Time To Shine

I say this every year, but seriously, 2021 has been the most insane,” says Jayden Bartels, the 17-year-old actress, dancer and social media queen currently starring as scrappy, no-nonsense Presley on Nickelodeon’s Side Hustle.

- By Amanda Montell

“I’ve really grown in how I present myself. I think people can see who I truly am.”

Jayden says she’s never had a more dramatic or challenging year…in a good way.

There were the highs and lows of running her YouTube channel, headlining a comedy with her bestie (co-star Jules LeBlanc, obvi), getting her driver’s license (Olivia Rodrigo wasn’t the only one), recuperating from her first major breakup (been there) and graduating from high school.

Basically, the performer-slash-influencer wants you to know the old Jayden can’t come to the phone right now: Our girl is coming into her own— and we are here for it.

On some level, everyone can relate. Figuring out your most authentic vibe as you inch toward adulthood is a *journey*, whether you’re doing it for the world to see or not. For Jayden, the year between 16 and 17 has provoked the most growth. “Getting older and doing all the things quote-unquote ‘adults’ do has been crazy,” she says nervously.

When we ask her to elaborate, she doesn’t hold back: “I mean, I completely changed after my breakup,” referencing her split from actor Armani Jackson last year.