Haley Ramm is an actress known for her powerful role as Brenna on the ABC Family Channel’s “Chasing Life” which returned for it’s second season this summer. Along with acting, Hayley has many interests and passions. She is a celebrity ambassador for AARDA (American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association) and has a passion for vintage shopping which has led to an Etsy shop with her mother.
We recently got a chance to sit and speak with Hayley while she was in NYC. Hayley is very talented and has big dreams that she has been chasing and fulfilling.
upfrontNY: Season 2 started this summer. What is the best part of being a part of this show and filming it?
Haley: I think the best part of being on this show is the family dynamic we have and getting to work with all different types of actors. I have scenes at my school and getting to work with the actors there, my love interests are really great to work opposite of, and we have the family scenes.
upfrontNY: You have already gone through so much in just 2 seasons, how do you think other students in High School can relate to you and what you have gone through?
Haley: I think other high school students can relate because Brenna is trying to figure it out and get through high school, be a nice person, and stand up for what she thinks is right and herself. The whole bisexual aspect of it is cool to see reactions to that. I think its cool to play a character where kids can watch it and say I feel like I am like that.
upfrontNY: Do you feel that this show has changed your outlook on life?
Haley: Yes, I do because of the scenes where we are talking about life, death, and the after life, staying optimistic through really hard times.
upfrontNY: In “Chasing Life,” you have a girl who has cancer and she is chasing after her life and her dreams, trying not to let it get away. Do you feel like you are one of those people that has big dreams that you are chasing after?
Haley: Yes! That is an understatement. Every day I feel like I am not doing enough. There is more to do and I am excited to do it. I am a big hustler and a big chaser.
upfrontNY: I saw that you are involved with AARDA (American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association). How did you get involved with this organization?
Haley: I got involved with AARDA because my mom was getting diagnosed with autoimmune diseases and it started about 3 years ago and since then she has accumulated 4 Autoimmune diseases. One of them is 1 in a million. Seeing my mom go through that, it makes you angry and want to do something. I met a lot of people dealing with Autoimmune diseases daily and the biggest thing I noticed is that they are shocked and happy that someone is going to bat for them. I think they are silent diseases and they don’t have enough research dollars. We are trying to raise awareness and research money. We are planning a walk on November 8th in Los Angeles. We are trying to raise $100,00 and my goal is $10,000.
upfrontNY: I saw you have a vintage shop with your mom. Can you talk a little bit about how that got started.
Haley: That is a huge thing we have in common. I used to buy vintage for myself. We agreed we both loved that and thought we could do something fun together and started an Etsy shop called Barbee Vintage. My mom’s name is Barbara and they called her Barbee when she was growing up.
upfrontNY: If you could film a movie and were given the choice of any decade based on fashion and accessories which one would you choose?
Haley: I think the 20s would be cool, the flapper style is neat and the jewelry is beautiful . I have done the 60s before and that was a dream.
upfrontNY: When you are in NYC is there a specific spot that you always have to go?
Haley: I have to do SoHo and Central Park. I love both those places and I want to try the Dover Street Market
upfrontNY: You have been busy and a lot of exciting things going on. Do you feel like there is one topic of conversation that you love talking about?
Haley: I love talking about being yourself, finding your confidence, and knowing that everyone has insecurities. I like instilling confidence in young girls. It is something I am passionate about.
Want to help and support Haley in raising money for the Los Angeles Autoimmune Walk? Head here!
What are the auto – immune diseases your mother has.Put a name to them and talk about them by name.I to have one that is rare and incurable called Multi-system Sarcoidosis, neuro – sarcoidosis plus Sjogren ‘s syndrome.