Meet Grace Hayes, a female founder who has been creating music for 13 years and singing publicly for five. She graduated high school at age 16 and ministry school at 18. Our Chief Inspiration Officer, Lauren Klein caught up with her recently at the Jampro Music Factory and got this exclusive interview. Our hope in sharing her story is to inspire other people to share their gifts with the world since she believes the only limitation we face is our imagination. She considers herself to be a singer/songwriter, actress, and accidental comedian. As an independent artist, she enjoys most having the freedom to create music, videos, and other media with the only set limit being her imagination.
LK: How did she into the field of entertainment?
GH: I grew up with a heavy influence of entertainment in my life. My Father plays multiple instruments, sings, dances, acts, emcees, and pretty much does it all. For the majority of his career he was a Sammy Davis Jr. tribute artist, and although he never pushed me to get into music, I fell in love with it on my own.
LK: Is there anything that you do differently than other people in your biz?
GH: I specialize in the satirical, and enjoy adding unusually odd elements into my stage sets (i.e: Kazoo solos, beat-boxing) to keep things interesting.
LK: What do you enjoy most about working in entertainment?
GH: Watching people enjoy themselves while witnessing my craft gives my work meaning. When I’m told that a piece of poetry I wrote sparked inspiration or a different perspective, or that my videos make them laugh and lighten their spirits. I live to encourage those who feel undervalued, and to show that there is beauty in being misunderstood.
LK: What is the most challenging part about your job?
GH: Probably the pressure that is placed on me, by me. I’m young, and there’s still so much that I want to do. When I see myself not accomplishing goals at the rate I’d want to see them completed in, I tend to be hard on myself. A lot of times I have to take a step back, think retrospectively, and recognize that although the destination is cool, the journey is pretty darn special too!
LK: What advice would give anyone who wants to get in music?
GH: Be unapologetically you. You don’t have to ask for permission to be yourself. That permission was granted when you were created. Be brave, take risks, ask questions. Throw the phrase “I can’t” out of your vocabulary, and ask yourself why you believe you’re incapable of certain endeavors. Is it literally impossible, or is fear holding you back? Make a game plan, and be proud of yourself as you progress. Most importantly-have fun, love what you do, and own what you do with confidence.
LK: What was your first job?
GH: My first big gig was a national commercial when I was 16, however I got my first actual job-job when I was 18 at a consignment store.
LK: What are your hobbies?
GH: I love the art of handwritten letters, fashion, crafting (with copious amounts of googly eyes), and dancing poorly yet with passion.
LK: Do you have a favorite vacation spot:
GH: Do malls count?
LK: Share with us one moment in time to cherish for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
GH: I’ll choose several-Every time a child has told me that I did well after I performed. There’s something so humbling about a kid letting you know that they loved your work, and I try to appeal to every age. Children and the elderly are incredibly honest and genuine (because they don’t feel like they need to prove themselves), so I value their input.
LK: Last event attended?
GH: The last sporting event I attended was probably a high school football game. I could probably count the amount of games I’ve gone to on one hand.
LK: What did you dream of becoming as a kid?
GH: I had always dreamt of singing, but was too afraid of ever being that vulnerable in front of an audience. Someone very close to me said they didn’t like the sound of my voice when I was young, so I didn’t sing in front of anyone (not even my family). Through a process of self discovery, I slowly began to love what I hated about myself. For example, I always straightened/chemically altered my hair to fit in. Then, in high school, I chopped it all off and started fresh. I began singing publicly around this time, too. What I once despised and silenced became a bridge and provider of many opportunities. My hair is the physical manifestation of my imagination, and I never could quite think straight. I know “being yourself” is one of the most cliché calls to action, however it is one of the most important.
LK: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
GH: Definitely not! I’m just getting started. There’s so much to do, so much to see, so much to learn. I live to inspire, dream for, and love others. I know I’m young, however I don’t think I could see myself ever retiring.
LK: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada?
GH: I was born and raised in northern Nevada, so my career just sort of naturally flourished here. Reno is home to me, and I love the relationships and connections between local artists… There’s definitely an underlying culture of respect for variety performers. It can be hard getting your name/work out there, and the musicians here are very supportive.
We are so grateful you are in our community as an incredible resource and girl empress and role model who is helping inspire a new generation of indie artists. Make sure to check out her site and consider booking her for your next event: www.graceorsomething.com