Meet Jessica M. Legrair | Self Love Advocate & Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica M. Legrair and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The most important reason I am pursuing a career in the arts is because my 4 year old self told me that is one of the things I’ll do with my life. I’ve been performing in front of my Dad’s camcorder since then, not knowing that is what I’d do as an adult. It was in my nature to act or perform, and I followed it on and off for about 23 years until I decided to pursue acting professionally. The second most important reason is, it is therapeutic! Being able to release emotions in the form of creativity or art is beautiful and it is authentic. Even to watch it from another performer, moves me and allows me to release any feelings or emotions in a healthy manner. The third and final most important reason is it brings me joy to move people, and to entertain them. For however long they were entertained by me, I helped them be present, forget about their stressors, or get in their feels. Making people feel good is important to me. Seeing people happy, makes me happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The work I’m currently working on and will always be working on is with my self. Which is part of the reason I am a self love advocate. The main reason I am, is because I had a few years in my early to mid 20s when I was a complete mess, is what I called it at the time, but I was uncomfortable growing through major pains and it took those years to realize I didn’t truly love myself. It’s been 10 years, and it’s amazing how I’ve grown and how much I learn about myself still, including different ways to love myself. Because as we grow and evolve, the way we love ourselves changes…or levels up. I like that phrase better. I’ve also learned that we don’t truly know how much we’ve grown or not grown, until we are placed in a situation that showcases it. I was shown the lack of growth in a couple areas of my life last year, and am currently strongly growing through that with an awesome boyfriend by my side who helps with that simply by being understanding, patient, and kind. It’s a beautiful thing when you can get through a growing pain on your own, but it’s sweet and encouraging when you can do that with someone there who’s not judging you, but truly being there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Geez, if we weren’t in a pandemic ::whining emoji face::!! We would definitely have to go hiking at least three times. I say three times because there are 3 trails that are my favorite. We’ll start with my favorite because it is good cardio and leg strengthening, Wildwood Canyon in Burbank. Doesn’t have the greatest views along the way, but you’ll feel like you got an amazing workout in. Second is Eaton Canyon in Pasadena; waterfall…say less. Third is basic, and it’s Runyon. If you take the route less traveled, it’s pretty good haha. Not to mention there is an amazing view of the city, and that’s cool to see as a tourist! A few restaurants we’d go to are Taste on Melrose. One of my favorite places for brunch! Sweetgreen, because what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t introduce my best friend to such a healthy and delicious spot! Harvest Bowl is where it’s at, just so you know. Vegetable in Studio City, really great vegetarian and vegan spot. Super cute inside as well. Next on the list is Sunset Trocadero; the best happy hour in town in my opinion, and the food and drinks are amazing! If she wants to go to In-N-Out, we can make that trip…I guess it’s a thing to do when you come to the west coast. The beaches we’d go to are Malibu, the more private area, and Manhattan Beach. Those are my two most favorite beaches. My good friends and I also just love a nice chill night in with wine and cooking dinner. We can do that anywhere, as long as we have each other’s good company, it doesn’t much matter where we enjoy it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Parents deserve the greatest shoutout. They created the foundation of me being me, since I was a child. In their allowing of my siblings and I to really be kids; play, explore, trying different activities, etc., it served for a great start into being fearless, creative, playful, and open. All of which I’ve carried into my adulthood. Being fearless is sometimes shaky, but I always persevere through any adversities no matter how scared I am. In their allowing of us to truly have a childhood, I discovered my joy and love for entertaining. My parents caught on to this, and enrolled me in dance, acrobat, and gymnastics. Once I was older I joined a few acting classes. My Dad also gave me an old camcorder of his when I was 13. With that I recorded short films, music videos, and news reports with my siblings. I often think back on my childhood, because without it I’m not sure when I would have realized performing was in me.

Website: https://jessicalegrair.wixsite.com/tenaciousfemme

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicamlegrair/

Image Credits
Leah Huebner Headshots, Natalie Nix