Christo

ANNEX Starting out as an actress what are you finding most difficult about the process of moving into singing?

I did start out as an actress, but I think a lot of people don’t realize that I’ve been singing since I was very young. I never did it professionally, but I had an Uncle who was a professional singer/musician and we were always singing together at family get togethers and holidays. I was also accepted into a musical theater program when I was 11 and that’s where I got my real training. I’ve been doing both for a very long time now. When people know you as just an actress though, they sometimes have a hard time seeing you as a singer. Fortunately for me, I sing on my show, so it’s not hard for them to see me as a singer. It’s not like someone just flipped a switch and said, “now we’re going to make you a singer” when no one’s ever heard you before.

The fans are already used to hearing me sing. I also did a headlining tour last summer, so they’ve seen me in concert as well. It’s harder for people to grasp the transition when they’re not used to it, I feel.

As for a single out on radio or dropping an album, that will be the next phase.

The process of taking a single to radio will be a new one for me, so stay tuned…

ANNEX How do you plan to keep from becoming just another fallen Nickelodeon child star?

I have a great support system around me and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. I remain extremely optimistic about the future.

ANNEX As a celebrity of your status it amazes us how interactive you are with your fans, why do you feel inclined to engage them as much as you do?

It goes back again to being grateful and recognizing the fact that I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I also take great pleasure in knowing, that just a reply from me really could make someone’s day and that makes me really happy. I just appreciate them so much. Many of them have really touched me in so many ways and it’s just a way of giving back.

ANNEX While uniting girls to change the world, what’s your ultimate goal to achieve from Girl Up? It’s about bringing awareness to the cause and helping to raise funds to help girls in developing countries who just don’t have the same opportunities that we are so fortunate to have here. Last year during my concert, we gave a sneak peak of the music video and had “GirlUp” booths set up where girls could sign up and help spread the word. The response was great! At the moment, we’re trying to raise twenty thousand dollars for the cause. I just looked today and we’re about $1,700.00 away. When we reach it, I will release the song I wrote for “Girl UP” along with the music video. When you’re not busy working, what do you do to remind yourself that you’re just a normal 19 year old girl. I never have to remind myself that I’m a normal 19 year old girl, if anything I forget that people are going to recognize me from TV or “Fun Size”. I’m still me, I’m just in a not so normal circumstance. I do pretty much the same things that most people my age do. I go to the movies, hang with friends...you know, the usual stuff.

ANNEX Your image as of late has really moved in a more on-trend direction, what spring 2013 trends are you most excited to incorporate within your wardrobe?

I love the classic combination of black and white and I also have always had a weak spot for stripes, so mix those two together and I’m super excited.

I’ve already invested in a couple of black and white jackets with this trend for 2013. I’ve also always been a fan of jewel tones, so the fact that emerald green is on trend for this year makes me happy. I will definitely be working it into my wardrobe or will be wearing it on the red carpet. Pant suits are another trend that I’m looking forward to. As for shoes, I love ankle straps and just recently wore a pair to the Warner Bros./InStyle Golden Globes after party. I also just got a pair of taupe patent leather ankle straps that I’m excited to wear.

ANNEX If there were one quote you could pick to live by, which would it be?

This is an easy one for me, it’s the one I do live by and that would be, “treat people the way you would like to be treated”.