REAL PEOPLE: Lauren Suthers is Taking a Stand for Girl Empowerment
Lauren Suthers recently worked on Disney’s Friends for Change alongside Olivia Holt, and filmed a pilot, Ascension, for the Syfy Channel. In between filming, Lauren joined with the movement I AM THAT GIRL (by founders Alexis Jones & Emily Greener) and launched her own chapter at her high school and her community. I AM THAT GIRL is helping girls to transform self-doubt in to self-love by providing a safe space to be lifted up and have honest conversations about things that matter. Glitter recently sat down with Lauren to talk about her acting career, her motivation, and her work with I AM THAT GIRL.
GLITTER: How did you get started in singing, songwriting and acting?
LAUREN: I was about ten when I started out acting & singing. The Disney Channel was a big part of my life and seeing all those actors doing what they do, made me realize that is what I wanted for myself. I got an agent, and started auditioning immediately after I booked my first role I knew this was for me! Later that year, I joined ADPC for an Anti-Bully Campaign and started to build self-confidence from the bullying I endured at that time from my school mates. I was doing live skit performances at events, and speaking at school assemblies; on educating to stop bullies, stand up and make a change. Then the founder presented a song to me called “Why Do You What You Do?” written for me to perform and recorded on the Antibullians’ album. After I found my voice, I never looked back and my career took off from there.
GLITTER: Did you have any fears at all being so young and jumping into a career? If so, what were they, and how did you overcome them?
LAUREN: I do still have small fears, about being judged, will they like my music and connect with me. I overcome them by staying positive and staying true to myself. I love what I do and making other people happy through my work & music. If it helps motivate or inspire another to follow their dreams, then I’ve done what I set out to do!
GLITTER: What’s been a memorable moment so far for you?
LAUREN: There has been so many memorable moments to choose just one, but the ones that stand out the most are when I attend charity events. It feel so good helping others, seeing a smile or knowing in some small way I’ve made a difference for them. By either donating my time by getting involved or performing at the event to help raise awareness. I am happy to have a career that helps me, help others. This is my goal in life and I am proud of that.
GLITTER: What has your experience been like starting an I AM THAT GIRL chapter at your school? What was the process like to sign up and start the movement for those that would like to do the same?
LAUREN: It has been so positive, our group of girls have so much to offer and our adviser is amazing. Just the other day, I got to experience a great meeting with my chapter. We had a meaningful conversation on self-worth, and having the girls open up and realize what their worth is, is Priceless. It’s tough to be a teen these days and feeling safe to speak openly to your peers about anything, but this is where I AM THAT GIRL has made a difference for me and them. I’m excited every week to learn more and anxious to know what I could do next to make a difference. I am excited to extend the chapter outside of school and will be launching another for my local community coming January so younger woman can be involved.
The process is smooth and simple. Just go to the IATG website to read all about it, take the pledge and either find a chapter in your area to join, or you can fill out an application to start your own. The surrounding chapter leaders and board members are so helpful the experience for anyone will be an exciting one. It will change your life!
GLITTER: What’s it like performing on stage?
LAUREN: It’s such a rush! When I hit the stage, I have so much energy pumping inside and I exude it onto the crowd. When the first lyrics come out into the mic, I just let go and feed off their positive energy just making it that much more hyped! I’m the happiest when performing. I love the stage and just want to have fun.
GLITTER: What is your songwriting process like? Do you write about experiences? How does a song go from thought to paper for you?
LAUREN: The process starts with an idea, feeling, what’s going on in my life at that moment, or a tune/beat I like. My dad helps me through the process. He is a huge inspiration to me and has pulled so much out of my heart that can help make a song come to life. My music producer, R1ckone, and the 3013 Music Group also are a huge part of what’s to come and my growth as a recording artist. We sit down and talk about my experiences or what message I want the song to be about. The team works on the lyrics, instrumentals, and it takes off from there. It has been amazing how R1ckone really listens and gets me! Just from a beat I want to hear, or few lyrics can evolve into this amazing piece.
GLITTER: What can we expect next from you?
LAUREN: My debut EP is almost complete and looking to release before end of year. It has been a process and the music is amazing, a piece of my soul. I love the positive message each one brings and the different sounds I think the fans will like. Performance dates are also being planned.
GLITTER: What advice do you have FOR GIRLS WHO ROCK on making it in entertainment?
LAUREN: My advice would be to keep living your dream! Work hard, stay true to yourself and never give up. Remember to trust yourself. You are Amazing & BeYoutiful! Be That Girl!
Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
