She’s fun, fresh and fearless. It’s Aria Brooks.
“Don’t keep yourself from doing something because it’s scary. Some of the scariest things make you a better person and can help you later on in life.” – Aria Brooks
Whether she is toting a leather backpack or sitting pretty in a rose printed dress, she is most definitely a force to be reckoned with!
The Cachet Digital team had an absolute blast photographing Aria earlier this year for her cover story. We found her youthful optimism mixed with her bundle of energy to be absolutely charming. One of the things that stood out to me was her confidence and ability to convey herself in a way that many adults might envy. I can honestly say I was more than surprised by how sure and comfortable she was in her own skin. Her bubbly smile hides a whirling intelligence and Cachet predicts this will serve her well as she seeks to master the entertainment field beyond just acting.
While walking with me as we moved to yet a different location to shoot one of her outfits, Brooks talked her fashion choices for when she is off set and candidly admitted to choosing clothing that was different from what stylists usually dress her in. It was clear that she is able to craft her own identity even at such a young age. Her upturned face and earnest eyes gleamed with mischief as she confided to me that while she is usually styled in pinks and purples she loves wearing sporty clothes as well!
Brooks is unique and unashamed to be herself. Recently, she started a new series on her Instagram page entitled “Ask Aria” where she chats and interviews individuals involved in the music industry. After an unpleasant experience with someone saying mean comments about her features and hair texture during the IG LIVE segment she kept going and ignored the online bully. She used it as a teaching moment and gracefully informed the follower that she would not let their opinions deter her from doing her segments and to be on the lookout for yet another interview. Her graceful way of handling trolls is a clear lesson to other children who find themselves facing “haters,” naysayers or bullies online. She definitely recommends loving oneself and staying grounded as a solution to negativity. Aria is a role model for kids seeking a voice to identify with as well as guide them to love being in your own skin.
Aria Brooks is a 13 years old performer who has been practicing her craft for seven years. She has released two songs independently. She has also done hiphop, jazz, and lyrical dancing. She is a series regular on Nickelodeon’s All That and has been featured in other movies and shows.
When I met you, I was instantly captivated by how fast your mind whirled around. I could literally see the thoughts turning in your head. Tell us how you process roles and the steps you go through to memorize lines:
One of the first things I do when processing a role is read through and figure out what the scene is about. I analyze who I am, what my goal is, who I’m talking to, and where I am. Once I’ve asked myself these questions, I commit the lines to memory, so even if I flub a line, I know what I’m talking about.
I think you’re someone who is going to break the mold in a big way someday soon. You mentioned seeing yourself branch out in the entertainment industry. Tell us more:
I would like to feature each of my talents in my performing. For example, I want to be able to dance and sing in a sketch, as well as act. I want to dance in music videos and sing too. I want to showcase myself in many different ways and show my flexibility.
Tell us about hair and beauty. Do you typically get to pick your hair style for productions? We notice you usually wear your beautiful hair naturally. What products do you use or are most used on you?
I don’t always get to pick my hairstyles, but a lot of times I do have a say in the products and styling tools. I love using Eco Styler and Shea Moisture. Those are the products I use the most. I also stick to what I know works so I don’t have a lot of other brands.
How has your experience on All That developed over time? What were your fears and how did you push through or meet any challenges?
I feel like my comedic skills have gotten a lot better since joining the cast. I have perfected comedy techniques, because sketch comedy is more than cracking jokes. My biggest fear was being the underdog. I am the youngest, the newest, and I’ve had the least amount of training. I didn’t want to be looked at as less than. Since joining I have been trying to take in as much information and training as I can. I have tried to perfect what I do and I am proud of my progress. If you watch my first episode versus the most recent episode, you can see my growth.
How did you get into acting?
My parents are both Performing Arts teachers. They put me in theater classes and performing groups at a young age. I started taking it seriously at ten years old and decided to switch over to on-camera acting.
What was it like to see yourself on your television set?
It was very surreal when I first saw myself on television. It was almost like a “Look ma, I made it” moment. I was so glad that I was able to inspire young girls everywhere, the same way girls inspired me. I was beyond excited.
Tell us a bit about your family life and daily schedule when you balance school and acting:
When I’m on set, our teachers and production assistants make it easier to get our school work done. Whenever we aren’t rehearsing or filming, we have to complete three hours of school a day. My online school program assigns one or two lessons a day, so at the very least I get done with the work for one day. Whenever I can, I get as far ahead as I can. When my family and I were separated for a period of time, we made sure to call everyday to keep in touch. It was hard because I had to move across the country without my parents or sisters.
