The spotlight is shining bright on the industry’s young entertainers. Jaidyn Triplett is a talented young Los Angeles-based Afro-Latina actress, singer, and producer originally from Youngstown, Ohio. Carrying on her father’s legacy, she shares his passion for entertainment with a strong desire to blossom in the television and music industry. We sat down with Jaidyn to discuss her latest breakout role, acting and music career, staying busy, and finding balance.

Mhonaé: Tell me briefly about your background.

Triplett: When I was around three years old, I moved from Youngstown, Ohio, to Los Angeles, where my dad was coming to debut his acting career and get a head start on his music. He noticed my love for reading over his lines after he would come home from an audition. It was apparent that I was really interested in that line of work, and he decided that getting me into the industry would benefit my future, and I am so happy that he did.

Mhonaé: Did you choose acting, or did acting choose you?

Triplett: It was a bit of both. I am surrounded by an acting family, and I’m an actress and have a genuine love and passion for it. That made it a wise career choice.

The sky is the limit for this multi-talented pre-teen. At only 12 years old, Triplett is making waves. She has been in the business for over eight years, starring in 50 nationwide commercials, films like 5150, A Stone Cold Christmas, and Rhino, and series like Family Reunion, See, Station 19, and The Villains of Valley View. 

Fans can also catch her in the latest season of Disney’s Secrets of Sulphur Springs. Additionally, she is starring in the horror feature Hauntology, which commenced production in June. Her breakout role in iCarly as Millicent Mitchell has been a vast accomplishment, and she is renowned as a fan favorite of the popular series.

Mhonaé: What has your experience been like working on iCarly?

Triplett: It’s been eye-opening. It was my first series regular. I’ve been in the industry for eight or nine years now. Working around all these people who are so experienced, wise, and have been in the industry, and learning from them has been surreal.

Mhonaé: Tell me about your character Millicent Mitchell in the series.

Triplett: In the first season, she was closed off and a little mean to people. Throughout the two seasons, we have learned more about her and why she was like that initially with her mom and dad. So, I am excited for people to know even more about her in season 3.

Mhonaé: Do you feel that you relate to the character Millicent and if so, in what ways?

Triplett: Yeah. She’s an entrepreneur, and I also enjoy having multiple hobbies. I love to keep myself busy. So, I definitely watch her on the show and think, ‘Even though I just played you a few weeks ago, I am still very inspired by you.’

Mhonaé: How does it feel to be a part of the most watched series on Paramount+ and a fan favorite on the series?

Triplett: It’s nice that people can see Millicent on the screen and somehow relate to her, regardless of age. Girls my age can relate to her because of what she’s going through and the pre-teen phase. It means a lot to me that people love watching my character and seeing her grow.

Triplett has engaged audiences across the country with her charm. She hopes to invoke that same interest with her musical career. The starlet recently released a fun, vibrant single called “Bopstar” from her upcoming EP, which shares the same title, and more songs will come leading up to its debut. The project will be Triplett’s much-anticipated introduction to the music industry, where her father has garnered immense success.

Mhonaé: When did you discover your passion for music?

Triplett: My dad has been in the music industry since I was born. So, seeing him follow his dreams also inspired me. I have been singing ever since I was four. Then around seven, eight, or nine, I started recording voice memos on my iPad of me singing songs I wrote. I still have those, which is awesome to look back and see how creative I was. I love music! I listen to music every day. It makes me happy.

Mhonaé: So, you’re also a songwriter?

Triplett: Yeah. I wrote lyrics on one of the songs on my upcoming EP. So, I am really excited for everyone to hear that.

Mhonaé: What inspired the title of your upcoming EP, Bopstar?

Triplett: My single, which came out a few weeks ago, is called “Bopstar,” and it’s a bop indeed. You can bump it in the car and listen to it when you want to feel happy and excited. So since that is one of my favorite songs on the EP, that title meant a lot. 

Mhonaé: You said you wrote lyrics on one of the songs. Which song did you contribute to?

Triplett: It’s called “I’m Enough,” which is probably my second favorite. It is about being enough. I did a health interview in the past, and it was about my mantra. My mantra is ‘I’m enough’ because it is an affirmation that has stuck with me since I was young. My mom has always told me that, and I thought that sharing that with people through my music would be very influential, and people would connect to it.

Triplett’s single “Bopstar” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and iTunes streaming platforms.

