Meet Jacqueline Reyes | Model & Commercial Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Some people call me a unicorn when I’m on set because it’s rare to meet other people from Los Angeles working in the Industry. But honestly, it’s something I’m immensely proud of.

People often ask me what it was like growing up in Los Angeles. Most of them expect a similar story to the plot of Euphoria. But aside from the lack of snow days and our schools being outdoors, I didn’t see the difference between growing up here versus another state. However, looking back as an adult. Hollywood culture was SO prevalent. Kids started caring about celebrities and status from an early age. The cool kids walked around with clothes from Betsy Johnson and Juicy Couture in 3rd grade. I wanted a Tiffanys bracelet before I even knew what it was. In high school, people would walk around carrying 4-hour-old, cold Starbucks to seem important. I remember I cared about fashion so much that I would wear heels to school in 10th grade. Speaking of, my high school show choir even had producers trying to make a reality TV show about us- we filmed a few episodes before the parents stepped in. I remember I was even scouted by Disney Channel when I was six years old, and I guess it’s weird that my first job ever was in middle school as a background dancer for Big Love.

Is that not everyone’s experience?

Besides the Hollywood aspect of living here, growing up in Los Angeles is a blessing- primarily due to my amazing parents. It would have been very easy to grow up into this superficial stereotype of a person many associate Los Angeles with. Outside of them, I love that I was surrounded by different people from an early age. My schools were primarily Armenian and other ethnicities. And I’m genuinely so happy that I wasn’t surrounded by a predominantly white culture like other states. Los Angeles gave me an early insight into diversity and appreciating cultures different from mine. And that’s truly one of the most significant impacts I’ve gained. My friendships are diverse because of it, and I’ve learned so much from it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since I was little, the arts have been a part of my identity. When asked what I wanted to be, I always responded with ” Dancer,” “Broadway Star”, “Artist,” or “Actress” – whatever was at the forefront of my passions. My parents enrolled me in dance classes at the age of 2, and I started musical theater at age 5 by going to summer camp. Throughout middle and high school, I continued my love for performing in show choir. I continued my passion when I graduated through the Walt Disney Company at their theme parks. Around the same time, I began modeling professionally part-time at 19, as I was traveling and finishing my communications degree. During this time, I experimented with Set Decorating and Interior Design, working any production job I could find. It wasn’t until the last few recent years that I decided to go all in and become a full-time model and commercial actress.

In my other interview with Voyage, I touched on some of my highlights and the challenges that I, and artists as a collective, face at some point in their careers. That article still holds true to this day. Some things come easy. Sometimes, it’s luck, meeting someone, or manifestation. Other times, you face mental and emotional roadblocks, questioning yourself and why you partake in this industry. Some days, you’re on top of the world, and other days, you’re just….stuck. It’s a consistent roller coaster of emotions that continues to baffle and teach me. One of the lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that this industry is a marathon, not a sprint. As someone who lacks patience, I’ve learned that it is the only way to remain sane as you wait your turn for something big to come. Persistence is also invaluable, as I’ve learned to put my ego aside and accept that I will not always know the best answer for myself. It’s okay to ask questions and be open to learning new things. Also, learning how to stick up for yourself and know your worth while remaining flexible, friendly, and timely is essential. Ultimately, being myself with my work ethic has connected me to the right people who align with my values.

In today’s world, there’s a fragile line between yourself and your art as a model/actress. Technically, you’re just a walking mannequin to someone’s project. But talking about your art is the same as talking about yourself. Especially in today’s world when you’re forced to have an online presence with your whole life on display. In a town with millions of people in the creative field, I hope that my ability to be honest, vulnerable, and down to earth is what sets me apart from others. That may be impossible to achieve when answering questions about yourself in this format, but I hope that’s my legacy after working with others. People move here with big dreams and egos to fill. Everyone is trying their best to make it, whatever IT is. And it truly gives this town the name “La-La Land.” People move here and complain that making real friends or meeting genuine people is hard. They can’t tell if someone likes them or if their friendship is only a business deal. People here refuse to grow up and prolong aging in any way they can. And we’re reaching a point where digital clout and numbers mean more than actual talent and who you are in the real world.

So, what do I want the world to know about me and my art? I’m a professionally signed model and commercial actress. I have multiple streaming commercials and have worked for memorable brands like Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Google. I hope the art I create for my own enjoyment illustrates beauty, quality, and relatability. And mostly, I hope it’s inspiring.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being a native Angelino, you would think I have the answer to this question, yet when out-of-state friends come to visit, I stutter a bit. LA is a large suburb categorized by personality type. If they’ve never been to LA, I have to take them to some basic spots- for example, Santa Monica Pier for the beach, Wisdom Tree hike for the Hollywood Sign, and Perch for the DTLA views. If they’re a theme park person, I’ll scuttle my way to Disneyland or Universal at their request. I’d drive them through Beverly Hills just so that they can see the iconic palm trees and thrift a bit at Mel Rose Trading Post. I can’t stand the Bungalow, but it’s a right of passage for people not from around here.

Buuuuuut if they’ve been a few times, I have to get a bit more creative. I love taking people for Kbbq in K-Town or to my favorite hand-roll sushi chain, Kazu-Nori. For a happy hour, I can’t resist Bodega on the west side or the pizza shack on Abbot Kinney for some salad pizza. Don’t forget about pastries from Gjusta or breakfast burritos from Flake. One of my favorite bars for retro music and karaoke is Breakroom 86. And the rest, I’ll just have to keep a secret.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be the person I am without all the incredible people I’ve met. First and foremost, my family. Thank you for always having my back and supporting me in any way you can-especially my parents, who are there for me in all my moments of need. Shout out to Allison for being the older sister who forces me into creative interior endeavors and reminds me that anything is possible. James, the love of my life. Thank you for loving me and reminding me to be gentle with myself and to breathe. And for always lifting and believing in me. My friends, for supporting me- by roasting me on all my posts, making art with me, and being the realest people I know. My old agent, Natalie, has always had my best interest at heart.

I appreciate you all and am nothing without your incredible support.

Website: https://www.itsjacquelinereyes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjacquelinereyes/?hl=en

Image Credits
Stacey Toyama Ty Chen Nelson Lee Jamal-Akil Marshall Bryan Wu Cassidy Bliss Cooper Rachel Koll