Fourteen-year-old Briana Roy is already making big moves in the entertainment industry. The Haitian-American teen began modeling at the tender age of five, starring in campaigns for major brands such as Walmart, Walt Disney, Toys R Us, KFC, and more. She also began to appear in celebrity music videos, including “Collide” by Jake Miller and “Crush” by Yuna ft. Usher. In 2014, Roy took to acting; she was cast in her breakthrough role of Nina in the thriller film, Reclaim, starring alongside big screen veterans John Cusack and Ryan Phillippe. She also co-starred on Freeform’s Recovery Road as Young Trish, played the lead role of Bendu Williams in feature film The Forgiven, and was cast in two short films: Coffee & Cabbage and Letters. In 2018, she took on the role of Natalie in Disney’s Raven’s Home, opening her up to a new audience of kids and teens who look up to her work on the screen. Below, Roy recounts her journey to success and offers readers inspiring advice along the way.

Which was your first love: modeling or acting?

My first love was modeling. I started doing print ads when I was seven years old in Miami, followed by a few local TV commercials. Then, I booked my first movie role a year and a half later as Nina in Reclaim. Since then, my love for acting has been growing a lot more than my love for modeling.

What was the audition process like for Raven's Home?

My manager emailed and said she submitted me to guest-star on the show. It was a self-tape audition followed by an in-person audition. I went in and gave it one-hundred percent, and a couple of days later, I was told I booked the role of Natalie for the episode, “Weirder Things.”

What was your initial reaction when you found out you got cast?

I was happy and excited for the opportunity to have such a great experience!

What was your favorite part about being on set?

Being on set is always exciting to me, but this particular set was a dream come true, as I grew up watching Disney. I also loved watching Raven Symone bring out her silly side while joking with us during breaks!

Roy and Symone

What was the most challenging part about playing your character?

The most challenging part was filming a specific scene where we were in the “topsy turvy world.” It got pretty messy with dirt flying around while we were running away from the “Nerdidorken.” My feet sunk in the dirt, but overall, we shot a great scene!

Who were some of your closest friends on set?

Everyone was very nice and welcoming!

Any funny moments from behind the scenes you can share?

While we were on a break from filming, we would go outside on the lot and play laser tag. Overall, the experience was amazing, and I had a blast!

How did your character in Reclaim differ from your character on Raven's Home?

The characters are completely different. In Reclaim, I played a little girl born in Haiti who suffers the loss of her parents due to an earthquake that occurred and is transported to Puerto Rico to an “adoption agency.” The story really sheds light on child trafficking. It’s something that happens every day, and the movie raised awareness about the situation. I also consider it a blessing to have worked with such experienced actors such as John Cusack, Ryan Phillippe, Jacki Weaver, Rachelle Lefevre, and Luis Guzman. As for my character in Raven’s Home, Natalie had more of a fun personality.

How does acting in music videos (i.e. Jake Miller's "Collide") differ from acting on a TV show?

Roles in TV shows, movies, and web series require you to learn scripts and deliver the emotion through your character. In music videos, it’s all about having fun, but sometimes you have to show expressions according to the story.

You’re also a big advocate for embracing natural hair. What advice do you have for people who struggle to embrace their individuality?

Wherever I go, I’m always very proud to show my natural hair. Whenever I’m doing a live broadcast or have the chance to interact with my followers, I encourage those who are afraid to wear their natural hair out in public to embrace who they are. I want to show others that they should always be confident, no matter the negativity, and not fear rejection.