Influencer Jess Val Ortiz Talks About Creating Content And New Musical Performances

Jess makes us laugh out loud!

With nearly 8 Million followers so far, Jess Val Ortiz keeps making us laugh with her relatable content. Now, she’s putting her amazing music skills to the test by starring as all of the female characters in “Spamilton, an American Parody”.

We had the absolute honor of talking with Jess about her theatre background, making skills, and more!

When did your first realize that you wanted to start making social media content?

J: “Back in March of 2020, right when the pandemic hit, I was graduating with my Musical Theatre degree at Penn State University. The plan was to embark on a wild journey to become an actress and move to New York City after graduation. Due to covid, however, I was unable to make the move, and I couldn’t act for a very long time. Once I graduated from college, I quite literally had nothing. I was living in my childhood bedroom at my parents for months, not knowing at all what to do with myself. However, everybody seemed to be downloading this fun new app called TikTok, and I even had some friends at school who told me that I would love it. So of course, to pass the time while we were all waiting for the world to go back to normal, I ended up creating my own account on TikTok. After about a month of trying to make content on the app, I started to gain a couple thousand followers, which shortly turned into hundreds of thousands of followers! I honestly couldn’t believe it, but I was very passionate about this new hobby of mine, so I was very proud of my accomplishments thus far. In November 15th of 2020, just 8 months after downloading the app- I hit 1 Million Followers on TikTok. This was the moment that I realized… this is something that I am meant to do.“

Did you expect yourself to gain the fame that you have now?

J: “Honestly, I did not. When I downloaded Tiktok, most of the content I saw there was of very beautiful people doing little dances, who would get millions of views on each video! That kind of content was not very me- I always liked making up little skits and being funny. I did have a passion for beauty and fashion, but I never felt like I was attractive enough to make it as a beauty influencer. But still, I wanted to tell stories and make a difference in someone’s life even if it’s just a very short, 20-second video. I am very lucky to be where I am today. Never in a million years did I think that someone as silly and goofy as me would have a special place in these people’s hearts.”

 Is there anything you want to say to your nearly 8 Million followers?

J: “I love you so so so very much. Always do what makes you happy. No matter the sacrifice. I was working the absolute most miserable remote job before I became a full-time content creator because I was too scared to leave. I was too scared to say goodbye to having a consistent paycheck. That’s what I needed to survive to live on my own. But I took a chance, quit that job, and now I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Always do what makes you happy.”

We need to talk about “Spamilton, an American Parody”. How did you get onto the project?

J: “Spamilton is a parody of the hit Broadway Musical “Hamilton”! I first joined the production back in 2019 when the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) premiered in the Greer Cabaret Theatre in Pittsburgh PA. I was the female understudy, which means that I would perform in the show whenever the Leading Lady called out. After finishing my 5-month long contract, I had to go back to school to finish up my Theatre Degree at Penn State. As I mentioned earlier, due to Covid 19, all theatrical productions were on hold for almost 2 years. Just a few months ago, I got an email from the Producer of Spamilton, who let me know that the tour is picking back up! He asked me if I would like to join the cast as a replacement for their Leading Lady. I was so excited because this is my very first time being in a show since the lockdown! It’s been such a blast performing in this hilarious show, all around the country!”

Do you think it’s challenging to play all of the female characters? 

J: “Absolutely. I have to sing about 5 different vocal styles throughout the show, so it’s important for me to keep my stamina up throughout the performance. And on top of that, I’m on stage 85% of the time, so I have to really pace myself!”

Is it easier to perform live in front of an audience, or to make videos at home?

J: “Performing live is always so much more challenging because you only have one opportunity to get everything perfect! Filming to me is not as nerve-racking because I can take as much time as I need to film a video, reshoot, collaborate, save drafts, make another, etc.”

You have an incredible singing voice. Do you think you would ever pursue making music?

J: “Awe well thank you!! Singing has always been my number one passion above everything else. My mom would rent out a local recording studio in Pittsburgh when I was a kid just so I could burn some CDs and send them to family members who never got the chance to hear me sing. My ultimate dream since I was 6 years old, is to play Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera. Maybe one day I’ll get the opportunity to audition and see what could potentially come of it!”

What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue the entertainment industry?

J: “Never listen to someone who tells you “You can’t”. There were too many people in my life that have told me that I was never good enough to be an actress. I was told that I was too big, too goofy, etc. But I blocked it out and choose not to listen to them. Negativity will do nothing but hold you back. It’s so much easier said than done but you need to block out the people who don’t have your best interest at heart.”

What are some of your biggest goals for your career? 

J: “Every year I make a new goal for myself. Last year’s goal was to become a full-time content creator! Now that that is checked off the list, a new goal of mine is to book any type of film on TV or to play a dream role of mine in a theatrical production. If anyone is doing Evita – let me know!”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

J: “I am on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube – @jessvalortiz for all! So excited to bring you all along on this whirlwind journey!”

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.