I always love interviewing singer/songwriter and actress Demi Lovato. She is one of those wise young souls who has been through more in her 21 years than some people experience in al lifetime. And she’s using her powers for good.

This time, it’s to guest edit Seventeen magazine’s August 2014 issue, with advice for the readers at seventeen.com about How to Be Confident No Matter What. I sat down with Demi on the couch at her apartment in L.A. while shared her best confident-building secrets, and a few rough moments she’s weathered on her way to loving herself. That’s her editor’s note for the piece. Check out some more of her story here: