Check out our interview with talented actress, influencer and content creator Zoe Nazarian.
Zoe had a passion for performing at a young age. Her career started with acting, but at just 13 years old she dove into the world of social media, creating her own YouTube videos. Taking on the “big sister” role in her videos Zoe is known for sharing advice, how-to’s and her life as a Southern California teen, Zoe quickly became a YouTube sensation. She was selected to be the youngest participant in YouTube’s Women in Comedy Program in partnership with Elizabeth Bank’s Production Company WhoHaHa in which she wrote, produced, directed, and acted in her own video.
Zoe has been nominated as Best Influencer at the Young Artist Awards and has written for Tiger Beat Magazine as well as collaborating with such brands as Beauty Blender and Tarte Cosmetics.
Follow Zoe @zoenazarian
Hi Zoe, please tell us a little about you?
Hi Naluda Magazine! Thanks so much for having me! I am an actress and social media content creator who was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I spend most of my time balancing college, creating social media content, working on my acting career, and trying to have a social life all at the same time!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, creative, hard-working
How did you get started into acting?
I started Musical Theater when I was eight years old, and I knew then how much I loved acting. I got myself an agent and started auditioning for roles. The roles that I was auditioning for however, weren’t very inclusive at the time and so the curvy, curly haired girl with freckles and braces wasn’t booking any roles! At 13, I decided to take matters into my own hands and began posting videos online! I loved creating my own ideas & characters and loved the process of putting it all together for the world to see. Fast forward, years later, I’m still posting videos online and I’m so grateful to see that the entertainment industry has become more inclusive. With that, so many more auditions and opportunities have come my way and I’m so excited to see what the future holds.
How has this changed your life?
Acting and creating content for social media has really helped me build my confidence, grow thicker skin, and allowed me to grow into a more outgoing person.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part of being an actress is booking a role and getting to work with other actors and crews on sets. My least favorite part of acting is missing out on roles I audition for. But I’m a true believer that rejection is just the universe’s way of giving redirection for something even better!
Tell us about your work as a YouTuber and your experience in the YouTube’s Women in Comedy Program?
I’ve made hundreds of videos! They range from comedy with characters to authentic how to’s, DIYs and big-sister advice. I recently had the amazing opportunity to be selected as the youngest participant in YouTube’s Women in Comedy program (in partnership with WhoHaHa, an Elizabeth Banks production company) where I wrote, produced, directed, and acted in my own production on set, with a professional crew. You can watch the video here!
How often do you upload new content?
I used to upload to YouTube 2x per week but found that the YouTube landscape has changed. Now I upload whenever I have something to share. I do upload to Instagram and Tik Tok more than YouTube these days.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful YouTube channel?
I’m still trying to figure that out myself. I think the key is to not focus on getting rich from making videos, rather enjoying the process of having fun, showing your authentic self, and making your audience happy.
As a popular influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I grew up watching my favorite influencers and I know they had a part in shaping who I am today. It makes me feel good that I might have something to do with making someone happy, helping them change their outlook on life or even teach them something they didn’t know. I know that I have a great responsibility and I hold that role very close to my heart.
How do you prepare for a role?
The best and only way to prep for a role is to really understand the story and/or the background of your character. Once you nail all of that down, the lines tend to come easier, because you already know your character well enough to know what they would say or how they would react.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I would love to see myself playing a character on a crime or a romantic comedy film or series, because those are types of shows and movies that I love to watch the most! Obviously, with that being said, I’m going to welcome different genres and character types that come my way!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that sometimes, my experiences, stories or advice helps someone. And if I can change just one person’s day, then I’m super happy.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I know it sounds cliché, but I learned early on that failure really is just an opportunity to try again. I know when we fail, it’s hard to recover in the moment, but there’s usually a lesson that the universe is trying to teach us. For me, so far, I’ve learned lessons about how to communicate more effectively and understanding that sometimes my expectations are too high of others. I’m still a work in progress! Ask me again in 5-10 years!!
What’s your advice for the newer influencers/YouTubers?
My advice is to not focus on just YouTube! Create content, consistently, across all socials and have fun with it. As I mentioned earlier, don’t create for the money. Create because you love creating! Everything else will fall into place.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
The greatest lessons I’ve learned so far in this business is to keep at it and stay focused on my own journey. Too many times, actors are so busy looking at what their peers are doing that they forget to work on their own craft. Also, don’t let a rejection keep you down. Audition and move forward without looking back! If the role is meant to be, then it will be.
How would your best friend describe you?
I just called my BFF to ask her this question and she said “I think you are hilariously funny, outgoing, caring, charismatic, positive…do you need more, I can go on!” This is why you need amazing people around you!
What’s next for Zoe Nazarian in 2021?
I wish I knew! But for now, I’m in college, working on content for my socials and auditioning as much as I can. I am going to continue my journey, focus on my goals and hope to see myself on a screen near you very soon.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love salad because there are so many different options.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pasta, always!
How would you explain your fashion style?
I’d describe my style as comfy, casual, cute.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone living or dead, I’d have to meet Drake! I have been listening to his music for years and he seems like such a cool guy!
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to always treat people equally as you never know their past, present or future.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself having success in the entertainment industry and having a happy and healthy life.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song is good 4 you by Olivia Rodrigo, because it’s such a powerful song. You can really feel Olivia’s emotion through it.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love social media. I use it every day to create content and connect with people.
Where we can follow you?
Quote: When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. – Maya Angelou
Movie: Mean Girls
Tv Series: Criminal Minds
Favorite Food: Pasta, Always lol
Travel Destination: Jamaica! I even made a video about a recent trip! Watch here!
Sports Teams: LA Lakers, LA Dodgers, LA Kings and LA Galaxy!
Photo credit: @Hairface, 2020
