Alicia Read’s life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the evolving nature of storytelling. Known as an artist, strategist, and mother, Read’s multifaceted career spans decades, marked by a bold return to her first love: acting. She stepped back into the industry at an age when many consider new beginnings a challenge. At 50, she has emerged as a leading figure in vertical films, a burgeoning sector of the entertainment world, while continuing to shape the future of storytelling through her strategic and creative expertise.
Alicia Read’s early career began in Vancouver in the late 1990s, where she pursued acting on stage. However, life’s circumstances led her to pause her artistic ambitions and focus on raising her daughter as a single parent. This two-decade interlude did not mark a retreat but a transformation. During this time, Read established herself as a formidable presence in the clean beauty and luxury lifestyle industries. Her work helped elevate independent brands onto global platforms, securing features in prestigious publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Products she championed found shelf space in high-end retailers such as goop, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. Her roles ranged from Creative Director to Fractional Chief Growth Officer, where she combined her certification in clinical counselling with executive management to drive brand success.
Yet her passion for acting remained. In 2022, with her daughter grown, Read returned to screen acting and began a new chapter defined by prolific output and a pioneering spirit. Since her return, she has appeared in over 50 projects spanning indie films, commercials, and recently the emerging vertical-format series – an innovative style of filmmaking optimized for mobile viewing that is surpassing traditional streamers in viewers and growth. Two of these vertical-format projects have become “hit shows,” watched by an audience of millions and underscoring her rising prominence in this space. Her first starring role on the Flickreels platform is set to premiere in June 2025.
In addition to her artistic work, Read co-founded the Vertical Film and Short Series Alliance (VFSSA) in spring 2025. The organization is dedicated to building standards, infrastructure, and employment opportunities for entertainment professionals working in a format that is dramatically reshaping the industry. Her leadership exemplifies her dual role as both a creative talent and a strategic visionary.
Read’s journey offers a powerful counter-narrative to conventional timelines for success. Rather than conforming to expectations, she embodies the possibility of transformation at any stage of life. “When people say ‘impossible,’ I hear ‘I’m possible,’” Read reflects, encapsulating her philosophy of resilience and reinvention. Her experience bridges the creative and commercial worlds, enriching her performances with lived authenticity and refined craft.
The emergence of vertical film as a distinct and viable format is central to Read’s current work. Designed for mobile-first consumption, vertical storytelling represents a significant cultural and technological shift. This format is expanding the types of stories told and the demographics represented, including a growing focus on mature characters and nuanced narratives. Alicia Read’s presence as a breakout lead in this medium signals a broader acceptance of diverse voices and age groups in contemporary media.
Collaborators recognize Read’s unique impact. Dom Cutrupi, a director who has worked with her, describes Alicia as “a FORCE.” Her ability to convey emotional depth while managing the technical demands of production has been noted for elevating every project she touches. Executive producers also commend her talent and professionalism, highlighting her as a rising star in an evolving industry.
The intersection of Read’s creative and strategic skill sets sets her apart. Having led brand initiatives that influenced global markets, she approaches acting and storytelling with a comprehensive understanding of both art and business. This dual perspective informs her work in vertical filmmaking and brand building alike, underscoring the importance of narrative in shaping both culture and commerce.
Alicia Read’s story resonates beyond personal achievement. It challenges assumptions about age, opportunity, and the timing of career milestones. Her path illustrates that life’s chapters can be rewritten with determination, skill, and vision. This narrative is especially powerful for women and creatives who have faced systemic barriers or cultural expectations around age and success.
As the vertical film format gains momentum, Read’s contributions as both an artist and advocate place her at the forefront of this transformation. Through VFSSA and her on-screen work, she is helping to legitimize vertical storytelling as a serious artistic and professional medium.
Reflecting on her journey, Read emphasizes the importance of integration and evolution: “Acting was my first love. I didn’t give it up. I put it on hold. And when I came back, I brought everything I’d learned with me.” This holistic approach infuses her performances with truth and depth, offering audiences stories that reflect a fuller spectrum of human experience.
Alicia Read’s emergence as a leader in vertical film, and her ongoing commitment to creativity, strategy, and reinvention, make her a figure of growing influence. Her career trajectory – from single motherhood and entrepreneurialism to screen acting and industry advocacy – demonstrates the timeless power of resilience.
As vertical storytelling continues to evolve, Alicia Read stands as proof that new chapters can begin at any age.
For more information on Alicia Read and her work, visit alicialoveread.com, follow her on Instagram, or view her professional profile on LinkedIn.
