Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Symone Welch.
Jordan Symone, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I got to where I am today :
I’ve always been passionate about listening to people tell their stories. How one’s journey can reveal differences and many similarities among ourselves. I love meeting folks where they’re at. Getting the opportunity to hear where they’ve been and who they are presently thrills me. I can remember as a little girl growing up in Kansas, using my imagination was a vital part to my entertainment. I came up with characters and storylines with illustrations to pair, putting them into a book crafted on construction paper or 8.5×11 notebook paper then stapling it together to gift to my mom. Which, she still has (lol). That creative spark followed me into my adulthood but it wasn’t a linear path. I took the scenic route to becoming a producer, writer & actor.
How I started:
I’ve been in LA for 11 years now. I attended Santa Monica College where I majored in Film Studies while being apart of the Theatre Department to sharpen my acting tool. The latter of which I was fortunate to study briefly abroad in Bath, Somerset, England with Bath Spa University. I quickly fell in love with filmmaking and “the stage”. I knew this was my purpose. After SMC I worked as an Office P.A. at a production Company doing the not so glamorous tasks. All the while making connections with production teams who came in to the office. I made it a point to continue doing theatre and I produced/acted in my first show at the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival.
February of 2020, I took my first freelance gig as a talent PA, I realized this is where I want to be, on set learning in real time. Also, I met my now husband, who is a phenomenal actor and writer, on that first gig. I quit the production company late February, then March, the world shut down. With so much uncertainty, I was blessed Sept that year with a job on a team that kept me booked and jump started my resume. That’s why networking and being honest about what you want to do pays off. Someone will remember you and take a chance. I’ve done countless commercials, reality shows, dating Shows, competitive game shows, kids shows, documentaries and music videos. I started off as a PA and worked my way up to being a Production Coordinator. This gave me the flexibility to continue pursuing my passion as a storyteller.
In 2023, I was approached by an insanely talented friend to produce films for various film festivals. I’ve continued to produce many more projects that I am beyond proud of. As of today I am balancing motherhood to an incredible 5 month old baby boy, who is my “WHY”, whilst attempting to stay on top of my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No roads are perfectly smooth. I’ve had my share of roadblocks and potholes. In quite a few instances, in the very beginning of my freelance journey, I found myself either the only woman on the crew or only Black person. In those spaces it can be hard to connect, feel seen or heard. I am a resilient person and I led with confidence through the adversity but it was draining. I began to gain more experience and found teams that align with my non-negotiables on a set. I was able to turn down what wasn’t the best fit for me. Never shrink yourself!
I’ve had moments of stagnation and questioning my career choice, especially in an industry pron to strikes. At those points in my life I had to give myself grace and allow myself to rest.
Sometimes feeling like I’ve had limited resources whether financial and/or connections when it came to getting exposure for my work. I learned from first hand experience Someone is looking for what you’ve got and want to invest in you. Stay ready.
Finding my style and footing after having a baby. I found postpartum to be tough, for obvious reasons and creatively. Because, my mind was solely and is on recovery as I bond with my son. I am a different person today than I was 5 months ago, than I was when I got pregnant. In this season I look forward to exploring this new perspective and voice I carry.
Through all of my obstacles and challenges I was fortunate to have a tribe/community to lean on. My husband, my mom (who is also my best friend), trusted Day 1 friends and even colleagues experiencing similar struggles. Talking about these things are what kept me pushing forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What do you do,
I am an Actor, Producer, Production Coordinator and Writer. I’ve had the pleasure of being in commercials. Which is so fun to experience being on both sides of the camera. I suggest everyone try different areas of filmmaking. It made me well rounded!
I’m currently in the works finishing a series I am writing. And, developing a short film that really hits home for me.
what do you specialize in:
Commercials and Film.
I’m adaptable and love to learn. So I think I specialize in digesting new material and making it my own.
what are you known for, etc.
My openness. Drawing from my experiences and those around me. I love intertwining stories told from my loved ones so when they read or watch my work they see themselves.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of producing and starring in a film whilst pregnant. I proved to myself I can do and have it all. I didn’t need to sacrifice one dream for another.
What sets you apart from others?
My Midwestern charm. lol There is something unique and special about being from a flyover state. The stories I love most are the ones that you don’t hear everyday. I make it a priority to honestly tell inclusive stories of varying backgrounds. The unsung heros. As a woman of color I know the importance of controlling our narrative and not leaving it up to the interpretation of someone else.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I originally went to school for Sports Broadcasting. I am a lover of sports, specifically football. As a Kansas City native, I’ve been a Chiefs fan before it was cool. lol I’m happy my home team is getting the spot light it deserves. Which also means more care, more jobs and resources are being poured into the City!
Although I am considered an Extrovert I am very much more of an introvert presently lol. Which can be shocking because I can be chatty.
Also, I am an avid horror movie fan! Which is opposite of my bubbly personality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewith_jordysymone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordyswelch
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-symone-welch/
