Get to Know: Jess Moskaluke

Article published at: Jan 31, 2022
Get to Know: Jess Moskaluke
All Know Her Stories

Meet Jess Moskaluke—internationally celebrated, award-winning country music star and collaborator behind our newest Handpicked by Jess box with her other H&B must-haves. In this edition of Know Her, we chatted with Jess about her style, accomplishments, inspirations, and some of the important causes she works to support. 

"Inspiration can strike from anywhere at any time. It’s about knowing when to catch it and how to turn it into something beautiful.”

What are your sources of inspiration for writing songs?

Usually it’s life experience, but I’ve also used situations friends were going through, book and movie quotes, and even Twitter parody pages for inspiration in the past. It really varies—inspiration can strike from anywhere at any time. It’s about knowing when to catch it and how to turn it into something beautiful.

How would you describe your style?

I’m a bit of a chameleon, I suppose. On stage I like to have tons of sparkle and edge. But on red carpets I like to be really polished and glam. When I’m at home, I’m definitely the girl next door and as comfortable as possible.

When I’m at home, I’m definitely the girl next door and as comfortable as possible.”

What's your biggest, boldest ambition for the future?

I’d love to do my own headlining tour in the future. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

What social causes are you passionate about?

I love to support the MS Society of Canada. I lost my dad to Multiple Sclerosis just after my 16th birthday, so I’ve always done what I can to direct money and awareness their way. I’m also a huge supporter of animal rescues. Not one in particular—I love to spread the love and have adopted dogs from 3 different organizations over the past 10 years.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Honestly this is such a tough one. Professionally, I’m proud of being the first woman in Canadian country music to have a platinum selling single since Shania Twain. I also can’t believe I have multiple CCMA awards and even a Juno. But, on a more personal level, I’m most proud of writing the song “Mapdot." I think that song resonates with a lot of small town people, from hometowns like mine, and makes them feel proud of where they’re from.

"I’m most proud of writing the song “Mapdot." I think that song resonates with a lot of small town people, from hometowns like mine, and makes them feel proud of where they’re from.”

 Do you have a favourite Hillberg & Berk jewellery piece?

How do you pick just one? No, really. The one I’ve been wearing the most lately is the rose gold Mary Toggle Bracelet. I love anything dainty that levels up your wardrobe. I also love stacking hoop earrings since I have my ears double pierced.

What is your favourite thing about your career?

Performing! My love and passion for singing and performing is what got me into this career. It’s what I look forward to the most, it’s what I miss when I’m not doing it, and it’s what gets me through the peaks and valleys of a music career. There are hundreds of benefits and other parts of this gig that I love, but to strip it all down, it’s the singing.

Who is the woman (or one of the women) who most inspires you, and makes you feel empowered?

There are so many amazing women that I work with every day that help keep my career on the rails. You all know who you are. But I’m so proud to be a woman in a male-dominated business, working alongside other women who are just as hardworking and badass as every other person in this business.

“I’m so proud to be a woman in a male-dominated business, working alongside other women who are just as hardworking and badass as every other person in this business.”

 What is the best thing about where you grew up?

Small town people prepared me for my career in so many ways. I was lucky enough to dip my foot into band class, choir, and even a bit of musical theatre. I was happy to find the music industry to be like one big small town in a lot of ways. Everybody knows everybody. Everyone’s worked with someone at some point, or heard about them. So that feels very comforting to me.

Why did you want to partner with H&B?

I LOVE supporting and partnering with local businesses. I was a fan of H&B products even before I knew they’d started locally in Saskatchewan. After hearing how Rachel got her start, and how she continues to grow her business and give back as much as she does, I knew our brands aligned, and that this was a company I could gladly stand behind. After working with them a few times over the last year, I can’t imagine a better, more inspiring, encouraging, fun, and beautiful partnership.

Writing: Carter Selinger