Interview: Izabela Rose On Disney Channel’s ‘Upside-Down Magic,’ Being Personally Selected by Steven Spielberg + More
Izabela Rose is one to watch. She’s already doing some amazing off the charts types of things like, I don’t know, getting personally selected for her role in AppleTv+’s Amazing Stories by none other than Steven Spielberg, to landing a role on Disney Channel’s Upside-Down Magic. This Georgia native talks growing up in all its nostalgia, how she remains in a place of Zen during isolation, and her all-time favorite things. Get to know this rising star from her audition process to her favorite products for her natural curls.
GLITTER: What was it like growing up in Georgia and how and when did you get into acting?
IZABELA: Flowery Branch, GA is my hometown and that place will always be so close to my heart. It is beautiful and small, but it is a suburb of Atlanta, so I had the best of both worlds growing up. I had fun going out in the backyard eating honeysuckles and playing in the creek. This environment showed me how to be grounded and humble. My Mom started me out in pageants when I was six-months-old! I did them for many years spending almost every weekend competing. They were wonderful memories for me, and I had great Mommy/Daughter time. I was always a shy kid, but once I stepped onto the stage and had an interview – I turned into a different person. Something clicked in my head, even though I was nervous. I felt like I could interact with the camera, I could block everything out and I was able to focus. This was my first experience in front of a crowd. I began to get really comfortable on stage in general. Looking back, this was such an important part of preparing me to become an actress. It was a way to get my emotions out. When I was 10 years old, I heard an ad over the radio one day while driving into Atlanta that they were looking to audition kid actors. I begged my parents to go to the scouting event that was advertised. They agreed, and after waiting in line with over 300 other kids, I was given 30 minutes to memorize a script. I ended up making it to the final round out of 20 kids! This really proved to my parents that I had a love and talent for acting. This pushed my Mom to find some background work for me. One thing lead to the next, and I landed some local commercials. Then we had long discussions with my family – and eventually relocated to Los Angeles.
GLITTER: How did you end up being personally selected by Steven Spielberg for your role as ‘Olivia’ in AppleTV+’s Amazing Stories?
IZABELA: When I was rehearsing for the project in Atlanta – the writer came up to me and said I was doing a great job. She admitted that she didn’t initially see me for the role during the audition process, but that she understood why Mr. Spielberg personally picked me. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to play Olivia in AppleTV+’s Amazing Stories especially because it was my first really big theatrical booking!
GLITTER: What can you tell us about Disney’s new film Upside-Down Magic and your role as ‘Nory Boxwood Horace’?
IZABELA: Upside-Down Magic is an exciting fantasy movie and it is a must-see! Some of the main messages in this movie involve believing in yourself, owning being different, and never giving up – I think it will really help a lot of people. Also, who doesn’t love magic?!
I play Nory Boxwood Horace in Upside-Down Magic. Nory is an optimistic and enthusiastic 13-year-old girl who arrives at Sage Academy of Magical studies excited to perfect her abilities as a fluxer. When she is faced with rejection, she refuses to give up.
GLITTER: What was the audition process like for Upside-Down Magic and what was your reaction when you landed the role?
IZABELA: I went through many rounds of auditions in order to get this role. It was an emotional rollercoaster! And when I was in the chemistry reads – I was able to meet the other actresses up for the role. When I met Siena (who plays Reina, Nory’s best friend) at the last round we really clicked. Then I found out I got the role and I was beyond grateful! It was a dream come true!
GLITTER: When and what, would you consider to be your big break?
IZABELA: Moving to Los Angeles was really my big break because my parents showed me how much they believed in my dreams. It was such a big decision and allowed me to be able to pursue my acting career. Just trying and going for it is really the big break for anyone – no matter what goal you are trying to achieve.
GLITTER: Can you share some memorable highlights from your career?
IZABELA: Here are some highlights of my career that I will never forget:
• Walking my first red carpet – it showed me to just do it and have fun (even if I am nervous)!
• Signing with my management – which was my first real audition!
• Seeing my name on a set chair the first time was so unbelievable! I teared up and kept saying ‘Thank you, Mommy!’
• While filming Upside-Down Magic working late at night, there was a fan of the book waiting for me on set. She was the sweetest little girl and said I remind her of Nory with my curly hair, and purple boots. She showed me how much she believed in me as Nory! I cried after she left because I realized how this was going to inspire kids! I am so grateful for everything I have accomplished in my life so far, and I am still making more memorable moments every day!
