Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Virgille
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Courage has always been a guiding force in my life, pushing me to face challenges head-on and navigate through uncertainties with strength and resilience. It was this courage that led me on a journey of self-discovery and healing, starting from my time at the University of Florida where I pursued my Bachelor’s in Sociology. Graduating from university, I took a leap of faith and enlisted in the United States Army, embarking on a path that would shape my worldview and broaden my understanding of humanity.
During my years of active duty service, I witnessed the struggles of my fellow soldiers, not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well. This experience ignited a fire within me, spurring me toward a vision of healing for all of humanity. Recognizing that healing is both an individual and communal responsibility, I pursued further education, earning a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on mental and sexual health from the University of South Florida.
Becoming a certified Public Health Educator, I ventured out into the world, inspired by the belief that the most radical act in a sick society is to heal oneself and then extend that healing to others. This belief became the driving force behind my mission to spread awareness and promote healing in all aspects of life.
My advocacy for optimal wellness drove me to Atlanta, GA. The privilege to work and study with Emory University School of Medicine and Emory Candler School of Theology has given me the right heart posture for my future work. I continue to fortify my knowledge and skill set to be an agent of change for bridging the gap between physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
However, my journey towards self-actualization and spreading hope was not without its obstacles. The pandemic brought forth a new set of challenges, forcing me to confront my own struggles and vulnerabilities. At the recommendation of my psychologist, I turned to social media platforms to bring attention to the mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual issues faced by individuals worldwide.
Navigating the digital landscape and engaging with a global audience proved to be a daunting task, requiring me to adapt and evolve to effectively communicate my message of authenticity and healing. The pressure to maintain a facade of perfection and success was replaced by a growing demand for rawness, truth, and genuine connection.
As “Jess the Hope Dealer,” I embraced this shift, using speaking engagements, digital media, and daily interactions to spread hope and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. Despite the challenges I faced, I remained steadfast in my commitment to authenticity and kindness, knowing that true courage lies in facing adversity with grace and compassion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is deeply inspired by personal experiences and the journeys of those around me. My pieces hold a profound and powerful message that I hope resonates with my audience. My artistic journey began with the heartbreaking loss of my uncle to suicide, a war veteran suffering from PTSD and depression. Losing him sparked a fire within me to tell the raw and authentic stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph.
My battles with mental illness and trauma have further fueled my creative expression, allowing me to share the realities of being a strong, empowered woman while navigating the complexities of mental health and healing. My passion for mental health wellness, sexual liberation and ethics, and my pursuit of answering the call to ministry are evident in the depth and sincerity of my work.
By dubbing myself a “Hope Dealer,” I aim to embody the role of someone who holds the light of hope for a world that has the potential to be better, kinder, and more compassionate. I wish for those who view my art to feel a sense of connection, and to know that they are not alone in their healing journey back to their true selves. Digital art can serve as proof that you can win in this world without losing yourself to “the game of life.”
The themes of connection, resilience, and inner strength that permeate my work serve as a guiding light for those who may be struggling. My message of courage, faith, and the reminder that we are all beloved children of God instills a sense of hope and purpose in those who encounter my art. Or, at least I pray it does.
The journey from the head to the heart, from pain to healing, is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth and transformation. I pray that each day at least one person finds some benefit from my work and it helps them be a prolific person.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is not defined by external achievements or societal standards. True success is living authentically to who you truly are, following your passions and dreams, and prioritizing your health and well-being above all else. It is about choosing life and growth over maladaptive behaviors and self-destruction. Success is also, the quality of the success of the people connected to you. How have you left a person or situation better than how you found it?
When I reflect on my life, I want to say that I lived fully and authentically and pursued my calling and passions with courage and determination. I want to leave this world empty, having poured out all the dreams and visions that were in my heart. I want to know that I have made a positive impact on those around me, and that I have lived a life of purpose and meaning.
Success is not about material wealth or external validation. It is about inner fulfillment, about being true to yourself and living a life that reflects your values and beliefs. It is about leaving a legacy of love, kindness, compassion, and courage. To tattoo my presence on this Earth as a net good. That, to me, is the true measure of success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jess_great
- Twitter: jess_great
