Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I am a seventeen year old singer/songwriter born in Charlotte, North Carolina. My family and I moved to a small town right outside Charlotte when I was four years old to be closer to my father’s work. I live with my mom and dad, my two dogs Hershey and Snickers, and my cat Dinah. I have an older brother who is in college at UNCC; I see him on the weekends. I am a senior in high school and look forward to graduating in the spring. I am involved with chorus at school and sing with a Christmas Caroling group in my hometown during the holidays. My hobbies include singing, cooking, and interior design. I just redecorated my bedroom: everything I used was recycled or up-cycled except a tapestry I bought for a wall hanging. I love antiquing too. You can find pics of my family, pets and hobbies all on my Instgram, Twitter and other social media links on my website.
Tell us a little about how you started singing.
I always loved to sing. I would sing all the time when I was little. I used to practice in my room and sing along to karaoke on Youtube and on my karaoke machine. I also loved to sing on Smule. When I was in the fourth grade, I got an awesome opportunity to meet Ms. Katy Perry
and hang out with her at a local Charlotte radio station for an interview and private concert. I got a autographed poster, a picture with Katy - she even signed my t-shirt and gave me the guitar pic from the concert. I have it all framed! That day I decided that I wanted to be like Katy, a singer. She talked about being yourself and not being afraid of what others may say. That gave me the courage to start.
Tell us about opportunities you have experienced because of singing.
My music has kept me busy and taken me many exciting places. I have performed at The Charlotte Motor Speedway, Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium, The Novant Thanksgiving Day Parade (on my own float), many local festivals along with greats like Lorri Morgan and Shenandoah, and have been featured on the local news. I was a part of The Stand 4 Change Tour in New Jersey, a touring group of singer and Viners who where teaching fans about the effects of bullying and how to be strong and find self- worth. You can find my original music on iTunes, Spotify, Cdbaby and iHeartRadio. A CD of my EP Glimpse is available for purchase on my website, and there is also cool merchandise like t-shirts, teddy bears, tote bags, and hoodies.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about supporting children with learning disabilities. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in grade school. School was difficult. I did not enjoy reading at all. It was exhausting and confusing which made it really difficult. My escape was singing. I was good at it and compared to school, it was easy and fun. I just want kids to know that they do not have limits. They can do or be anything they want. Just because you learn in a different way, doesn’t mean you can’t learn. Don’t ever give up.
What do you love about the Carolinas
I love the beaches - Southport is one of my favorite places. I would love to live there someday. I got hooked when I watched a Nicholas Sparks movie that was filmed there; I would so love to write a song for one of his movies! I love the small town feel of the place, the old houses, the history, all the shops, and the people there. We have gone there for vacation many times and the ghost walk through town is something we always do.
I also love the mountains. I love to go to Blowing Rock to walk around town, shop, listen to music, and of course eat amazing food. Woodland’s BBQ is the best. You have to try it when you get a chance. My family and I always take a trip up to West Jefferson with friends every summer and stay for a long weekend in a mountain house. We have bonfires, go hiking, and kayaking down the New River. It is always an adventure!
I also love all the sporting events in Charlotte: I have been fortunate to have gone to many Panthers games, Hornet games, seen the Knights play baseball. I also LOVE going to see many of the shows at the Blumenthal and Ovens Auditorium. One year my grandparents got me and my mom season tickets for the Broadway Light Series, it was amazing! We got to go to a different show every month. I loved it and so did she!
What are your proudest accomplishements?
Well, I am very quiet and shy. Overcoming stage fright has been a huge accomplishment. Performing is difficult for someone who is shy. Singing is hard because you can hear how nervous someone is in their voice. I get better each time I step on the stage!
I am very proud of my EP Glimpse. I wrote three songs myself on the EP and all the music was produced and recorded in the Queen City. I love that I was able to have Glimpse made in the Carolinas. I hope everyone who hears it, enjoys it. I am proud and excited to be graduating from high school this year as well.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on attending college to obtain my real estate license and possibly take some interior design and carpentry classes. I would love to buy older homes and fix them up.
As for my music, I am promoting Glimpse by performing and trying to get as much exposure as possible. I would love to write and record a full album and tour across the nation or worldwide someday! If your readers like my music, it would means the world to me if they would share it with their friends and family.
Thank you for all the support and encouragement everyone has shown me. It means so much!!!!
My tour dates can be found here!
