Jessica Xiomara Harley knew early that her heart belonged to the stage and the lens. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, she was drawn to fashion, performance, and creative expression from the age of twelve. “I always had a love for fashion and the idea of modeling,” she says. “Back then I was told I was too short. Too short for runway. But perfect for commercial print and lifestyle modeling.” She never let the naysayers dim her spark.
That passion simmered quietly for decades, remaining alive in the background of her life even as she pursued a distinct path. After a long corporate career, Jessica retired and thought she might slow down. It did not take long before she realized quiet was not her calling. “I knew I had more to give,” she says. “More to create, more to express, more to experience.” She made a decision that would change her life. She chose to step into her power and claim the dream she had carried since childhood.
At age 60, she signed with VIP Ignite and began modeling professionally. “It came a little later in life, but it was definitely worth the wait,” she reflects with joy. Nothing about her journey was easy or immediate. But over time, something within her shifted. She became bolder, more fearless, and unwilling to silence her own voice. “If not me, who? If not now, when?” That clarity pushed her past hesitation into action.
What resonates most for Jessica is the connection that emerges through her work. “Acting allows me to step into different lives and embody new characters,” she explains. “That feels exciting and exhilarating.” Modeling invites her to stand tall, feel powerful, and express beauty in its many forms. “It makes me feel beautiful, powerful, and unstoppable. Performing is where I come alive. I am an entertainer at heart.”
Over time, she has learned not just to perform, but to flourish in the practice of her craft. “The biggest shift I’ve learned is that the entertainment industry thrives on being drama free,” she says. “You have to show up prepared, focused on detail, follow directions carefully, and give it your absolute best every single time.” That grounded professionalism has become her trademark.
Her message to aspiring artists is simple and resonant. “It is absolutely never too late to start,” she says. “There are models working well into their 80s and older. The industry wants people of every look, every shape, every background. This is your sign. Give it your best shot. I did, and it made all the difference.”
Jessica’s journey is not just her own. It is rooted in family, joy, and gratitude. She has a supportive husband, two bonus daughters, and five grandchildren who inspire her daily. “They are a huge part of why I embrace life so fully and why I believe it is never too late to build a legacy.”
Her life is vibrant, adventurous, and layered with spirit. ATV riding, meditation, creative play, and fun all find their way into her narrative. “If you hang out with me long enough, you will find yourself believing you can do anything,” she says with a confident laugh. “I can. Entertaining is what I was made to do.”
Jessica Xiomara Harley not only lives her dream. She elevates everyone around her, reminding us that boldness, joy, and lived experience are among the greatest tools a creative soul can carry forward.
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