Meet Jori Jackson | Actress, Teaching and Creative Artist.

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

Hi Jori, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance has played a major role in my life for quite some time now. I’m glad to say that it didn’t take the world shutting down for that to happen! I’d say for the past 5 years or so now whenever my body is telling to chill out that’s exactly what I do. Being STILL is a great MOVE. I don’t have to do every show or project. It’s great because when I allow myself to rest up I am ready to go and fully put my all into something. It’s the best because whenever I allow myself to be still, something worthwhile also presents itself. It’s always something that speaks directly to me, aligns with my artistic interest.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work as a creative artist is rooted in my love for storytelling. I’m a storyteller first and I think that’s what mainly sets me apart. My mind is always turning very vivid pages and my style is simply bringing that to life in full blown color. Especially in my performing, teaching and directing style. I’m very proud of the work I’ve done from childhood on up. The reason I can proudly say that is because like most I am my biggest critic. As a student (always)  I can identify the shifts in my strengths & weaknesses and I want to keep growing forever. I got where I am today by doing work that I love and having an extremely supportive family, mother and theatre ecosystem coming up. I was always bless to find more and more opportunities because of the strong connections and doors that were previously opened. The beauty in storytelling and human connection is what motivates me to keep going. It’s a literal high and I can’t leave it alone. One lesson that I’ve definitely learned is that what’s mine is mine. Everything is already written and every time I watch an event in my career or personal life workout in my favor that saying slaps me right in the face. “What’s mine is mine.” There’s a lot weight, peace and satisfaction in that.

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 love being in nature so Cedar Ridge Preservation and few hidden gems are definitely on my list for outdoors. I love Blue Sushi, Deep Sushi, Ai Sushi all the sushi. Catfish Floyds in Oak Cliff and a visit to the Pan African Connection bookstore right next door. I’m a skate lover so definitely the skating rink, some museums, see an old film at the Texas Theater and of course live theatre!

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 shout out goes to all of my theatre mentors from my hometown of Shreveport, La. These artist, directors, performers, writers, entrepreneurs are the ones who raised me up in black, female & queer owned theatre spaces. Because of them I never once had to question my birth right as a storyteller to share our stories on any stage or platform.

Website: https://socialtap.us/ed8d0b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.jori.jackson/

Image Credits
Chadi El-khoury Karen Almond Anyika McMillam-Herod Brent Paul Webe