The industry is making room for the next generation of creatives who hold the key to the future of entertainment. Sydney-Lake Bradley is a beautiful young talent from Los Angeles, California, with an alluring smile. At the tender age of 9, she has graced print modeling campaigns, fashion runways, and television screens. Her journey as a model began at 3 years old, and acting soon followed when she was 6. Yet, her story is only beginning. We had the pleasure of sitting with Sydney-Lake to discuss her latest star role in the BET+ original film Imani and her future career aspirations. 

Mhonaé: What was your experience like working on the set of the movie Imani? 
Bradley: It was fun. I had never been on an actual movie set before. The house was ginormous with four levels. It was a big mansion with a big pool, but it was freezing outside, so nobody got to go in it. Also, the director Mike Ho was really nice, and everyone else was nice too. 

Mhonaé: Did you enjoy working with your co-stars Brittany S. Hall, Demetrius Shipp Jr., and your other castmates?  
Bradley: Yes. It was great! They were helpful, always asking if I needed anything.  

Sydney-Lake and her mother shared a sweet memory of the paternal nature that Demetrius Shipp Jr. displayed. Shipp Jr. played her dad in the film. A real-life father himself, he treated Sydney-Lake with care and kindness behind the scenes, surprising her with some Milky Ways, her favorite candy bar, on the last day of shooting.  

Mhonaé: Tell me about your character Jada. 
Bradley: Jada is Imani’s daughter, and she is really confident and likes to live a happy life with her family. 

Mhonaé: Do you relate to your character Jada and if so, what are some ways that you feel you relate to her? 
Bradley: Well, I am usually always happy, and I am also confident, like Jada.  

Mhonaé: How did you prepare for the role? 
Bradley: I worked with my acting coach Ms. Danielle. We practiced a lot at home, and we told the story of Jada so that I would understand her and become her. 

When she was not working on a scene, Sydney-Lake was in her dressing room relaxing or working on her schoolwork with a set teacher provided by production. Even as a young entertainer with a busy schedule, she still prioritizes staying on top of her studies. Language Arts is her favorite subject because she learns new words to incorporate into her books. It was admirable to discover that she was also a writer that had created five books and was working on a sixth. Her works are not yet published, but that is another goal she plans to accomplish in the future. Sydney-Lake talked about some other career goals that she would like to attain. 

Mhonaé: What types of movies or shows would you like to star in, and what other roles would you like to play? 
Bradley: I want to play a lead role in a movie and a series regular in a television show. Also, I want to be in action movies. 

She plans to continue acting into adulthood, but there is no ceiling to the heights that this young starlet aspires to reach. She also has culinary dreams, including opening her restaurant, The Royal Café as the head chef. Sydney-Lake revealed her blueprint to achieve this accomplishment. 

Bradley: I will need to act for at least 20 more years to raise enough money for the café and my house. 

It is this confidence and self-assurance that compliments her so well. Do not underestimate her youth! Even as an adolescent, she knows where she wants to go in life. Sydney-Lake still has so much life to live and many milestones to reach, but her journey will inspire many young girls. 

Mhonaé: What advice would you give to other young girls who aspire to be on the movie screen or runway like you?  
Bradley: I would tell them that you don’t have to be shy if you want to do something because it’s not a fear if you want to do it. 

As the elders often say, she has been here before! With her loving mother’s guidance and a sprinkle of black girl magic, Ms. Bradley is courageously chasing her dreams. She is inspired by gifted queens like Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer, and Zendaya, who are forging an empowering path. Talented, confident, articulate, and beautiful inside and out, she possesses all the virtues of a star. Sydney-Lake Bradley’s light is shining bright!