When putting together a bio for Skai Jackson, we realized instead of listing everything the starlet has done—it’s best to ask, what hasn’t the young actress and activist done? You probably know Skai from the beloved Disney series Bunk’d, or from her motivational Instagram posts, or her reign as a contestant on Season 29 of Dancing With the Stars. She’s also modeled for Old Navy, appeared in the film Marvel Rising: Initiation and authored the memoir Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback. Basically, it’s no secret that Skai Jackson likes to keep busy!

By Rachel Sokol 

And now, the (almost) 21-year-old can add ‘perfume spokesperson’ to her already impressive resume! Skai’s the new brand ambassador for Cacharel Fragrance’s ‘Yes I Am’ collection starting with the brand’s ‘Bloom Up’ scent. (It smells fresh and dynamic, you will just love it.)  She’s taking over the ambassador role from actress Shay Mitchell. 

Skai, who is of Afro-Honduran and African-American descent, is a native New Yorker with some exciting projects in the works. American Teen spoke with her via Zoom about ‘Yes I Am’ and what her future holds.

Did you always like perfume?

I'm such a fragrance girl. I have like over 60 perfumes and I just don't feel complete if I don't put perfume on. It doesn’t even matter if I'm not going anywhere and I'm fresh out the shower; I have to put my perfume on. I just love smelling good, and that's the biggest compliment I always get from friends or strangers! And the compliment I love the most. You don't have to call me pretty or anything! (Laughs) 

What’s it like working with the brand Cacharel on this fragrance?

I’ve been a big fan of Cacharel for a really long time, and it's not even just about the products they put out. It's everything that they stand for as a brand, which I relate to so much. They’re all about uplifting each other, being a community, supporting each other, and young girls and unity. That's everything that I love also; plus their philanthropic side. Being able to work with a brand like that was super important. And then the fragrance as well. It just smells so good. It's called ‘Yes I Am,’ it’s a positive affirmation. Being a part of the Chacharel family has been such a great journey.

What does empowerment mean to you?

Just being supportive of other people and giving them that drive to do what they want to do in life and just uplifting each other, and being the woman that I truly am. 

Do you associate any fragrances with special memories?

My grandma used to wear some type of musk; I remember it’s in a small, clear bottle. Whenever I smell that, I instantly think of my grandma. But that's what I love about perfume. When you know someone that wears perfume, you just know their scent. So certain things that you smell just remind you of a person, right? That was my grandma; that’s what she wore. 

How do you unwind?

We all have those days we're not feeling our best. So, what I like to do is just stay home; I’ll watch movies in bed with my dog, and talk to my friends. I literally only have like five friends, but they’re my best friends. I love having just a small group of friends and they’ll give me advice and courage and those positive affirmations. Just to let me know, ‘Oh, you’re doing the right thing and you’re on the right track, and don’t feel bad about yourself...Or, this is just another day, it’ll pass...” 

Would you ever create a skincare line?

Definitely. I’m launching my own beauty line, a makeup line, soon.

What are your views on social media being ‘exaggerated’?

You have so many people on social media. Even I’ve found myself being like, ‘Oh my Gosh, I wish I was like that person.’ But a lot of people fail to realize that when people are having problems in life, they're not going to put that on social media. They’re going to post the perfect picture that looks amazing that they know is going to be the best and get the most likes. Which is okay, because why would you put your personal business on social media? You don’t owe anyone that.  

It's hard on a teen’s confidence when everyone seems ‘perfect.’

I want teens to know that everything on social media is not real. People alter their photos. People think, ‘Oh, this person's skin is so perfect.’ Half of the time they get blemishes too. They're not going to post a picture showing them—they’re going to photoshop that out. You're only seeing glimpses and pieces and what people want to put out. I prefer TikTok; I feel like that's the app that I use to really show my personality, what I do on a daily basis, and it’s how I talk to my fans. Sometimes I have days where I'm not feeling my best and if someone asks, I'm going to be truthful and tell them because I don't ever want people to think that my life is perfect. Or think, ‘Oh my Gosh, Skai just always wears makeup and looks great.’ No, sometimes I look like all a raggedy mess. I know it's hard. You have people that you look up to on social media, but again, just know that it’s social media is not real. And they are real people as well. And they're no better than anyone else in the world and that's including myself too.

Tell us about your next steps, career-wise.

I have two movies coming out. One is called Sheroes, which is very gritty. It’s about three best friends and we get into trouble... I don’t want to get too into it, because I want you to see it. The other one is called ‘Man in the White Van.’ I’ve always wanted to do a thriller film. I'm really excited for people to see these movies because they’re both two very different, opposite roles that I've ever done. And then just other things that I'm working on that I can't talk about yet, along with my passion for producing. Oh, I’m writing a TV show right now! Hopefully I'll be putting that out soon. I just have so many goals for myself!

Follow Skai Jackson on Instagram and TikTok: @skaijackson