Introducing Jernisa Reed, A Budding Actress and Filmmaker within her Community

In this highlight we turn our attention to Jernisa Reed, a budding actress and filmmaker making an impact within her community. I asked Jernisa a series of questions, here is what we discussed:

Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended, etc.

I’m from Buffalo, New York, where it’s super cold and the pizza has extra cheese. I attended Health Science Charter School for High School and then I attended Erie Community College in downtown Buffalo. I graduated with my liberal arts Social Science and Human certificate, I also took acting courses as a minor and then transferred to University of Buffalo to double major in Theatre and Social Work. I have one semester left before I graduate with my Social Science and Mental Health degree with a minor in Counseling.

What inspired you to be an Writer/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?

I have always loved and had a passion for the arts and cinema. As a kid I would often sign up for Church productions. I truly have a passion for the arts and making people smile. I study art and social science because I love the art of people and how they interact. Through deeper understanding, I was able to find the connection of what I learned in my Art Studies courses and was able to apply it to my reality to help me in my journey. After attending Erie community College and participating as much as I could in acting classes, I knew this was for me.

Following this, I decided to attend University of Buffalo, where I began to be more assertive and network, which ultimately paved the way for me to book more gigs. I performed three comedy shows and filmed various video skits for my peers in school. I love networking with the theater side of buffalo and would love to connect more!

Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.

My last year of high school I had a hard time with both my Social Science and Earth Science exams, and after going to my counselor I was told that I was in serious jeopardy of not graduating. I shed one tear and told her, “you must not know the god I know… I’m graduating.” I stepped it up and would cut my lunch time in half to meet with instructors to improve in what I felt was holding me back. After a lot of inner growth and hard work I ended up passing both exams with a 90 and 83. That’s when it hit me, science and history is not my thing, lol. I learned to love it now, but that moment of knowing that I could do anything with god was great and that moment has always stayed with me in my toughest of times.

What do you believe sets you apart from other writers/entertainers?

I’m really goofy and corky at times but I’m hardworking and persistent.

Do you have any other interests or hobbies?

I’m both a photographer and model. I also love to paint.

Any projects you have out or are currently working on?

I am working on a Stop Rape Awareness video that I filmed and directed.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in a couple of movies and commercials, I also see myself producing films and various creative projects collaborating with people like-minded people. I also see myself married, lol.

What advice can you give to aspiring writer/entertainers?

Stay true to yourself, no matter what. Be yourself follow your dreams and never let anyone stop you, everyone has a story but it’s how you end your book that matters.

How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?

You can follow me on Instagram: @jernisa_ and @jernisaphotography_