Photo: Invisalign
Taylen Biggs is the coolest 13-year-old I’ve ever spoken to.
If you don’t know the name (yet), let me introduce you. She’s interviewed everyone from Rihanna, Selena Gomez, and Shakira to Donatella Versace, Michael Kors, and Ariana Grande — the latter resulting in a viral moment the internet still can’t get over, which we of course got into.
I’d personally like to say a red carpet isn’t popping unless she’s on it.
Biggs has already made a name for herself. And the wildest part? She did most of it before turning 13. Now officially a teenager, Biggs is entering a new era, which includes a partnership with Invisalign. (Yes, she’s got brand deals, okay?) It’s actually what brought the two of us together for this conversation.
And for someone who spends so much time in front of cameras, the partnership makes sense: Biggs told me she wanted to feel comfortable with her own smile, and Invisalign has helped her do just that. She’s confident, curious, and oh-so-cute. You can’t (and shouldn’t) put her in a box.
In our 15 minutes together on Zoom, I learned she takes her craft seriously, has a love and understanding of fashion well beyond her years, and, despite a résumé most adults would envy, is still very much a 13-year-old girl who’s excited to leave the kid section for shoes. (No joke!)
So rather than tell you who Taylen Biggs is, I’ll let her tell you herself.
LAUREN CRAWFORD: I’m Lauren.
TAYLEN BIGGS: Nice to meet you, Lauren. How are you?
CRAWFORD: Great! It is such an honor. You've spoken with the best, so I'm so excited to have this opportunity to chat.
BIGGS: Thank you so much. It is such an honor to meet you and talk with you today.
CRAWFORD: Well, first things first, I have to say I'm also a South Florida girl. I'm from Pembroke Pines. So shout out!
BIGGS: Oh, hey! Oh my goodness. I love that. So are you in Pembroke Pines right now?
CRAWFORD: No, I'm in New York.
BIGGS: I'm so obsessed. I was just in New York yesterday.
CRAWFORD: Oh my God. Was it for the Keke [Palmer] interview? I'm so excited for that!
BIGGS: Yes. I can't say too much, but—
CRAWFORD: Well, girl, I'm just so excited to speak with you! I feel like you're such a natural and you have all the confidence in the world. I would love to know what goes through your mind in those moments when you're speaking to some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and how you prepare for those interviews.
BIGGS: Okay, so when I'm speaking to someone, I always like to make sure I'm prepared. How I control them and go with them, I like to understand who they are and their energy a little bit so I can have a good connection with them. And I feel like that's what happens in my interviews. I start feeling them out, and then when I get a vibe from them, I'm like, 'Okay, I think this is, and this is how I'm gonna handle it.'
I love making sure I'm prepared and also that my guests feel comfortable. I do a lot of research. Research is very important to me because I feel like knowing the person is very important, because when you know the person, it's respectful in a way. So I think research, knowing the person, and their vibe, that's how I work.
CRAWFORD: I'm so in awe of you. I can't say it enough. You're such a professional.
BIGGS: Thank you!
CRAWFORD: I wanna know, did you always dream of doing this? How did this all start?
BIGGS: Okay. So, when I was 18 months, I did a photo shoot for the Kardashian Kids. And then I went to a fashion show at three years old. Then I started doing interviews at seven, which I really enjoyed. So I did interviews for New York Fashion Week. I enjoyed it, so I was like, 'Wait, is this something that I may wanna get into with myself?' So I was like, 'Okay, I think I kinda wanna try this. I think I'm gonna ask questions and do fast-paced interviews.' Then I started getting into exclusive interviews, sitting down with the person, actually having a private moment with them, because I feel like that's what makes the interview more interesting and more we actually can have a conversation without being rushed. And I enjoy those moments a lot. But, of course, I'm still doing my red carpet interviews and all that stuff.
CRAWFORD: Well, now you're officially a teenager. You're 13! How excited are you? And what's been the best part about entering this new chapter?
BIGGS: Okay. So I, when I turned 13, I was like, 'Okay, this is interesting.' It was. But I'm gonna say this. I am so excited that I actually can fit in women's five shoes because I actually have a bigger selection in regards to what I wanna wear. So (laughs) I was the most excited about that part. Other than that, I'm still experiencing it. I'm still trying to figure it out. But yeah, 13's going good. And I also see it as, like, it's Taylor Swift's lucky number!
CRAWFORD: Oh, I love that. So is there anything on your teenage bucket list, something that you're looking forward to accomplishing now that you're 13 or in these next few years?
BIGGS: My dream right now is to get an interview with Taylor Swift. That's one of my big dreams. Also, I want to have my own show. I really am manifesting that, and I really want it to happen. So I think those are the things that I'm focused on. Other than that, I'm taking it step by step. I'm taking it day by day and seeing where my mind wants to go. And I'm that person who wants to do everything. I'm trying to explore different things. So right now, it's Taylor Swift and my own show.
CRAWFORD: I'm so happy you were able to speak with Keke. I'm looking forward to that interview because I feel like you guys have similar career paths. She had her own show. She also started very young. I'd love to know if there's any advice that you've gotten from someone that you've interviewed that has stuck with you.
