#TeamTrueMe Ellen Reed
This is the first (and very exciting) in our #teamtrueme series where we’ll be profiling incredible people who are living their True Me.
We’ve had quite a few people ask us what the name True Me means over the last couple of weeks. As you might have picked up (we haven’t been all that subtle), we aren’t looking to do things the same as the others (you know who they are).
The True Me brand is all about authenticity, so it will mean different things to different people.
So in the spirit of getting to know True Me a little better, here is the first (and what a good one it is) in our series of #teamtrueme.
Ellen Reed needs little introduction. We spent time on set with Ellen recently at our True Me brand shoot where we all fell in love with her gorgeous personality, incredible smile, determined spirit and refreshing honesty. While you’ve likely seen her in full glamour mode with that unforgettable bright red mane and mermaid curls, she’s very much the beautiful swan sailing across the top of the water while some furious paddling is happening below the surface.
So when we had a minute, we got right down to it and asked her all the big questions.
[True Me] We know (full well) that you are an incredible performer, but what other talents do you have up that (statement) sleeve of yours?
[Ellen] After leaving school I studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Music, Drama and Theology before going on to study voice (practical and theory) as well as spending time learning the ropes at the Harvest Rain Theatre Group and being a part of the Brisbane Birralee Voices for the last seven years. In 2016 I tried out for Channel Nine’s The Voice where I got the last audition before earning my place on Jessie J’s team (making it all the way through to the Grand Final).
[True Me] What was the biggest thing you learnt about yourself from your time on The Voice?
[Ellen] Aside from being able to achieve the perfect eyebrow? It was an incredible experience that gave me the self confidence to pursue my dreams of being a full-time singer and songwriter.
Editor’s note: Ellen is also a songwriter, who writes and produces her own original material. Ah-mazing.
[True Me] What is something people might not know about you?
[Ellen] I work really hard every day to manage my own career. And I never surrender.
[True Me] What does the name True Me mean to you?
[Ellen] True Me gives me the confidence to be 100% myself.
[True Me] What is so important about being your True Me?
[Ellen] I would rather be disliked for the woman that I am, than like for someone I am not.
[True Me] Why do you think authenticity is so important?
[Ellen] As an artist, I am inspired by people that are brave enough to be true to themselves in their lives. By being my true self I hope I can inspire others to do the same.
[True Me] What have been some of the defining True Me moments in your life?
[Ellen] I’ve been bullied a lot through my life, so having a more public profile since my time on The Voice I’ve been able to use this platform to talk to young people around the importance of being kind, working hard, not giving up on their dreams and being their true self. I am always so encouraged by the response I get from young people when sharing these messages with them.
[True Me] Your hair is incredible. Have you always had such a striking colour and style?
[Ellen] I’ve always had curly hair which needed styling. When I was on The Voice I was lucky enough to have the incredible Stevie English create this really vibrant red for me, which I now entrust to Alisha from Absolutely You Hair Salon and the phenomenal Jools Purchase.
[True Me] What kind of impact does your hair have on people?
[Ellen] People can see me from across the room! The red definitely stands out, which is great as a performer.