Erin Reese started her working career much younger than most. This 16 year old began as a model and developed a curiosity for entertainment. Now, as a singer and actor, the Florida native has amassed years of experience appearing in movies and shows such as “Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors” and “Chicken Girls”. Reese is also a strong anti-bullying proponent, and uses her platform to support others suffering from bullying. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Erin Reese.

Where are you based?
I am from Florida, but considered bicoastal spending time between Florida and California for work.

What sparked your interest in the entertainment industry?
Juggling acting, music, and modeling, all those things! What motivates you? I began modeling at age five and it progressed from there into commercials. Then I had the opportunity to take a workshop with Adrian R’Mante (best known as Esteban from Suite Life of Zach & Cody) and that opened many doors for me. When you love to perform that is your motivation. I just love entertaining so it doesn’t seem like work.

Can you remember your earliest influences?
Working With Adrian R’Mante was my first time meeting a celebrity, and then working with him and his team of celebrities at CGTV, many of whom were on Disney or Nickelodeon at the time, were my early influences.

Can you tell us about your experience as the first country singer to sign with B-Side by Brat TV? Has the way you make and approach music changed?
I was excited when Brat decided to work with me as their first country singer. The music team at Brat are amazing to work with and really helped me to find my sound in the country genre.

How did you get interested in country music?
I love all music in general, but there is just something about country music that I relate to. It’s authentic and real and usually the songs tell a relatable story.

You recently recorded and shot two music videos for two songs, a cover by Post Malone 'Circles" and an original called "Sweater." Can you tell us about your song "Sweater"?
Sweater is a chill country vibe with a bit of Elvis and Johnny Cash influence mixed in.

You are very passionate about being anti-bullying. Why is this message in particular important to you?
Most think I home schooled because of my career. The truth is I was bullied in school because of my career. When my commercials would come on TV or I would appear in a magazine, the kids were not nice and supportive. Whenever anyone asked about being in the industry, I would shy away and was embarrassed to talk about it for fear of how the kids would retaliate. I know it was jealousy now, but then, at nine years old, you don’t understand. Once the bullying became physical and the school who said they were anti-bullying didn’t take action, my parents decided it was best I started home schooling.

What advice do you have for a victim of bullying?
Make sure you talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor, someone you can trust. It’s not good to hold it all inside. I have learned that those that bully do it because they are insecure about themselves. You have to believe in you and communicate how you feel or the bully will always win.

You have also worked with the Special Olympics. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
What a rewarding experience. I really enjoy how carefree and unaffected they are by the world. They have so much love to give and just because they are different, doesn’t mean they should have any less love or attention.

We hear the Special Olympics you were working with this year has been halted. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Until the scare over covid-19 is over, it seems that everything is halted. I think not being able to interact affects all of us.

We also noticed that your sister is a firefighter. We loved your video you posted about DIY masks that you dedicated to her. What has it been like for her during this time?
Yes, my sister has always wanted to be a firefighter since she was very young. She wanted to follow in our uncle’s footsteps. We are a fire family, my grandpop was a volunteer, my aunt is a retired chief, and both of my cousins are volunteers. I worry about my sister, her husband and their co-workers, but they are taking the proper precautions. We, of course, haven’t been able to spend time together because of the high risk, but as my sister tells me, serving the public is what she signed up to do and what she loves. Making masks for her was my way of showing her appreciation for what she does and, with the shortage of masks, she needed protection.

What are you doing to stay positive during shelter in place?
I am very fortunate that we live on a large piece of property with lots of things to keep me busy. I am also staying in touch with friends using FaceTime and Zoom.

What is your motto in life?
Be true to yourself. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough. As long as you are true to you and good to others you are who you should be!

To learn more about Erin Reese please follow her via the below platforms:
IMDB ► imdb.me/erinreesedejarnette
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/iamerinreese/
Spotify: ► https://open.spotify.com/playlist/24rO4cJu7YFMzxuo7MWAiO
YouTube: ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7MXW3pWkpnl8lg-teoGJVw
Snapchat: ► reesypop
TikTok: ► iamerinreese