Meet Jessica VanBrunt | TV Spokesperson, On-Air Talent, Travel Enthusiast

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

Hi Jessica, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Wherever you go, there you are.” We often think that happiness is in the next job, the next city, or the next great adventure, but at the end of the day, we carry who we truly are everywhere we go, regardless of circumstance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I’m not representing companies as an on air spokesperson, I immerse myself in my passion for travel and culture. I’ve traveled extensively and had the opportunity to spend time in some of the world’s most vibrant cities. My eclectic array of interests keep me endlessly curious about the world around me. I am eager to find an opportunity that allows me to merge my media and travel experience.

As a freelancer, the hardest part of your job can simply be marketing yourself and knowing what is a good fit, making sure you can stand behind the companies you represent. For creatives, you have to get to a place of not caring what people think, and although I feel like I’ve lived that way in my personal life, it’s been a bit of a struggle to get to a place of freedom with my creative work.

You can easily find yourself hoarding your work until it’s perfect. As a spokesperson or an actor, you can somewhat hide behind a brand or a script, but when you’re putting your own piece of creative work out into the universe, sometimes there’s a hesitation there, because it can be intimidating to wonder if people will rip it to shreds. I have to remind myself that what I choose to create may not be for everyone and at the end of the day, it will resonate with the right people.

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?
The sprawl of Atlanta can be intimidating for first timers. Depending on where you find yourself in the city, you can have a completely different experience from one neighborhood to the next. I’m based in the Old Fourth Ward area of Atlanta. I prefer to walk or scoot most places, so here are a few ideas to get you started in town…

You can’t beat a quintessential stroll through Piedmont Park. It is the heart of the city. Don’t miss the skyline views from Lake Clara Meer. Grab your friends, a blanket, and something to nosh on and enjoy a picnic in the park. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a music festival, an art show, or the Atlanta Symphony in the park. Grab a drink at Park Tavern, sit back and relax as you people watch and take in the energy of the city and those Midtown views.

From Piedmont Park, hop on the Beltline and explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods on foot or bike. Enjoy shopping, food, and drinks along the way. There’s a variety of restaurants and markets along the Beltline. To make things interesting, try to spot Tiny Doors and don’t miss the ever-changing murals artists have painted along the way. For a unique experience, step off the Beltline and grab dinner and drinks at 8Arm.

One of our favorite spots to walk to in the neighborhood is Bantam Pub. They’ve recently expanded their patio, so it’s a great spot to grab a pint and hang with friends. Located just off the Beltline, but on a neighborhood street, it’s everything you want in a local neighborhood pub.

Architecture and history lovers, don’t miss Inman Park’s neighborhood streets filled with Victorian homes.

If seafood is your thing, grab dinner at BeetleCat. They’re known for fresh oysters, clams, and other sea-fare. Head downstairs after dinner for a cocktail and a good time in their 1970’s inspired basement. Another seafood favorite is BonTon. Their menu incorporates flavors from Louisiana to Vietnam and the atmosphere is so fun!

Enjoy a sunset with skyline views at Jackson Street Bridge. After 15 years in Atlanta, we still frequent the bridge for sunsets on a weekly basis. For more breathtaking views, grab a cocktail at Skylounge on the roof of the Glenn Hotel.

Hungry for Italian? Enjoy neighborhood favorites, BoccaLupo (Inman Park) or A Mano (Old Fourth Ward).

Although they have multiple locations across the country, Barcelona in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood feels like such a unique experience each time and it’s a great spot to meet up with friends. Food is meant to be shared and this tapas spot nails the dining experience from start to finish.

When you’re ready for a pick-me-up, grab a coffee at Condesa or Chrome Yellow, you can’t go wrong with either.

For sweets and pastries, I love Little Tart Bake Shop. Their quiche and oatmeal cookies are among my favorites.

Before you call it a night, make your way to the rooftop at Clermont Lounge and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the unique history the hotel inhabits.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s a long list of professionals who inspired me to work in television or who initially sparked my interest in travel and media. However, I often think of the people closest to me who have been my biggest cheerleaders. Growing up, my Dad was a huge support system. He had a motivational quote for every situation, would encourage me to do my best, and to never give up. Although I came from a big sports family, I had strong interests in art, travel, and creative industries.

My Dad always emphasized that he didn’t care what I wanted to be in life, as long as I worked hard at it. I was fortunate enough to marry someone with that same energy and positivity. My husband has been a constant support system throughout my career. It takes a special individual to be supportive of a person who is filled with ever-changing creative ideas, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://www.jessicavanbrunt.com/

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