BIGGS: First, I'm gonna say Selena Gomez. It wasn't what she said; it was the vibe that she gave. She made me feel safe in my own skin. She made me feel good because I think that's really the interview that actually got me comfortable with exclusive interviews. And she was just so kind and delicate, and her voice and everything that she was saying- I loved her so much. She is so sweet.
I also would say Dwayne [The Rock] Johnson, because he asked me a lot of questions and he was asking me, 'Where, where are you gonna be in the next 10 years?' I'm like, '10. I don't know what 10 years later I'm thinking about, but right now, this is what I'm doing...' And he was very curious, and I also really liked that.
I'm going to say Keke too (laughs) because Keke has been on my list for so long. And for it to happen this week is really magical. And I'm very grateful. What I loved was that she inspired me to keep going and conquering my dreams, and I think those are my top three right now.
CRAWFORD: That's a strong top three. I'd love to know what's something that you learned about yourself throughout the process of interviewing all of these people.
BIGGS: I love that question. I think when [I started] interviewing, I was talking really fast, and I was like, 'Okay, slow it down. Make it conversational.' That's what I was learning through the process of interviewing. I'm also trying to get comfortable actually having a real conversation rather than just wanting to ask questions because I'm so curious, and I'm [learning to stay] in the moment. That is something that I've learned through interviewing is staying in the moment with that person. And actually taking it all in. I think that is something that I've learned.
CRAWFORD: You're wise beyond your years. I'm listening to everything, and I'm like, 'Oh my God, yes. Yes.' You're so great. I know I keep saying it, but I really do mean it. I look at your interviews all the time; I'm just like, she's just so great at what she does, and I love being able to watch you work. You've accomplished so much at such a young age. Is there anything that you're still chasing, a goal that you're working towards in terms of your career?
BIGGS: I think after I get my own show, I'm curious to see where my mind goes after that. It might go in regard to having my own fashion show or maybe being a designer. I don't know. I think my mind is kind of going through a lot of things, thinking about a lot of things. But those are my main two goals at the moment.
CRAWFORD: You brought up fashion, and I have to talk about your fashion. I love how you have a personal style already. What is most inspiring you about your fashion, and how do you approach coming up with an outfit?
BIGGS: I feel like what's important about an outfit, especially for me, is that it has to fit the moment and that you feel comfortable in it. I think that's the main part, is that you have to feel comfortable in your own skin. You don't have to follow what other people wear. You can actually wear what you feel comfortable in. And I think that's what I do. I follow where my mind wants to go. So make sure it's fitting for the moment. For a red carpet interview, those outfits are very different because the red carpet can be more fun. And then with an interview, I go more chill because I want it to feel not so over-exaggerated.
So I flip-flop with those, but I feel like that's how I kinda style myself through those rules of mine.
CRAWFORD: Do you have any style inspirations, people that you look up to when it comes to your own style or fashion in general?
BIGGS: I'm gonna say Anna Wintour. I'm gonna tell you why. Because she gives this boss feeling, and I love that boss feel. The blazers. Oh my goodness, the blazers. And I feel like blazers give such an empowering feeling, and that makes me feel good. So, when I see Anna Wintour, and she's so confident and such a boss, she gives me that vibe and inspires me and inspires my style.
I feel like the runway inspires me and inspires my style in watching the shows. I've watched runway shows from a very young age, and I've always been inspired by the outfits. And then when I watch it, I'm like, 'Wait, I kinda wanna try that. That might look good.' I want to keep experimenting.
I also am inspired by street style. I love people watching, especially in New York. I'm very inspired by the streetwear and people in New York. I also would say Miami because it's very warm and it's very colorful, bold, and that's my style. I'm very confident, very boss. It gives those feels. Also, I feel like my culture— I'm Colombian— so that inspires my style because it's very bold and very colorful. So I think those things and Anna Wintour inspire my style.
CRAWFORD: Switching gears a little bit, you've had so many, I would say, viral moments over the years. And I think one of my favorites is your Ariana Grande sunglasses moment—
BIGGS: I knew you were gonna bring this up.
CRAWFORD: I have to always bring this up. What was it like seeing that clip take off the way that it did? Because it is just such a pure moment. And it really speaks to who you are: a boss.
BIGGS: (laughs). Okay. So a lot of people thought I did it in a manner like, 'Here's your glasses.' No. I'm obsessed with nails and the tapping noises. I was amazed by Cynthia [Erivo's] nails. I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' And I gave [Ariana] her glasses. Like, I didn't even know I did that. And then after I saw videos and people reposting. Well, I'm not on social media, but my mom showed me. I was like, 'Oh.' I was like, 'Okay, that's interesting.' And then whenever I see someone, they're like, 'Your Ariana Grande moment.'
But, yeah, I think I was just mesmerized by [Cynthia's] nails, and I think that was my problem. And I didn't know that I gave [Ariana] her glasses that way. I did not mean that. But it was interesting to see it take off because I didn't even know I did that.
CRAWFORD: Well, to wrap it up I just have to say, I feel like your parents did such a great job, and I want you to enjoy this so much, because time goes by so fast. I can't say this enough. I wish you all the best.
BIGGS: Thank you. And thank you for this amazing interview. I love you. You're an amazing reporter.
CRAWFORD: Thank you. That means a lot coming from the best.
BIGGS: This interview was so conversational. I loved it.
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.