About Me

Welcome to my life!

My name is Ginie Somaya Reece. It means "beautiful child."
I was born in California but come from Puerto Rican, Belize and Hawaiian
roots. I grew up in a poverty stricken neighborhood in L.A. that people call
"South Central."

As a child I always dreamed of being an actress. I would say, I always
had a creative side. I grew up with my mother, father, brother and sisters.
I went to schools in my neighborhood until I finally got the opportunity
to go to schools outside of my neighborhood. In school I occupied my time
with many after programs and school activities and singing in church and
Sunday school. All this to help further educate myself about the world
and keep me out of trouble. Although there were a lot of negative issues
happening in the neighborhood. I tried my best to steer away from them.
I went through a lot of experiences in life with my family, friends,
teachers including myself, that I learned that although you come from the
ghetto you don't have to represent it or exploit it in a negative manner!
I learned a lot through meeting with people of all walks of life. And how
some people can not always be supportive of your dreams.

I knew there was a better life out there for my family and I. Asides from
learning in school I taught myself to speak both English and Spanish fluently.
So that I could temporarily work in the corporate society so that I could
have the money to help my family, myself and study theatre. I always
looked at the horizon and what steps I had to take to get there.
I never let anyone hold me back including my family. Through a lot of
sweat and tears I finally started to achieve my dreams. They became
a reality while working at a very elite hotel in Beverly Hills I was scouted
out daily. Because of where I come from I was a bit skeptical. But I knew
I would never know if I didn't try. So I jumped on a few peoples
opportunity, unfortunately they lead to a dead end. Although I was
disappointed I never let it stop me. So I decided to lay back from the industry
and continue working and studying of an on when work let me. I juggled
living on my own, school, studying music, two jobs and sending money
to my family.

One night late at work an agent and his wife asked me to call them about
possibly getting into acting. Hmmmmmm…..Is what was in the back of
my mind. Did it stop me? No! I called and after a week of auditioning
I booked my first commercial in Spanish and a hosting gig. My agent asked
me to change my full time job into part time and enroll into an acting class
other than UCLA's Theater department. I began going to Bobbie Chance's
Acting Studio as well as auditing and enrolling in Aaron Speiser, Brian Reise
acting workshop. I began working on my craft full time. Since then my
life has changed beyond my childhood dreams. Soon after I began
working on film, and hosting. Through all this I discovered modeling.
I wasn't really sure if I wanted to go that route since my focus is acting.
As the risk taker I am I said, "hey this can't hurt". Someone I worked
with on a television show brought me over to a modeling agency.

I started modeling right away for lingerie catalogs, bathing suits,
department store catalogs, and magazines. Although I began modeling
I have to say I never gave up on my acting. I then met someone who
tapped into my music side. I started working on my music as well.
Through the positive guidance and great advice from the people I work
with I have been successful as a person, professionally and career oriented.
Even though I am starting to achieve my dreams I still continuously work
on family, self, craft and my focus,. I make it a point to never forget where
I came from, and who came in with me NO MATTER WHAT! Although the
deck of cards that was dealt to me in life wasn't exactly keen. It taught
me to stay grounded, positive and to continue pursuing my dreams.
And hey what can I say I'm starting to live it!

Enough about my career I'm sure you would like to know a little
something personal about me.

I've been told I'm the life of the party and I have to say this is true.
I am very outgoing who loves to live life to the fullest. I like to try things
at least once, unless I am uncomfortable from the start. I am a big risk taker.
I believe that "you'll never know if you don't ask". I have always
been understanding and courteous. But I cannot tolerate negative
individuals. Especially if they are not focused. I am a very relaxed jeans
and T-shirt kind of young woman. Sometimes I am a bit of a goof ball even.
But don't let that fool you because I love getting all dressed up and go out
on the town with my friends and ripping up the dance floor. I like going to
the gym on a regular basis…no cheating! I believe in eating healthy and
staying active. I had an opportunity to try water-skiing and wave runners
in Cancun while working on my first music video. Boy was that a great
experience that I want to do again. Water sports are so exciting. I want to
travel to different parts of the world and discover new adventures and cultures.
But, clear blue water and white sand beaches is what I love. I dream of going
to an uninhabited island, siting on the beach eating mangos while listening
to the soothing waves. Give me some time and watch me do it! I might
even own my own.

By know I think you have learned a lot about my life and personality.
I am glad to have been a part of your thoughts. Book smart, street smart,
respect, loyalty, and honesty is what I Ginie Somaya Reece pride myself with,
and what I live by! I always remember "don't talk about it, be about it"!
If you put your mind to it you can achieve all your dreams to the fullest and
know that hard work never goes un-rewarded. My daddy and my moms
taught me that.

Have a blessed day!

Somaya