You were born Isabela Moner. Why is it important to you to use Merced instead? “This is when I begin writing my own story as Isabela Merced. This has been a very difficult year for my brothers, mom, and me. This is how I say goodbye to that and welcome a new chapter with those who are close to me. Isabela Merced represents everything that has and will continue to define me. It represents the values that were passed on from my grandmother. “She was a force of nature, unafraid of anything, always ready to take on every challenge any person that said she couldn’t. At the same time, she loved her familia; nothing came before that. Her ideal day would be a day at the beach with the family, music, dancing, and eating alitas (chicken wings) or ceviche. I hope this continues on my grandmother’s legacy because she left us too soon.” To read more about why I changed my last name, my single, and upcoming music, head to the @refinery29 article. Link in bio.