avery, where I design stress-free and unforgettable experiences for clients, from cruises to international getaways. What excites me most is the way all of these avenues connect: whether I’m helping someone tell their story through design, transporting an audience through performance, or curating a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s about creating moments that feel euphoric and unforgettable. Right now, I’m especially excited about upcoming projects that blend my writing with live performance, as well as building my travel brand into a trusted go-to for groups and families planning their dream vacations.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are self-motivation, faith, and a strong desire to win. Self-motivation has kept me moving even on days when depression and anxiety tried to hold me back, and it’s taught me to create my own momentum rather than waiting on it to come from someone else. Faith has been my anchor, reminding me that my purpose is bigger than my struggles, and giving me the strength to keep going when things feel heavy. And that desire to win — to achieve, to build, to prove to myself that I can — has pushed me to turn pain into progress. For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to cultivate discipline even when motivation fades, lean into whatever faith or belief system grounds you, and never lose that hunger to grow. Progress isn’t about never struggling — it’s about pushing through, even when it’s hard, and choosing to keep moving forward.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me actually comes from my mother, since my father passed away before I was born. Watching my mom push through life’s challenges day after day, no matter what was thrown at her, showed me what real strength and resilience look like. She found ways to provide, to adapt, and to keep moving forward even when the odds weren’t in her favor. That example left a permanent mark on me, and I truly believe my own resilience and determination come directly from her.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javerysings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javerysings

Image Credits

Photographer: T. Conover Photography