Meet Jessica Lucious | Fashion Model, Writer, Entrepreneur, Influencer, Artist, Actress, Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Lucious and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and brought up in St. Louis, Missouri, and have relocated several times during my life. I went from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and subsequently to Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee attending college. Dreaming big is an exaggeration for many people where I come from. Where I’m from the majority of people do not believe that pursuing your aspirations is attainable. That’s something I’ve never contemplated. I’ve known what I wanted to accomplish even when I was a child, and I’ve never allowed anything to stand in the way of my ambitions. My mother was very supportive of my pursuits of modeling and acting. Many people didn’t understand why I wanted to be a model or why I chose to work in the entertainment business, however I knew it was the right fit for my talents. My mother and sister have had the greatest influence on me. My sister excelled in everything she attempted, and she was a first-generation college graduate. I’ve always admired her, and she’s always been one of my most ardent supporters. It was remarkable to see how motivated she was because I had never considered college when I was younger until she vastly expanded my perspectives and informed me that I could do anything and be whoever I desired to be. I aspired to be like her, but with my own visions and missions. My siblings are all extremely creative, and they have all impacted me in various ways. In 2014, my mother enrolled me in modeling and acting school, from then I was signed with an agency, and I’ve been doing what I love ever since. I wouldn’t be who I am now if it weren’t for my family, friends, and God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a model, a writer, an artist, an actress, a creative, fashion show/casting director. I’m a student and a rising entrepreneur with a talent/casting agency and an online beauty store business. Both of these will be launching December 3rd! The ultimate ambition of a model is to get signed to a big modeling agency. Who’s to say that if you’re not signed, you’re not a professional model? Going from being a signed model to a freelance model was not as difficult as I had anticipated. You don’t require the services of a manager or an agency! Throughout my modeling career, I’ve been casted in several fashion shows, brand photoshoots, major television projects, and publications on websites, and I’ve even walked in New York Fashion Week. Laura James, the ANTM season 18 winner, was one of my trainers earlier this year. It’s not over yet! I accomplished it all by myself, with no help from management or an agency. I have recorded music, wrote songs for independent artists, I have directed two fashion shows, creative directed shoots, and weddings in Nashville. This year I starred on BET hits show SISTAS, and Black Music Honors. I am currently published on two websites. TV news/radio, media writing, songwriting, video editing, poetry, piano (i play piano), music, business, fashion shows, events, working on tv shows, music videos, and more are all part of my prior experience. Take a look at my Instagram pages to see what I’m up to. @lusciousluxurybar @melange.amour

My journey to college and pursuing my aspirations has not been without its hurdles and ups and downs. I had to seek out my opportunities; they didn’t come to me until I established a foundation around my modeling, which eventually evolved into my brand and business. It’s difficult to understand that when you’re young because you have so many things in your mind and want to make the greatest judgments possible. In the past I would think I wasn’t doing enough or thinking I didn’t have the qualities, because I kept failing. In reality, I was doing everything I could to get to where I am now and failure is a part of that process. You decide what you do with it. I utilized my problems to level up my tenacity. Failure will come, but if you’re passionate about something, you must keep going. I’d advise you to simply get started and don’t worry about the “how” aspect; the universe will take care of the rest as long as you do your part. Take little measures and everything will fall into place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I adore Nashville, and one of my favorite places to visit is 5th and Broadway, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and décor backgrounds to take photos. It’s quite amazing. Truth Lounge, Willie Bs, and Wingz, and Friez are the bomb. Wingz and Friez is a new black-owned restaurant near TSU. These are some of my favorite spots to eat and drink. I often order a chicken or turkey burger from the Pharmacy since their burgers are so delicious. The walking bridge is breathtaking, and the downtown Nashville area is so vibrant that there is always something to do.

Chattanooga has a number of interesting sites to visit. I adore the walking bridge, and the entire river scene is stunning. I enjoy hiking, and Rock City is one of my favorite sightseeing tour. Slicks, Ruby Sunshine, and Bollywood Tacos are three of my favorite eateries. I end my nights at the Chattanooga cigar club the wings are amazing and they hookah. Chattanooga also recently opened a selfie museum, which is quite innovative, it is black owned as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother is hands down my motivation for pursuing my dreams and supported me from day one when I received my first audition. ( RIP Michelle Lucious, my mother passed away shortly before I graduated High school) My father is always there to lift me up when I feel unmotivated he is definitely a huge example in my life. No matter the hardships he remains positive throughout it all I aspire to do the same. All around from being a great support system and father.
My sister, without her I wouldn’t have the passion, and determination I do today. She is very hands on and a great mentor in my life.
My nieces, nephews, and siblings I love that I can set an example for them to follow their dreams and create generation wealth and attain knowledge.
My friends are a big part of my support system.
God plays a huge role in my life, I am very religious.
My school for providing me with resources and professors who turn into mentors. Specific individuals such as Anita Felton, Chonta Hickman. Libby Santin, Kinnawae Kaitibi, and Kaili Spear to name a few who have impacted me as mentors. The brands, and the people I’ve worked with all over the United States for providing opportunities.

Instagram: @iamfaithjae

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lucious-9002b9138

Twitter: @faithjaeeeee

Facebook: Jessica Faith Lucious

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlGDGNw0Go8POJe0nbp63g/featured

Image Credits
The Instagram’s for their business, I don’t have there names @maetu @md_photographics @queendiata @real.authentic.work @artbylatesia_danielle @thinksuspire @puretalentinnovations