Optimism pays dividends for local radio presenter Jess B
Boksburg’s Jessica Bouverie’s grit and determination to achieve her goal of becoming a radio presenter have proven that where there's a will there's a way.
The 24-year old Yfm presenter, who is popularly known as Jess B, said her dream as she grew up was always to become a radio presenter – a highly contested and a ‘hard to come by’ position.
Despite facing a number of obstacles, Jess B never gave up. Instead, she mainatined all her efforts, kept on trying and remained optimistic that what she wanted could be achieved.
Jess B was born in Durban (KZN), and later moved with her family to Boksburg where she grew up.
She completed her primary school education at St Michael’s Primary School and matriculated from Hoerskool Voortrekker in 2010.
After completing her Matric she didn’t look back and started a career in radio. After acknowledging her passion for the arts and media – and in particular radio broadcasting in 2011 – she applied for a three-week internship at 5fm and was promptly accepted.
In 2012 she decided to further her passion by enrolling at Boston Media House to complete a Diploma in Radio Broadcasting. Because of circumstances beyond her power, she was unable to complete the three-year diploma and dropped out. Subsequently, she entered the corporate space to work in finance, but was still keen to be involved in radio.
“In October 2016, I once again applied and was selected from thousands of applicants to be a part of the Y-Academy at Yfm. I was one of only 12 finalists chosen to complete the six-month Radio Training Programme at the station,” said Jess B.
After completing her studies, she graduated in March 2017 with a certificate in Media and Radio Broadcasting. The Yfm management was so impressed by her work that they offered her two positions at the station: the
first means she is a co-host on one of the station’s prime shows, namely The Dj Ankletap Show (Weekdays 6-9pm) with Bryce Clarke; the second position involves being the content producer on one of the station’s newest most, promising shows, The Game Changer with Tshepi (From the Best Drive, Weekdays 3-6pm) and Dj Zai Maya.
Despite both positions, she recently also hosted a full three-hour show at the station which was aired on Woman’s Day and was called The Plug, Unplugged. She serves as a mentor for academics who have also been a part of the Y-Academy.
Jess B has since learnt that optimism pays and that, in life, some dreams do come true.
