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UNpopular Style Magazine

Valery Ortiz On Disney's "Gabby Duran and The Unsittables", Her Style, and Children’s


Gabby Durran & The Unsittables is now into Season 2. Since your time with the show and Disney network, is there anything in particular you strive for or work on to maintain a fan favorite among a young audience?

First, thank you for having me! So we have been picked up for Season 2 but we don't start filming until early 2020. As far as a fan favorite among the young fans, I am in the dark! Haha! If there’s a cool secret I’ll have to look to the adult Disney vets to give me some intel! Haha. Honestly though, as long as the fans are enjoying the show, I am grateful to be a part of this ensemble.

How has your experience been with your cast-mates, seems to be natural comradery?

There totally is! I was told I was cast as Dina [Dina Duran] because of the instant chemistry between Kylie [Kylie Cantrall], who plays Gabby [Gabby Duran] and I in my audition. We all got pretty close, pretty fast. We filmed in Vancouver so we were all we had up there! I’m also super grateful for Nathan, [Nathan Lovejoy] who plays Principal Swift, because he’s the only other adult in the cast and he always keeps us all laughing!

Gabby Durran & The Unsittables Cast

If you are able to tell us, has the show been renewed for a 3rd season? If so, how will your character develop and grow?

We only have confirmation for Season 2 but I hope the fans continue to fall in love with the show and they enthusiastically ask for a third, fourth, fifth season! The first season ends with a pretty awesome cliffhanger that Dina is involved in, so if that tells me anything, I know our witty writers have exciting things planned for her future!

Style & Beauty

It's no surprise that your supporters find you attractive, when off camera- how would you describe your personal style? Are you a bargain shopper?

That's very sweet. Thank you. Usually you can find me in comfy/cute workout gear. I would say I lean towards casual chic looks. And absolutely! Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx are a couple of my favorites!

Name your 2 fashion "must-haves"

I love a good ol’ classic white tee and another must have, is a "dress it up/dress it down" black blazer. My favorite right now I just found at Nordstrom Rack!

How do you keep your skin fresh and youthful looking? Any notable products you live by?

It has been such a work in progress but I’m finally seeing consistency! I was getting adult acne here and there and it was driving me crazy! A few different things calmed it down but my favorite is this foaming cleanser I found in Japan called, Shiseido’s D Program Conditioning Wash. Ever since I added that to my regimen, my face has seen better results! Lots of water helps too!

Future Projects

Congrats on your children's book Hola! Hello! Tell us about the inspiration behind the project?

Thank you! I’m so excited about it! The inspiration for the series honestly was born from the love I have for my culture and how much I love children. Spanish was my first language but now as an adult, I often have to ask my mom, or Google, how to say certain words! I unfortunately speak more English on a day to day than I do Spanish. That’s one of the reasons having a bilingual children's book series was so important to me. I want my future children and the new generation to be proud of where they come from! Being bilingual is a huge gift my parents gave me and because of them I was inspired to write my books!

What are your goals for the book series and what do you want readers to take away from their reading experience?

Well, everyone who knows me knows I dream REALLY big! You can’t tell my imagination that something is not possible. She won’t believe you! I have a lot of plans/dreams for the book series but for now, I just hope kids fall in love with Coquí like I did and actually look forward to learning Spanish and practicing what they learn out in the world!

We know you are active with children and animal organizations. Are there any other projects fans should look out for or causes you support others can get involved in?

Absolutely. There is such an innocence found in children and animals that I love. I would encourage fans to find what speaks to them personally and get involved in any way they can! When you find what brings YOU happiness, it will hopefully encourage you to share that with others. The holidays are the perfect time to volunteer, donate toys, cook someone a meal, call or visit a senior in need, donate money to a favorite charity, adopt your new fur baby, etc. I personally love Ronald McDonald House, any Children's Hospital, Best Friends Animal Society, to name a few. But again, if it speaks to your heart, that’s where I encourage you to get involved!

Photographer - Storm Santos

Stylist/Make Up - Robiat Balogun

Hair - Gui

Social Media:

Instagram @valeryortiz

Twitter: @ValsTweet

Facebook: @OfficialValeryOrtiz

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