Meet Rilley Jacob

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rilley Jacob.

Rilley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have loved performing for most of my life. I always enjoyed holidays & decorating, but especially Halloween for the costumes. Since I was a kid, I was often impersonating people and quoting movies. I had an organic taste for creating art in my appreciation for it. It really grew through dance where I was able to mix the gift of music with movement & conjure the spirit of whichever character took hold in the harmony’s story. Through a love of fashion in self-expression, I was enticed to model as well &, while more fun at first, it grew into a burning passion where I could use all of my skills & interests from dance, acting & fashion to create. There have been so many shut doors in opportunities taken & rediscovering my confidence in insecurity over the years, but also sheer determination to keep the promise I made when I first began that “no matter how hard this journey may be-if you truly love it-you owe yourself to say that you gave it your all & lived it no matter how big, how small or even just for you.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth like silk? No. More itchy like wool, but workable in the right perspective. I have been told that I am too tall-I’m 6’3”- too skinny, too edgy, too dramatic, but it’s never those voices that discourage me. I always find a way to take it as a challenge & become stronger all around. It’s fuel that adds to my fire because at the end of the day I love creating & know that it’s my purpose. The real obstacle & harshest critic is always myself. It is a constant battle as a perfectionist, having ups & downs about my skills, body & success. However, if there weren’t a battle & the fight were won & done, there wouldn’t be a reason to keep going, would there?

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Professionally, I am a dancer, model, actor & entertainer. I am trained in nearly all forms of dance from ballroom to hip hop & tap. I teach, coach & choreograph as well & have worked most-proudly with The Cleveland Cavalier Girls & The Atlanta Hawks Dancers. This past year I was a principal dancer with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre as well as a part of Dance Canvas again. I have danced with New Vision Dance Company in Columbus, OH & The Dancing Wheels in Cleveland, OH which is America’s first physically-integrated dance company. I have been in Nike commercials with Kiri Irving & Lebron James, seen on tv shows like Dynasty on the CW & played characters like Frankenstein’s Monster with Found Stages to Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof with Playmaker’s Civic Theatre. I have also walked in New York Fashion Week, Columbus & Cleveland Fashion Week, & Atlanta & TUC Fashion Week.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is simply trying. It takes a lot of courage just be human sometimes & if you not only dare to dream in this world but step out with intention-win or lose-you are a champion.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rilleyjacob
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rilleyjacob
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/rilleyjacob

Image Credit:
Nic Hippler, Joseph Titus Davis, John Martin, Athena Bitzis, Jennifer Schottstaedt, Terrel Antoni & Laretta Houston

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