Star Power Vol.44

from the editor

HELLO THERE, READER!

In this Star Power issue, we got to chat with actress, dancer, and content creator Pressley Hosbach

We also got to have a #QuickChat with actress Mirabelle Lee, who plays Sonia Little in the Disney Channel show Saturdays

I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams

YOURS

TRULY,

Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF @ CAROL WRIGHT

Get to KnowPressley

I graduated high school two years early.

I am a huge sneaker lover and collector. I started collecting sneakers when I was very young because my dad had been doing it for years and he started getting us matching sneakers and I fell in love with it.

I was born in New York City.

I started modeling when I was 3 months old, and my first job was for Bloomingdales.

I danced with Justin Bieber at Madison Square Garden during his Purpose Tour when I was 9.

Pressley ' s Playlist

Harry Styles // Two Ghosts

Luke Combs // Beautiful, Crazy

Reneé Rapp // In The Kitchen

Conan Gray // Movies

Taylor Swift // This love (Taylor’s Version)

Gracie Abrams // I know it won't work

Riley Green // I Wish Grandpas Never Died

Justin Bieber // Baby

Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar// family ties

SZA // Seek & Destroy

Pressley Hosbach

Pressley Hosbach cannot be put in a box. As a dancer, actress, and content creator, she is proving that pursuing all of your passions is not impossible. Hosbach talked to NYOTA about expressing herself through dance, transitioning to acting, and staying authentic online.

Did you grow up in a household that encouraged creativity?

Yes, I did grow up in a house that encouraged creativity. My mom was a dancer and she put me in dance when I was little. She also put me in a lot of other extracurricular activities while I was growing up like French class, violin, art classes, etc. She always tried to expose me to different things that allowed me to be creative and always encouraged me to try new things.

As a kid what initially sparked your interest in performing?

I grew up dancing and started only doing it for fun, but I started doing competitive dance when I was 5 so I think that after I had my first competition, I really fell in love with the performance aspect of it Besides, it was so fun to go to the competitions with your friends and make friends with dancers from other studios. Plus, the amazing costumes and fun hair and makeup, it just really stuck with me, and I’ve loved every second of it since.

Have you always felt most comfortable expressing yourself through dance?

Yes, absolutely. Dance has always been the best way for me to express myself and it has been such a great outlet for me. It always allowed me to really be myself and was always the best place to work through any hard days or moments that I have ever had. As I am getting older and branching out to other things in addition to dance, like singing, I have really loved being able to express myself through writing or recording music or playing my guitar.

Were you nervous to make the transition to acting?

Just like anyone I think I got nervous because it was starting something new, but I think that dance is a little like acting as you need to channel different emotions or characters so acting was a natural transition. I also was so excited so that took over any feelings of nervousness I may have had.

Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Allegra Messina

Tell our readers about your show Attaway General on Brat TV. What drew you to the project?

Attaway General was such a fun project to work on! I had already worked on another Brat TV show called Stage Fright and had the best experience, so I was excited to be able to work with them again. Actually, I played the same character (Roxie) on Attaway General as I had on Stage Fright, so it was great to be able to see Roxie evolve and grow up a bit on Attaway. On Stage Fright she was more of a mean girl but on Attaway she became much kinder, understanding and more responsible. She was also pretty funny, too!

Are there similarities between you and your character Roxie?

I do think there are some similarities between myself and Roxie. I think we are both hard working and determined and go after what we want. I also think we are both good friends and want the best for everyone.

Do you hope to be able to work on more series in the future or would you want to pivot to film?

It’s my dream to actually do both!

Outside of dancing and acting you also create content across platforms. Do you plan out the content you’re going to create for YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram or is it something that’s not as structured?

I love creating content and I love that it can really be anything that you want! I do a little of both. Some of my content is planned out but mostly I think because I do a lot of lifestyle, I just make content as I go throughout the day. Every day is different in terms of what I am doing. I like to keep it fun but most of all authentic and real and hopefully relatable

There’s an ongoing debate of whether people are still interested in long form content, your following on YouTube proves that people are. Do you think your authenticity has helped you stand out online? Absolutely. I really feel that my authenticity is what has made me so successful with my content. I feel like it is also what sets me apart and makes people like to watch what I am putting out there

What advice do you have for aspiring performers?

I think my biggest piece of advice is to always believe in your dreams and aspirations and to never try to be something or someone that you’re not. Embrace the things that make you because that is what makes you so special and unique. No dream is too big so never stop chasing them! And most of all surround yourself with good people that not only believe in you and your dreams but that support you and make you happy. Your circle doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be strong.

Pressley ' s Top Picks

Book: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Fashion Trend: Big Pants & Tiny Tops

Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

TV Show: Gossip Girl

Mirabelle Lee

Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Lena Melnik

Mirabelle Lee discovered her passion for acting while on set at the age of 5. Now, over ten years later, she has been pursuing that passion in full force. Lee talked to NYOTA about her role in the Disney Channel show Saturdays, the importance of representation, and her advice for aspiring actors.

What initially sparked your interest in acting?

My initial interest in acting was sparked on the set of the movie Blood Ties when I was 5 years old. Beforehand, I was a model and didn’t know much about the acting world since I was only 5 But having the experience of being fully immersed in a movie set and especially watching and learning from Zoe Saldaña sparked my love for acting. I thought it was fascinating how she was able to transform instantly and I was gravitated by the specific feeling I felt when they called “Action!”

Who are some of your acting inspirations?

Some of my acting inspirations are Zendaya, Taylor Russel, and Viola Davis. I’m so inspired by the unique and complex characters they create each time they’re on screen and I am in awe of their talent I would love to work with these actors one day!

Tell our readers about your show Saturdays. What interested you about the show and made you want to audition? Saturdays is about Paris Johnson, her two best friends, Ari and Simone and their love of roller skating, specifically at their local skating rink Saturdays. It’s a show about friendship, family, and culture and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. When I auditioned, I was immediately drawn to the roller skating aspect of the show and thought it would be so much fun to learn more about that world. The most fun part about filming the show was learning how to skate and eventually being able to dance on skates!

How would you describe your character Sonia in three words?

I would describe Sonia as sassy, witty, and a boss. She says what she thinks and never backs down from anything

Saturdays has an all-Black cast which is rare to see in current day sitcoms. Has it been exciting to be part of a show that can bring that representation to younger audiences?

Yes, it has! Seeing the response to the show, especially from young Black girls and boys is so heartwarming. When starting my journey with Saturdays two years ago, all I wanted was for us to inspire others and that’s exactly what this cast and crew has done. I’m so proud of everyone!

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

Some advice I have for aspiring actors is to never be afraid of the possibility of “no.” This industry is filled with more “no’s” than “yes’s” but if you truly love acting, none of it will matter. Take that leap of faith and do what it takes to follow your dreams, don’t be afraid of a “no” because a “yes” will always be in your future.

be afraid of a “no” because a “yes” will always be

"Don’t

in your future."

STAR POWER TEAM

EDITOR IN CHIEF

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PUBLISHING

DANCER

CAROL WRIGHT CAROL WRIGHT

COVER

Pressley Hosbach

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHER Allegra Messina

PHOTOGRAPHER Lena Melnik

WWW ISSUU COM/NYOTAMAGAZINE

HTTP://NYOTAMAGAZINE COM