Skai Jackson has grown up in the public eye. From modeling to acting to activism, this 17-year-old has done it all. Now, the talented teen can add author to her resume as she has just launched her new book, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback.
Recently, the young star sat down with ET for their Unfiltered series, to talk about starting her career so young in Hollywood, her relationship today with old castmates, meeting famous people, and the trials that come with the fame. Take a look at a few excerpts of what the young star had to say in her exclusive with the media giant below. Then, watch her complete Unfiltered interview and of course, make sure that you are following Skai on Instagram because her star continues to rise and you don’t want to miss a beat.
Skai on Debbie Ryan and Peyton List from Jessie
I mean, me and Debby [Ryan], we have had certain conversations, like, personal conversations. And even my other co-star, Peyton List, since I did know her since I was two, so we would, like, talk all the time. But I never got to have a full conversation of how, you know, being a child star is. We haven’t fully gotten in-depth, but that’s something maybe I should do. We should all have a sit-together and chat about it. I think that’s a good idea.
Skai on meeting Justin Beiber
So I got to meet Justin [Bieber]. He was so, so nice. The whole time he was talking to me and playing with me. I think I was 10 at the time. I was such a huge fan of his and I still am now. And I was so surprised when he left me that note. I was so happy that Justin Bieber snuck in my room. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’ You couldn’t tell me anything. I was so happy. I hung that [note] up in school and then I took it home.
Skai on social media haters and her path towards “self-love”
For me, growing up at a young age in the limelight and on social media, I joined Twitter when I was 10 and I got my Instagram when I was 11, so when I joined Instagram, I did notice a lot of hate comments or people would just, like, nitpick at my appearance, just to be funny. A lot of people go through this. The most popular people do. And for me, being a young age, I didn’t understand why these people were saying these things. I would get really, really sad. But now I’m starting to learn to love myself no matter what and not care what anyone says.
