That Girl Lay Lay is growing up, but she isn’t leaving her roots behind. The Houston, TX star has spent the better part of her life in front of a camera and behind a microphone, building a loyal fanbase that has quite literally aged alongside her. Navigating the entertainment industry as a teenager is no small feat, yet Lay Lay handles it with grace. She knows exactly who she is, what she wants to do, and precisely how she wants to use her platform as she steps into adulthood.
As she transitions away from her Nickelodeon days, the multitalented artist is shifting into a space of complete creative control. For Lay Lay, this era is all about intentional evolution. “My subject matter hasn’t changed at all,” she tells GU, staying true to the playful, positive energy that put her on the map. Still, there’s an unmistakable elevation happening in real-time. From her changing vocal tones in the studio to her approach to personal style, she’s taking on the role of boss. Armed with lessons from the fast-paced nature of TV sets, she is expanding her reach into filmmaking, having recently written and funded her very first feature film, Growing Up.
Ahead, GU catches up with the star to talk about finding her new voice, building her closet, and staying the course.
Girls United: It is rare to see an artist grow up alongside their audience so closely, so what has been the most rewarding part of sharing your teenage years with your fans?
That Girl Lay Lay: The most rewarding thing is knowing that they have been here from the beginning. When I go out and about and a fan comes up to me and says I’ve been watching you since I was 8 and now I’m 16 feels sooo good, feels good to know I have loyal fans.
GU: Your style has definitely leveled up lately, so who or what is currently inspiring your look and the way you want to present yourself to the world?
Lay Lay: I don’t really look to anyone for inspiration, I just love to shop. If I see something I like, I buy it and just save it in my closet until I have somewhere to wear it.
GU: When you are in the studio these days, what kind of energy or sound are you chasing to make sure your new work feels 100% like the person you are today?
Lay Lay: I definitely don’t chase anyone else’s sound. I just record songs when I get the creative itch and work on different tones with my voice. It used to be very light and now it isn’t so I’m having fun finding my new voice.
GU: How are you finding the balance between staying driven with your career goals and just making sure you have time to enjoy being a young adult?
Lay Lay: In between work I pick places to go to that are on my vision board then I get back to work when it’s over.
GU: Now that you’re really leaning into this new era, what’s the one project or “big dream” you’re currently working on that you think will surprise your fans the most?
Lay Lay: I wrote and funded my first movie that is complete and waiting on a release date. It’s called Growing Up and I can’t wait till ya’ll see it. It was so fun making it.