At just three years old, Storm Reid knew that she would be an actress and a superstar.
Now, at 17, she’s already had massive success in Hollywood. She’s worked with Ava DuVernay in “When They See Us” and “A Wrinkle in Time,” in which she starred alongside Oprah Winfrey (no big deal), won over legions of fans as Zendaya’s younger sister in “Euphoria,” and brought us to the edge of our seats in “The Invisible Man.”
It’s safe to say Reid has taken Hollywood by storm (sorry, we had to), and we can’t wait to see what the actress, producer, and changemaker will do next. (She'll soon be starring in the “Suicide Squad” sequel!).
Ahead, Reid fills us in on what it was like to know her purpose from such a young age, how she’s striving to make a difference and push the film and television industry forward, and why she doesn’t believe in failure.
At just three years old, God whispered in your ear that you would be an actress and a superstar. Can you tell us how it feels to know your purpose from such a young age and can you recall what happened next?
I've always said that I was put on this Earth not only to act but to inspire. I declare I am destined to be doing the things that I am doing right now, and I wholeheartedly believe that. Of course, these sentiments weren't as strong when I was little as they are now, but with the unwavering support I had from my mom and family and the faith that was instilled in me, I knew I could achieve anything. From the moment I was standing next to my mom while she sat on the couch and I told her, "I want to be on TV, and I want to be a superstar," I've been blessed to live out my passions, create opportunities for others, and accomplish things that the three-year-old little munchkin at the time could ever imagine.
How did you make your first dollar and what did that job teach you that still applies today?
My first paid job was a Sprouts PS kids commercial. Ultimately, being on that set taught me a sense of professionalism and that, yes, acting is fun, but it is hard work and I would need to concentrate if I wanted to do this long term.
God was right because, at 17, you’ve already had massive success in Hollywood, working with Ava DuVernay in “When They See Us” and “A Wrinkle in Time,” in which you starred alongside Oprah Winfrey; in “Euphoria,” as Zendaya-as-Rue’s younger sister, and again in “The Invisible Man.” What drives you to succeed at such a young age?
Faith has been a driving force in my life and career. My faith is what has made me successful. I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whatever life, school, work, and relationships throw at me, I am confident I will get through anything because I know in my heart I'm equipped with tools to persevere with my beliefs, which I'd be incomplete without.
How are you making a difference and pushing your industry forward?
I am trying to open doors for others by way of my success. Through our production company, "A Seed and Wings," our goal is to curate projects that reflect the real world. Real stories. Create projects to showcase the excellence of people of color and minorities. Open up doors for new artists to pursue their dreams. I mean, Ms. Ava took a chance and believed in me. Now it's my turn to do the same thing. Uplift. Inspire. Evoke progressive conversations. Repeat.
What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?
I wouldn't say this is a career mistake, but sometimes I'd find myself conforming or making myself smaller to fit society's standards. Presently, in my personal and work life, I am one hundred percent unapologetically myself, flawed and all.
2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads + switch gears towards your new version of success?
This might seem so simple, but the way I found new roads during the heartbreaking year of 2020 was a lot of self-reflection. I spent time with myself, which is not that normal as I am always busy and getting pulled in 1,000 different directions. Some days I felt helpless; other days, I felt empowered. I was able to ask myself how I was feeling. I got the opportunity to care for myself, so despite the pain, we endured globally, I'm forever grateful for the pockets of peace and self-knowledge I found along the way.
Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams?
Thankfully, I've always been pretty confident, but I mean, I am just a 17-year-old girl trying to figure it out. There are some days where I don't feel my best, but the best thing for me has been excepting the good and bad mentally, emotionally, and physically. Despite my flaws and faults, I know that others love me, but most importantly, I love myself. I am undeniably proud to take up space in the world. My advice to young women on cultivating confidence would be to know that you are perfectly imperfect. Don't conform. Always try to be yourself. Accept your flaws and your beauty. Don't be afraid to take up space and know you belong in whatever room you walk into. Acknowledge that every day won't be excellent, but you are loved.
When you separate yourself from your job title and the bells and whistles of your business or career, who are you and what do you like to do? How have you remained true and authentic to who you are?
Again I’m just a 17-year-old girl trying to figure life out. I'm evolving and everchanging. My mom, family, and support system have created a beautiful balance of being a "normal" teenager and a young businesswoman. When I am spending time with family and friends is when I'm most happy. No matter what I’m doing, whether it be school- or work-related, I try to live in the moment because I know life is short, but I have so much to see and learn and I’m beyond excited for what's to come.
It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?
I believe everything happens for a reason. I don't believe in failure. What is for me is for me, and what is meant for me won't miss me.
With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?
My supporters keep me inspired. I'm cognizant that my career is more significant than myself. I do what I do to encourage people and evoke change. So on the days where there is no motivation, I sit back and think about all the young brown girls that look up to me.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now—what advice would you give yourself?
Be patient. The best is yet to come.
Fill in the blanks:
When I feel fear, I…
Pray.
The best career advice I always give is…
Put in the work.
To be successful, you need to be…
A good person.
I turn bad days around by...
Talking to my loved ones.
