Meet Alyssa Jacey

 

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

Hi Alyssa, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Honestly, I’ve had to learn how to persist not just in spite of criticism or doubt—but sometimes because of it.

There have been moments in my life and career when I felt completely overlooked, underestimated, or misread. And in full transparency, those moments used to crush me. I’m someone who gives 110% to everything I do, and when that’s dismissed or misunderstood—especially by people I care about—it used to make me question everything.

But I’ve grown a lot over the years. And what I’ve come to understand is that most naysayers are responding from their own pain or limitations—not from any real reflection of my worth or potential. That shift in perspective changed everything. Instead of trying to prove people wrong, I started focusing on proving myself right. I stopped letting others’ discomfort with my light make me dim it. That’s been one of the hardest but most rewarding lessons of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I stay grounded by surrounding myself with people who truly see me—not just the performer or the professional, but the human underneath. And I keep going because I know the work I do—whether it’s music, writing, or mentoring—has the potential to reach someone who needs it. That’s what matters most to me!

At the end of the day, I’m genuinely grateful for every “no,” every dismissal, and every doubt I’ve faced. Because each one taught me how to stand taller, love deeper, and keep choosing myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Sure!

Hi! My name is Alyssa Jacey—an independent singer-songwriter, drummer, guitarist, professional national anthem performer, motivational speaker, dancer, choreographer, inspirational career coach, full-time goofball and the creator of Jacey Jewels, a multi-use jewelry line I launched last summer!

This January marked 20 years in music, and I’ve been a dancer since the age of four with a strong foundation in hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Nearly everything the world sees about me online—my performances, branding, recordings, and overall growth—has been built independently. I’ve self-booked over 4,000 shows worldwide, produced or co-produced all of the 150 songs I’ve released, written 145 of them, and co-written five. I’ve also played both guitar and drums on many of my recordings and proudly hold a drum endorsement from Canopus Drums as of June, 2025!

I also incorporate music-infused improv comedy into some of my live shows—inviting the audience to shout out a random topic and a number between zero and eight. On the spot, I write and perform a brand-new song using that topic, placing my capo on the fret they’ve chosen. It’s playful, unscripted, and a way I love connecting with people through laughter, spontaneity, and musicianship all at once!

Since moving to Nashville over 13 years ago, I’ve expanded my career in ways I never could have imagined—becoming a TV host (with one show even airing on Roku), hosting several successful writer’s night’s a week for years, a regular performer at Nashville’s Whiskey Jam (10 years in a row), a booking agent, a signed model and actress with Presence Models & Talent, and an international motivational speaker. I moved here with the dream of growing as a musician, and that dream unfolded into something much bigger!

This year, my music was submitted for the Josie Music Awards for the first time, and I’m deeply honored to be nominated in four categories:
•   “The Vibe” – Song of the Year (Pop/Adult Contemporary) and Vocalist of the Year (R&B/Soul)
•   “Top Shelf” – Song of the Year (Jazz/Blues)
•   “New New” – Vocalist of the Year (Pop/Dance/Contemporary)

I also hold two unofficial world records: one as the only artist in Dollywood history to be granted an all-original residency, and another as the only artist in the world to perform more than 33 concerts at 35,000 feet—across three separate airlines.

As for Jacey Jewels, it began when I started repurposing jewelry I no longer wore, reworking it into convertible designs you can wear over 15 different ways. What started as a creative spark has grown into a brand of its own—rooted in flexibility, individuality, and the same resourcefulness that defines my music. Please follow @AlyssaJaceyDesigns on Facebook and Instagram!

A core thread in everything I do—visually and emotionally—is my signature color: blue. “Blue” has been a part of my life since I was a child – I was one of those, “I don’t wanna wear pink!” kiddos! When I started pursuing music at 25, I knew I had to have a brand and it was abundantly clear what that was going to be;) Additionally, what makes it even MORE special is that it carries deep personal meaning. It honors my late grandmother, Eleanor, aka my Grammy aka my little Gram Cracker Crunch – who passed away from Alzheimer’s 1 month after I started singing. To keep her memory alive, I regularly donate to the Alzheimer’s Association through my “Bring the Crew Wear Your Blue” campaign—an invitation for fans and supporters to show up dressed head to toe in their favorite shades of blue and stand for something bigger than the music. Please follow #BringTheCrewandWearYourBlue on all socials!

At the heart of everything I do is connection. Whether I’m performing, speaking, coaching, or creating, my mission is to inspire—to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered. To still be doing this work—on my own terms and with purpose—is something I’ll never take for granted!!!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the most important quality in my journey has been maintaining my authenticity. I’ve been told for years that I’m “unapologetically” or “unashamedly” myself—which is why I even named my inspirational career coaching business Unashamedly Me. What you see onstage or online is the same person you’d meet in real life. I don’t believe in putting on a show. I speak openly, I self-deprecate when it’s honest and funny, I hug people, I remember names, and I genuinely care about connection.

But staying authentic has also taught me the importance of boundaries. When you lead with kindness and openness, it can surprise people—and sometimes, that leads to blurred lines. I’ve had to learn how to protect my energy without losing my warmth. And that’s the balance I try to model now: being fully myself, without apology, while also honoring the space I need to stay grounded and safe.

My advice? Know who you are. Know what you stand for. And build a life and career that lets you show up as that person every single day!

The second is resilience. I’ve faced rejection, loss, heartbreak, being misunderstood—and still chose to show up, create, and keep going. You can’t teach resilience, but you can strengthen it over time. Let the hard seasons shape you, not define you.

The third is follow-through. Talent will open the door, but consistency is what keeps it open. I’ve learned how important it is to honor deadlines, complete the things I start, and follow up even when it feels uncomfortable. Every win I’ve had is rooted in simply doing what I said I would—over and over again.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I knew I only had ten years left, I’d spend them doing exactly what I’m doing now—but even more presence and patience—with others, and with myself.

I’d keep creating from the heart—writing music that moves people, makes them feel less alone, or reminds them of their worth. I’d perform in as many places as I could around the world, not for the spotlight, but for the connection. For the chance to look someone in the eye while singing something that touches their soul.

My purpose on this earth is to inspire—to help people feel good in their own skin, to encourage them to be encouraging of themselves. I’m a deep empath, and I care so much about other people’s happiness, sometimes even more than my own. I’d spend this decade pouring into others without pouring myself out—finding the balance between giving love and protecting my own peace.

I’d keep mentoring and speaking, because helping someone believe in their own voice is one of the greatest honors of my life. I’d grow my Alyssa Jacey Designs brand and my Bring the Crew and Wear Your Blue campaign to keep honoring my Grammy Eleanor, and giving back to the Alzheimer’s community.

And I’d spend more time with the people who respect, and love me for me—the ones who make me belly laugh, who hold space for the mess and the magic. I wouldn’t chase anything that doesn’t bring joy or peace. Been there, got the t-shirt. And it’s really dirty! 🙂 I’d spend that decade making memories, creating beauty, and doing work with real worth—the kind that lasts long after I’m gone.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photos courtesy of Alyssa Jacey (many are selfies, screen shots of videos or from a photo shoot I took for myself lol), fans, friends and event photographers. Specific credits available upon request where known.

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