Meet Jennifer Messina

We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Messina recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a long and personal journey for me, rooted in confronting my deepest feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. I struggled with believing I didn’t deserve success or happiness, especially after my first queer relationship and battles with mental health. But through therapy, rehab, and programs like Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa), I started to see my worth beyond external validation. Creating City Rose was a turning point—it forced me to own my experiences, flaws and all, and recognize that my story matters. By embracing my vulnerabilities, I learned that I’m not an imposter; I’m simply evolving, just like everyone else.

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 recording artist and mental health advocate, and my work is deeply personal, drawing from my own experiences with mental health, relationships, and self-discovery. My music, known for being “raw and authentic,” reflects the journey I’ve been on—both the struggles and the triumphs. One of the most exciting projects I’ve recently completed is City Rose, my debut country album, which turns my heartbreak and personal growth into a powerful narrative that resonates with others.

What I find most special about my work is the connection it creates with my audience, especially those who have felt unseen or unworthy. I’m also co-founder of “LGBT VSAP” (Veterans Suicide Awareness Program), which supports veterans struggling with mental health—something close to my heart as a veteran who has been through those challenges myself.

This fall, I’m thrilled to be performing pop-up shows alongside Nicky Licky, continuing our mission to bring more visibility and connection to the music scene. It’s an exciting time for both of us, and I’m looking forward to connecting with more people through these performances and future projects.

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

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to be vulnerable. Resilience helped me push through the darkest times, whether it was struggling with my mental health or navigating toxic relationships. Self-awareness came through years of therapy, rehab, and programs like Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa), where I learned to understand my patterns and behaviors. Vulnerability, though difficult, allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level through my music and advocacy work.

For those early in their journey, I would say: embrace your challenges as opportunities to grow. Build resilience by facing hardships head-on, but also give yourself grace when things get tough. Develop self-awareness by being honest with yourself, whether that’s through therapy or personal reflection. Finally, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable—it’s in those raw moments that you’ll find your true strength and connection with others.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I’m overwhelmed, I get real with myself and hit the brakes. I’ll sit down, breathe, and write it all out—everything I’m feeling, no filter. It’s a way for me to get out of my head and see things clearly. Physical activity also helps; I either work out or go for a walk to release the tension building up inside.

My advice? Don’t try to tough it out or pretend you’ve got it all under control. Break things down and tackle one thing at a time. And honestly, sometimes you just need to step away and regroup. It’s okay to say, “I need a break.” It doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re smart enough to not let yourself burn out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennifercmessina.com
• Instagram: jennifercmessina
• Twitter: jennifermessin
• Other: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kyLVB9TN4BpHrAGLxYE5G?si=95_EQWWdS5aPfvtf6TJLPQ