Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown on her Pandora collection and what it’s like to be a young actress in Hollywood

What were you doing when you were 15? If we took an educated guess, you would have likely been buried in books (or at least, was forced to) and getting in trouble for breaking your parents’ rules or getting “bad” grades. Millie Bobby Brown’s experience as a teenager couldn’t possibly be more different. She appeared on Modern Family and Grey’s Anatomy prior to landing the role of Eleven on the Netflix hit television show Stranger Things, a role which earned her an Emmy nomination. She was just 13. The young actress has also chalked up an impressive resumé beyond the world of drama: Brown is the youngest-ever UNICEF ambassador, she has her own vegan skincare and makeup line, Florence By Mills, and she’s just become the face of Pandora’s latest collection, Pandora Me. It’s a good a time as any to peek into the mind of the wonder child.

Pandora Me is about identity and self-expression. How would you describe yourself? 
Millie Bobby Brown (MBB): I am still discovering myself. It is so important to find who you truly are, embrace it, express your individuality, and pursue your dreams.

Is age help or hindrance in your life right now? 
MBB: Young people deserve a seat at the table and their voices should be heard. I found my voice with the platform my job has given me.

How has life been as a young actress?
MBB: It can be difficult being a young girl in the industry today. People don’t always listen to me because of my youth or because I’m a girl. In 2019, however, I have learnt so much and grown stronger.

Acting is a huge form of self-expression. How has it shaped you?
MBB: I found my identity through my art of acting. I think as soon as I started pursuing my talent and my interest, it enabled me to gain the confidence to find out who I am. It’s also important as an actor to know who you are because you’re always playing other characters.

With so many endeavours under your belt, do you have time to be a kid? 
MBB: I have been incredibly lucky to have accomplished many of my goals already. I express my individuality through fashion, music, and doing up different, fun styles with my hair and makeup.

And jewellery is a way to express yourself? 
MBB: I love to accessorise with fun jewellery, but I like it more when a piece holds a special memory or meaning. My dad recently bought me a Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, and I wear it whenever I go on a trip.

How did the partnership with Pandora happen? 
MBB: At Pandora, I love that you are able to personalise your gifts for the receiver. You will always be able to find a charm that resonates and make it a meaningful gift. Thoughtfulness means so much to me.

What are your favourite Pandora charms? 
MBB: I have a few. The My Moon dangle charm represents the first blue moon on 19 February 2004, which is the day I was born. My Music Note dangle charm is noteworthy because music has a huge place in my heart. Finally, the My Girl Pride dangle charm is special as I love being a girl because of how strong we are, how powerful we are, and how beautiful we are.

If you could create a Pandora jewellery/charm, what would it be?
MBB: We will reveal more about our collaborations soon!

Could you tell us more about your role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador? 
MBB: I feel very privileged and honoured to be a UNICEF Ambassador. UNICEF fights for children to have human rights and every child deserves to have them. I can’t wait to go on trips to meet these beautiful children who deserve everything. Pandora also has a campaign called “Charms for Change”, where the profits from the limited edition Pandora Me collection will go to support UNICEF’s work on child survival, education, and protection programmes across the world.

What is a cause you feel particularly strongly about? 
MBB: Ever since I hosted my first World Children’s Day, UNICEF has really opened my eyes to the world that we are living in. It is heartbreaking that young girls everywhere aren’t given the same opportunities such as going to school. Receiving an education is so important. Once I saw how much work UNICEF do for children, I wanted to help.

That’s amazing. Have you made any trips with UNICEF?
MBB: What surprised me is how hands-on they are. I went on a trip to Germany and it opened my eyes to the hundreds of people who pack boxes with their bare hands every day to get children the supplies they need. It was really inspiring and emotional for me. I want to spread a message of love, and I hope that the message comes true and people will follow it. Love is compassion, empathy, and sympathy and these are what our hearts are meant to do.