In a world that is all too anxious to reward the wrong types of role models, Prima J just want to do make sure they do things right. And as can be heard on their self-titled debut album, there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

They were born Jessica and Janelle Martinez (but you can call them Jesse and Nelly), raised in the predominantly Latin-American Los Angeles suburb of Rosemead, and realized early on that they wanted to be performers. How early on? They were barely old enough to talk when they started performing their own choreographed cheerleading and dance routines for their family every week during halftime of Dallas Cowboys football games. With five uncles, two aunts, and at least three cousins with each, those family gatherings were large, which explains why the girls, then four, have no problem strutting their stuff in front of audiences more than 15 years later.

It’s also why they have had no problem staying centered and focused amidst the whirlwind that has surrounded the duo since they splashed onto the pop scene last summer with their debut single “Rock Star.” As Mexican-Americans, they hope to be role models to both American and Latin girls, as they consider themselves the face of the new Hispanic in America, part of an emerging generation that “speaks English and lives Latin.” They even go so far as to affectionately refer to each other as “chilosa,” a word Jesse and Nelly have coined to describe themselves, and those like them: Sassy, classy, spicy and feisty girls who are independent, know who they are inside-and-out, and don’t have to pretend to be something they’re not to impress the people around them.

“Now that we’ve gotten this far, we’ve realized that it doesn’t matter if you’re the average, girl-next-door type,” sums Jesse. “It doesn’t matter what you look like or where you’re from, you should never think that you can’t accomplish something.”

That’s chilosa!
 

1. Did you or do you ever struggle with low self image? How did you rise above these feelings and embrace the gifts that you do possess?
I think everybody goes through a phase where they feel insecure about themselves and their image....
We definitely struggled with it growing up . In time we realized that we are who we are and if were ok with it everybody else that matters will be ok with it too.

2. What advice can you give to women who struggle with poor self-esteem or who constantly criticize themselves by comparing themselves to others or not feeling good enough?
We wanna tell all of the woman who compare themselves to others that they will never be happy unless the accept themselves for who they are... . Look inside yourself and be grateful for everything you are... You are beautiful and don't let anybody tell you otherwise... 

3. Who has inspired you in your life? What did he/she do to gain your respect and admiration?
I think our parents really inspired us the most in our life... They never had a lot of money or the finer things in life but they were always sooooo happy and it made us happy .... They allowed us to grow and make mistakes and become our own people and for that we are truly grateful. They always loved us unconditionally, whether we were wrong or right, win or lose,  and it helped us to love ourselves. 

4. What do you love and admire about yourself?
I think we admire the fact that we are so caring and friendly and we have the ability to make anyone feel comfortable. We just love seeing people happy :) 

5. Tell us the "words you live by"
"Be chilosa!!!!"
 
(Chilosa- a woman that is independent, confident, not afraid to be herself and is confident in her own shoes)