Jess Val Ortiz is an American actress, TikToker, model, social media influencer, and content creator. She was a musical theater major at Penn State University and started making TikTok videos during the pandemic. Since then, she has reached more than 8 million followers on TikTok and is currently pursuing a career on stage. Ortiz plays multiple roles in “Spamilton: An American Parody,” a musical parody of the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton. Besides acting and content creating, she has a passion for health, fitness, and traveling.

Blue Set by Harry Halim
Mesh Shirt by Curalli
Earrings by Jadore
Shoes by Angelei Shoes

When did you realize you want to start making social media content?
Back in March 2020 whenever the pandemic hit, I was a senior in Penn State University‘s musical theater program. I thought that I was going to move to New York City and pursue a career in acting. Unfortunately, due to the lockdown that dream was not going to materialize anytime soon. Everyone started downloading this cool new app called TikTok, and that’s when I decided to give it a try. I instantly grew addicted to the app, and I immediately found a new hobby. I never thought that it would be something that I would do as a profession, but the more content I created the more I wanted it to become my job. After about a year and a half of consistently creating content, I signed with my first manager, who changed my life. I am so thankful to make content and put smiles on people's faces for a living. It’s wild!

What sparked your interest in wanting to pursue musical theater in college?
I started performing on stage when I was five years old. I was in the musical Oliver, and I played a little workhouse boy with my sister. My sister and I did shows together in our small town growing up for about six years. Once I turned 13 years old, I knew I wanted to perform for a living. I always loved singing and dancing, so I made sure to take all the theater classes I could, and to perform in as many musicals as possible. When I was 16 years old, I started attending pre-college programs, which helped me get ready for the college audition process. In April 2016, when I was a senior in high school, I found out that I was accepted into Penn State University‘s musical theater program. This was a huge accomplishment for me because only 12 students a year get accepted into the program. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities and incredible lessons that I learned during my time at Penn State.

**Left:**
Pink Dress by Stello
Shoes : Liv Hart for Bella Belle
Jewelry by Jadore
**Right:**
Blue Feather Shirt by Ivan Young
Earrings by Jadore
Shoes by Suveria

Is it easier to perform live in front of an audience or make videos at home?
It’s easier to make content at home as opposed to performing on stage, because whenever I'm filming, I can re-shoot my videos as many times as I need to. Whenever you’re performing on stage, you have one opportunity to make it as perfect and clean as possible! I love doing both of them very, very much, and hopefully I will be able to do both for the rest of my life.

Besides acting, you also have a big passion for health and fitness. Can you share with us your selfcare routines that help you stay on track with your busy schedules?
I am a huge skincare nerd, and I love to watch videos and learn all about the ingredients that are put into face and body washes. I wish I could make some beauty/skin care content on my channels; however, I fear that nobody would want to see that since I have already established a specific personality through my videos. But I would love to talk more about my health and fitness journeys through my channels.

My trick to being efficient when it comes to staying healthy is making a schedule for myself. Everyone always has at least one hour in their day of nothing to do. I like to spend that either working out, going on a walk, or freshening myself up.

**Left:**
Blue Feather Shirt by Ivan Young
Earrings by Jadore
Shoes by Suveria
**Right:**
White Dress by KheirSannai
Glasses by Oscar x Frank
Jewelry by Twyla Treasures , TSEAT Jewelry, & Apede Mod
Shoes by: Angelei Shoes

What are your goals for the coming years?
The number one goal and dream of mine is to be on Broadway. Hopefully, 2023 will come with some exciting opportunities when it comes to show business. I think of myself as a well-rounded person. I could see myself on film, TV, commercials, or anything else that matches my goofy self.

What advice would you give to someone that may want to embark on this career path?
Always try to find ways of motivating yourself, and surround yourself with incredible, supportive people who want to see you succeed.

**Left:**
White Dress by Janey Lopaty
Glasses by Oscar x Frank
Jewelry by Twyla Treasures , TSEAT Jewelry, & Apede Mod
Shoes by: Angelei Shoes
**Right:**
Blue Set by Harry Halim
Mesh Shirt by Curalli
Earrings by Jadore
Shoes by Angelei Shoes

Do you have any dream people to collaborate with?
I am a huge fan of stand-up comedy. If I could work with Sebastian Maniscalco, or Jim Gaffigan, that would be a dream come true.

What are your socials?
IG: @jessvalortiz

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Jess Val Ortiz
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Ana Estela
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Photographer’s Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Fashion Styling Assistant: Kaij Fashion & Styling
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Chloe Liu, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: FD Studios