Meet Jessica Dailey of LIVE in the Wild! She is a photographer and visual production extraordinaire who, per her Instagram bio, believes that “music will save the planet.” In her photos, she captures the energy of live music performances.

Her upcoming project – LIVE in the Wild — will combine her passion for videography and uplifting Charlotte’s local music scene.

Jessica is a member of the inaugural cohort of our Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) funded by Wells Fargo. The CEI is designed to fund a creative project and provide business and project management training. Our goal is to help these artists build a sustainable creative business. Learn more about CEI here.

Get to know Jessica below:

How long have you been in Charlotte?

Since Summer 2017! About 4.5 years.

What are your creative disciplines? What do you love to do?

Photography, videography, and audio production! I love working with local musicians, and really anybody out here passionately doing cool stuff.

In two sentences: What is your CEI project all about?

My CEI project — LIVE in the Wild — is all about helping local artists and bands expand their reach, and giving viewers a deeper insight into their music and personalities. Also, to push new collaborations between artists in unique settings, and connect people and businesses across Charlotte’s music scene.

How will the public be able to experience your CEI project?

We will be producing multiple video series centered around local musicians in the “wild” — people will be able to follow along with our content online, purchase tickets to LIVE in the Wild in-person events, or watch those same events as they happen live on social media.

How can they help you?

By going to www.liveinthewildclt.com and following the social accounts (linked below)! As we move further along, we 100% plan to team up with others covering Charlotte music as well.

What are your thoughts on Charlotte’s creative community? What do we need more of?

There’s a lot of cool artists and projects happening in Charlotte – I always end up meeting people and am like, “how did I not know about you sooner?” I think a lot of people don’t really know how to get word out about their projects, and there’s a lot of room for improvement in terms of marketing/promo.

This is a tough question for me to answer honestly, but I think more education in that regard plus training for peeps interested in artist management could go a long way.

What have you learned in the class?

First that I’m not alone! Haha, most of the things we get down on ourselves about are things other people are struggling with as well. Tons more, but one thing that comes to mind is the importance of having your story in your back pocket, and being able to tell it at any time fast and effectively.

What would you say to other creatives about being a small business?

To make friends with other small business owners and pick their brains, and to give yourself grace! Nobody gets it right at first, but we all learn as we go.

Follow Jessica’s Creative Career

Jessica’s IG: @jesstherookie_

LIVE in the Wild: IG | FB | WEB