Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Keller
Hi Kaylee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been passionate about performing ever since I was a little girl. “My mom tells me when I was about five or six years old, I came up to her and told her that, “God told me that I was going to sing and act when I grow up” and then I just ran off to play with my toys, like any normal day… I truly believe this is part of the purpose God has created me for.
Around the same age, my mom introduced me to Shirley Temple movies and Shirley became a huge inspiration to me. Because of Shirley, I started taking dance, voice, and theatre classes. My favorite aspect of Shirley was the joy that she brought to every movie she was in, and just like her, I wanted to do the same with my performances.
I spent my younger years performing in theatre productions, talent shows, recitals, etc.. but my career in the entertainment business started to take off when I was about fifteen years old. I was in a program called AMTC (Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ). At this showcase I was able to perform and sing in front of top industry professionals, which opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I was awarded a “Top 6 Actress Award”, received several acting and film college scholarships, and had music record label interest. By sixteen years old, I had graduated high school two years early, signed an artist development deal, released my first original song on the radio, started opening shows for major artists, filming, and taking my songs and messages to festivals, schools, and churches across the US!
My music has received many awards, television, and radio features. I have opened for artists; Josh Wilson, Jerrod Neimann, Craig Campbell, Joe Diffie, Rusty Rierson, and Sam Riggs to name a few and have had live performances and interviews with media outlets FOX News Channel, CCM Magazine, WSM radio, Christian Television Network-Bridges, FOX Extra, iHeart Radio, CelebSecrets, FOX411, ABC, WMEG TV, TCN Bridges, and Simply Grace Magazine, along with many others.
As far as acting goes, I have received several awards as “Best Lead Actress” in some of the television shows, movies, short films, and feature films that I have starred in.
When I am not on stage or on set, you can find me leading worship at church, teaching guitar lessons, and helping companies with their digital marketing needs.
My number one goal with all my endeavores is to empower others to embrace their true identity in Christ, to know their value and worth, live out their God given purpose, and to reflect the Kingdom of Heaven in all they do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, I have faced many struggles and challenges along the way. I think one of the biggest challenges in the entertainment industry is learning how to handle rejection and judgement. No one likes to be rejected, but in the entertainment industry, I think it can be even more brutal than others. I have had to learn how to navigate that and learn how to separate healthy and unhealthy criticism and opinions.
Not everyone is going to like the way you look, sound, act, sing, talk, or the values you live by. I am a Christian and I hold strongly to my faith so I have had my fair share of ridicule and harassment because I was not willing to compromise my morals for certain “opportunities”.
Two things help me navigate these challenges. I highly encourage everyone to have these in their life regardless of their career path. First is, having a wise person in your life who speaks truth, is honest with you, and who knows you well. That person for me is my mother, Pam Keller. She helps keep me on the right path. When I start being hyper critical of myself or I am letting someone else’s opinion get the better of me, she reminds me of who I am, what I am called to do, and keeps me grounded. She truly is the best!
The second and most important thing, is my Christian faith. I believe we are called to live the life that God has written out for us in the Holy Bible. This is the foundation and cornerstone of my life. When the lies of the world creep into my life I can give it to God and open His word and be reminded of truth. Scriptures like the ones listed below are statements of truth that I hold onto and speak over myself when I am needing to be reminded.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans for a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I mentioned earlier, I have been blessed with many achievements and opportunities in my life and career but to answer your question of “what am I most proud of”, I do not think that I will achieve that moment in this lifetime.
I don’t want to be remembered from just a song, or a film, or a performance. I want to be remembered for making an impact and for touching someones life and faith journey.
I believe that when we die we will stand before our creator, God, and we will give an account for the way we lived our life. That includes all the words we’ve said, all the people we have met, all the hours we have worked and labored, and all the opportunities we have had. If its all in vain, chasing the praise and approval of people, then I believe it’s empty and will account as nothing. But if it’s in service to God, using the platforms and opportunities He’s given us, touching the lives of others, boldly speaking out about our faith, and growing in our relationship with Him, then He will say “well done good and faithful servant”. That is my ultimate dream and what would make me the most proud of my life.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I was really blessed to grow up in a Christian home with a family that was loving, intentional, and involved. I am the youngest of three and have two older brothers. My mother always told us that God gave us siblings as “built in best friends, for life” and she was right. They were my best friends as a child and still are to this day.
I have too many favorite memories to choose just one! From playing outside for hours at the local park, to weekly Sunday family cookouts, adventurous vacations, and lots of laughter shared, I think the theme of my favorite memories are the quality time we spent together… and still do!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kayleekeller.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleekellermusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayleekellermusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KayleeKeller
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Gyu1ec5SE05nVp0c8azwq?si=dYGIefKKR9qDfimc2kOLaw&nd=1&dlsi=a889378c53074545
