Check Out Jenina Ortega’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenina Ortega.

Hi Jenina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First, I would like to give thanks to Jesus Christ! My Lord and Savior! The Lord has helped me greatly and graciously. I could not have done this interview or anything without him guiding me and my paths. I am alive today to tell you all my story! Once upon a time, on Sunday, September 8th, 1985, Jenina Elayna Domonique Ortega was born to Elaine and Harry, my parents!

I was not an average birth though, my mother had to have an emergency C section because I was dying, turning blue, heart rate dropping, and I had the umbilical cord around my neck like a rope. I was not breathing when I was freed from the choke hold upon my delicate little neck. ‘’Code Blue’’ my mother heard. Desperately, my mom, she went into prayer mode and said ‘’ lord my baby Jenina is in your hands, God give her life!’’ From that day forward when my life was spared and I got a chance to live, my mother knew I was going to be special because of how blessed we were from the start! I always hear that story and it reminds me that life is because of the lord, and he will breathe new life every time! As the years passed by, ages 1,2, and 3, My family, my mother and grandmother moved to Virginia Beach from Tampa, it is blurry in my memory because I was so young. I have two cousins, Nathan, Nyrell, and Auntie Lucille, living together. We were all we had. Then, when I was about four years old, we all moved to Georgia to Glenwood Rd in Decatur. Where I started elementary school. I started kindergarten and I was held back in kindergarten too! Due to my attention span, they felt I was not ready to move on to 1st grade. I can remember age 5 vaguely but we moved to Clayton County, and the school Mt. Zion Elementary I completed grades k-3rd there!

I was involved in the 3rd grade in a little mermaid stage play with the school and that was the first time I ever graced a stage and performed with others the song ‘’I Believe I Can Fly’ in Sign language we learned. That extra year of kindergarten had gotten me focused and I loved my new school in Clayton County, so I was able to learn better and pay attention more. I was part of an IEP which was speech because I was told when I was younger, I spoke Spanish and confused English together so my speech was bad I could not pronounce a lot of words saying ‘’street’’ was like saying ‘’streak’’. Yes, I was a special education student who got called out of my regular classes daily. I was in art, music, and I was a pure tomboy! I played football, baseball, kickball, and basketball with kids in the neighborhood and at PE! I was not your average 5-year-old! Testing the waters, my mother started me modeling at the age of 5. It was a success, I started doing photoshoots and practicing model walks and poses. I was in different events with other children my age and I was such a tomboy I did not want to model anymore by the time I was six. I did not like dresses or lacy socks with straps on shiny black shoes, I was not fond of modeling! My point is this my mother saw something inside of me, and my mother was a model too, so she taught me even when I did not want to model but I am grateful she has bestowed it on me. Time passes by and I moved from Fielder Rd to Bethsaida Rd in Riverdale, GA where my journey really began! I was now in the 4th grade, and I went to E.W. Oliver Elementary.

I recall my 1st day at that school in Riverdale. I was hit in the face by another girl student with a jacket because I was walking too close to her, I guess. I never had drama or a fight at any other school, so I was a little shocked that this girl was trying to fight me already it is my first day in the middle of the year at that! I cried like a baby to my mom. I remember wondering, will kids be mean to me? will I have friends? I grew up on that street and I saw first-hand what I was up against when I was in the 4th grade living in ‘’Clayco’. My mother told me that it was time to understand the difference between friends and enemies. She taught me that people are going to be jealous and not like me no matter what I do and that’s life because I was unique! Throughout elementary school, I always tried to fit in, but I just was not allowed to by my peers they denied me to sit with them at lunch, they denied my friendship request and bullied me until I said enough is enough. I had to start defending myself here and I had no friends. I cried but my mommy said “It’s ok” they just envious of you. I had to understand that the hard way. Sad that I was so young going through hatred and name calling. I was just able to ignore and do my work! When I started at Riverdale Middle School, 6th grade was no different. On my first day I had on an outfit from 579, a popular store from the mall. It was cute, and it was a shiny silver foil-like dress with a blazer. I was jumped in the bathroom because girls were saying my outfit was ugly, On the first day! Good thing I was not the blame, and I was able to stay in school. Middle school is explainable. I wanted to be a part of a team, so I tried out for the basketball team in 7th grade. I made the first cut but not the 2nd! That is when I knew sports was not for me no more, I was finally growing out of my tomboy faze. I wanted to be a cheerleader for the school so badly, but my mother could not afford it at the time. I was able to be a cheerleader for the city recreational park at Riverdale Park! Where I was only a Blackhawk cheerleader for a few weeks, it did not last long at all! I did not know the direction to go, I was lost!

