How did she start off?

She started singing and dancing in local shows and church choirs.

At the age of eight, she auditioned for Disney's The Mickey Mouse Club.

She was too young to join the show, but a producer spotted her talent and introduced her to a New York agent.

She then spent three summers at the Professional Performing Arts School Center and was in a few productions, including Ruthless (1991).

She tried out for the Mickey Mouse Club again - and this time she was successful, appearing on the show from the age of 11 to 13.