Meet Janelle Blake | Actress/Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janelle Blake and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janelle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I wanted to be a part of the storytelling process. I loved movies growing up and the process of making films inspired me. The collaborative effort of everyone involved is so extensive and intense. Some films take hundreds of hours of work and dozens of cast, crew, and staff to produce a two hour masterpiece. That’s movie magic and I wanted to participate in it. I don’t think it was optional: I was born to perform; it’s in my blood.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career started off at the early age of 15. I began traveling to Los Angeles to audition after participating in a competition and securing representation. Unfortunately, due to my mother being a single parent and having younger children, she couldn’t commit to the hectic auditioning schedule of traveling back and forth from where we lived in the Central Valley to LA, so I decided when I turned 18 I was moving to LA to pursue my goals and I never looked back. It was very difficult at first. I had to learn how to navigate Hollywood and adjust to the hustle of an actor. Auditions in the day, working nights, and taking classes, constantly sharpening my tools. Eventually things started to happen. I started to work pretty consistently as a print model and commercial actress, but I wasn’t fulfilled, I wanted to act in movies. So I decided to step back from auditioning and get my degree in Theater Arts, which led me to a study abroad program in the South of France where I studied for eight months and learned French. Fast forward, here I am back in LA, I just shot two short films, and I have another film that I co-wrote and I will play the lead part that is coming out soon. The takeaway from my story is don’t be afraid to pivot or step back to reassess your dreams. The more opportunities you take, the more well rounded you will be and have more life to pour into your art. Don’t set out to build a wall… just put a brick down every day and before you know it you will have your wall. Never give up! Your dreams are valid.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit Los Angeles, the first place we would have to go is up the PCH. The drive up the coast is amazing. We would stop off at Nobu for some amazing sushi and sake. Then a little late night “stargazing” at the iconic Chateau Marmont. Beyond being a beautiful hotel it is a total scene and really gives you that “Hollywood” vibe. The following day, we would go hiking to Griffith Observatory to see one of the largest telescopes on the West Coast – the views are spectacular. Then maybe a little lunch at a nice vegan spot like The Sun Cafe. In LA, the weather, beaches, and the views are the things that excite me the most. Almost every day is beautiful. I’m pretty laid back, so sun and water is all you need to have an incredible time. Last but not least we have to head to Melrose for some retail therapy. There is no way you can come to LA without leaving with some retail swag.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout series to my oldest friend Jeffrey A. Strauss (The DoF). Ram Dass once said that most people are holding their breath trying to make it through life, and that “all you can do for another person is be an environment in which if they wanted to come up for air, they could.” He has always allowed me to come up for air and breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he has my back through good and bad times. No questions asked. Also, to all of my teachers and advisors over the years that have helped educate me and kept me safe when going to emotionally difficult places in the work. Thank you.

Instagram: @missjyvette

Image Credits
Jupiter Images Hungry Man Production( Walmart screenshot)