Today we’d like to introduce you to Journey Slayton.
Journey launched her career at the age of three with the Campbell Agency of Dallas, when she became a regular model for the major brand JC Penny. From there, she went on to book several other print and runway jobs with brands including Macy’s, Belks, Music-in-Motion, and many more.
She was a natural in front of the camera from the very beginning. Entertaining was her passion. Playing dress up, mimicking what she saw and heard on television, and memorizing “lines” was Journey on a regular day. Apparently, she was determined to not let her career stop there. She had and still has a deep desire to entertain the world in a positive manor.
She booked her 1st national commercial at the age of seven and has since worked with the brand’s Chili’s, Samsung, Toyota, American Girl, Sci-Fi, and more. In 2015, after booking the lead roles for several “short” films, Journey and her family relocated to Los Angeles, CA so that she could pursue her career on a full-time basis. Later that same year, Journey booked her 1st California lead role in an Indie film. Since then, she has gone on to book several amazing short films (most are currently still showing in the film festival circuits). She has also worked with Fox, Nickelodeon, and CBS. 2019 brought new opportunities for a few national commercial bookings with the brand Samsung, Chili’s, and the Sci-Fi Channel name a few. This was also the year that Journey began her transition on being “bi-coastal”, traveling between Dallas, TX and Los Angeles, CA.
Journey along with the Dallas based music group “The Teachers and DJ Maestro”(which includes members of her family), released their debut single, “ The ABCee’s”. To this union, also came the release of their first official music video in January of 2019.
In addition to being an actress, model, athlete, and social media influencer, Journey completed courses at the age of 13 to become a Certified Make-up Artist. She works alongside of her grandmother during her “free” time as a florist and helps run the local goods stand at the seasonal Farmer’s Market (both are south of Dallas). She is also the Vice– President of the nonprofit organization, “ Confidence Rules”. Confidence Rules is an organization that focus’ on building self– esteem and confidence in today’s youth while educating about the effects of bullying.
When Journey is not on set or working on her other jobs, she’s busy volunteering with the Looking Ahead Program and the Confidence Rules organization with their many volunteer opportunities. She also takes pride in serving communities in both Dallas, TX and Southern California, promoting the importance of self-confidence, financial literacy, modesty, anti-bullying, and aiding those in need of help. She is actively training and working on her acting skills, as well as taking weekly vocal, dance, gymnastics, parkour classes, and swims almost daily. She loves to cook and bake and is an avid outdoors girl, a true Texan by nature.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not been easy at all. Being a female actress/entertainer comes with a set of its own struggles and challenges. But, when you’re a young, modest, fair-skinned, big-haired, scoliosis having, who sometimes rocks her uni-brow type of girl, who wishes to use her platform as an actress to try and change the world and bring more positivity to the youth, it poses a whole different set of struggles. I have been bullied my both kids and adults. I have been told that my hair is way too big, it doesn’t match my skin tone, and maybe I should keep it straight. “Can you fix that, cut that”, what???, that uni-brow. As society will tell it, my skin color does not match my features. My posture is a little off. Maybe I should dress like everyone else. It’s okay to use curse words, it’s not like you’re using them for real. More people will like your IG post if you would just…….
But, that is not how I was raised. That is not who I want to be. That is not the example that I want to set. The message that I want to show is to be confident in who you are regardless of what and who society says you should be. I am on a mission to prove to kids just like me, that it doesn’t matter what size, color, shape, or facial features that you have. They are beautiful and if they have a talent, they have every right to showcase that!
For me, the fame is not worth me losing myself. If it is meant for me, then people will accept me for me.
I’ve also struggled with the factor that it’s hard to find and keep real friends in this industry. I’ve had to realize that some people rooted for me until it was time to root for me. I’ve lost people that I thought were friends and I’ve lost people that were actually family. I was always told as a young girl that my circle would get smaller but, I did not understand what that meant until I entered the industry. Jealousy is crazy. Good thing is, these challenges have taught me how to be a good person. I love to cheer on my family and friends and I am honestly happy for their achievements.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a working actress, a Certified Make-up Artist, and a trained florist. What sets me apart are the values that have been instilled in me. I am an honest, considerate, kind hard worker, full of lots of smiles to share. I do my best to give 100% to every job that I am blessed with. I enjoy going to work, and I love being helpful.
What were you like growing up?
I am the 3rd of my parents four children. According to my parents, I have always been me. Over the years, I have had many nicknames. Each one probably represents a different phase in my life. “The Child”, “Bug” and “Wheres Journey”…Lol, this is the one that stuck! Til this day, someone is always yelling “Hey, Where’s Journey”. I got this name because I was always on-the-go and adventurous. I was more than likely on the search for candy, trying to take pictures, or talking to my new friends. My parents say that I was “The Child” that scared them the most. They say that I never met a stranger. I would start walking with and talking to everyone that said “hi” to me.
Looking back, I was probably getting lost a lot. I am a complete social butterfly and I love to talk. I have always loved outdoors, and I don’t mind getting dirty. Having two brothers and a dad that is always working on something, I have learned how to hang with the roughest of them while keeping my nails cute courtesy of my big sister. As a two year old, I was the one who would get under a car in my dress, with my purse on one arm and a rubber mallet in the other. I love cooking too. I can practically go from the garage to the kitchen to the runway in a matter of minutes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.me/journeyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheresjourney/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wheresjourney
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wheresjourney
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/journey-slayton
Image Credit:
@Zachariah_shoots, @Sampsonsproduction, @MarcusPhotog
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