We recently had the chance to connect with Amelia Reed Bryant and have shared our conversation below.
Amelia Reed , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Every day is a silent uphill battle when it comes to comes mental and physical health. My day is structured around what will set me up for success, little things to keep me on track – meditation, drinking water, going for a walk, yoga, journaling, eating my greens, stuff like that! Rome was not built in a day! Simple tasks keep me grounded and prepared for the work ahead. It also allows me to be grateful and celebrate what’s already been accomplished.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Amelia Reed Bryant – you probably haven’t heard of me! I have been a working actor since I was 7, but my world has truly expanded since my humble beginnings in Toyota commercials.
I am an actor, producer, and musician juggling many hats! (Do you juggle hats?)
I am currently releasing my first batch of singles. I have been writing music since I was a wee lass, but it’s taken me until now to confidently release my music! My first single, Tanlines can be found on Spotify now, but stay tuned for my upcoming song, Other Men coming this October. I am very included by jazzy cabaret, folk, and 60s rock and cannot wait for everyone to hear what I have been cooking up with my producer Mike Cionni over at Battle Mountain Sound.
I am also producing and starring in And I Will Walk You Home, written by Vanessa Frances, my co-producer with me at our company Orchid World Productions. We just wrapped and are fund raising for post-production now!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
For as long as I can remember, my world was filled with color and lights and beautiful music! I loved the Beatles and everything Sergeant Pepper had to offer. I was obsessed with old Hollywood movie musicals – especially technicolor. I would get up and dance in front of the TV when my family sat down to watch American Idol.
Then I went to school and shared my passions and realized… it’s easy to pick on the ones who stand out. And in the age of social media, and outrageously rude commenters, I became very good at hiding.
But I also believe getting older, doesn’t mean you have to get broken down. In fact, as I get older, and get more experience in life, the less I care about what other people think! I don’t care if you think the Beatles are overrated! I don’t care if you get nauseated by pastels. I don’t care if you think Joni Mitchell is hard to follow because her songs don’t follow a standard pattern. And since I live far, far away from my family, I dance in front of the TV for my cat. And I don’t care what she thinks! (But she loves it)
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could go back and tell little Amelia anything, I’d have to say be patient and be present. Don’t compare yourself to everyone that’s around you, it will be the death of your happiness. What’s meant to be yours will come at the right time. You don’t have to shy away because you think you weren’t good enough, you just have to be patient and work hard and know that your timeline is different than everyone else’s!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to truly think that I had to make it by 25 – it feels so silly to even say out loud now. I would picture myself married, rich, and accomplished – HOW BORING! A friend one said to me “remember sex and the city doesn’t start till they’re in their 30s.” And look at them going now when they’re like 60s or something- if you were completely settled by 25 and satisfied, that’s it. No more adventure. And even though I consider myself somewhat of a homebody (tea and milk over anything hard any day), I’d like to think there’s a lot more out there than what I can accomplish at 25.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember the songs I write for them. Each one is like a little love letter and a story of its own.
Contact Info:
- Website: Amelia Reed Bryant.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ameliareedbryant
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ameliareedbryant
Image Credits
Paul Smith photography
Parker Harris at the PH studios
