We were lucky to catch up with Chara Ho recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I could go back and start over, the main thing I would’ve done differently is simply that I would’ve started much earlier—before I felt ready, before I felt that I’d ‘achieved’ enough to justify the decision. They say it takes 10 years to be an overnight success, and that’s something I wish I had heard earlier, knowing now that it’s really a marathon — not a spring. Back then, I was so caught up in fear—fear of failing, fear of being judged, fear of looking foolish—that I held myself back and kept delaying my own dreams.

Looking back, I realize the importance of putting in the reps, even when the outcome feels uncertain or the work feels imperfect. If I had started sooner, I could have built the resilience to embrace failure as part of the process and developed the confidence to take bigger risks today. It’s not about being perfect right away—it’s about being willing to be terrible at something so you can eventually get better. It’s incredible how starting, no matter how messy or small, can compound over time. If I could do it all again, I’d remind myself that every piece of work, every mistake, and every attempt—no matter how awkward or embarrassingly flawed—was laying the foundation for something much bigger.

So, if you’re thinking about starting something, start now. Even if it’s small, even if it’s bad—because the time will pass anyway.

Chara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Absolutely! My name is Chara Ho, and I’m a filmmaker, photographer, and graphic designer based in Toronto. I’m also the co-founder of Zesty Nobody Studios, a boutique production company dedicated to telling stories that foster a deeper empathy for ourselves and for others. Across both branded and original content, we translate visionary ideas into compelling stories spanning film, digital media, and interactive/immersive experiences.

What sets us apart is our ability to push the boundaries of storytelling outside the status quo. With a spirit of exploration, we embrace the unconventional, seamlessly blending linear and emerging media to craft stories that resonate on a deeply human level. As a studio led by women of color, diversity and inclusion are also at the core of our voice, especially when it comes to amplifying voices that have been overlooked and underserved. Whether it’s branded content or our own original productions, we’re passionate about creating space for meaningful representation and stories that break new ground.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was tied to imposter syndrome and perfectionism. Growing up, I internalized this idea that I didn’t belong unless I could prove my worth through achievements or being “ready enough.” I felt like I had to have everything perfectly figured out before I could ask for help, put myself out there, or even take the first step toward my goals.

This mindset kept me stuck. I sat on my ideas, doubted my skills, and played small because I was too afraid of being judged or failing. I kept waiting for some magical moment when I would feel “ready,” but that moment never came.

What I’ve since learned is that readiness is a myth. The only way to grow is to start messy, start scared, and let yourself figure it out along the way. Progress comes from showing up consistently, not from waiting until everything feels perfect. Unlearning those fears is challenging, but ultimately liberating—and while the self-doubt hasn’t completely disappeared, I’m slowly learning to move forward despite it.

The backstory here is a reminder: You don’t need permission or perfection to start—you just need to start.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the act of turning something abstract and intangible—like a storm of emotions, messy, fleeting thoughts, a spark of inspiration—into something meaningful and <i>real</i>. Whether it’s a film, a painting, or a photograph, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking what’s inside your soul and shaping it into something that speaks to others. Something that heals you, makes you feel alive — and hopefully does the same for someone else.

At its core, being a creative is about a deeper appreciation for the human experience. It’s about using storytelling and expression to see and be seen. To understand and to be understood. That’s what it’s all about for me—creating stories that resonate and help you make you feel less alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charaho.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncharasmatic/?next=%2F
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charaho/
• Other: www.zestynobody.com

Image Credits
Chara Ho Ryan Dioso Eli Meadow Elliott Raben