Every other week it is a fight I am in at school or off the bus in the neighborhood. ‘The show’ it was called kids gather, and cheer on the fight saying, “round 1 & round 2 fight!” sure enough it became a habit for me to defend myself at all costs! Riverdale is known for its violence and has a bad reputation of ignorant people always starting drama. I was front and center! 8th grade I was preparing for the mini prom and was stood up! I was so sad and hurt! I was a great A & B student throughout school. Then the worst happened in my last year in middle school. I got into a fight with a bully, picking on me on the last day of school! I stood up for myself and I was respected for it! My high school journey was a lot better! I ended up going to North Clayton High in College Park because of my school’s district codes. It was at North Clayton where I found my love for music! I was in chorus class, and I learned how to play instruments like piano, guitar, recorder, and I learned how to sing and read music notes! 10th grade I was in cosmetology class but not for long. Just like middle school my enemies had it out for me, I had people pulling my hair in the lunch line and laughing and I was not fighting anymore so my mother took me out of North Clayton High to go to Lovejoy High School before I got expelled. Lovejoy is where my life took a turn on a whole different level. I felt loved, I felt welcomed, and I had friends, no one knew me no one wanted to fight me for no reason at all. It was a good life at Lovejoy High School. I could not continue with cosmetology, but I entered Jazz 1, Jazz 2, Jazz 3 dance classes for a grade, to learn modern, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, etc., for a college preparatory credit. In dance is where I found myself! I received an award certificate for most improved dancer and we did a variety of shows at the Performing Arts Center in Clayton County with sold-out seats with the red curtain with big lights, and big stage. Dancing is what I love to do!

Also, I was in the 11th grade I started working with the legendary Arnell Starr from American Music Markers on Bet as an assistant on the show and I also posed as model for his brand! I was cast into a music video he directed with the ‘’Throwback Boys’’ called ‘’Bim’’ which was filmed in the old Jonesboro South Apartments! I came to school the next day and it was like I was a celebrity. Everyone was looking at my video and asking how I got that position. I felt on top, I felt a purpose in life. It was awesome to have people to support me instead of bullying me around testing my gangster! Lol, I was a great student. I never went to games or homecomings just was not my thing. I was always working at my part-time job at Mcdonald’s off hwy 85 at age 15-17, that is how I was able to buy my car to drive to Lovejoy from Bethsaida Rd, so my mom did not have to drive 30 mins to get me to school. I was focused and nothing could stand in my way! I was planning to be a veterinarian, so I took anatomy where I dissected a cat, frog, pig, etc. I had an ‘’A’ in that class. My teacher said I could have been a doctor the way I was learning. I believed it all too because I believed in myself now. I grew past IEP’S and fighting now I was ready for the world! I had no distractions, I had a boyfriend, and I was on my way to college! Prom was cool, at the Fox Theater Our theme was Egyptian. The ice sculptures and fruit trays etc. were just so beautiful and especially since I did not get to make queen, but I felt like one because at the time my boyfriend ended up proposing to me on the dance floor in front of everyone. I was a queen that night! Graduation came about and I graduated with a 3.0 and the Hope scholarship. I entered Ga Perimeter College for Business Management right after I graduated in 2004.
In entertainment in 04 I entered a contest with Nopi Car show, and I won Nopi Chic winning $200 and a photoshoot, and clothing. I then auditioned for TLC ‘’Are You the Girl’’ I made 1st cut and flew to Miami alone 1st time on airplane where I meet Tboz and Chilli, I had to rap, sing, and dance in front of the ladies I made the first cut. 2nd cut I did not make so I flew back to Ga. I was on a mission, so I auditioned for ‘’ Manhattan model search’ I was hand selected by BET representative, I never heard back from them. That year I also auditioned for ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ In 2005 I started college, I only lasted 1 month until I was forced to drop out because I found out I was pregnant. I was in a dance group at that time, and we were doing an event ‘For Sisters Only’ getting ready for concerts and such the group was signed to universal music but I left

and shortly after they split up. I got married in Dec of 2005; I was working at Walmart for a while then I left for Cato’s clothing store where I was robbed at gunpoint! Police had to take a sketch from me and everything the man told me he was going to shoot me if I did not give him money! Scary situation. I worked at Lowes and then Sears until I was able to get a kiosk job selling hair products. I was with that company for five years after that! At various locations like Lenox Mall and Southlake Mall. I had my son on 2/8/06. I had an apartment based off income at $15 a month with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. I was a college dropout, and I was lost and broke with my new son and my fiancé I had to do something quickly. So, when my son was 3 months old, I started using my dance skills inside multiple strip clubs around ATL. Magic City was my sunshine on a rainy day! It is like the MVP, the Top notch of the clubs in the world.

