We had the good fortune of connecting with Jalyn Degraffenreid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jalyn, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am most inspired by authenticity and believe it is the most magnetic energy that exists. There is something so powerful about people who embrace their true selves, unapologetically and wholeheartedly, in whatever it is they do. Some aspects of society seem to glorify conventional and mundane ways of existing, yet we are each created to be one of a kind.

The entertainment industry is filled with stereotypes, and I’d be lying if I said I never felt the desire to be “picked” for a role. However, in acting, the most powerful performances come from a place of truth. I will never entirely know why I book some roles and not others, but I always find peace and wholeness when I give a performance rooted in the truth of both myself and my character in that moment.

So I find the greatest inspiration in those who lead with authenticity which naturally also carries a level of vulnerability. Whenever I see someone living in their truth it sparks a surge of creativity and inspired action within me. It also feels like a gentle reminder from a higher power that it is not only okay—but safe—for me to be my truest self and there is space for us all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At the heart of my art and everything I do is love, a deep desire to lead with love and to embody it fully in my work, my presence, and my interactions. I believe love is the most transformative force, and I want every role I take on, every project I create, and every connection I make to reflect this energy.

What also sets me apart is my unwavering belief in magic, not just the kind we see in stories, but the real magic that exists in life itself. I live as though the universe is constantly conspiring in my favor, and this belief fuels my creativity, resilience, ambitions and joy. Acting and storytelling are powerful ways to remind people of the magic within themselves, and I pray my work serves as a reflection of that.

My journey to where I am today has been anything but traditional. In my earliest memories I recall wanting to be an actress, but for a long time, I lacked the courage to fully pursue it. Instead, I followed a more conventional path, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular Molecular Biology and building a career in science. While I valued that experience, something inside me always longed for a deeper connection to my purpose, creativity and truth. Eventually, I found the strength to take a leap of faith and step fully into the career I had always dreamed of.

This shift was also deeply intertwined with my personal healing journey. Facing life threatening health challenges led me down a spiritual and holistic path, where I embraced a vegetarian lifestyle and became more in tune with my mind, body and soul. Through this transformation, I found not only healing but also a profound calling to share what I had learned with others. This is what inspired me to create my blog, EarthToJay (earthtojay.com) dedicated to holistic healing, spiritual development and the divine feminine energy launching on May 1, 2025. My mission with EarthToJay is to empower others to live in alignment with their highest selves—providing resources to nourish their spirit, embrace their authenticity, and step into their full power.

More than anything, I want the world to know that my story, my art, my blog and my journey is all a testament to the power of trust, love and divine alignment. I believe there is space for us all to be exactly who we are meant to be, and my hope is to continue creating work that reminds people of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would want to give them an experience that truly reflects the places that have shaped me and the things I love the most.

I went to college in Boone, NC at Appalachian State University so I love the mountains! I would start the week off with a trip to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway. There’s something so peaceful and grounding about my college town and I have yet to see more beautiful sunsets.

Upon coming down the mountain we would head back to my hometown of Greensboro, NC to visit my favorite museum, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. This museum is such an important landmark in the state, honoring the legacy of the Greensboro Four and their monumental role in the Civil Rights Movement. Walking through this museum specifically is always such a humbling and insightful experience that I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life.

We would also need to take on the arts scene in the city at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, where we may catch an orchestra performance, ballet, or a touring theater production. I love immersing myself in the magic of live performances and it would bring me endless happiness to dress up and share this beautiful experience with my best friend for thoughtful discussions afterwards.

For a dinner during this week we would also have to go to my favorite restaurant, Embur Fire Fusion. They serve the most amazing, authentic Peruvian food, and I’d insist on getting my go-to order—the Vegetarian Chaufa! Finally, since no meal is ever truly complete without a sweet treat, we must go to Andy’s Frozen Custard and get the Hot Fudge Brownie Concrete!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It takes a village to make dreams come true!

Sean Norona has been instrumental in my journey, casting me in my first ever commercial and first lead role in a feature film. His belief in me has meant the world, and I am beyond honored that he also nominated me for this magazine feature.

I also want to recognize Selena Robinson, a talented actress and dear friend who introduced me to my amazing agent, Carla Hough. Keya Hamilton, a wonderful actress and director who has provided me incredible opportunities, casting me in both supporting and lead roles. Her support and belief in my talent has been monumental and reassuring on the harder days.

Through Keya, I met Andrew Smith, a gifted director and sound engineer that I have collaborated with on multiple projects, including the 2024 Charlotte 48 Hour Film Festival winner. Thanks to Andrew, I was also introduced to Kelvin Edwards, a talented videographer who booked me for national commercials with Greenworks Tools, featured on Target and Costco’s websites. I am also deeply grateful to Brandon Bias, who casted me in a feature film placing me on set with the talented Cha Nel Young who initially introduced me to Keya.

Beyond these incredible individuals, I owe so much to the endless support from fellow creatives, mentors, coaches, friends, and family. Their belief in me fuels my passion and reminds me that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about the people who walk the journey with you.

Website: https://earthtojay.com/

Instagram: _Jalyn

Other: EarthToJay Instagram, YouTube and TikTok Handle: EarthToJayBlog

Image Credits
Marc Cartwright

Seven Nine Vision

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.