Today we’d like to introduce you to Azra Valani.
Azra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was a kid, I spent most of my time at libraries. Which meant I often spent most of my childhood hiding under my covers all night, small flashlight in one hand and book in the other. With no surprise, I went on to graduate with an Applied Economics degree and made my way to the corporate world.
Two years in, I took an acting class on a whim and quickly realized I wasn’t reading the stories in books anymore. I was telling the stories. I was feeling and expressing and connecting in class in ways I had never done before. My desire for ‘money and power’ was non-existent by this point, so I quit my job. I got an agent and started my acting journey. I am now an actress, blogger, yoga instructor and day trader, and I know my six-year-old self is shook – because she’s finally getting to live out her dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing in life comes easy and I was aware of that when I got into the entertainment world. I, however, always assumed with hard work, anything was possible. What I wasn’t prepared for were the things that were out of my control. I don’t look like the typical ‘All American girl,’ which often means the opportunities are limited.
I may feel American but the business doesn’t see me that way, which led me to create my own narrative on social media. I grew a social media presence, started a blog on medium and started creating my own content. Like I said – nothing in life comes easy, but my mom always told me, “where’s there’s a will there’s away.”
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an actress, blogger, yoga instructor and day trader. What I didn’t mention was the following I have grown on Instagram. I began posting yoga photos and videos on my Instagram account, which I now hope to transition over to YouTube. My goal is to create a yoga channel that is inviting and inclusive for everyone and anyone who wants to try yoga but is too intimidated to walk into a studio. Stay tuned for that.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Growing a social media presence and acting can be done almost anywhere but what cities like Miami, New York, Los Angeles and even Toronto offer are more opportunities. Bigger cities allow you to collaborate and connect with like-minded people in your industry. But, I’m a big city girl born and raised so I may be a little biased here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://medium.com/@Valaniazra
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azravalani/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azravalani/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/valaniazra?lang=en
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