Ava Breeze Bustling to Make Worthy Changes

Photo credit: AR Photography

Ava Breeze is not your common teenager. At just the age of fourteen, she has done more impact than an average high-school student. Besides being a high honor student, she is also a singer, actress, model, influencer, and best of all, an advocate for anti-bullying because of her sister with a rare disease (DHX-30). Despite Covid turning the world upside down, it has not stopped the multitalented teen from pursuing her passion. She has been spending her time in the studio recording her first single, Girls of Summer, which was released early this summer on top of preparing to film a streaming series, Irreverand. Breeze is currently one of the youngest ambassadors for Pure Vida to raise funds to support the research on DHX-30. Check out our interview below to find out more about Breeze’s experiences as Jejune walkthrough on each of her creative realms and DHX-30.


Where are you based? 
NY Metro area with a bi-coastal agency. Hoping to work more in LA.

How did you first get into music? Who are some of your biggest influences?
I have always listened to all kinds of music, my mother has a love of music and I grew up to all of it! Dave Matthew’s Band, The Smiths, Tori Amos, Eminem, Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Lana Del Rey, Brittney Spears, etc…. Pop to country, classical ALL of it! I listen to wherever my mood takes me.

You’re 14 and currently recording a solo album. That’s incredible! Can you share with Jejune what this album will be about? How has the experience of creating your own solo album been like? 
I wrote these songs while my area was in lockdown, which went on longer than many other states! I found writing music as a way of purging many thoughts and emotions… there are only two songs written after lockdown but they still share the same vibe. It’s been a dream come true, hearing the music in my head come to life. 

Photo credit: Sophia Pav

Can you describe your music genre and how did you find it?
I don’t know if I fit in one genre! I like to utilize different styles and tempos. I am very inspired by how Tori Amos has always transitioned so creatively and used different tempos per song. 

Your first single, “Girls of Summer” just released. Congrats!! Can you tell us a little bit about this song and the inspiration behind making this song? 
This was written the summer of deep lockdown! The summer of fear. I truly questioned how much time was going by that life would never be the same! I wrote about my mind going back through summers past with my friends. 

What do you want your audience to take from the song?
Not to take those moments for granted. 

You have also taken a dip into acting where you’re set to begin filming a streaming series “Irreverand.” What does this series talk about and what is your role in it? What are you most anxious about acting in this role?
The series has wrapped, it just hasn’t been given a release date, but I have been acting since I was 5. I’ve been in commercials and acted on stage.  This is my first episodic and first lead role. I am super excited about its release. 

Singing and acting are two completely different realms. How do you prepare yourself to get into character for “Irreverand”? 
Getting in my costume per show really helps me feel like Judith, one day it’s a school uniform or a church outfit… she has her own specific style and that helps me become her. When I sing, it’s always authentically me.

Photo credit: Sophia Pav

Let’s talk about your modeling experience. You modeled for Chick NY and walked in their NYFW Times Square Winter presentation. How was that experience like? Did you enjoy it?
I walked in Chicks first show when I was nine.  I’ve worked with their brand for a long time. I have modeled since I was five! I’ve walked in La and NYFW shows.. for print I’ve done many campaigns I don’t remember them all, I remember Zoe LTD because we always kept the dresses, Outer Stuff, Parents Magazine, etc…. This past NYFW was the strangest actually! We walked with no audience, on a thin marble slab in Times Square. It was only two degrees and the clothing was for spring! We froze but I was with my Chick family so it was Fun. Right after that February walk I was excited to be the March Cover of the Chick magazine. I hope this fashion week to come is more normal.

You have tried out all areas in the entertainment industry with singing, acting, and modeling. How did being in this creative atmosphere and environment influence your development as an artist? 
It’s given me confidence. Auditions are like interviews, dining on stage has made me a better public speaker. I love working in all the pieces of the industry, and feel like they all help each other. 

Where do you see yourself in the entertainment industry in the next 10 years, and what other projects would you want to try out next?
I hope to have the opportunity to play a role where I can also sing… like Caroline on the Vampire Diaries… I’d love to also write and sing for soundtracks. I love how background music adds to every show/movie. 

Jejune loves that you are a big supporter of any charities that advocate for children with special needs and have been taking part in events that help this cause. We learned that the biggest drive is from your sister who is diagnosed with a rare disease that has yet to be named and can only be identified by the gene marker, DHX-30. Can you share with us some important lessons you have learned from her?
The biggest thing Lyra has taught me is that even small things are big things. She can’t talk, most people take talking for granted! Lyra can’t walk, so I don’t take the abilities of my body for granted. Every small stride is a big one, every sound is amazing! Take nothing for granted! 

Can you share with our reader what is this rare disease? What effects does it have on someone that is diagnosed with it? 
Lyra has DHX-30 it’s so rare there are only 30 known cases globally!! There is a spectrum of functions. Not all children exhibit the same exact symptoms. Lyras mutation falls center of the genome making her one of the more severe cases within the community. 

Lyra has no speech, no ability to walk or crawl. She can’t sit for long periods without falling over. She can’t lift or carry objects or use her arms with purpose. She cannot regulate her body temperature and has a high threshold for pain, so she never cries. She gets sick easily and weighs 40lbs at 11 years old (looking like she is five) she cannot eat solid food. She is however the sweetest, and smiliest. She can never say or do a mean thing. She is truly my angel of a sister. 

You’re a huge advocate for anti-bully as well. Due to the DHX-30 disease, your sister was bullied which subsequently prompted you to start the “Avas Advocacy Army.” What is the mission of the Ava’s Army? How can our readers get involved in this?
Following Avas Advocacy Army on Facebook is how to follow! I update whenever we raise money for a specific, family, organization, or event. I post about rare diseases and things people may not know about or have considered, to educate. 

Have you experienced any bullying yourself? If so, how do you deal with them?
I’ve been bullied since first grade… long story! It wasn’t until I had dealt w bullying because of my sister that I knew speaking about ignorance and bullying go hand in hand! I decided it was important for me to try and reach people. 

Besides “Avas Advocacy Army”, you are also one of the youngest ambassadors for Pure Vida. Jejune admires that the profits from the sale of your specially designed bracelet are used to support DHX-30 FUND. How did you get involved? Can you tell us more about their work and their mission?
I am very involved and live with Pura Vida. The low-key, eco-conscience lifestyle is very much my vibe! I partnered with their charity department to make specific bracelets for Avas Army! The profits benefit the DHX-30 research fund. 

How can we raise awareness for organizations such as these and their causes, and why is it so important to do so?
The best thing you can do is make it a priority! Learn about causes you can get behind, and research resources you may be able to use to help you! 

If our readers want to show their support by purchasing the bracelets, where will they be able to get them?
Go to @avabreeze_ click on the bio link and go right to the bracelet tab. 

Off-screen, you still maintain high honor roll status. While taking all honors classes, you were inducted into the National French Honors Society as a graduating freshman. You are clearly a very active person, how do you go about balancing acting/music projects, humanitarian work, studies, and family life?
I honestly don’t know the organization! School takes time but comes easy, I write music as ideas come to me, just all the time… cheer and acting with specific dates can be tricky, I’m hoping one day to have so much on my plate leaning in one direction that one of these passions will have to give and be a hobby. 

How have you been staying positive during the lockdown?
Writing music and dreaming big. 

What is your motto in life? 
Attitude is everything, and we are limitless! Stop saying you can’t do something. Not wanting to exert the effort is different than not having the chance. 

To stay tuned and connected with Ava Breeze, please follow her on the below platforms:
https://linktr.ee/Avabreeze
Instagram
- @avabreeze_ , @aviannasadventures ,
Avas Advocacy Army
A Rare Ruby