MEET JESS YOUNG

Welcome back to our 'MEET' series, where you can meet members of the Other Box community and other inspiring individuals making moves in their respective industries. We spotlight their diverse talents, unique perspectives, and innovative contributions to the industry. 

So, without further ado…

MEET JESS

A Vietnamese/Chinese musician, DJ and nail artist from Islington.

How do you describe yourself?

I would say I am a driven person who likes to get the job done, but also have to feel emotional fulfilment through my work to feel purposeful! I definitely believe in working smart vs working hard.

How did you get started?

I started working in my family's Chinese takeaway when I was pretty young. Although it wasn't what I wanted to do, it definitely allowed me to become more comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and under pressure. 

That allowed me to adapt and learn things quickly, which allowed me to move forward in my nail art career, which started when I was 16, at a nail art salon. I was there for about four years and then went into freelancing, which I have now been doing for six years. My freelance career started in the crux of a big awakening, when I had to question what I wanted to do with my life, and that was when I decided to pursue music alongside nails. 

How do you / your work support and celebrate underrepresented people?

My platform, Boys In Polish, celebrates that! It is all about making manicures more inclusive by including men and non-binary folk.

I do my best to provide a safe and open space for those who comes to get their nails done with me as I know that the notion of getting your nails done is still nerve-wracking and taboo experience for some men and non-binary people. However, it really is beautiful to see it becoming more normalised as the years go on.

How do you Make Space For Difference?

Hopefully, through my platform Boys In Polish, and also my music! When it comes to my music, as a sensitive person I have become naturally increasingly selective about who I work with and honouring what feels right in my gut. 

It's so easy to become distracted and feel like you have to be this or that to get to where you need to be, but after a while, I think we notice a lack of joy from not doing the things we want to do emotionally, physically, and mentally.

I'm just currently on a path where I want to do what feels right for me, even if it is unconventional. That's where I'm at, and I hope it can make a positive difference for myself and the world. I think being different is a good thing and we should all embrace that more. The more we can celebrate our differences and inner quirks, the more we can thrive and attract those who we can be our full selves around. 

Who/What inspires your work?

The weird and wonderful thing we call life :)

What can we expect from you in the coming months?

Nothing- if it happens it happens!

What is your favourite quote that sums up your philosophy on life?

Let go and trust.

Describe yourself in 3 words: 

Creative, Intuitive, Solitary.

Where can people find you? 

On Instagram: @jessyoungofficial and @boysinpolish

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