So yes, I felt proud to have been able to be a part of the models/dancer’s crew. I was happy in the entertainment field, I put my skills on the stage and made big money doing so! I worked at Club Onyx after Magic City because I was giving the pink termination slip at Magic City. I worked at two clubs at once and that is the law to not do so. But at the time I did not know! I lived in Buckhead worked two jobs and now I am on my own Raising my son because I was separated from my husband. So, life was tough on me! I kept faith and I was able to continue to dance at Onyx, where I was cast into young Jeezy ‘’USDA’ ‘’Throw this money’ video to make extra cash. I did a couple of independent artist videos as well. Around 2010, or so Onyx had a shooting in which I was hurt from falling on my knees during all the ruckus of people running from gunshots. It was a nightmare! Blood everywhere! Money everywhere! People screaming! My mental health was affected from that day! I stayed loyal and no legal action was taken on my end because I needed my job, I was alone in the world. My only bread and butter came from those places. I ended up off Cleveland Ave at the ‘’Goldrush Show bar’’ where I met” Guy” a photographer with ‘’Life University’’ and he asked me to model for the cover and layout of ‘’Lifestyle Chiropractor magazine’’ acting as a chiropractor. As well as being on the university’s billboard in Atl. I was working and modeling feeling good about life and such until I had to deal with a life-changing event that altered my lifestyle and life. Life was so stressful for me. After losing my job, my home, my car, and my license I ended up having a nervous breakdown! Where I had to get medical attention for stress and depression the breakdown lasted a good couple of years, and I had to move in with my grandmother to her basement. I had no car or license, so I was not able to do anything. I went from being on top to below. I had to find myself again, especially because not only did the depression cause a breakdown but it caused me to be irresponsible and I went to jail a couple of times or maybe more than a couple of times due to me giving up on myself, feeling like a failure I was not Jenina from high school I was a bad girl now. I was indicted on 6 felonies spent six months in total between Clayton County jail and Henry County jail. Everything was false! Thank God my lawyer was able to get my cases dismissed all of them! I was grateful to not be a felon! I have no record! While amid it all, I was in the church inside of jail as well as a community church I was going to. Church really helped me heal. I tell people all the time if you are feeling down or stressed to just pray and call on God to help aid you! I did and God also talks to those who listen. I was able to get on my feet afterward. I got myself together and off probation, got my license back and I was able to get me an apartment once again on my own. If it were not for friends and family, I do not know how I would have accomplished everything so fast! In 2013, I filed for divorce, and it was exceedingly difficult to deal with infidelity and babies born while being still married. I felt so ugly and low during my mourning of my last marriage. I had to fill a prescription due to the pain it caused! I had become disabled, and to others, it really was a sad scene for them to have to witness me cry and not eat well; everything that came with grief it was in me!

I made a promise when I was in the doctor’s care to help others like me going through things and must face the reality of taking medication or acknowledging that you have a mental instability because of all the abuse and hurt faced in life. It is ok to be ‘’her;’ it is okay that the people who work at the hospital are going to recognize you if they see you in the streets, do not hide be you! Know it is a place of help when needed. I want to help others, and I started my company Nina 9 Artist Management LLC in 2016, a few years after I was able to gain my confidence back! I made a business where growing independent music artists can come to me and have a show, mixtape release party, studio time, or any needs they may have that myself as a manager, can assist with. I host and promote at different events and venues; I help set up artists for opportunities in the music industry. I am the go-to for advice. Over the years, I have been promoted at several clubs in Atlanta and on the Southside. Alongside top DJ’S and radio hosts. I have an artist who has worked with me before and future artists that I am going to work with. Today, Nina 9 Artist Management LLC is revamping and upgrading coming soon with the fire music, so be on the lookout! Now, I am a depression-free, stress-free woman who is working on a new skill set. I am an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Student at Atlanta Technical College. In which I have been in since 2021 and graduated in 2024. My current job is a representative for the” Mann Robinson Studios” in East Point! Working for The Mann Robinson Studios is a blessing! Since 2020, I started doing background work in various movies and I also do stage plays live on stage with lead roles and I was able to choreograph using my professional dance skills in the plays. I have met many people in the film industry!

