By Jennifer Ayala, Special to Style

Go ahead, ask any of the younger kids in this generation what they want to be when they grow up, and you’re likely going to get a high response of those stating they strive to be a “star.” However, what most of them do not realize, is the hard work, mental strength, and dedication it takes to be just that - a star! One particular musician on the rise, JaeRene, sat down with me and shared some insight on her journey to stardom, along with what it takes to pursue a career in the music industry. But I have to tell you now, if it were easy, we would all be stars.

JaeRene was born and raised in the great state of Texas and is especially proud of her roots planted here in Houston. First born daughter to a single mother, making her way through high school, the future songtress would likely realize the hardships of an unfair world early on. However, the upside would pave the way for her “never give up” attitude. Growing up in a single parent household, young JaeRene witnessed the strength and courage of a powerful mother at a very young age, and rarely did she observe anyone do it with such grace. Though her mother, Lindsay, was able to persevere and give JaeRene the best life she could, she undoubtedly could not have done so without the help of many others. What is that saying many people use? “It takes an entire village to raise a child…” well this was certainly one of those sayings that the duo can wholeheartedly relate to.

When it comes to her biggest support, there is no question that she loves her daughter. Her mother happily works behind the scenes and makes sacrifices. Although many people doubted and attempted to discourage her, JaeRene proved she was a force to be reckoned with. Although JaeRene has had to miss out on many of the dances, parties and after school activities her high school peers participate in, she wouldn’t trade it in for all the late-night recordings or long days at photo shoots.

She has a message to all the mothers and fathers out there. “Don’t quit and don’t give up, because not only are you are the most important person to your child, but the only one on earth that is ever going to have 100 percent of their best interest at heart,” commented JaeRene.

Watching this little seed bloom into the beautiful flower that she is today has been as rewarding to me, as if she were my own, and with the passion that Jae possesses there is no stopping her. JaeRene is now becoming a name that many of our artists and fellow Houstonians are getting familiar with and with a vast Instagram following she is only growing. Many have had the privilege to witness the full potential of the mother-daughter duo that proved that a little bit of dedication and hard work was something they would never shy away from.

With that being said, when asked about what was the hardest part of becoming who she is today, she thought earnestly and expressed, “Honestly, I don’t look at it like that. Everything that I have been through has made me who I am, so I can’t really look at it in a negative light. Everything is hard you know? Every aspect about doing what I am doing is hard and everybody has something to say. Yeah, the input can be taken hard, but I rarely think about that. I see it as a way to build my character and make me a better musician. So, I can’t say there was anything that was just hard to the point of making me want to quit or anything. I just look at it more so in a positive light.”

More Q& with JaeRene

JA: So, are you saying any criticism is good criticism?

JR: Yes, and even though it may hurt my feelings I take it into consideration.

JA: What was it about music that drew you in?

JR: Nothing really drew me in- it was just a part of my life. I grew up around music and even before I was born my mom was always singing to me while I was in her stomach (I mean that’s what she told me) so when I was born and heard all the different genres- music just came naturally. I never knew music could be so complex and was shocked at how I could express myself through it.

JA: With that being said, what is your favorite genre of music to sing?

JR: Rhythm and Blues. But honestly, a little bit of country. Overall, I’d say for fun, I love to sing country, however, career and passion wise will always be R&B. The first song I recorded was Poppin and it is still available on Apple music.

JA: How old were you when you realized you had a talent for singing?

JR: I was three and competing in beauty pageants. There just so happened to be a talent portion and I sang Mary J Blige: I’m going down, which also happens to be the first very song I ever sang. Yes, I may have been young, but I knew it was my fate to go into the music industry.

JA: Who would you say has been your biggest influence?

JR: This may sound a little corny but my mother. My mom’s work ethic is unmatched, and I have never seen anyone work as hard as she does day in and day out.

JA: Ultimately, what is your goal in your music career?

JR: I definitely want to be what some of these artists are to me for the next little girl. I want to be the person that shows them that you can have fun with it. I am 17 and living my dream and you can do it at any age. I do whatever I want, whenever I want, spontaneously, and I do not apologize but that is also a trait that I am very proud of.

JA: What advice would you give your fans seeking to get into the music industry?

JR: Of course, practice! And don’t be afraid to use social media- it is your best, best, friend. Get on Instagram to post videos and tag other artists that want to hear you sing or that you admire. Singing pages have a huge platform and you can use that to your benefit. Go out and perform in public, go to open mic night and make sure you are always having fun with it, make it you!

JA: If you could work with any musician who would it be?

JR: Meg the Stallion!

JA: Any last words to your fans?

JR: To my fans, be unapologetically you. Don’t let anybody stop you and if you want to dance in the middle of the street with a cowboy hat and a lasso- Do it! Do not question yourself and do not have any doubts about it, just be yourself!

There you have it folks, our very own Houston-native star on the rise. Be on the lookout in fall 2019 for her self-titled debut album JaeRene featuring Zro, Yella Fella and Royal.