The value and purpose that Triplett’s mother instilled in her at an early age is praiseworthy. The molding of high self-esteem begins in the household. Now, the young creative strives to use her art to inspire other black and brown girls. Those positive affirmations have helped Triplett overcome adversities and nerves and continue to uplift her along her journey.

Mhonaé: How do you overcome your nerves in the studio or performing?

Triplett: With my positive affirmations. Aside from saying ‘I am enough,’ I tell myself that ‘I am worthy’ and ‘I am beautiful.’ That boosts my confidence, and being able to pump myself up helps.

Triplett is dedicated to boosting her self-confidence and the confidence of everyone who follows her. She expressed immense gratitude for the Triplett tribe supporting her career. Millions of viewers engage daily in the social content posted through her family-owned production company, The Triplett Family Network. The opportunity to be a role model while doing what she loves fuels her desire for greatness.   

Mhonaé: How does it feel to be admired by such a large fan base?

Triplett: I remember when I got my first fan account. That was when I was like, ‘Oh my goodness! This is serious!’ Being able to present myself in a certain way on social media and tv for people to relate to, look up to, and aspire to be is the main thing that always gets me up in the morning. It makes me happy to go on social media and create content. It really does mean a lot to me for people to have a role model that inspires them through entrepreneurship and career-wise. I just want people to see me and be inspired. 

Triplett’s path to success motivates anyone, young or old, with a dream. On top of a demanding entertainment career, she is conquering education full-time. This rigorous schedule sounds intimidating, but the challenge does not faze her. She continues to push for excellence despite how tough it can get at times. That is black girl magic!

Mhonaé: How do you balance your entertainment career and school schedule?

Triplett: It does get complicated, but I’ve gotten used to it. I wake up around 7 a.m., go to set, and then we have rehearsals. Meanwhile, I have my Zoom classes, and I have to watch the recordings afterward. Then I have homework, quizzes, and tests, and I have to memorize lines for the rest of the week. So, it does get overwhelming, but when you know how to manage your time, it gets much easier.

A positive mindset and time management are the keys to Triplett’s career and academic success. She thrives on keeping her plate full. Still, she understands the importance of prioritizing self-care and elaborated on activities she enjoys engaging in outside her daily obligations.

Mhonaé: What forms of self-care do you utilize when you’re not working on school or your career?

Triplett: Well, as I said before, I love to keep myself busy, and I have a lot of hobbies. I enjoy baking. I have a small baking business selling cheesecakes and other pastries to friends and family. I also enjoy doing my nails. I recently started doing dip powder, and that is my new thing. I love doing my hair too. Taking the time to detangle or wash it and then do a cute hairstyle, though time-consuming, makes me happy and gives me that self-confidence. Even though I’m not going anywhere with my hair done, I am content.

Thanks to the cultivation of her caring parents, Triplett is flourishing in her craft, entrepreneurship, and life overall. Don’t let her adolescence fool you! Her vision for the future is vivid, and she is doing everything necessary to fulfill it. Like she says in her latest single, “I’ve got it made. Living out my dreams every day.” The bopstar shared the root of her motivation, inspiration, future aspirations, and advice for aspiring young actors.

Mhonaé: How do you stay confident and motivated?

Triplett: It all goes back to the positive affirmations and building your confidence. Sometimes you can’t get confidence from other people. It has to come from within. So, learning the right positive affirmations, getting to know my mantra, and going over those every morning when I wake up keeps me motivated and my confidence and self-esteem high.

Mhonaé: Who or what inspires you?

My family inspires me most of the time. They are wise and know much more than me, but they teach me new information daily. Also, I’m inspired when I step on set with new people on iCarly or a new show or movie. It always helps to learn from different people to get different perspectives on the industry.

Mhonaé: What more would you like to accomplish in your career?

Triplett: More music. I noticed that getting started with my music professionally and officially made me happy and excited for more. I hope to work on more music in the future. Also, I want to book more shows and movies and travel to new places to film those shows and movies. That is something that I am looking forward to.

Mhonaé: What advice do you have for other young aspiring actors?

Triplett: Keep your head up and keep going. Find something to motivate you and help you move forward in whatever you aspire to. I’ve been acting for eight or nine years, and my series regular came when I was 10, so that was seven years of hard work to get where I am now. So push through no matter the instance, and always remember to take breaks for your mental health because you do not want to get burnt out. Still, keep up the hard work. You won’t accomplish anything good without hard work and passion. 

Jaidyn Triplett is affirming her future!

Photo Credit: Terekah Najuwan

Note: This interview was conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.