How have you collaborated with other kids your age on social media:
I’ve been in communication with other influencers and entertainers my age. I went live with Lex Lumpkin on Instagram recently, which was a lot of fun. I’m a part of an actors support group on IG and I try to support kids in the industry as much as I can.
What is your take on Tik Tok?
TikTok is a fun outlet for me. In this industry, things can get overwhelming and there is a lot of pressure. TikTok allows me to unwind. I like scrolling through and watching videos. I also enjoy making them. The whole experience is fun for me.
You’re very confident for your age. What is your advice for other kids that spend a lot of time watching TV or on social media and feel inadequate or not able to live up to who they look up to or how they think should be? What do you do to boost your confidence or pick you up?
My advice is to love the person that God made. He hand crafted your beauty and he did it for a reason. You have to embrace your insecurities and flaws. Some confidence boosters for me are daily affirmations. I get affirmation notifications on my phone that motivate me throughout the day. Another confidence booster is taking a break from social media. Sometimes we feel like the people on Instagram are living this perfect life, and it can make us insecure. We just need a break from those things every once in a while.
Are there any books that feel other kids your age should check out?
I really enjoyed the Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The Hate U Give and Reach for the Skai are books I just finished that were pretty good as well.
How do you stay grounded?
A lot of people have sacrificed for me to get this point so I don’t take any of this for granted. I don’t look at myself as a celebrity, although some people might think I am. I try my best to respond to people’s comments and questions, even when they get to be a lot. I just make sure my fans feel like I’m a human, not this perfect person, because I am not.
Now more than ever adults and the youth have had to deal with a unique and unpredictable daily reality of facing the restrictions placed on everyone due to COVID-19. Many people are not handling it well and are giving in to anxiety and yes also boredom. How has COVID-19 affected you personally? What are you doing during this phase where everyone has to stay in and stay safe?
It caused the production of All That to stop, and other productions as well. There are little to no auditions, but it is giving me more time to work on my craft and my personal self. Besides school work, I am writing scripts and songs. I spend time with my family. I have been journaling more. I’ve been drawing, coloring, and I’ve been a lot more active. I’ve also been watching a lot of movies and TV shows I’ve never seen. Overall, I’ve been trying things I’ve wanted to do that I haven’t had the time to do.
What message do you have for other kids who are feeling down and uncertain during this time? How do you address your fears and what can they do?
Don’t be afraid to live your dreams. Life is short and you should want to live to your fullest potential. Don’t keep yourself from doing something because it’s scary. Some of the scariest things make you a better person and can help you later on in life. If you are ever feeling uncertainty, just say a prayer or meditate.
What do you miss the most about how things were before this pandemic?
I mainly miss my friends and being able to go do things outside. FaceTiming is cool, but seeing someone face to face is different. Being able to leave my house was definitely something I took for granted.
What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
My favorite movie of all time is Black Panther. Not only do I love the plot but I love the representation of black people and black culture.
What is on your music play list?
Some of the artists I like are Ariana Grande, Melanie Martinez, and BENEE. I’ve recently been listening to a few throwback songs by Deetranada from the Rap Game, Mindless Behavior, and Zendaya, of course.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself getting awards and consistently working on my craft. I hope to have several projects under my belt. My goal is to one day star in a movie and release multiple albums. I also want to be an inspiration to girls everywhere.
What words of advice do you have for others looking to get into the “biz”?
I advise you to be patient. It’s going to take a lot of work and experience to get your “big break”. It doesn’t come easy and you have to be willing to wait for your time. It took me three years of auditioning to book All That, and this is just the beginning. Just be ready to wait.
What is next on your plate?
More exciting and fun episodes of All That are coming every week. I am trying to write songs during the quarantine and I would like to release an album this year.
Where can we catch some of your old work?
I was in the “Cracker Jack” episode of Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings on Netflix. I was also in Harriet, which just hit DVD and Blu-ray. You can also find me in the Saved in the City web series on YouTube.
Who is a celebrity that you would dream to meet or work with and why?
I have been a huge Zendaya fan since I was younger. I love her music and the versatility in her acting. I want to work with her because I aspire to have her work ethic.
Are you hard on yourself to be perfect on set and how do you manage that with still being so young and learning who you are?
I wouldn’t say I am hard on myself, but I do set goals and challenge myself to be better. I know my limits and boundaries, but I know when I’m being lazy and need to push myself to be greater as well.
We cannot wait to see what is on the horizon for you Aria! Cachet Digital will be keeping an eye on you and sharing more about your journey in entertainment with our audience. Readers make sure you follow her on IG via @itsariabrooks!
