We recently connected with Jessica Heath and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I think our quest for personal purpose is one of the most important things we do in this life. There are two paths for this-some of us are born knowing our purpose and others fall into it. I am the latter. I spent my whole life thinking I wanted one thing then completely stumbled into my career in the entertainment industry (and a job I never knew even existed). I firmly believe when you find your purpose, you just know. It’s a gut thing. Something inside you just clicks and feels right. It brings you pure joy, a rush! I saw a movie one day several years ago and thought, “I could do that. I WANT to do that.” The next day I signed up for an acting class. This led me to writing and producing which then led to my job now in Production Development. I found my purpose. It’s to create and entertain. I can’t believe I get paid to use my imagination!
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 think anyone working in the entertainment industry wears about 6 hats at a time. So, like all my fellow artists, I am a creator. Loosely translated, this means I write, produce, act, develop, pitch, and send A LOT of emails. Currently, and day-to-day, I work at a production company that focuses on science-infused content as well as co-own The Annex Acting Studio with my partner, Frank Krueger.
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?
1. Patience. Be kind to yourself. Being great at anything takes time. 2. Only work with people you like and admire. I know this is a tough one and sometimes feels impossible, but trust me, it makes all the difference.
3. Make a vision board (or your version of one). This can be a list, a collage of magazine cut-outs (my fav), a voice note on your phone, or whatever interpretation of this activity feels most comfortable to you. I find it crucial to visualize your future and focus on what you want.
My best advice is going to sound so cliche, but it’s important to remind yourself constantly not to give up. Life can be hard, but you’re enough. You will get there. You have what it takes.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents always showed up for me. I grew up playing sports, participating in school clubs, and performing in plays, which basically took up every night of every week all year long. They never missed a single game, event, or performance. That kind of unwavering support is admirable and inspirational. It makes a person believe they can do anything they want and be whoever they want to be (as cheesy as that may sound). You don’t realize what having a sturdy foundation truly means until later in life when your confidence and self-esteem are solidly intact. Shout out to Anne & Alan Heath! Love you both to the moon!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jessicalheath
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-heath-17836b56/
- Twitter: @jheath_LA
- Other: IMDB: JESSICA HEATH, www.theannexactingstudio.com
Image Credits
Max Aria, Lorenzo Gonzalez, Ethan Chu, Frank Krueger, Meredith Jackson
