We recently connected with Zariyah Arredondo and have shared our conversation below.

Zariyah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Personally, I feel the biggest risk I’ve ever taken was to just do exactly what I wanted. Has it been financially risky? Of course! But with risk is resilience and I feel like I’ve handled myself incredibly well in trivial situations or even through rejection. Part of the reason I took these risks was to not only push myself out of my comfort zone, but to make an impact on my community by being authentically myself whilst doing what others may think is unfavorable for me to do. And what I mean by that is performing with Fire, aerial, dance and much more. I’ve gotten such a BEAUTIFUL response from those around me and is reaching people I never imagined would even find interest in me. A risk is a risk for a reason, but the rewards have surpassed the initial fears.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Zariyah Arredondo-Ortega, I’m from Los Angeles California and I’m a producer, fire performer, dancer and artist. In all honesty, I shoved myself into this industry. After a not so favorable 10 year relationship and a very unstable environment, I decided to take things where I had always wanted to take them, but never thought I would get there. I didn’t have much money and I was wondering when it would be the right time with no agent, no “real professional” experience (except for my many years of dance prior) and I was very uncomfortable in my own skin. I thought to myself that I have these talents and this work ethic/drive like no one else, so why not just do what I want? I hop online to figure out how to get an acting gig, then it grew to me just jumping into the circus arts/sideshow! Next thing you know I’m performing fire and my many variety dance styles at weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and anywhere else that will have me. I pushed my own insecurities aside to pursue my dreams and others responded so well to it that they want to learn from me and be part of what I’ve created. Of course I was very lucky enough to be employed by my amazing boss Katrin who has given me flexibility to pursue my art and goals, so that I may be able to take this creation of mine and turn it into something big! I think what sets me apart from others is that I am a woman of variety. I’m not scared of a challenge and anything I produce is nothing short of top quality for what my clients pay for. This also includes the students I teach. I will give them nothing less than my best! My brand is definitely growing and I can tell you I have worked so hard to get to where I’m at right now. I’m extremely proud of myself for just catapulting right out of my comfort zone to discover what it is I can ACTUALLY achieve, and I’m very proud of myself for not falling short when life threw many curve balls.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lessons I had to unlearn were that I had to be a people pleaser and tip toe around everyone’s feelings to get where I needed. My father was extremely controlling which then lead me to having a partner who was also very controlling and I was always having to apologize or do everything that everyone else needed/wanted just to feel accepted. Well, I did away with that! I left my girlfriend of 10 years to finally rediscover who I was and who I was supposed to become. No more people pleasing because that’s definitely not how you get places. The lesson of always “do what you’re told” doesn’t quite sit well with me. I dance to the beat of my own drum and do things the way that work. Even if it may seem out of the ordinary, I’ve never really cared to be like anyone else.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

2017 After I left my abuser, I was so lost and just didn’t know what my next move was. All I knew in that moment was that I needed to heal. I didn’t expect to heal as quickly as I did and was trying to push through by working three jobs while trying to figure out what it is I had to do to get to where I wanted. 2018, I was still working for a Jewelry company as well as being an arts specialist at a high school. So I was making a decent amount of money, getting back on my feet! 2020 comes along and I was still doing great in the beginning, but then March comes along, the world shuts down and I’m the only one in the family unable to work. I was JUST starting to really get into acting in 2019 and next thing you know I had found myself in this “what the heck” phase (just like the rest of the people I’m sure). It was time to come up with a plan. It was time to work on my skills and start developing a network in these trying times. 2022 comes along and was able to be rehired thankfully! Then I thought about everything I was working towards during the pandemic and how I need to just start doing what I want and to stop being so terrified. Stop allowing my insecurities to take over and to get outside my comfort zone. I then started performing professionally like I had always wanted! I just went for it, starting asking places if they wanted a glasswalking, fire breathing, dancing, multitalented artist to perform at their events. I got my first YES! From then on, they wanted me back and then others saw what I did and were so receptive to it. Then I got into teaching my crafts. I also do videography with my own production company! So to say that this was a long and trying process is an understatement. Its a lot of hard work, but if I didnt just ask, I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. Am I exactly where I want to be yet? Nope… but will I get there soon? If I will it to be, then ABSOLUTELY!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darkauraentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zariyahfiyahofficial/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1617itPi9tHQQGEGMHT08A

Image Credits
Sabrina Caya Priten Vora Genevieve Lauren J. Aguirre