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

Hi Jacqueline, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a little girl; at a very young age I was very artistic. I possessed creative abilities that kept me quite entertained being that I was raised as an only child. Anything of the arts always caught my attention more than anything else. In elementary school I recall at Library class I would check out the books that taught me how to draw while my classmates were checking out actual books to read. I loved performing as well. I had a wild imagination where I would play a lot of make-believing. This took me down an avenue of wanting to be an actress, model, and/or a dancer. As I got older I jumped on any opportunity that allowed me to dabble in my passions. Upon graduating from high school I knew that my career path would be something of an artistic nature but wasn’t quite sure which talent to pursue. I received my BFA in Film from the Miami International University of Art & Design in 2006 but due to unforseen circumstances, I was unable to pursue my career in the film industry right away after graduating. This did not stop me from getting involved in my community and showcasing my many talents in the performing arts.

I enjoy inspiring others and giving people a reason to smile. I find that when I perform it brings joy and happiness to the people I encounter. With my deep-rooted love for entertaining, I’ve always known that I was destined for stardom. I was born to create art in whichever form that maybe. I want to be a postive role model and my goal is to inspire those experiencing challenges in following their dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I decided to embark on my modeling career after realizing that I have a
flair for modeling and that I’m very photogenic. Towards the end of
2022, I decided to take a leap of faith towards following my dreams. I
invested in myself and partnered with the professional team at Icon
Studio Atlanta, where we did my photos, comp cards, and website. From
there, I started applying to and attending casting calls and that’s how
my journey started. Since the start of 2023, I’ve walked for several
designers in fashion shows both locally and out of state. I’ve also been
published as a featured model in the Fashion Republic August 2023
Exclusive Edition and Elite Edition Magazine. I’m also the cover model
for their September 2023 Star Edition Magazine.

The road to success has not been easy. It took a lot of determination and dedication. I had to believe in myself and recognize my self worth. There were days that I was at my lowest but because of my strong faith in God is the reason I picked myself up everyday and never gave up.

The lessons that I’ve learned is that you have to be courageous. If you really want success then you have to put in the work. It’s not going to fall in your lap. Believe in yourself no matter the lack of support. Keep going and don’t give up on yourself. Be your biggest fan. Do not wait around for validation from anyone, validate yourself.

I want the world to know that I overcame an environment that was toxic
to my life and self-growth. Turning to spirituality and strengthen my
religious faith helped me in making the sound decisions that I’ve made
to better my life. I had to leave behind family and friends that were no
longer part of my journey. I want my story to help inspire those that’s
trying to follow their dreams that do not have a support system.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show
them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little
itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink,
visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take my bestie to the Georgia Aquarium. You can’t
visit Georgia and not visit the Georgia Aquarium. I recently discovered
the vegan restaurant; Green Love Kitchen located in Lithonia, GA. The
food was so delicious so I’ll be taking my bestie there for lunch to try
my favorite menu items; the Green Love Burger, fries, with the tropical
fruit smoothie. We’ll definitely hangout on the Beltline. Hopefully
there’s an arts festival happening during his/her visit. I enjoy
checking out the vendors and local artists. I love the Painting with a
Twist franchise so we’ll attend one of their paint classes offered
during the week. Friday Night Jazz at The High Museum is a must do.
Saturday would be the day for water adventure. We’ll do either tubing or
kayaking down the Chattahoochee River or wakeboarding  with SurfAtl in
Woodstock.  Lastly, we can finish out the week with a Sunday sunrise
hike at Stone Mountain.

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?
I would like to first dedicate my shout-out to the beautiful soul that anonymously nominated me to share my story with VoyageATL that was published in May 2023. Since my journey getting to a place of success has been so challenging; I have to give a shout-out to source (God), my guides, and the universe for guiding me to where I am today. My small circle of loved one’s that genuinely support my journey. Lastly, the team of creatives that I’ve collaborated with thus far that assisted with making my dreams come true.

Website: http://parsonsmodeling.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/j4everbless/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089165041186&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: https://linktr.ee/jackieparsons

Image Credits
Tyrus Davis Derrick Lovett Sam Jeboda Christopher V Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.