Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jeanz.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started growing up on the Southside of San Antonio and almost a statistic. I grew up in an environment where I shouldn’t of made it out. I always had dreams of working in the music industry but I never in a million years thought they’d come true. I took Audio Engineering classes but did nothing with my certificates due to my living situation in my early years. My story really begins after leaving a long abusive relationship that included drug use. I’m thankful I made it out alive.
Thanks to a friend, I moved in with her and began looking for work. Weekends I would frequent a club and met a radio DJ whom broadcasted there weekly. I’d often ask about working there and he encouraged me to apply. I did, got an interview and was hired as a board operator working 8 hrs a week. I was hungry for radio and worked every chance I could, earning my spot on overnights at a Tejano station KXTN 107.5. Soon I started working weekends next door at the Hip Hop station 98.5 the Beat and met the morning show crew. Next thing I know 3-4 years later, I’m a part of the morning crew and show production team. For the next 5yrs, I’m working everywhere in our cluster from Tejano, Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Sports radio, etc., picking up hours anywhere I could, including working holidays and every weekend. While doing this I began hosting underground hip hop shows, I also dabbled in music myself singing hooks for locals and eventually holding my own underground shows. A great experience I would use later.
One day, I learned from a good friend there was a job opening in Houston for BOOM 92 classic hip hop and I should apply! I did got an interview and audition, I got the JOB! One of the best experiences of my life and an awesome memory because it was short-lived. The station flipped and I took a job in Albuquerque, NM but I had fallen in love with Houston and decided to accept a part-time position just to come back.
January 2017 I’m back on air Part time but I’m super excited because I made it to 97.9 the BOX the most legendary station in Houston and huge in the radio industry. Although part-time, I’m pretty proud of myself at this point.
I had a lot of free time obviously and I wanted to make an impact on my community. Music has always been my passion especially singing and supporting independent underground music. I wanted to create a place for Mexican/Latino Hip Hop to live and be appreciated. I created the platform HUSTLE TOWN NETWORK, I laid the groundwork, funded it and designed our creative spaces. The platform has grown into a whole Underground Indie platform not just for Hip Hop but singers, small businesses, filmmakers, non-profits and community events for ALL People. I have a great team and there’s a tremendous amount of content, virtual concerts, mic passes, contests, etc. on our YOUTUBE. We are now a full Production and Promotion company for hire. Many people have thanked Hustle Town Network for highlighting underground and indie artists and many have credited our platform contest ‘Straight Outta Texas’ for changing their lives.
Straight outta Texas Virtual Performance Contest was created during the pandemic for artists to perform safely during Covid restrictions. All performances are taped and aired live streamed on YouTube. These contests were also designed for artists to Win promo packages that included access to things many needed to pursue their music goals like: Studio time, producers, engineers, and video shoots. ‘Straight Outta Texas’ Performance Contest continues to tour all over TEXAS as we speak.
Hustle Vida is another platform I began working on during the pandemic to highlight small businesses and entrepreneurs that emerged during the pandemic. I have hopes that platform will continue to grow as a space for vendors, businesses and service providers to network and market.
After five years working Part Time at 97.9 the Box, I was promoted to Full-time as the new voice and team member on GOOD MORNING HTOWN with Keisha Nicole and JMAC 5a -10a! This right here is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me in my radio career! We took our show to Number 1 and we couldn’t be more prouder and continue to work hard every day to maintain it. I love what I do, especially connecting with Houston every day. I truly love this city!
Since gaining my full-time position, I’ve had to let off my platforms a bit but my team continues the momentum and the movement hasn’t slowed down. I’ve taken the ‘SOT ‘ performance contests back to my hometown too, back to my roots to continue to support there, Here in Houston I’ve recently started a private after-school program in my community for elementary school kids on the South East of Houston. I also recently rededicated my life to GOD and created the platform HUSTLE and KINGDOM for Christian indie artists. So, be on the lookout for a Christian hip hop festival at my church coming this fall of 2022.
I Thank GOD for making my dreams come true and can honestly say, …. this is only the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to success is never easy. Struggles I’ve had were the wrong relationships, being romantic or friendships. You really have to watch snakes in the grass and I struggled mentally holding it together at times, but I learned I’m stronger than I thought each time. Struggling to keep going at times and wondering if it’s all worth it … Well, it is when you remember that what you’re doing is bigger than just you.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is in my story, but many don’t know my creative side too. I’ve been a recording artist and have dabbled In music, I’ve recorded solo music in the past and recently hooks for locals here in Houston. I love singing and probably would be doing it more if I had more time.
I also love Production, audio editing and video editing as well as graphic art.
Any big plans?
In December of 2022, I will be one of the recipients of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award! I’m super excited and honored.
Future plans include organizing community Family festivals for giving back to the community, especially our youth and children. Doing what I can to inspire and encourage our kids to stop gangs and violence.
Syndication of our Morning Show.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicajeanz
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/jessica.vee.5030
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/hustletownnetwork
