We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ms J7. Check out our conversation below.
Ms, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I believe my company may be misunderstood as providing only entertainment versus being a full production company. We not only provide award-winning entertainment, we do everything from ground up. We have event planning, photography, and videography services, and we cater to our Client’s budget to ensure they have a memorable event.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is J7. My journey has been anything but ordinary. What began as a bold step away from convention became a lifelong commitment to creativity, purpose, and humanitarian advocacy. In 2010, I entered the world of performance art—not to simply earn a living, but to use my God-given talents to inspire, uplift, and contribute meaningfully to causes I care deeply about.
I have always aligned myself with individuals who share the belief that art can be a force for good. Together, we create experiences that bring joy while also promoting compassion, awareness, and positive social change.
A defining moment in my life occurred when I was eleven years old at a Renaissance festival. There were elephants giving rides to guests. During the first lap, I witnessed the trainer strike the elephant. The impact of that moment changed me forever. It opened my eyes to the suffering behind animal entertainment and shaped the values that have guided me since.
In the early 2010s, I collaborated with a notable producer exposing the realities of elephant abuse. Only in hindsight did I realize that, in many ways, I was Dumbo—using my art to escape confinement, find my voice, and rise above adversity.
Today, I am proud to be part of the movement to end animal circuses and entertainment practices that exploit animals. My company is 100% animal-free (aside from Snake Charmers) and cruelty-free, grounded in respect for all living beings.
Beyond performance, my humanitarian work has included helping to fund and establish water wells across nine countries. I am now shifting my philanthropic focus toward supporting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Sanctuary in Kenya, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A defining moment that profoundly shaped my perspective of the world occurred in November 2024. During that time, I became the victim of a crime that was subsequently distorted within the legal system by a judge whose actions appeared to be influenced by personal bias via documented social media. Through this experience, I witnessed how a court of law—an institution meant to uphold justice—could instead devastate an individual’s reputation and livelihood based on misinformation and fabricated stories This experience deeply eroded my trust in the judicial system and opened my eyes to the realities of corruption that can exist even under the guise of justice and sworn oaths.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
A time when someone truly listened to me and heard me isn’t just a single moment—it’s something that happens often. Candice Thiem not only listens, she understands me on a deeper level. She’s been a vital part of helping me continue to share my passions and pursue my humanitarian work. Even when she’s carried her own burdens, she’s carried mine too—without hesitation, with grace and love.
Candice is a pillar of strength and gives all of herself to the people she cares about. I trust her completely—with my life, my business, and my heart. She is a light in this world, a true Earth Angel, and I am endlessly grateful for her presence in my life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that you have to be born into the Cirque world of entertainment. I wasn’t. I had no connections to the circus, no ties to Cirque du Soleil, and no background in performance.
When I joined the circus arts in 2010, my primary mentor—who would go on to guide me for the next decade—sat me down and said, “J7, most performers retire in their late twenties because of the toll this takes on their bodies.”
At 34 years old, I didn’t care. All I wanted was to live out my dream of flying through the air like Tinker Bell and walking the tightrope. I didn’t care that I was older or that I had no experience. What I did have was passion—and that passion carried me further than I ever imagined.
Over time, I found myself not only performing but coaching, creating, and building something much larger than I had dreamed. More than a decade later, that passion helped build an award-winning company that surpassed both Sea World and the San Diego Zoo for Best Family Entertainment.
Looking back, I realize it was never about where I started or who I knew. It was about believing in what lit my soul on fire—and trusting that it would lead me exactly where I was meant to be.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope my story inspires others to believe—in themselves and in God. Without my higher power, I could never have pursued my dreams. Without faith in the journey laid before me, I wouldn’t have met the incredibly talented people who helped me build my empire.
I want to be remembered as the girl who freed the animals from the circus, stood strong in helping shut down Ringling, and never let the opinions of others dim my light.
Most of all, I want people to remember that family isn’t always defined by blood. Your Soul Family will find you—they’re the ones who walk beside you through every high and low, every success and setback, and remind you why you started in the first place.
Several of my Soul Sisters: Tamie Schrills, Christine Gilardi. Candice Thiem, Tarciana Bonomo, Nichole Putrus. Julie Coffman. Leah Panos. Amy Bryan. Michele Brindle. Dani Coit. Cheryl Reiss.
Several of my Soul Brothers: Jolin Putrus. Dean LeCrone, Jacob Dubi, Bob Burden. Joseph Stargensky. Richard Miller.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @j7productions
- Linkedin: J7 Productions
- Facebook: MsJ7 Cirque Entertainment J7 Productions
- Other: The company’s growth is driven primarily by word-of-mouth referrals, enabling us to outperform significant industry competitors without a website. While a website was later developed and maintained, it generated minimal engagement, confirming that our success stems from direct, personal relationships and a focus on operational simplicity.
Image Credits
I would like to give credit to the following photographers: Pablo Mason, Greg Nickle, Jonathan Medel
