In the last 3 years, we've seen you on Nickelodeon's "School of Rock". How would you sum up your experience on the show?
I think what I learned from that experience is that hard work pays off. Every week had a hectic schedule. We worked six days a week. Every Saturday we'd go to the studio, record music, and then dedicate 2 or 3 days to filming. On that seventh day, I was doing around 12 hours of school. Everything isn't handed to you on a gold platter, you have to work hard for what you want; and I really wanted to do my best on that show, in both the acting and music part of it.

Do you already miss playing Tomika?
I definitely miss the music-side a little, but I also like to think that you have to close one door to open another.

Through Tomika, you've given your fans a great example of embracing who you are and what makes you special. How will you continue delivering this message to your fans in the future?
Growing up, I always felt like an outcast because I didn't dress the same as everyone else and I didn't act like everyone else. I wanted to do things that others didn't really understand. For a while, all I would do was find ways to fit in but I learned that happiness comes from within, not emulating what's around me. Being yourself and being unique is something I feel strongly about and hopefully it will show through the music and projects I put out in the future.

Are there any projects you're currently working on that you can tell us about?
I just wrapped filming for an exciting project coming late spring/early summer. There's not a whole lot I can say about it right now but what I can say is that it was so much fun getting to know my cast mates, having the opportunity to do some of my own stunts, and shooting on location. It's a nice break from having to wake up at 5am and head to a stage every morning. Once I can share more details with my fans, I definitely will!

What is it like to grow up having fans? And people that admire you and want to be included in everything you do in your life. 
Honestly, it's surreal at times. I think the weirdest part is growing up between the age of 9 and 15 in that sort of spotlight. I'm still so young and a lot of stuff happens that maybe I don't tell people or my fans directly. At the same time, it can be really cool because my fans are also growing up. We're all evolving and learning more about ourselves every day, and it's nice to have that sort of connection with my fans. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love as a job and being able to share that with them. 

If you had to choose between music and acting, which one would you choose and why?
If I had to choose between music and acting, I would choose music. Music has always been such a huge part of my life. It's a platform that allows me to express myself in ways that are completely different and unique from anything else.

Are you going to release music of your own this year? And what's your favorite song right now?
Yes! The plan is to release some music this year. My go-to song right now is "Distance" by Emily King.

Who would you say are your top 5 biggest musical influences are?
Ah, that's really hard to say! Lady Gaga is definitely up there. She's inspired me ever since I was 6, when I went to go see her live at my first concert. Ed Sheeran is another one because he's one of the reasons why I started playing guitar. My really good friend Pink Sweat$ is an amazing writer, Michael Jackson because he was just insanely talented in all aspects and had incredible work ethic, and Julia Michaels - her lyrics are insane.

Who are your top 5 acting inspirations?
Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Bradley Cooper and Maisie Williams.

If you could collaborate with any musician, past or present, who would it be?
Lady Gaga or Michael Jackson.

Dream actors or filmmakers you'd want to work with?
I'm going to say Bradley Cooper again. Especially after seeing him in "A Star is Born" and seeing how he allowed himself to evolve as both an actor and director. He was originally asked to play the part years ago but turned it down because he felt he didn't have enough experience. I think he, not only as an actor, but then being able to be the director on the same project is incredible and takes a special kind of talent.

What do you love most about yourself?
I love that I stick up for who I am no matter how "weird" it may seem to others. I think it goes back to me feeling like an outcast when I was younger and feeling like I didn't have a voice. Now I stand up for what I believe in, and hopefully that gives others the encouragement to use their voice and to know that they're not alone.

This story is featured in Glamoholic Magazine's Seventh Anniversary-Special Issue (#37). Click here to order a printed copy of this issue.