Manatee County's Liberty Hobbs Takes Aim at the Big Stage

BRADENTON – Manatee County has yet another star on the horizon. After years of honing her talents, 18-year-old actress/singer Liberty Hobbs hopes to make her mark in the entertainment industry very soon.

"I’ve wanted to perform ever since I was very young," said Hobbs. "I loved singing and would always grab a karaoke microphone whenever there was one close."

Hobbs knows exactly where her passion for performing comes from.

"I think I got the performing bug from my grandma because she was a professional dancer and actually was offered a contract to go to NYC and dance with a professional company." Hobbs’ grandmother decided against the career in order to stay with her family in England.

Originally from Withernsea, a small town in England, Hobbs and her family have lived in various parts around the world. They moved frequently due to the occupation of her father, John.

"My dad is in the oil and gas industry, so, because of his job, we ended up all over the world in places like, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Virgin Islands," she said.

After living in Washington and Texas, Hobbs and her family eventually settled in Bradenton when Liberty was 13 years old, in order to have some stability.

Hobbs graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2014 and is currently attending State College of Florida, where she is majoring in Fine Arts. She plans to graduate in December.

After graduation, Hobbs hopes to make a move to Los Angeles, where she met with casting directors and managers during her spring break. She also hopes to attend UCLA, where she will study film. Hobbs hints of the importance of having another plan in case her first one goes awry.

"I figure that if I have that degree, I can always work on a set if my first passion doesn’t work out," she said.

As she awaits her big move, Hobbs is currently in the studio working on her first single. She describes her music as "real," with a "pop vibe." Her background in theater and her musical influences have helped her add a soulful touch.

Hobbs credits English singer Adele as one of her musical influences and also helping her to overcome bullying.

"I've been bullied my whole life, and it even got as bad as being bullied by a teacher in high school," said Hobbs. "I struggle from anxiety and panic attacks, and being bullied really didn't help at all, so when you look at artists like Adele and you see that she just doesn't care about the judgements, it really speaks to me on a personal level."

When Hobbs isn’t in school or working on her music, she works at the Apple Store and enjoys volunteering for two local charities.

For more information on Liberty Hobbs, visit her website at www.thelibertyhobbs.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelibertyhobbs.