Meet Heather Jocelyn Blair | Actor, Producer & Brain Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Jocelyn Blair and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather Jocelyn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has been the heart of my journey, a fundamental part of my personal and professional growth. From an early age, my parents instilled in me the drive to challenge myself, work smart, and not be afraid to try something new. I was exposed to pushing boundaries in elite athletics, academics, and creative pursuits. As an adult, when faced with a big leap, I ask myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” If the answer is clear and there is potential for something great, then I take the leap! Over time, I’ve realized that risk for me isn’t just about embracing uncertainty; it’s about aligning with purpose, trusting intuition, and having faith that things will unfold in a way that enriches my life and hopefully others’ as well.

A key risk that shaped my career in the entertainment industry was moving to Los Angeles from North Carolina with no clear plan in mind. I simply knew I loved acting, the creative energy of the city, and was open to possibilities. I hopped in the car and drove cross-country with my dad, both of us crying at the airport as we parted. One inspiring person after another entered my life, offering advice and mentorship that ultimately guided me toward opportunities as an actor, producer, and acting coach. Many of these relationships remain integral to my life today, and I treasure them deeply

Early on, I took the leap of starting my own rehab business, which allowed me to blend my health sciences background with creative passions. This flexibility enabled me to become a union actor and acquire credits on commercials, TV shows, films, and industrials. After years of significant experience in everything from big-budget international films to low-budget indies, things took a drastic turn. I was offered the opportunity to start a drama program in the Caribbean. I loved my life in LA and knew I would be leaving the career I had worked over a decade on. It was a huge risk. However, I had always wanted to experience living outside the country. Plus, I thought I was trading the big city hustle for a slower pace, heels for flip-flops, and the big screen for a big teacher’s desk. As fate would have it, my first week there I was introduced to a producer who became one of my closest friends and is now the Film Commissioner of Curacao. I had no idea there was any production on the island! This connection opened countless opportunities for voice-over work, producing commercials, and eventually becoming a production manager for the first-ever major U.S. production filmed there. I auditioned and was cast as the wife of a TV icon I had grown up watching. It seemed that what I thought I had left behind unexpectedly followed me to a new, pretty remote location, and I am eternally grateful!

This incredible experience led to another pivotal moment when I moved to Atlanta and was hired to work at the renowned Tyler Perry Studios—as a costumer! It was one of the scariest risks I had taken, as I was new to the role and had no sewing skills or fashion expertise. I had never felt less cool, competent or out of place. It was extremely fast paced and I had to learn quickly but was eventually embraced. Adapting to a completely new environment and position was both daunting and rewarding. This enabled me to join IATSE. Another door opened to a Production company where I worked full-time as a producer, writer, host, voice over artist and managed an editing team. Later, I freelanced as a travel coordinator on a tv pilot that is a current series. Each leap, each risk, expanded the possibilities of what could be done next, further developed my skill set and expanded my network.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, I continued working on high-profile projects, including nonscripted shows, pilots, and awards shows with the executive producer of ‘The Voice’ and ‘Songland’. After missing the fulfillment of running my own business and helping others, I enrolled in a neuroscience and longevity program at UCLA. This led me to become a brain trainer and community partner with UCLA for the South Bay, eventually expanding to North and South Carolina, as well as Florida. I now balance my work as an actor, producer, and brain trainer between the Southeast and Los Angeles, splitting my time between both coasts

Today, I’m deeply grateful to continue working with dear friends who have become cherished colleagues. I regularly freelance with the Emmys and Television Academy, and work as both an actor and producer with Magic Arrow Films and Blazing Trails Media, where I also serve as Executive Producer.

My journey has been rooted in diverse experiences, a commitment to learning, adapting to new cultures, and embracing the unknown. All of these risks have expanded my network, strengthened my creative energy and grounded me in a global perspective. I have learned that trusting God, seeking alignment, and following my intuition have played a key role in all that I do. The guidance has always been there, helping me navigate the twists, turns and lessons, even when the road ahead isn’t always clear.

Looking back, there have been many times when success felt elusive. High standards were set, sometimes so high that it became hard to recognize or appreciate my own achievements. But I’ve come to realize that success doesn’t always look like what was originally imagined. It’s not just about titles or accolades, but about richness in experience, relationships, and the diversity of abilities developed along the way. Success now feels more like the ability to continuously evolve, adapt, fail, pivot, start over, and find new meaning in what has been accomplished.

Ultimately, every leap, every risk taken, has led to new growth. And while the road may not always go as planned, it always leads exactly where it needs to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an actor, producer, and neuroscience & physiology specialist, I’m most excited by the balance I’ve found between creativity and wellness. Working on both sides of the camera allows me to express my creativity, while brain training enables me to help others heal in meaningful ways by improving cognitive function and emotional well-being. This integration of mind and body is deeply rewarding, as it allows me to support others in their personal growth while staying connected to my own creative journey.

Comedy is my favorite genre to act in, though I truly appreciate every role I take on. One of my passions is producing family-friendly films, shows, and content. I especially love working with kids and animals on set, which many tend to avoid due to their unpredictability and restrictions. For me, they bring a refreshing sense of fun, joy, and purity, creating an energizing atmosphere. It reminds us that this is all ‘play’ – as it should be! Several productions I work with offer investment opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute financially in exchange for a share of the profits once the film is distributed. These opportunities provide an accessible way for anyone interested in becoming part of the industry or looking for unique investment options to get involved. We have numerous films that have been successfully distributed, are currently being sold, and are available for streaming.

I got to where I am today through a series of risks and leaps of faith—none of it came easy. For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt and putting unrealistic expectations on myself, feeling disconnected from my family and peers who had more traditional paths. I even convinced myself that success had to be hard-earned, which led to some tough lessons and a difficult relationship that eventually took its toll. But those challenges also shaped me into a more empathetic artist, giving me a depth of character and gratitude that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Now I know that success isn’t always linear, and life’s detours often lead to the richest experiences. The adversity I have faced has made me a better artist, a more compassionate person, and someone who understands the value of reinvention. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and excited for what’s ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, the South Bay. A bike ride from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach, with a visit to every pier along the way, and a stop by my first house in Hermosa (Charlie Chaplin’s old beach house – supposedly). A walk street barbeque & firepit with friends. A scenic drive through Palos Verdes, then jump on a friend’s houseboat in Marina del Rey for a party or a sunset cruise. I’ll spend as little time as possible on Venice Beach, but if you’re visiting, it’s a must-see. Lunch at Augie’s on Main in Santa Monica (try the chicken sandwich), then shopping on Abbot Kinney. A walk along 3rd Street and the pier is a must—do they still have the high-flying trapeze? If so, let’s do it!

Next, a drive through WeHo on the way to visit friends near 3rd and the Grove. Maybe we can squeeze in an Oscar museum tour, and of course, take a few pictures in front of the LACMA lights. Grab some chocolate banana pudding from Magnolia’s Bakery, and definitely catch a live taping of a TV show. Visit the Walk of Fame and complain about how dirty it is, but it looks much better at night with the lights. We’ll sneak a peek of the Hollywood sign and catch a concert in box seats at the Bowl.

Since it’s your first time in LA, we have to take the cheesy tour bus around Beverly Hills and Brentwood (I secretly love them, but can only justify it when people are visiting for the first time). Throughout the day, we’ll squeeze in every meal possible—Persian food, Ethiopian, In-N-Out, Bulgogi, and carnitas at whatever Mexican spot is nearby. And of course, pop into any interesting store along the way.

Finally, we’ll wind down in a rooftop jacuzzi with a view of the ocean. Oh wait, I almost forgot—definitely a day or evening at the Korean spa (I prefer the one in Torrance, but any will do). Ok, you are going to need to stay a while!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ed & Patricia Blair, Amber Wegner, Angel Thompson, Jon & Kristin-Burton Crowe, Ritchie & Malou Greer, Eloise Van Wickeren, Linda Eisen, Michelle Cucuinni-Hicks, Adam Marcus, Debra Sullivan, Ogy Durham, Caroline & Scott Anderson, Romeo Miller and sooo many more…

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