Jessie Cheng - Marketing Creative, Student, and Author of Unglamored

Jessie Cheng

Passionate about global entertainment and the intersection of artistry and mental health, Jessie Cheng left California’s Bay Area for Boston in pursuit of her studies in marketing and applied psychology. Her marketing experience has allowed Cheng to work directly with musical talent, thereby strengthening her dedication to creating a culture of empathy through creative storytelling. As a Chinese American woman, Cheng hopes to advance a new, diverse narrative on mental health and in penning her debut novel, Unglamored, has sparked a conversation about eating disorders within Asian communities and the entertainment industry.

When not busy writing, Cheng can often be found competitively playing card games with friends or performing two a.m. solo concerts in front of her mirror.

I’m excited for you to connect with Jessie, check out her work and new book, and follow along as she continues to work towards building connection and a culture of empathy and advancing a new, diverse narrative on mental health.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Jessie Cheng, and I’m a marketing creative, student, and author of Unglamored, a young adult novel addressing eating disorders within the Asian and entertainment industry. Through my work, I offer a diverse perspective on mental health from an Asian American and female perspective. With my debut novel Unglamored published, I am now exploring screenwriting and podcasting as ways to continually pursue storytelling.

How did you get started?

For years, I have been interested in research on eating disorders, especially related cultural and social influences. Last May, when I was struggling most with my own eating disorder during the lockdown, I joined an incredible program called the Creator’s Institute. A mentor I met encouraged me to write a novel so I could not only share my own experiences but shine light on the pervasiveness of eating disorders. There were many moments during my recovery when I felt incredibly alone - I told myself if I could even comfort one person with my message, writing a book would be worth it. My publishing team at New Degree Press gave me a lot of accountability when writing Unglamored, and I’m so happy it’s out now!

What Inspired the work you’re doing?

After struggling with disordered eating and an eating disorder for over seven years, I felt inspired to advocate for others with eating disorders–especially public figures and members of the Asian community–by writing Unglamored. My goal is to debunk eating disorder myths, reveal the intense pressures public figures experience, and diversify the literature we read regarding mental health. One idea in my book is that “true healing comes through vulnerability and confronting painful realities” - I hope Unglamored inspires readers to seek recovery in their lives, whatever that may look like.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My biggest passion is music. Music has the ability to share universal messages and emotions anyone can relate to, regardless of differences in identities. With more artists using music as a way to promote messages about mental health, female empowerment, racial justice, etc., I feel my commitment to music has only strengthened. I get to live my passion and purpose by working directly with artists on marketing campaigns so they can share their own unique stories with the world.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I feel most alive when mentoring the youth - offering them career, vocational, relational, spiritual, life advice. Nothing makes me happier than seeing young people thrive and impacting the world through their own entrepreneurial projects and creative initiatives.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I have been journaling since the sixth grade, and journaling is the best way for me to process my experiences and see how I have grown. Because self-reflection is so important, I make it a habit to see how my daily actions have aligned with my core values. As a Christian, prayer and Scripture also keeps me mindful and filled with gratitude. Therapy has also been incredible, and was definitely the best decision I made when pursuing eating disorder recovery.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

My younger self would would be proud of the work I am doing now. I think little Jessie would say, “Thank you for never giving up on yourself. Keep going, keep healing, keep inspiring.”

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

My go-to mantra is “Turn your pain into purpose.” It reminds me that I can turn my struggles into something that uplifts and comforts others. When working on my novel Unglamored, this affirmation gave me the purpose and strength to continue writing.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to write a screenplay for a movie exploring mental health, and for it to play at theatres worldwide. Through my work, I hope to continue sparking conversations on mental health to create a culture of empathy.

To connect with Jessie and learn more visit her website www.jessiejmcheng.com and @jessiejmcheng on Instagram and via email at jessiecheng.author@gmail.com.

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