It’s summer time and we’ve had the opportunity to see what’s new with Nieko Mann! Nieko has graduated high school, gotten a new hair cut, and even learned to swim! She will also be filming a 3rd season of Diary of a Single Mom. Read the interview below for the scoop on it all!

First of all, congratulations on graduating this year! Class of 2010! How does it feel to be done with high school? Will you be furthering your education? What will you study?

My feelings for finishing high school are pretty bitter sweet. I mean I’m excited but I will miss my friends. I have enrolled at Pierce Jr. College and my main priorities are getting my core classes out the way and then decide but I’m leaning towards Literature.

For most students, school starts back in August. Is there any advice you would like to give to those returning? Especially those that will be going to high school?

I mean I would say get on your grind! When I was 14 I was told by a real good friend by the name of Rhyon Brown to get on your grind! Lol she was working full time on a TV show Lincoln Heights, running track and host of other things and she still managed to have a 4.0 GPA. She already knew what she wanted and at 15 she was already taking steps to get it and today she has accomplished everything she told me she was going to accomplish that day. I will never forget that conversation ever. I rededicated my life to concentrate on things that I wanted to accomplish, how I wanted to accomplish them, and when I wanted to accomplish them. I never told her but that conversation changed my whole life. I got on my grind and graduated school at 16 enrolled in Jr. College and plan to transfer to Pepperdine University in two years all the while I will continue to work on my craft as an actor!

This summer, we see that you have changed your hair! Can you tell a little about that? How do you like it? Which do you like better? Your hair now or your hair before?

Wow yeah that was a big moment for me basically It was a decision I had been battling for almost 2 years. I have been having a perm on my hair since I was ten years old. And one thing I learned about having a perm is upkeep is important. My older cousin is a beautician and she has been caring for my hair since I was 10. We moved to California and I immediately saw the difference in my hair. The first thing I noticed was it lost its luster and its shine. It just didn’t look as healthy as it did and then I started noticing it’s thinning and then I started stressing it was an absolute nightmare. I cringe just thinking about me and my 2 yr hair battle so one day I just made the decision hey I’m not in a place where I can take care of my perm I had been to beautician after beautician I was tired and maybe a lil depressed. So, I asked my Mom can I cut it she looked at me like I was crazy. We had the talk about my career and you know once it’s done it can’t be undone. I mean we had this talk for like 3 months. I told my Mom I wasn’t happy my hair was shedding at a ridiculous rate. I mean it was awful so I finally said, “Hey I’m ready to do this,” and my Mom was like OK. I think she was worried that I would like break down or something when it happened but I didn’t. I was ready when I think of everything that was going through my head that day the only feelings I had was I just felt very Liberated!

We know that your motto is “beauty is an action, not a look.” How has that impacted you and cutting your hair? Did it make it easier for you? What were some of the reactions that you received?

LOL yeah when cutting my hair it was a real test of my beliefs and I must say you know God loves me cause I never felt it took anything away from me. I feel like it freed me. When I walked in the house from getting my hair cut my mom was shocked and then she said, “Wow you are so beautiful” and I thought Moms is just saying that because she doesn’t want me to break down lol. But then we went over to Keke Palmer’s house and Taylor Parks was there and Keke told me girl you are beautiful! I love it and she hugged me and rubbed my head lol and if you know Keke you would know she would tell you the truth. She is one of the most honest people I know and very loyal. Taylor told me she liked my hair short better I laid on her lap and we just talked about girl stuff. They basically told me they loved me no-matter how I look and I just said a silent prayer, you know GOD is good I have some amazing friends!

Many people see beauty in hair and other forms of appearance. Your motto emphasizes beauty in actions. What are some of your thoughts on how people see beauty?

Well it’s sad to say we live in a world where everything is put on a physical aspect and that’s hard. I just made a conscious decision that I will not be a part of that. I grew up with my Grandma telling me let your light shine and since she passed I’m just dedicated to doing that all the time.

It’s still early on in 2010. What are you looking forward to this year? What can your fans look forward to this year from you?

As I stated earlier just enrolling in College, harnessing my acting craft and auditions. Be looking out for the 3rd season of Diary of a Single Mom. We are shooting now and you won’t believe what Trina done got herself into now!

Now for a few fun/random questions! As a little kid, what were your summer favorites? Activity? Summer treat? Tradition? Etc?

Well when we were little every summer we stayed at my Grandmas house so that was the best and that’s where I got my love for cooking because that is what she taught me. I miss her so much but I cherish those memories.

What is your favorite style of clothing during the summer?

Anything that doesn’t need ironing LOL.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about LAST summer?

Family last summer I went home to Texas and saw my whole family and I won’t see them all again until the Holidays.

Do you prefer the beach or the pool?

Lol Def the pool I’m not comfortable swimming in big bodies of water yet. I just learned how to swim about a month ago after I cut my hair lol shout outs to Laurencia Palmer (Keke’s 10 year old sister) who taught me how to swim I LOVE YOU RENNIE! (:

Tags: Nieko Mann