Meet Joshua Reed | Actor, Poet, & Creative Director

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

Hi Joshua, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
During my journey one thing that I try to continue to keep at the forefront of my decisions and direction is God & my Faith. Whenever a time comes where I feel like things may not be going the way “I” planned for them to go, I strive to make sure to pray & meditate and place myself in alignment for what God has planned for my life. I take moments to reflect on the “bigger picture” and to remind myself that my assignment to “Life” and what I’m called to do is bigger than myself. So, in my praying and meditations I ask for signs in ways that are undeniable to help guide me along the way. Then sometimes it’s the small & simple things that make themselves known that remind me I’m on the right track and things usually always work in my favor. Even if it doesn’t always seem like it. I know the passion and love I have for what I do is worthy of sharing with others and potentially helping change lives and perspectives, so giving up is not an option. So, the advice I’d give to anyone thinking of giving up would be to stay focused and stay present. Continue to pray and meditate daily, because you never know how close you may be to the breakthrough you are looking for.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am an actor and have been acting since I was really young. My first time being a part of a production I was about 4/5 years old. Although I didn’t have any lines, just being a part of the production excited me. My mother was a part of the arts department at our church The Potter’s House Dallas and was a huge encouragement in my journey of developing a love for acting.

I believe what sets me apart from others is the passion I have for what I do, and the authenticity of my approach to doing so. It’s a part of who I am to the core and when I feel the most like myself. It brings me a level of joy and happiness that also creates a place for my own creative journey and personal healing, as well as my contribution to the world and society through the arts. To tell stories of those that may not be told or heard often. The love I have for being a vessel in creating and telling stories authentically, that can potentially change the perspective of others and create a better world is quite fulfilling. Hoping to inspire people to live through Love, Peace, Faith and Happiness. This is undoubtedly my purpose.

I just recently graduated with my Associate of Arts Degree and have approached really great opportunities to further my acting career and continue towards accomplishing the goals I have set for myself. I take some pride in being able to stay as consistent as possible with accomplishing the completion of this degree debt free, and with a plan that I’m working hard towards, to eventually also complete my B.A in Communication Studies.

I have been navigating so far by managing myself and working through networking and building genuine relationships. Being of service to those going in the same direction. I am big on community and working together with other like minded individuals around me as well as with those in other places to accomplish a goal, whatever that creative endeavor may be. I am now in a very unique position in life where I am having to lean heavily in my faith and determination with making things work, but also having hope and realizing things always work out. I continue in making sure I’m doing my part in trying to make sure I’m in alignment with God’s will and what I have prepared for myself along the way. Faith without works is dead and I have faith in knowing I obtain the capability of operating to my fullest potential and in my God given talent and purpose.

The road has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. As time continues, I see many prayers answered and many signs that guide me in the right direction. I have been extremely dedicated to this process and committed to producing the results I know I am capable of providing. Again, it has not been easy, but I see the fruits of my labor after each step I take forward. I overcome many obstacles by trying my best to acknowledge and eliminate anything that comes in the way of my long term and short-term goals. It doesn’t work all the time, and I may make a few wrong turns, but I always end up back on track and on the right path.

I have learned during this time to be even more present in where I am. Continuing to tell myself that I am in competition with no one but myself. While also celebrating the small and big victories along the way. I understand the decisions I make now; will either be for my benefit or my downfall and staying present helps with making sure I am making the right choices. Life happens and will continue to happen, it comes with changes, unexpected setbacks and catapulting opportunities.

Something I would love for others to know about myself as a brand is the frequency of life that I strive to always operate in, is of Pure Intentions, Genuine Love, and Life Long Inspiring Impressions. It is to be a lending hand in the development of those like myself in communities around me and like mine. I believe in being a connecting link in making sure that opportunities are given to those in the communities I am a part of, while being of service in making sure that happens; and most of all having fun while doing so! Anything is possible with a little faith and some hard work. Something my role model Will Smith has said that I stick to is “There’s no reason to have a plan B because it distracts from plan A”. So, everything I do is in preparation and with complete faith that my Plan A can, is, and will happen!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Dallas is a beautiful place to visit and live. It is full of southern hospitality and kindness and there is a lot of love for the artists that reside here. A few places I would recommend to checkout while here are Deep Ellum, The Freeman which is located in that area. Green Elephant in North Dallas, and our Dallas Museum of Art is really great too.

Then of course there is the Cowboys and Rangers Stadiums in Arlington, along with Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor. Also in that area is a big bar/restaurant area called Texas Live, that’s always a great time! Klyde Warren Park near the heart of Downtown Dallas is a very relaxing place to go as well. It includes food trucks and vendors as well as restaurants. Then depending on what’s going on, Fair Park has really great events too. I love to eat so most of what I would want to take a friend to do is different food spots/bars and parks. Trinity Grove & Bishop Arts district are also other great areas for good food and fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I would love to shout out my mother Zerlina Kirk Reed, who has been a great support system for me along the way. She is the founder of Creative Movement Artz, which is a program geared towards youth who have interest in the fine arts. My mentor Ben Adams for making sure I had lifelong tools in being the best man I could be. My coach Akin Babatunde for continuing to encourage and motivate me in moving forward with my career. Lastly, I would love to shout out my aunt Katrina Kirk Franks. She’s a counselor who has made tremendous strides in becoming the best Mental Health Care Professional she can be. She is working on her own practice and being a vessel to serve the communities around her. Shout out to all these loved ones who have been a pivotal part in my development as a person and an artist.

Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7811867/

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

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/joshua-reed-7911b2189

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosueReed

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaDReed21

Other: https://linktr.ee/Joshuadreed Booking Contact Info: Joshuadreedbookings@gmail.com

Image Credits
Jamaal Murray with PhotosbyJamaal Ashley Doyle with Shooting Journeys Unleashed Entertainment