Meet Jessica Washington | Author & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My life has never been easy. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon and a nice, healthy family. My home,Houston, was a harsh teacher. My mother was an addict and I endured abuse at the hands of my family. I was placed into foster care and for 8 years and the best thing that came from those years was my opportunity to have a free education at Texas Southern University. I juggled school and being a single parent and I eventually relocated to Atlanta.I learned so much in Atlanta. I became a photographer and ended up photographing some well respected celebrities. Atlanta is also where I fell in love and met my ex wife but with her being a veteran and dealing with ptsd among other mental illness was a strain and caused a separation. During that time I found myself journaling consistently and felt this strong urge to write a book – which has always been a dream of mine. My story grew into something larger than me. it became my purpose, my drive and my goal was to share it with the world. I moved back home to Houston and my book ‘When Love Isn’t Enough – Life After Dealing With a Narcissist” picked up by a local black/queer/woman owned publisher by the name os Ignited Ink 717. I am now divorced, a published author( with books internationally distributed) and so much stronger and wiser!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I carry many titles. I am an author and my book is a self help book to inspire people dealing with a narcissist and domestic abuse to see they are so much more than their current relationship. I am a professional photographer ( Jess D Photography) and I specialize in portraits and wedding photography. I am a social media sensation and went viral on TIKTOK and has brought joy to millions around the world. I also cohost a Podcast (In the Loop With The Crew). What sets me apart is my ability to use my personal experiences to share laughter, inspiration and healing!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is so unique. You really can’t put us in the box. We are so diverse and our culture is unmatched! I mean the food alone hits different! My city is so alluring and it has so many opportunities. We have the greatest artist and poets, too. Some of my favorite spots that I have found since moving back Lost and Found, Crawfish Cafe, Breakfast Club,Prospect Park,Bar 5051. I would definitely say the museums and shopping is amazing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sad Reneé, I would like to take the time to show my gratitude for your assistance with writing my first book. You worked hard and spent many endless days and long nights working with me on my book. When I said I had doubts about my book, you encouraged me to keep going. You have rooted for me and pushed me well above measure. You have been my go-to for everything, including this book. You are the rock that held this book together. With- out your dedication, this would never have come together as well as it did. I owe it all to you. You were the puzzle pieces to this wonderful creation. I came to you with all the notes that I had been writing to myself for a long time now and helped me turn them into one of the greatest stories I’ve ever told. Thank you for all your hard work.

Website: www.jessicadwashington.com

Instagram: @authorjessicadwashington

Linkedin: Jessica Washington

Twitter: @whenloveisnt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaDWashington/

Image Credits
Pure Image Hou MWhitley Media Porsha Jackson-Book Cover JessD Photography