TikTok star Jessica Golich chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about her new book “Opening the Cosmic Doors,” and her career as an Internet sensation.
She is an entrepreneur, cannabis influencer, TikToker, writer, and health/wellness Influencer. Jessica is formally one of the biggest music journalists and photographers in the world. She was a guest as a prominent influencer on Montel Williams’ cannabis podcast ‘Let’s Be Blunt’. She is proudly an Ambassador for Last Prisoner Project.
As a pioneer TikToker, she has expanded her influence on social media, growing rapidly with over 130 million views. Jessica’s TikTok videos have secured her slots on MTV’s Ridiculousness, and BET, among others.
She is a lifelong writer who has written hundreds of published pieces in Global Digital and Print publications and magazines. Jessica was first published in “The American Anthology of Poetry” when she was 11-years-old. She just released her first book, ‘Opening The Cosmic Doors’, on August 24, 2021.
You just released your first book “Opening the Cosmic Doors…”. How does it feel to be a published author and what was the creative process like while you were putting all of this together?
It feels amazing. I have been writing my entire life and was first published in “The American Anthology of Poetry” when I was 11-years-old. The creative process for ‘Opening The Cosmic Doors’ involved me strategically placing myself in a natural environment, California, where I was able to soak up the wisdom of my surroundings.
Introspectively, I dove into my history with cannabis and how plant medicine has served to enhance my health. It is my deep hope that my first book, ‘Opening The Cosmic Doors’, serves as a springboard to getting signed for a poetry series by a major publishing house.
You’re a successful influencer both on Instagram and TikTok. What are some of the biggest challenges that you face as an influencer and what do you do to overcome those challenges?
Thank you very much. A major challenge that I have faced is not being properly credited on Instagram. Lacking verification on Instagram, as I meet all qualifications, has cost me very serious money and growth. I have lost brand partnerships.
I have attempted to advocate on behalf of the Cannabis Industry and the Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri, has ignored me for over 1.5 years. I have invested strategically in the way Instagram’s terms and conditions state to receive the blue checkmark to advance my position in the digital economy; societal stigma surrounding cannabis has currently taken over my ability to move forward effectively on Instagram. This breaks my heart.
What is one thing you’ve learned from TikTok that you don’t think you would have learned otherwise?
I have learned so much through TikTok. I never thought I would have become a videographer yet TikTok has inspired me to add the skill to my skill-set. TikTok has created such a healthy culture on their app that we as creators feel comfortable creating content in our pajamas rather than the artificial pressure that Instagram has created.
You’ve had the opportunity to photograph some of the biggest names in music. What is one of your most memorable experiences while photographing a celebrity and why?
Photographing Greta Van Fleet at Coachella was right up my alley. After the show, we hung out in a trailer backstage and talked about essential oils, natural living, oxygen therapy, and tea….bliss.
Who are some other TikTok influencers who inspire you?
I really enjoy the story behind Melissa Ong aka Chunkysdead. She is a former Google Employee who threw in the towel on corporate life for a total 360 posting some of the most hilarious, brutal, and raw content on the internet. It’s clear to the trained mind that Melissa thoroughly understands social media and is using her comedic value and self-awareness to her advantage. A total winner in my eyes.
Who are you dying to photograph? Is there anyone in particular on your bucket list and why?
I have knocked off so many bucket list artists over the years! At this point in my career, I am only photographing musicians/bands that I feel are necessary to add to my portfolio. The one artist that I have yet to photograph that I would love to is Bjork.
What are some of your long-term goals? Where do you ultimately see your influence taking you?
Cannabis Entrepreneurship/Advocacy is my main professional priority. It is my goal to launch my own startup, raise funding and build out my own Cannabis Company based in California over five to seven years.
To learn more about Jessica Golich, check out her official website, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
