Yara Shahidi Has Incredible Advice For Any Young Woman Who May Not See Her Own Potential
06/06/2018 - 06:01 PM
Yara Shahidi gives new meaning to "the girl next door." She's smart, stylish [1], quirky, politically engaged [2], and approachable. Moreso, the 18-year-old is encourageing others her age — and even those older than her — to rethink what it means to be authentically yourself [3]. We couldn't be more excited to have her join us at POPSUGAR Play/Ground [4] this Saturday to talk about how she pivoted her celebrity to activism. Before then, we caught up with the Grownish actress [5] to get the scoop on her favourite things and find out if she prefers flats or heels. Keep reading to discover more fun tidbits about the star that will solidify your crush indefinitely.
Power Your Happy Q&A
What does "finding your happy" mean to you? Do you feel you've "found it"?
I feel like when I held happiness as the standard of my being, it was the thing that I was actively chasing versus just allowing it to happen. I found it in really centering what my interests are first and figuring out what I enjoy doing and making time for that even though in a moment where seemingly there's no time.
What's your happy place?
My bedroom, because the lights change color and we have a great audio system so I can blast music.
What advice do you have for young women who might not see their own potential?
Find your support network. It's something I say often because it's still insurmountably powerful. I, fortunately, have a group of women in my family who I can turn to. It's important to have people to gas you up.
What's your guilty pleasure?
The Great British Baking Show, because it's excellent. It's so wholesome!
Favorite junk food?
I love Twix or any of those sour straws. Anything blue raspberry-flavored.
Favorite healthy food?
Kale. I'm kind of kale obsessed. Whenever I don't know what to eat I will just make some brown rice and just steam or saute some kale.
Favorite work out?
Does walking to the airport whenever I travel count?
What about your favorite splurge?
Shipping on Amazon!
What's your go-to happy mood song?
"Kitchen" by Kid Cudi.
Favorite thing about your appearance?
My cheekbones.
Heels or flats?
Flats. I love a great heel because, I mean, selfishly the calf looks great, but my mother always has a pair of tennis shoes that I change into on the carpet.
One thing you can't leave home without?
My motion sickness medicine. It's not great if I haven't taken it.
Prized possession?
I have a signed copy of Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin.
First thing you do when you wake up?
Go on my phone. I usually have to rewind whatever podcast I was listening to.
Last thing you do before going to bed?
Take my multivitamins.
Do you have a favorite curse word?
No. My friends call me "Radio Edit." I know the lyrics to every song perfectly bleeped!
Want to get up close and personal with Yara at POPSUGAR Play/Ground [6] on Saturday, June 9? Get your POPSUGAR Play/Ground tickets now [7]!
