From On My Block to on our radar. Sierra Capri (she / her) plays Monse Finnie on On My Block, the Netflix original that walked (more like strutted, TBH) so Outer Banks could run. The series is seriously underrated, so we won’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of it. But its ability to investigate the lives of 4 POC teens from “that neighborhood” as they navigate street life, relationships, and high school—all while there’s a city-wide treasure hunt, BTW—is reason enough to tune in.

Ahead of the final season’s debut, we spoke with Sierra about how she landed her role, what’s different about her character this time around, and why she’s not opposed to playing in the Squid Games.

What drew you to acting?
Honestly, my mother and my father. My mother was a dancer and wanted to be an actress; my father was a musician. That’s how they met, so I felt like I was destined to be in the arts. I’m sure they knew that, too… I used to love watching movies with my grandmother. We would watch Splendor in the Grass, and oh my God, like every Sidney Poitier movie. My grandmother was obsessed with Doris Day, and she introduced me to a lot at a young age. We would just sit there, watch old movies, and I loved it.

How’d you wind up on On My Block?
It’s so crazy! People always ask, “Sierra, how did you [do it]?” and I’m like, “Well, it was an online audition. I submitted my tape and they were like, ‘We want to FaceTime you.’” After, they flew me out for a chemistry read with the rest of the cast. Honestly, I did not think I was gonna get it because there were 2 people there for every character, and the other girl there was the complete opposite of me. She was dressed preppy and had straight hair, and I was rugged and had my hair up in a messy bun. [Then] I booked it, and it’s been a whirlwind!

What’s next for Monse this season?
Everyone knows [that last season,] she left and went to boarding school. When she comes back, she is a completely different person. [During] the 2 years away, she was able to evolve, and I’m so glad that this season, we were able to really do what we wanted with the characters. I wasn’t able to do that in seasons 1-3.

How so?
There were times when I’d feel like I was playing an idea of what she should be. [The producers] felt she should be angry for this reason or that reason. I would always rebuttal and be like, “I have no reason to be angry about this; there would be no reason she would feel this way,” [but] I didn’t have a say in the matter. It was very, “We want her to be this way in the scene,” and there would be times I didn’t agree. This season—and I think it’s going to show in my performance—I was able to just do what I wanted.

This is (sadly) the show’s last season. What was the final day of shooting like?
It’s funny; it was a night shoot, so we were all low-key delirious, like just trying to get it done, but at the same time, sad that it was ending. We were crying and then trying not to fall asleep and trying to keep ourselves up by jumping. [Laughing.] We were like, “Oh my god, I’m gonna miss you.” Then I’m like, “Girl, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m coming over to your house!”

What are you binge-watching right now?
Girl, I’ve been binge-watching Manifest, Squid Games… Squid Games is insane! It’s one of those shows [where] it’s a lot, but you’re like “Okay, this is so much. Why can’t I stop watching?”

If you were in the Squid Games, would you try to win the money or dip?
… Ah, dip.

You really had to think about it?!
I mean, I still have to think! I’m saying dip, but in my head, I’m like, “Would I?” I don’t know, I’d have to be in that situation to actually see what I would do. Yeah… let me get back to you on that.

Your hair is so gorgeous. What are your curly hair tips?
It’s funny; my first job, I worked at a hair salon [from] 14 years old till I graduated high school. I definitely say moisture. I hate when hair looks dry. Don’t be oily, but also let it have a bit of shine. That’s the key thing. And silk! Silk bonnets and silk pillowcases. Don’t sleep on cotton. That’s not good for your hair at all.