GLITTER: Who are you are looking forward to working with next?
IZABELA: It would be a dream of mine to work with Renee Zellweger, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Raven-Symone!
GLITTER: Who is your mentor?
IZABELA: My parents are my biggest mentors! They have taught me so much and made me the person I am today. I am so grateful for them. My mentors for acting inspiration are Judy Garland and Lucille Ball. My mentors for singing inspiration are Beyoncé and Lizzo.
GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given?
IZABELA: I have been given so much helpful advice, but the advice that has really resonated with me is: “Take a million no’s and turn it into a yes.” My Mom always tells me this and it really helps me when I am faced with rejection because when one door closes another one opens.
GLITTER: How do you use your voice for change?
IZABELA: I like to use my platform to teach everyone: “you can do anything you put your mind to – you just need to believe in yourself.”
GLITTER: What are your thoughts on the current state of our nation and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement?
IZABELA: I am only thirteen-years-old, but I have noticed there needs to be change in the world right now regarding racial inequality. I am thankful to everyone who has helped bring attention to the #BlackLivesMatter movement because it is so important. I was raised to not look at people in a different way based on the color of their skin. Just like Nelson Mandela said, “People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
GLITTER: What can others do to show support?
IZABELA: I want to encourage everyone to be informed, aware, listen, donate to causes that support the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and spread love.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, and we want to know, what’s self-love mean to you?
IZABELA: Self-love is so important to me as a person. It really involves being mentally and physically healthy. If you get into a dark place, you have to always stay positive. People try to look or act a certain way to be accepted in our society, but what the world needs them to know is to be yourself. Accept who you are, and let out all your emotions. I was bullied at school for my curly hair, but I love it so much! What was meant for me, is meant for me, and I completely accept my hair as being beautiful and a big part of who I am. Talking to your parents and friends about your insecurities can help you feel better as well. And never stop owning who you are because you are amazing.
GLITTER: What would be a dream role for you?
IZABELA: I would love to star in an action film!
GLITTER: What’s on your playlist right now?
Doris Day: “Again”
Beyoncé: “Mood 4 Eva”
Lizzo: “Juice,” “Truth Hurts”
Billie Eilish: “You Should See Me in a Crown,” “Lovely”
Bobby Darin: “Dream Lover”
Stevie Nicks: “Crystal”
Dolly Parton: “Jolene”
GLITTER: What’s a day in the life for you like in isolation?
IZABELA: I have been very productive and busy with school, creating content, playing with slime, doing a lot of baking, and staying positive! That is the most important thing during isolation! We’re all in this together!
GLITTER: Favorite ways to find your Zen?
IZABELA: I enjoy meditating, spending time with my family, and having fun. This helps me focus – and it keeps me in my happy place!
GLITTER: First place you’ll go when isolation ends?
IZABELA: Waffle House, and then back to set!
GLITTER: What are your top 5 binge-worthy shows?
IZABELA:
The Imagineering Story (Disney+)
Pixar in Real Life (Disney+)
Mixed-ish (ABC)
Sydney to the Max (Disney Channel)
Raven’s Home (Disney Channel)
GLITTER: Sage or Palo Santo?
IZABELA: Sage
GLITTER: Kombucha or Green Drinks?
IZABELA: Green Drinks
GLITTER: Favorite fashion brands?
IZABELA: SHEIN, Forever 21, ROMWE
GLITTER: What’s your skincare routine consist of?
IZABELA: My daily skincare routine happens twice a day. First, I wash my face with a Neutrogena facial cleansing bar and use a face scrub sponge a few times. Then I let it sit for 5 minutes, wash it off, and I dry my skin with a hand towel. Then I put on Neutrogena acne eliminating spot gel for any blemishes and add coconut oil after to moisturize. The face bar works so well for me because I have really sensitive skin. It makes my skin glow and feel fresh! Plus, I love coconut oil – I use it on my skin and hair every day!
GLITTER: Favorite brands and products for your natural curls?
IZABELA: Innersense styling gel, shampoo, and conditioner.
GLITTER: Any special talents outside of acting?
IZABELA: Fashion is a big passion of mine, and I like to design my own dresses for important events. This all started from my pageant days! Another talent that I have is boxing! My Dad is a boxing trainer and I started boxing when I was four years old! Boxing is my main sport and it keeps me active!
GLITTER: Best social platform for fans to find you?
IZABELA: Find me @iamizabelarose on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook! •
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