Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
April 5, 2022
At just 15 years old, Indi Star is a multi-hyphenated entertainer. Besides acting roles in “The Hyperions,” “Henry Danger” and “Charmers,” she has a burgeoning music career that started with her Kidz Bop days. “The week I found out I got Kidz Bop, I was turning 11,” said Star, who resides in North Hollywood. “My favorite memories of when I was in Kidz Bop are definitely anytime we were in the YouTube studio in Los Angeles or in New York. I remember having so much fun with all the members. I loved going into the studio and recording all the songs we put out. We also went to Toronto, which was a lot of fun.” Star stays in touch with her fans on Instagram and TikTok.
Q: How long have you lived in North Hollywood?
A: I have been in L.A. for about seven years now. I’ve lived in many areas such as Manhattan Beach, Mid-Wilshire, Marina Del Rey and Atwater Village. There are so many cool places to live in Los Angeles. I love getting to know each neighborhood.
Q: What did you do during the shooting of “The Hyperions” when you weren’t working?
A: I didn’t really have a lot of time to go exploring, because of my (on) set school. I had to stay an extra three hours to get my school done. I have since gotten my (high school) diploma early, so I’m lucky to not have set school anymore. I do remember having so much fun with the directors, cast, and crew on set talking about video games. There were a lot of Fortnite fans. This is when Fortnite dances were really popular, so there was a lot of dancing on set.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I traveled to so many different countries, mostly European and the Caribbean. I go to Cabo a lot with my family for vacation, so I recommend that. It’s a short flight from Los Angeles and is a great getaway.
Q: Do you remember your first trip?
A: I don’t quite remember because I was probably around one or two, but one of the first trips I remember is traveling to Aruba and playing bingo with my family and having such a fun time. I also used to travel a lot to the Bahamas and stay at the Atlantis resort. I have so many memories of going to the aquarium and just hanging out with my family.
Q: What travel advice can you offer?
A: Definitely stay together and keep track of everything you brought with you. Make a list of things to pack so you don’t forget anything. Pack light! You will never use everything you pack. My family only ever travels with carry-on bags. We save a ton of time from not having to get our bags and we never have to worry about losing our bags.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: We have a house in Laguna Beach, so I love driving down there from Los Angeles to just relax. It’s a different vibe from L.A. I feel like I can just breathe easier near the ocean.
Q: Do you have any plans lined up for summer vacation?
A: I have a ton of recording and music work planned for the next couple of months, but nothing set yet for vacations. My older brother and sister just started school, so long trips won’t be happening anytime soon. But there are so many places in Southern California, and we will definitely be headed to Laguna Beach for weekends.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I am learning sign language right now. It is quite hard, but I am determined to learn it. I have taken some Spanish classes, but I wouldn’t say I picked it up easily.
Q: What are your favorite cities?
A: I obviously love Los Angeles. Paris is amazing and Toronto was really fun. New York City is fun to visit and Cabo is so relaxing. Don’t skip out on Laguna Beach if you are traveling to Southern California. It’s such a cool, beachy, artistic and vibey town. I love exploring new cities.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Vermont is one of my favorite places ever. I was born in and lived on the East Coast in Massachusetts for eight years. We had an amazing ski house at Mount Snow in Vermont. It always feels like home whenever I think of it. I miss visiting there.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I want to go to Greenland or somewhere similar to see the Northern Lights! My family and I have a dream vacation of a cruise to Australia from Los Angeles and then flying onto Japan.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I always need my skincare products. I haven’t gone a day without doing my skincare. I also have to have my phone and some fuzzy socks to sleep in.
© 2022 JAE-HA KIM
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