Watch: Marsai Martin Talks Representation, Confidence, and Bullying

At only 14 years old, Marsai Martin is making history. She launched her very own production company, scored a first-look deal with Universal Pictures, and is officially the youngest person ever to executive produce a film in Hollywood. Before making her big screen debut in Little, in theaters April 12, Marsai sat down with us to talk about representation in media and how she found the confidence to play a no-nonsense girlboss.

“Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of young Black girls that I can look up to in this industry,” Marsai says. “I wanted to create something that no one has ever seen before and to see us Black women in a different light.”

Watch Marsai share what inspired her to play this role and why she’s so passionate about building awareness against bullying. She even came through with some major advice on how to fend off bullies. “If you just be yourself, no one will judge you for who you are,” Marsai says. “You are who you are and they just have to deal with it.”