Meet Jessica Rizo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Rizo.

Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi Voyage, happy 2023, glad to be back.

Where do I begin, some of this we spoke of before, but I’ll tap into some other humble, hard, and frankly transparent detail.

I embarked on entertainment after falling into tough times economically. A bubble burst in my then profession, which was, direct lending, in a real estate capacity. I was only 25 years young, had 700k in condo debt, mortgage, and HOA dues upwards of 4K, and my home value depreciated rapidly from the years prior. I had a leased Mercedes Benz, which I could no longer afford.

My parents are deceased, no immediate support or real mentorship outside my own. I was in wayyyy over my head, or so it felt. Granted, I always aspired to be a part of the entertainment, though, my dive into it, was abrupt given my circumstances. I needed income, fast. Working for Uber, wasn’t a thing, and I NEVER sold out to shortcuts, that would have compromised my morals or ethics.

I was already in Hollywood, what did I have to lose? Certainly, not more than I already had at that point. So, there I was, business women, turned actor, and model, the short story! We’re taking 15 years ago now. Not to date myself lol, but honey I take care of myself, J Lo who? Lol! I’ll trade bank accounts though!

All jokes aside. It wasn’t overnight, and still hasn’t been, I mean, I’m still going, long game. I meet and encounter the newer generation of social media fame-mongers and I’m always shocked at their delusions about their status. Like, hold up hunty, that means nothing, what you leave behind, your legacy means something. If you create a respectable legacy on your platform, more power to you, but you are not better than the next man, woman, or child because of your following.

I’m from the generation of putting flyers on car windows and hoping for the best, lol! Wow, how things have changed. I’ve cut ties with people along the way, who would step on your ladder before allowing a single toe on there’s! It’s weird the entitlement. Anyway, tangent, but yea, agents, auditions, bookings. The old-fashioned way. I was blessed.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Perfect transition! Bumpy, lumpy clumpy road. Highs, lows, and everything in between. Phewww! Lol!

It’s all about the long game for me. Staying humble, gracious, and sticking to your morals and ethics, along the way!

Never wavering, and fighting for YOU! Gambling on YOU! Not comparing, or competing. I’m my only competition.

I’ve helped more people than would ever return the favor, but, that’s my nature. I want everyone to win! Even, when people support you until they feel threatened by you. That’s their issue, not yours, a valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way.

Also, not burning bridges. Example: That short film, no budget, film director, you almost didn’t work for, because you felt were above, could quite literally be the next Speilberg. Stay humble. I try and look at every project as an opportunity. Now as a mother, of a beautiful baby girl, I have to be way more choosey with my time, but I try to consider everything an opportunity and handle every person involved with the utmost respect.

Rejection on rejection, one hundred no’s for every, yes, is unbelievably exhausting and daunting!

Building thick skin, taking care of self. Mental health especially. It’s a spiritually draining industry or can be as a whole, without taking care of myself, tapping in often, has been a priority of mine.

I will say, the biggest struggle, is coming soooooo close to a life-altering career milestone, and then it’s taken away, oftentimes without a single explanation why. Just not my time! I’ve learned to accept those close calls as wins too, cuz hey, I made it that far out of thousands of other actors, models, comedians, etc.!

A win is a win unless you choose to look at it adversely!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Again, former financial executive, and processor in a real estate capacity, straight out of high school, then, turned model, and actress, over the past 15 years while eventually becoming an accomplished standup comedian, as of the last 4 years.

My resume is pretty vast, though I’m confident my best is yet to come.

1000’s print campaigns worldwide
30 plus commercials worldwide
30-plus hosting gigs on major networks
15 plus major music videos
Stints on TV & FILM all over the world
Voiceovers for radio, commercials, tv
350 plus comedy shows, the majority of which I’ve been producing as of late.

The list goes on, but again, I just stay humble and chin up, heart in the work! No shortcuts!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’ll be appearing on the “cold open” of Season 5, episode 1 of Mayans on FX or HULU! Stay tuned for the season’s premiere date.

I have commercials and ads running now! Keep your eyes peeled. Please follow me on social media, specifically, Instagram where I do all my announcements! @Justjessrizo.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @justjessrizo
• Other: https://linktr.ee/JustJessRizo?fbclid=PAAaaT7nY05D45DC74wdpg9l3LQpNLqQ1XlJNYR9rR3rGwCfHHoX4sw_7nGV8