Check Out Kayla Rae’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Rae. 

Hi Kayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I was born and raised in New England and I am the youngest and only daughter of an incredibly hard-working single mother, who is a very successful educator and trainer in the Permanent Cosmetics Industry. As a kid, I enjoyed sports but felt like I need an additional outlet. I always loved seeing live Theater performances as well as film and television, so I developed an interest in acting. By the age of 8, I was getting involved with local theater groups. It wasn’t long until I fell in love with it and wanted to pursue it professionally. 

Growing up in the Boston area at the time, there weren’t many opportunities for child actors, so my mother placed me in various adult acting and voice lessons throughout the city. In hindsight, I wouldn’t change anything. It really brought me out of my shell and allowed me to develop people skills and improv skills that translate to so many other areas of life to this day. I have a Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism as well as theatre. After college, I worked various jobs for professional sports teams. I also worked for a social recreation program that enabled mentally and physically handicapped adults teaching life and social skills. We put on a yearly theatre production and it was one of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had. 

I moved to Nashville because there is no shortage of creative types here. I think most creative people (regardless of your niche) enjoy being around like-minds and find inspiration from others. Nashville is cool because it doesn’t have the pretentiousness of LA (sorry) and I truly love being a part of this community. Many of the relationships I’ve built here have transpired from social media. I like to say that I am an “accidental” influencer. I love creating and doing life on my own terms. Being a paid content creator enables me to continue pursuing acting professionally, something I do not with the hopes of becoming famous but as an outlet and because it is something I remain so passionate about. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been obstacles and challenges along the way and I’d like to thank that provides character-building 🙂 When I had graduated college, the last place I wanted to stay was Boston. I had hopes of moving to New York or LA to further pursue however, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, despite her encouragement, it was no question in my mind that she was my priority. About a year later I was cast on television show for a pilot that ultimately got canceled. It was a devastating blow. There have been many moments where I’ve thought, this is my “big break” for sure but many just didn’t pan out. When you’ve been in the game as long as I have, you learn to be relentless and you carry yourself differently. Despite a lot of highs and lows and a whole lot of “NOs”, I can honestly say I don’t fear rejection and it doesn’t stop me from plugging away, despite the naysayers. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress and content creator as well as a writer. I would say what sets me apart is my kindness, depth, and sense of humor. I am also very honest and authentic, a lot of people think they know me because of what they see on my Instagram, but looks can be deceiving and there are layers to this player! 🙂 lol. I do love working with local businesses and other creators, I encourage anyone to reach out. 

What makes you happy?
As someone who has struggled with severe and anxiety and depression, I make the conscious effort as much as I can to choose happiness. My happiness is in meeting new people, laughing and making others laugh, spending time with my loved ones, my two crazy Pomeranians, being on a set or stage doing what I love, being in my creative element, music, and lots & lots of coffee. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/kaylarae.v