From my experience and knowledge, working at Mann Robinson Distribution team, I can help filmmakers get distribution deals to major platform network’s. We have a full production studio with rental space and equipment in a 20,000sqft (about four times the area of a basketball court) building. I can get people acting classes, as well as help filmmakers to complete their film or series projects. I do it all, actors could have the opportunity to be in movies by joining us! Mann, Russ, Dale, and Asia are great teammates, and will take care of the community ‘’We do it for the culture’’ is how we say it at the Mann Robinson Studios! Ask for me, ‘Nina9’ and I will be sure to help out! This is my conclusion on how I started and how I got to where I am today! Thank God O mighty! I have grown and built up with the rocks that were thrown my way! Stay focused! Just live your life! Pray for forgiveness and guidance! Call on the lord and you too shall be pulled out of the darkness. No matter the circumstance, you can still achieve your dreams, even when they said you would not, show them differently!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, most certainly it has not been a smooth road from everything I explained in the first question I had it was very tough. I was sick and tired, and I had to still get up and push myself to move around for my son’s sake. I have been abused, lied to, neglected, and stepped on. My main struggles are that I have children in Heaven, I am a mother of five but only one is alive. This is exceedingly difficult for me because of my past! I wish I can have my beautiful children here with me, but they are at peace with God! I know it is not for me to understand what God does but it is ok to seasonally grieve over your kids in heaven I heard they heart beats so yes, they were extraordinarily strong, and yes, I want more kids, but God wants other things for me! I have guardian angels all around me and this I know! I wish I could raise all my kids to see how they look and even love them, but it is going to be a struggle forever, so I just continue to work hard and keep them in memory. My hard work and dedication will someday reward me so I can give back to the communities and help other women and men like me to never stop believing in yourself and God! Learn to be content and humble when dealing with the struggles along the way! You too can make it through the troubled times to see the good!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist myself! I specialize in dance, acting, and modeling! I am known for my talents and my leadership skills! I am a professional businessperson who makes opportunities for others a reality! I have an ear for music because I have taken music classes myself. When I hear a good beat produced, I get excited because I know it is fire and I can dance to it! I am known for hosting and promoting different events at clubs or studios. I am known for my 16 years of adult entertainment around ATL and other cities. I have met thousands of people from my experience in dance. I am known to be a people pleaser and I have a great big heart. I am known for my stand-out name ‘Nina9” I have gone by the name for years and people always compare my name to a firearm which I am against because too many people do not use firearms correctly. I changed my logo recently from a firearm to something softer and more marketable. I plan to tell my story to the world someday by book or movie!

I am most proud of my son” Jeremias Bass” he is 17 years old, and he is an 11th grade all honors and Ap classes. He received his school the Warhawk Award of Leadership! He is the” men of gold” member who reads to elementary kid’s picture books. He plays on the football team as well as run track and field. He plans to go to college to get his private pilot’s license to fly airplanes! So, yes, I am a proud mama! What sets me apart from others is that I am” me” I am not fake, rude, nor a bad person. I love hard and I am a Virgo! I have relationships in the streets of Atlanta and surrounding areas! Some can try to do what I do but will not succeed because I have years of built friendships with others in high positions and such. In this industry, it is not for the weak or newcomers; it takes a certified veteran to tackle these jobs! I got that sauce! I call myself an OG! Cause I have witnesses to say they seen how I move, and I am a diva, a hustler, a mother, and taken! I am grateful, multi-talented and I love animals! I can pray for you too! That is what sets me apart from others!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My view on risk talking is it is always a give and a take! You must be prepared for your actions- reactions! I stepped and took major risks when it comes to school and the movies, I film in. Sometimes it interferes with school like the filming days on a school day and yes, I get paid so I get the money, but the risk is if I do not go to school, I will not finish school. I came too far to give up now! I do not need my grades to decline because of my choice of film. It is also a risk every time I step foot out the door to an event or to a club. The risk of being rejected, being around drama, accidents, and writing this. I stay prayed up so every time I take a risk, I leave it in God’s hands! you never know when a risk will strike, but you always must be prepared for the Ying and the yang, and vice versa! I consider myself a thinker, so I try to stay away from it! Unless it is the risk to finally step out of your comfort zone and be just yourself to succeed in your fear of the” RISK!”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mannrobinsonstudios.com
• Instagram: @still_1_nina 
• Facebook: Jenina E Ortega
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nina9-ortega-886996234

Image Credits
”Nyrell Griffith, Fithcreative”, ”Guy”, ”myself” ”Mann Robinson Studios”