JILL OF ALL TRADES

PHOTOGRAPHER VIKTORIJA PASHUTA @VIKTORIJA_PASHUTA 
MODEL JILLISA LYNN @JILLISALYNN
STYLIST JESSE J GUILLEN @JESSEJCOLLECTIONS AGENCY @SIXKLA 
MAKEUP K. HART
HAIR EDGARDO NAVARRO @EDGARDONAVARROC
STYLIST ASSISTANT JESSICA RENDON
INTERN OLIVIA AMEZCUA

Singer, actress, and model Jillisa Lynn, AKA Jill-of-all-Trades, was bound to perform and become a flourishing entertainer of the arts. A woman of sheer courage and shining light, the New York native took the plunge, packing her car and relocating to Hollywood with roughly $500 in her pocket and one hell of a dream. Since then, she has gained ongoing momentum, expanding her personal brand and furthering her career as an artist. Getting her start with 90210 Talent Agency, Lynn has worked alongside recording artists, including Snoop Dogg, Tyrese, Soulja Boy and Justin Timberlake, has been featured in major publications like ESPN, The Rochester Insider and Playboy, and has played a variety of roles across film and television. We spoke to Lynn about the big move, her upcoming clothing line and secret super powers.

BASIC: You were born and raised in Rochester, NY and attained the nickname “Jill-of-all-Trades.” Tell us about your upbringing and when you realized you were destined to perform and entertain.
JILLISA: I’ve been a performer at heart for as far back as I can remember. I moved a lot as a child and was quite a rebel due to my environment. The arts have always been a calm to the storm of life.  My earliest memory was when I was six, with my older sister and cousin. We would put on concerts for our mothers. While performing, they would run off stage, playing a prank and leaving me to finish the show. At first I would get upset, but the more they played their prank the more I took over the stage. Maybe that’s what helped to build my confidence. I was also known for pulling my mattress into the living room and while watching the Olympics on TV, I taught myself how to tumble (backflips, cartwheels, etc.) By eight, I was learning choreography to Janet Jackson and singing Celine Dion in front of 300 people at Camp Onyahsa, a YMCA camp located in New York. This helped mold me into the overall artist I’ve been blessed to become.

BASIC: In 2009, you moved to Los Angeles without much of a plan. Most individuals can only speak about doing something so risky, but cannot work up the courage to follow through. Tell us about this journey and what your initial thoughts were when you moved.
JILLISA: At that time I had just turned 21 and didn’t have a plan. The courage came from a lost soul wanting more out of life. Three years after graduating I felt stuck, felt like I needed a change of pace from bartending and working retail. I yearned for more opportunity to develop as an artist and to find myself as a young woman. I came from a broken family, but also the home of so much unconditional love and support. They are the true motivation and inspiration that gave me the courage to come to L.A. and make my dreams come true. I wanted more for my family; they are my purpose. It’s incredible when the impact of others believing in you is greater than your fears! My initial thought was that I had to make them proud and I only fail when I stop trying. So, as my love for the arts ran a deep desire within me for many years, it was inevitable that I would make the move. Now, 10 years later, I’m still here. It has not been an easy road, but the journey I am on is one I dreamed of as that little girl back at camp. Now, Hollywood is my camp and I’ve only just begun. I won’t stop when I’m tired. I’ll stop when I’m done.

BASIC: You have released nine independent singles, eight self-produced music videos and are releasing your new EP this year. Tell us about your music career and what sparked your passion to become an artist.
JILLISA: Now that you know some things about my upbringing, there was a time during the rebellious stage that I closed off and my true passion wasn’t being honed for almost 10 years! It wasn’t until three or more years after living in Los Angeles as a working model and actress that I gained the courage and amazing resources to give music a go. It’s changed my life and healed me in ways I can’t explain. That’s what I believe music is for and my latest album entitled Mixed Emotions, will bring you closer to that process. The difference between my first album 6/6 and this one is that I’m more vulnerable in hopes that others will relate and be uplifted as well. I can see how much my art is growing and I’m so honored to have the belief from my supporters.

BASIC: We understand you are now working on opening your own clothing boutique very soon. What can we expect in terms of clothing style and aesthetic?
JILLISA: We are a fashion-forward company that was built from a close friendship. I’ve been in the industry for over 12 years and have modeled for numerous brands as well as fashion shows. My partner Dana Fulton, is a FIDM alumni and now a stylist who works with the majors. We are integrating our sense of style combined with chi comfort. All of our fashion gets named after words of affirmation since we are inspirationally inspired. You can look forward to quotes embroidered on custom pieces. Our goal is to spread a positive message through our brand Ji’Dae that can be worn and read all over the world.

BASIC: Do you have any big plans or projects coming up in the near future that you are able to share with our readers?
JILLISA: Yes. Having recently released my second album, I will be producing more visuals for my fans to enjoy. Also, in September my 2020 calendar will be available for presale through my website as well as other distributions. Fun fact: my first calendar was photographed in 2010 and this marks a 10-year milestone anniversary for me. It’s my way of celebrating my JL brand and all that I’ve been honored to accomplish over the years.

BASIC: In one sentence, how would you describe your personal identity?
JILLISA: I’m a woman of God, a free spirit with a big heart who loves to create art with hopes to shed light throughout my purpose.

BASIC: If you had one super power, what would it be and why?
JILLISA: To heal physical and emotional pain. I’m a very empathetic person and I tend to feel what others go through stronger than most. In turn, I try to become Dr. Jill (laughs). My mommy always said to me, “Jill, you can’t fix everyone.” But I sure wish I could very often.

BASIC: Tell us one thing most people do not know about you.
JILLISA: I have a passion for flowers and I’ve been gardening a flower bed for three years. A goal in my life is to eventually grow a botanical garden to take care of and enjoy every day. It will be my creative sanctuary and maybe I’ll even open one to the public one day! Plant a tree to save a life!  

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