Meet Jalessa Montaque | Digital Finesser, Dir. of Photography, Producer, and NOMAD

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

Hi Jalessa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Oooooh—risk has been the theme of my life in multiple aspects. When it comes to stepping into my identity 100%, my creativity, my relationships, and my growth. When I think of risk, it’s a part of me. There isn’t one individual that knows me who wouldn’t associate me as a big risk-taker. It allows me to break but it will enable me to mold myself and fall into opportunities and experiences. A lot of the time, especially recently, taking risks feels a bit more tricky, you know? I guess it falls in line with stepping into adulthood, you have “more to lose”. But, what if you don’t? Regarding risks as it pertains to my life and career, it’s my number one tool next to faith. Many of my accomplishments,
experiences, and relationships, be it may intimate or professional were all risks. Risking jumping into a freelance-only life. Risking jumping into politics right after. Risking jumping into gaming. Risking moving from Jamaica to Albany, to Buffalo, to NYC, to South Carolina, and now to Los Angeles. Those risks have and are still molding future decisions and how I show up later in my life and career(s). Honestly now, there are bigger risks I’ve been taking recently. I’m just creating a blueprint on how I want to jump into it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a multidisciplinary artist. I enjoy motion, film, photography, and graphic design, and doing my best to incorporate some if not all in my work. Honestly, it’s my personality and unique visions that set me apart from the rest. Getting where I am today was NOT easy. And it’s confusing and hard to this day. But, revisiting being a risk-taker has taken me into the spaces to build me into what I strive to become in the future as a Director and Producer.

I want people to know that whether or not I’m behind the camera or iPad pencil or whatever tool I choose, I am a storyteller, and strive to preserve the energies and stories of my people. Every interaction I’ve had with clients or those helping with a project has been lasting or I try my darndest to connect genuinely with those I meet and spread joy and smiles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooo, we’re definitely checking out Ryujin and Kokomos in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Heading to the Highline to exude all the main character’s energy.

Finding some speakeasy recommendations on Tiktok (shhh, issa secret). Let’s do some more Black-owned eats and head to Harlem and go to Melbas. Want something more hip hop? We can head to Sweet Chick to eat and grab drinks.

When we want to chill out some more, we can head to prospect park and lay out a blanket, play music, and CHILL. Wine will be on the menu and a charcuterie board.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, this is tough lol. My story isn’t a monolith and there are many people I’d like to thank. My entire tribe especially, 617. They know who they are. They’ve been there since the beginning of the career/peak of my journey: my dean, India. She’s influenced me in so many ways inside and out of our sisterhood: Shoutout to my sister sign, Yaz, for recommending me to do this interview! A special shoutout to my love, BW for grounding me throughout this. Although you’re new to the party, your love for me and your influence is helping me grow in the most necessary ways. There are so many names I can drop, but I would much rather send them this when it’s published, lol.

Website: https://lmstudiosco.wixsite.com/home

Instagram: instagram.com/LessasWorld

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalessamontaque/