Music

Singer/songwriter Jessica Kenney is on a mission to motivate those around her. The amazingly talented 16-year-old — who describes her music as "inspirational and uplifting" — says she hopes to build self-esteem with her work. "I want to be an inspiration for others to be a better person," Kenney says. "We need to support one another, not tear each other down."

This country cutie hails from Mason, OH and spent part of this past summer working at a camp for kids with special needs. Just another example of how this teen is anything but average.

Kenney has had the opportunity to perform before huge country acts such as Billy Ray Cyrus, John Michael Montgomery and Julianne Hough. In addition, she opened for Radio Disney's Next Big Thing, Jonnie & Brookie in 2009. Kenney released her first EP "Liv'n It Up!" in July 2009 and earlier this year performed one of her hit singles, "It Won't Be For You," on Fox News.

Kenney says Taylor Swift is one of her biggest inspirations because "she doesn't take anything for granted. She makes sure to give back to her fans and I think that's really important."

Her other fave musicians include Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and Jason Aldean.

To further promote her message of building self-esteem, Kenney created the "I Believe In Me" team that is centered around "understanding that individual worth needs to be defined by yourself and not others." To learn more, visit her IBIM Web site at www.ibimteam.com.

"Having people come up to me and tell me their stories feels so good," Kenney says. "It makes me realize that I get through to people. They listen and they hear me."

Here at Pixie, we can’t wait to see what she does next!

To learn more about Kenney, check out her Web sites, www.jessicakenney.com and www.Myspace.com/JessicaKenneyMusic!