Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jeanz.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career in radio started in San Antonio, Tx my hometown. I had a small background in audio engineering and began running soundboard on weekends at a Tejano music station. It wasn’t my favorite station but I was happy to be working in radio, little did I know, I’d end up on the air.
I then worked my way to the hip hop station out there with the morning show and weekends and my love for entertainment and radio grew stronger.
After 12 years, I got the great opportunity to come to Houston also for a morning on Boom92 but was short lived and the station flipped. I believe things happen for a reason and returned to radio as the host of the Late Night Hype on 97.9 the Box!
Has it been a smooth road?
Along the way, I met many struggles like not making enough money, trying to get to work without a car and spend many nights at the station to be there for morning shifts or weekend shifts.
I faced challenges with other personality egos, being a woman in the industry and the flipping (switching formats) of many stations I’ve worked with, which meant dealing with part-time statuses and sometimes unemployment. Radio isn’t always a guaranteed gig so you must do it for the love of it, not the money. I’m very fortunate to be able to still do what I love after some roller coaster rides in the Industry.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the 97.9 the Box & HustleTownNetwork story. Tell us more about it.
97.9 the box is a heritage station in Houston and I’m so honored to be a part of the family. I work with hall of famers, celebrity DJs and hard working people that inspire me daily! I’m especially thankful for the station to allow me to cover my passion of music with indie artists, up and coming talent and my Latino culture. I’ve started up the HustleTownNetwork to showcase the Mexican and Latino side of hip hop in Houston and worldwide.
I’ve also branched my network into a small business podcast for Latino entrepreneurs and business owners called Hustle Vida (Hustle Life). These are stories of how individuals have turned their side hustles into careers and earning a living doing what they are passionate about In hopes to inspire others to reach their full potential.
There are several online shows that showcase the indie scene, I wanted a place for Latinos, we don’t exclude anyone but I felt highlighting our culture, our contributions and talents could set my network apart.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Digital, it’s all digital!
It’s an exciting time to reach the world and connect with just a touch of a screen.
Contact Info:
- Website: HustleTownNetwork.com
- Email: hustletownnet@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hustletownnet
- Facebook: HustleTownNetwork
- Twitter: HustleTownNet
Image Credit:
Infamous Tex, 97.9 the box
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