Meet Jessica James: Singer, Songwriter, and Fitness Coach

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

Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think about risk, I think about a chance to exercise faith and truly push my limits to see what I’m really capable of. Risk, depending on the scope in which it’s taken, can also be looked at as an investment. There have been times where in both my music, and fitness careers taking risks have led me to some great opportunities. In my music career, I feel it’s always full of risk taking. Every time I write a song, or release new music; there’s a risk it may or may not do well, or that people may not like it. I invest money into education opportunities, recording, in the past I’ve even invested money in open mics and talent show cases that turned out to be a bust. However, that has never deterred me from continuing to believe in myself and move forward. As an artist, and entrepreneur; I understand that “scared money doesn’t make money”. If you truly want to succeed, sometimes you have to jump out on faith without knowing the possible outcome, but still maintaining hope that you will be okay. In 2019, I quit my corporate job to pursue my dreams/music full time. Little did I know that in the midst of that I would also start a fitness brand. When I first left my job I had no idea what I was going to do; I just knew it was becoming a toxic environment, I felt trapped and I felt it was stealing time away from me focusing on me craft. I took a risk leaving a job with a secure income to start my own business, but now it’s paying off! Both my music career, and fitness business are thriving because I decided to believe in myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as an artist started at a very young age; I began singing when I was 3 years old. I started in church singing solos and on the choir. I was born in Brooklyn, NY but my parents moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL when I was 6 months old. I spent the first half of my life in Ft. Lauderdale and the second half of my life in Limon, Costa Rica where I also sang in church, school plays and talent shows. Before I moved back to the U.S. I started getting invited to sing at major events, concerts, and traveled all over the country to sing and perform. In 2005 I moved back to the U.S. because my mom wanted me to finish school here. My life was always on the move, and sometimes that was challenging because I felt like at times I didn’t have the opportunity to belong. As soon as I got used to a group of people, friends or an environment; I had to adjust to a new one. As an independent business and artist I faced many challenges: from being ripped off by people who pretended to offer great opportunities, having to come up with the money for recording, and promotional material, as well as learning to find my own true voice and being true to myself regardless of people’s opinions of me. I believe what sets me apart is my passion, my drive, and my work ethic. My goal is for my music to heal hearts, and to transcend generational, demographical, and language barriers. I want to create music that is timeless. I want people to feel love, accepted, and inspired when they hear my songs. I am most proud of being able to do what I love full-time! It took a lot of janky gigs, free shows, investments, losing money, and losing sleep, losing opportunities and even quitting my full time corporate job to get to where I am today. When I left my job I had no clue what I was going to do, but I knew I needed the time to fully dedicating myself to improving my music and getting paid shows. I truly took a leap a faith! Through that journey, I started my fitness business called DYG Fitness, LLC (Dominate Your Goals) also known as: @dygfitness_ on instagram, where my slogan is “Elevate Your Mind – Transform Your Body . I fell in love with fitness to be healthy mentally and physically. I then decided to share that with others and help them do the same. I’ve learned that if you don’t move because of fear, or people’s opinions you will become a prisoner to those same things. I’ve learned to stand in my own light even when it’s difficult or makes others uncomfortable because when you do, what’s meant for you will find you. You won’t have to chase opportunities they will align with you and come to you naturally. Now, not only is my fitness business growing and thriving; my music is too! My performance calendar books so quickly for paid shows, I have to find a balance between both careers to stay sane, but I love it!! I am so grateful for where I am, and I am only just scratching the surface. I want people to know that my fitness brand and music are both meant to do the same things in their own unique way, and that is to : “Encourage, Empower, Uplift, and Inspire!

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.
First I would definitely take them downtown to see Falls Park, since it is a staple of the city. I would definitely take them to eat sushi at tsunami, sushi murasaki, and Otto izikaya. We would go to SIP, and Ink and Ivy for drinks and to hang out. I would also take them to Up On The Roof for brunch and to enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Another thing we would definitely have to do is karaoke! We would go to Sharkey’s for karaoke just for fun. Of course we cannot forget about fitness! I would also take them for a bike ride on the swamp rabbit trail and for a hike at Lake Conestee and Paris Mountain. I would also take them to try Colombian food at Sachas Cafe and Mexican food at Mezcal. I also love to travel to surrounding cities for food, fun, and adventure, so we would definitely visit Atlanta and Charlotte during their stay as well. In my view the most fun, interesting, and exciting people are people from all walks of life, nationalities and cultures. I am multi-cultural so I love exploring foods, practices, and customs from other cultures with my friends.

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 dedicate my shoutout to my close friends and my husband. My support system is strong, and I’m beyond grateful for everyone that has poured into me, supported me, and cheered me on. My husband Kayron Jackson, also known as MVP, has been on this journey with me for over a decade! He has always pushed me, encouraged me, and believed in me, even at times when I struggled believing in myself. He put his all into making sure I am always covered and sacrificed so much to make sure we can invest in my career. I will forever be grateful for his unconditional dedication and love, even with him having his own business and career; he still always manages to support mine. He definitely deserves credit and recognition in my story, which is why I will do a shameless plug! Lol… So if you are ever in need of an amazing photographer; book him! He’s super talented, and I’m not just biased because we’re married. You can find him on instagram at @mvp_photoz or book through his website (mvpstylephotos.wixsite.com)! You can also visit his photography studio located in the Taylors Mill complex in Taylors, SC if you’re ever in the upstate area.

Website: www.jessicajamesmusic.com

Instagram: Music: @jessicajamesmusic Fitness: @dygfitness_

Twitter: @jessicajamesmus

Facebook: Jessica James Music

Youtube: Jessica James Music

Image Credits
Kayron Jackson of MVP Photography Chris Kelly of KB Photography