Jess Miller

Let’s start with the name. How did “Just Jess” come about, and what does it say about the version of yourself you share online?

The name “Just Jess” came from my publicist. We were brainstorming ideas, and she said, “Just Jess.” It couldn’t be more accurate, because what you see is what you get. I’m just myself everywhere I go, no matter what anyone else thinks.

You call Nashville home base, but you spend a lot of time in New York. How do those two cities shape your content, and which one feels more like the “real” Jess?

I like to say Nashville is the perfect mix of where I’m from, plus that southern hospitality. I was born and raised about 30 minutes outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I grew up in the suburbs but spent a lot of time in the city, and since my dad is from Indiana, I spent plenty of time in the middle of nowhere too. Nashville gives me the city without being as big as New York. I can still drive and touch grass whenever I want.

So, to answer your question, the two cities shape me in different ways. In Nashville, I feel at home, and you get the full, real me. I spend a lot of time in New York, but it almost feels like I’m living a double life when I’m there. It doesn’t quite seem real. You still get the real me, just with my guard up a little. Nashville will always be home, and it’s where you get all of me.

Nashville has become a magnet for creators over the last few years. What’s something about the city’s creator scene that people on the outside don’t get?

Speaking from experience, the Nashville creator scene is nothing like New York or LA. It’s welcoming, wholesome, and a place where you can truly be yourself. The best way to put it is that it’s not intimidating. I think so many people are moving here because they feel seen in a way they haven’t before.

You’re active on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. How does your approach change from platform to platform, and which one do you have the most fun on right now?

I love them all, but believe it or not, Instagram is my favorite right now. Snapchat and TikTok always came easily to me because I never felt intimidated there. On Instagram, I used to feel like I had to watch what I posted. Once I finally let go of that insecurity and started treating it like Snapchat and TikTok, I had more fun with it and saw the most growth. Honestly, my approach doesn’t change much. I post what I want, and people either love it or they don’t.

Take us back to the moment you realized this could be a real career and not just something you did for fun. What happened?

It was when I landed my first brand deal with Raising Cane’s and what they paid me covered my entire rent that month. I never imagined I’d get to work with brands and have opportunities like these.

Your audience feels genuinely connected to you. What’s the most memorable interaction you’ve had with a follower, online or in person?

One of the most memorable was when someone came up to me on Broadway in Nashville, told me they follow me, and said I had helped them get through their mental health struggles. Mental health is so important to me because I almost lost my life to it in 2019. Hearing that opening up about my own battle helped someone else meant so much to me.

Brand partnerships are a big part of the creator world. What makes you say yes to a brand, and have you ever turned down a deal that surprised people?

I say yes when it’s a product or brand I genuinely love. If it doesn’t align with my values or it’s something I wouldn’t use myself, I won’t work with them. It’s as simple as that.

There’s a lot of pressure to always be “on.” What does a day completely offline look like for you, and how do you protect your energy?

Burnout is real. It’s easy to avoid when your engagement is consistently high, but that’s not reality. This industry is a roller coaster. You’ll have more bad months than good ones, and you’ll hear “no” far more often than “yes,” but when it’s good, it’s GOOD. I protect my energy by reminding myself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. When I want to fully disconnect, I shut my phone off, and some days I forget I even have one. It’s so nice.

If you could collaborate with any artist, creator, or brand, Nashville or otherwise, who would it be and what would you make together?

If we’re dreaming big, I’d say the Jonas Brothers, mainly Joe Jonas. They’re my favorite boy band, and I think Joe and I have a similar sense of humor and would get along great. He seems to love coffee shops, so I’d want to do something like grabbing coffee together and interviewing him.

Looking ahead to the next year, what are you most excited about that your followers don’t know yet?

I’m excited to attend so many events I’ve never been to before, keep growing my socials, and work with lots of new brands. I’m hoping 2027 is the year I finally make a name for myself in this industry and have my “I made it” moment.