Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa DeJesus.
Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Being born and raised in Austin, I’ve always been surrounded by big personalities. My loud immediate family of six was no different! I struggled to find my place in our family and eventually settled as the quiet one, keeping to myself and being a wallflower at family outings and church events. It wasn’t until I finally met someone that allowed me to fully be myself with no judgment or question did I get to come out of my shell and chase after dusty old dreams. Because of my parents and their entrepreneurial influence, I have always wanted to run my own business but I never believed enough in myself. Luckily, I found my fiance, who is such a wealth of support for me! He’s an accomplished business owner himself and has been such an inspiration for me to finally take charge of my own life!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the largest struggles I’ve encountered is the health of my fiance. He was recently diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and instructed by his cardiologist that he can no longer work as he has for the last three decades as an owner/operator of his construction business. While I have just begun a new journey of contract working in the film industry, I am now trying to manage a life-changing illness and all the mental/physical battles it presents. The stress is real…
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had dreams of becoming an author for young adult fiction. Over the years, those dreams have morphed or halted for various reasons. Currently, I am working for a film producer as a production assistant and aiming to become a producer, screenwriter and director in my future. In addition to that, I do a little acting, promotional modeling and photography. Currently, I am mostly proud of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and into the life of an independent contractor. Having spent the entirety of my working career employed by others, it has been wonderful to be able to chase after my own dreams on my terms. Although I do miss my former profession immensely (veterinary technician), the new adventure I find myself in is incredibly exciting and I’ve already enjoyed the heck out of it!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As a Virgo, risk taking is not my forte! However, after my fiance’s CHF diagnoses, I did take a risk leaving a profession I held near and dear to my heart to be more readily available for him and work from home. At the time of his diagnosis, I was a veterinary technician for a low-cost, high-volume spay/neuter clinic. The compassion expressed daily at that clinic provided a fulfillment I’m not likely to replace anytime soon and for me, finding a job I could absolutely adore and also get paid to do wasn’t an easy gig to come by! Leaving the industry was a difficult choice because I was leaving a team that meant the world to me and also a very steady income with health benefits for me and my family. But becoming an independent contractor does have it’s benefits and now I can be closer to my fiance as we work through his illness. Of course, I also have the great benefit of pursuing a career in the film industry and vet teching as much as I was would never have allowed me the opportunities I have now!
Contact Info:
- Website: thirdcoastfilms.com
- Instagram: alyssa__tcf
Image Credits
Christi Captures Photos by Meggie
